Explore the people, news and events that keep the Uncompahgre Valley moving forward. The Montrose Press's podcast, Montrose Fresh, brings you insights into the home of the Black Canyon National Park three days a week.
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Today... PrimeHealth+ has sold its stabilized Montrose safety-net clinic to River Valley Family Health Center, which will continue operating the site and providing comprehensive care to the surrounding community.
And later... Three motorcyclists died in separate crashes on US Five-Fifty, Colorado One-Forty-Five, and Colorado 82, prompting renewed calls for drivers and riders to use extra caution.
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Today... Montrose officials are considering a major rewrite of the city’s e-bike rules, arguing that technology has moved faster than the law.
And later... The Montrose Center for Arts is opening a new member exhibit called The Power of Art.
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Today... Snow Capped Cider’s traditional cider apples, high-altitude Colorado orchards, and careful craftsmanship have earned it record-setting honors at major international competitions.
And later... Nearly 50 years after Ben Gray vanished, a Texas man is returning the missing rodeo legend’s stolen championship saddle to his family.
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Today: Montrose City Council scheduled several August meetings to discuss and gather public input on proposed charter amendments before finalizing any measures for the November ballot.
And later: The Montrose County Fair Board works nearly year-round to organize the 10-day event and preserve local agricultural traditions for future generations.
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Today... Three men face first-degree murder charges in the November 2025 killing of Christopher Hubbell, with one held without bond and two jailed on $1.5 million cash-only bonds.
And later... As wildfire smoke clears across Colorado’s Western Slope, summer stargazing is coming back into focus.
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Today... After nearly two decades with the Montrose Recreation District, lifelong recreation enthusiast Justin Mashburn has been named executive director and will lead major facility projects, community-focused growth, and internal improvements.
And later... Montrose school administrator James Pavlich is retiring weeks after criticizing the board’s leadership, calling for the superintendent’s return, and urging the board president’s removal.
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Today... Local powerlifter, Allie Hamm, won one silver and three bronze medals at the Special Olympics, marking another milestone in a lifelong journey of overcoming challenges
And later... Firefighters are gaining ground on the Gold Mountain and Elk fires, but flash-flood risks, changing evacuations, and the death of pilot Nicholas Dale continue to shape the emergency response.
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Today: Sue Hansen is stepping down from the Montrose County Board of Commissioners four months before her term ends, saying an early transition will give likely successor Caryn Gibson time to learn the role while she leaves behind a legacy of community-focused leadership and major county initiatives.
And later: Three men are facing first-degree murder charges in the November 2025 shooting death of Christopher Hubbell in Montrose County.
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Today... A Montrose teenager and his family restored a historic snow ball trolley to preserve a beloved summer tradition for future generations.
And later... The Montrose County Fair and Rodeo is back for its 140th year, bringing more than a week of family events, agricultural traditions, and rodeo action.
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Today... A solemn procession crossed Colorado’s Western Slope on Monday, honoring a Canadian helicopter pilot who died while fighting the Gold Mountain Fire.
And later... Montrose’s "Development and Revitalization Team" has had its funding restored after a major budget typo.
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Today... Donald Rodarte Junior faces second-degree murder and multiple related charges in the June 11th shooting death of Jesse Pagan, and is being held on a one million dollar bond pending a July 23rd preliminary hearing.
And later... Three new hotels are planned for the Colorado Outdoors complex in Montrose.
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Today... The Montrose City Council voted 3 to 2 to reject a citizen charter commission and review potential ballot amendments itself, after Councilor Ed Ulibarri reversed his support, citing bullying from commission advocates.
And later... Discounted season passes are now on sale for the "Fall Into Winter Concert Series" at the "Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center" in Cedaredge.
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Today... Montrose County commissioners unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on new data center applications in unincorporated areas while they study potential impacts on infrastructure, resources, zoning, and community character.
And later... The Montrose Recreation District is hosting a two-day adaptive pickleball event July 17th and 18th, featuring a beginner night and a mixed doubles tournament pairing standing and seated athletes.
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Today... Montrose County marked America’s 250th anniversary with a brief courthouse ceremony that mixed patriotic reflection, recognition of local firefighters, and one attendee’s political protest.
And later... Years after the Sunset Mesa case, remaining civil lawsuits are stalled because plaintiffs still can't get key federal records identifying whose remains were sold and to whom.
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Today... Montrose has canceled its Fourth of July fireworks because of wildfire danger, but will still celebrate with a heritage-themed parade, farmers’ market activities, food trucks, family events, dog shows, cornhole, and live music.
And later... Two people are dead, and a 1-year-old girl is seriously injured, after a crash on Monday evening on US Five-Fifty near Solar Road.
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Today... Recent wildfires in southwest Colorado prompted Montrose County to postpone its fire summit and the City of Montrose to delay its July 4th fireworks show to August 1st, while other Independence Day events remain scheduled.
And later... Sweet corn will still be available this summer, but drought, pests, water cuts, and higher costs mean the crop will be much smaller and harder to find.
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Today... Montrose Recreation District’s "Adaptive Biking Program" is expanding after a successful first year, adding more adaptive bikes, monthly rides, and a new Special Olympics cycling team for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
And later... Justin Dahl’s 97-count animal cruelty case is set for an August trial, though it could be delayed depending on a defense expert’s report.
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Today... Montrose County approved about $60,000 in geotechnical drilling and water-flow analysis to determine how, whether, and at what cost the damaged, closed section of Kinikin Road can be safely repaired.
And later... The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival runs July 10th through 19th, with several still-open events including art, guided hikes, ghost tours, photography, and yoga among the blooms.
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Today... Billy Goat hop farm is expanding its summer agritourism with new glamping units and the return of "Fridays on the Farm", featuring live music, food vendors, and regional craft beers made with Billy Goat hops.
And later... "The Montrose Center for Arts" is hosting a premier Western Slope screening of "Georgia O’Keeffe: The Brightness of Light" on July 13th, at Fox Cinema Center in Montrose.
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Today... Drought and a late spring freeze have left Colorado bears unusually hungry and active near homes and campsites, so officials are urging people to secure trash, food, feeders, grills, pets, and livestock to prevent dangerous human-bear conflicts.
And later... Mirza Ahmed, hired in 2025 as Montrose County’s public health director, is no longer working for the county as of Thursday.
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Today... Montrose City Council appears likely to create a citizens committee to review possible charter changes, despite Mayor Michael Badagliacco’s opposition and his push to put amendments directly on the November ballot.
And later... Jake Shimabukuro is making a long trip from Hawaii to return to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival for the third time.
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Today... Montrose city leaders appear ready to restore more than $270,000 in Dart funding after a budget typo accidentally reduced the allocation to just over $4,000.
And later... A wolf-themed truck is traveling Colorado to promote the "Born to Be Wild" license plate program, which raises money to help ranchers prevent conflicts with reintroduced wolves.
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Today... Montrose Mayor Michael Badagliacco reversed his support for a citizen charter review commission, saying city council should prepare charter amendments for the November ballot itself, including a disputed proposal to put the police chief under council oversight.
And later... A fatal shooting is under investigation in Montrose County after deputies found one man dead on Kayla Trail on Thursday afternoon.
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Today... Chef Uma Stout, formerly behind the Baan Thai food truck, has opened Chef Uma’s Kitchen in Montrose to share authentic, regional Thai dishes and give customers a better sense of the chef behind the food.
And later... Montrose has a busy week ahead, with classic cars, art, theater, music, and family events on the calendar.
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Today... Montrose County commissioners recently heard strong support for improving West End healthcare access, but residents were divided over whether a proposed health service district and future critical access hospital are feasible.
And later... Montrose City Council’s refusal to read a Pride Month proclamation drew a packed crowd last week.
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Today... Montrose County commissioners heard broad support for better West End healthcare, but deep disagreement over whether a proposed tax-funded health service district and future critical access hospital is realistic, affordable, or the best solution.
And later... After vandals broke windows at "Iglesia Verdad y Vida" in the historic Menoken Schoolhouse, community members rallied to help.
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Today... Montrose Pride Festival returns this weekend with its biggest celebration yet, adding new events, performances, family-friendly programming, an adult after party, and expanded year-round support for the local LGBTQ community.
And later... At a June 2nd special meeting, Montrose County Superintendent Doctor Carrie Stephenson denied allegations that she intimidated Oh-laythe Elementary staff or interfered with an investigation.
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Today... Montrose County Superintendent Doctor Carrie Stephenson says allegations, raised by the school board President, are unfounded and politically motivated as the board considers placing her on paid suspension.
And later... Police in Montrose are still searching for a motive after a shooting spree on Saturday morning that ended with the suspect dead.
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Today... The Montrose Regional Library will close on Saturdays starting August 1st to save money as it prepares for possible budget cuts if voters reject a renewed mill levy measure.
And later... Colorado health officials have confirmed a measles case in a Delta County child under five.
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Today... Entegra Attachments has purchased Montrose-based TEI Rock Drills, but company leaders say local operations, leadership, employees, and Sue Frank’s presidency will remain in place during a smooth transition.
And later... Wilder, the Generation Wild mascot from Great Outdoors Colorado, will be at the Bring on the Summer Outdoor Fest on Saturday, May 30th, from 11 to 4 at Riverbottom Park in Montrose.
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Today... West Slope water leaders warned that unprecedentedly low snowpack and drought in 2026 are forcing irrigators, Montrose officials, and residents to conserve, share limited supplies, and prepare for painful cutbacks.
And later... Enduro Ranch is using the adobes of the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area as a summer training ground for young dirt bike riders.
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Today... Nashville-based Montrose native Erik Stucky is returning home to release his self-produced third album, Bag of Bones, with a Bluecorn show that celebrates his roots, growth and evolving folk-Americana sound.
And later... Officer Riley Thompson, a recent academy graduate, has been sworn in as the newest patrol officer with the Montrose Police Department.
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Today... Montrose broke ground on its long-awaited Veterans Memorial Plaza, a community-backed tribute that will honor service members, veterans, and former sheriff Rick Dunlap with a permanent place for reflection and remembrance.
And later... Mountain Film offers free Memorial Day weekend events including Town Park film screenings, a Spanish-language shorts block and art crawl, plus morning Coffee Talks, book signings, and outdoor activities.
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Today... A Waste Management driver noticed something strange on a hillside after his route — and moments later, his quick decision may have saved a young dirt biker’s life.
And later... Work is continuing on a major upgrade to the Montrose Wastewater Treatment Plant, nearly two months after crews broke ground.
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Today... Rachel Leonard, a Montezuma County mother charged with first-degree murder in the death of her five-year-old daughter Annika, is set to stand trial in Cortez in October.
And later... Former Montrose physical therapist, Ryan Williams, was sentenced to six years in prison for unlawful sexual contact involving a fake medical exam after women described betrayal, lasting trauma, and a pattern of alleged misconduct.
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Today... Montrose’s Art Crawls return this Thursday with artist pop-ups, hands-on activities, late-night downtown business participation, and a new scavenger hunt for hidden miniature art pieces.
And later... May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and communities across Colorado’s Western Slope are showing support by lighting buildings green.
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Today... The Black Canyon Ascent returns May 16th as a six-mile uphill community race supporting wildfire recovery efforts at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
And later... A man was hospitalized after Montrose police officers responding to a report of an armed man with a rifle fired their weapons, and the CBI is investigating.
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Today... Montrose City Council changed its public comment policy so residents can ask agenda-related questions during meetings and staff or council members may respond, while keeping the three-minute limit and rules against disruptive remarks.
And later... The Montrose Mudder returns this weekend with muddy obstacles, kids and adult races, food trucks, a free concert, and proceeds benefiting the Montrose High School Rotary Interact Club.
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Today... Jesus Bikes, a Montrose charity that repairs donated bicycles for people in need, may shut down after longtime volunteer repairman Christopher Gallegos died, unless a new person or group steps in to keep the program running.
And later... The Montrose Veterans Memorial will break ground May 15th after years of fundraising and planning, with features honoring veterans, major conflicts, and local service members.
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Today... Montrose County residents angrily opposed the possible vacation of a collapsing section of Kinikin Road, arguing the county’s past inaction helped create a dangerous, costly problem that now threatens their access, safety, and livelihoods.
And later... Montrose’s first Black Canyon Pickleball Classic will bring doubles competition to the Rec Center on May 16th and 17th while raising money to help local families access recreation programs.
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Today... The Montrose County School Board voted to delay any elementary school closure decision until next year and rejected a proposal to place Superintendent Doctor Carrie Stephenson on leave.
And later... Ridgway Area Trails opens today with six new miles of singletrack, adding nine new segments for riders of varying skill levels after years of volunteer work, grants, and community support.
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Today... Montrose Regional Airport is expanding its summer schedule with more flights to Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Denver, giving travelers more options and boosting capacity by 5 percent over last year.
And later... Montrose Center for Arts is showcasing student creativity through its Youth Invitational Art Exhibit, featuring local young artists, award winners, and additional spring art events.
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Today... Montrose is piloting a free phone recycling kiosk at the Visitor Center through April 30th, giving residents a secure and easy way to dispose of old devices during Earth Month.
And later... The Curecanti Medical Society is accepting scholarship applications for people pursuing careers in health-related fields, including nurses, medical students, therapists, and clinic or hospital employees.
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Today... Six years after a 25-year-old Montrose man was fatally shot by a federal park ranger, his family is still pushing for accountability, and now their legal fight has entered a new phase.
And later... Montrose middle schoolers will get another chance to learn mountain biking later this month, as a local skills camp returns April 27th through 30th.
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Today... Paradise Theater in Paonia is building a community-focused documentary program around films and post-screening discussions about culture, change, and resilience.
And later... Colorado’s Next-Gen Ag Leadership Grants are open for organizations and schools supporting emerging agriculture leaders, with applications due on Friday, April 24th.
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Today... A judge is weighing whether former Colorado D.A Myrl Serra, convicted in a 2010 sex offense case, can be removed from the sex offender registry after he argued he has met all legal requirements while prosecutors said public safety still favors keeping him on it.
And later... Colorado’s Palisade Insectary has opened a new grow-house to expand production of beneficial insects used to fight invasive weeds and pests across the state.
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Today... Colorado lawmakers are advancing a bill that would speed support for child sexual abuse victims by requiring faster notification to advocacy centers and expanding protections for minors testifying in court.
And later... Montrose County declared April 12th through 18th National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week to honor WestCo dispatchers as the essential first link between the public and emergency responders.
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Montrose voters elected Michael Badagliacco, Adam Woodden, and incumbent Ed Ulibarri to the city council, with the winners set to be sworn in on April 21st after results are certified.
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Today... Montrose County School District is heading into what could be one of its toughest budget seasons in years, and district leaders are signaling that some big decisions may be ahead.
And later... Montrose has officially made its municipal court a court of record, a change leaders say will improve transparency and streamline appeals.
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Today... The Montrose Economic Development Corporation says Montrose had a strong 2025, marked by new business growth, employer expansion, job retention efforts, and workforce development aimed at strengthening the local economy.
And later… Montrose has a little bit of everything this weekend, from ballet and live music to a free concert, trivia, and a talk on ancient stone tools.
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Today... Police are investigating after employees at the Montrose Daily Press printing plant found a package containing about one pound of suspected meth, and a worker who was arrested on suspicion of related drug offenses after police allegedly found drugs in the vehicle she drove to the facility.
And later... Montrose County residents can dispose of household waste for free at the Montrose Landfill on Saturday, April 18, but electronics, mattresses, tires, appliances, commercial waste, and out-of-county waste are excluded.
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Today... Montrose County has taken a major step toward building a long-planned Veterans Memorial Plaza, with construction potentially starting this spring on a community-backed tribute honoring veterans and military history.
And later... Nearly a year after a wildfire damaged Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the park is showing both destruction and early signs of recovery as rebuilding moves forward slowly.
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Today... Montrose County has officially rehired former county manager Joe Kerby to return on June 15th at a $220,000 salary, hoping his experience will bring stability after a turbulent year in county leadership.
And later... Grand Junction Media has bought the Montrose Daily Press, Delta County Independent, and Montrose Press production facility from Wick Communications, saying it will preserve the papers’ local independence while expanding regional news and advertising reach.
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Today... About 2,000 people joined the latest No Kings protest in Montrose, part of a nationwide day of demonstrations that organizers say drew 8 million people across more than 3,300 events.
And later... Montrose County authorities are investigating several small Rim Road fires that burned about one acre as suspected arson because they appeared to be deliberately set in multiple spots amid dangerous dry, windy conditions.
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Today... Western Colorado irrigators are facing a record-bad water season, with sharply reduced deliveries, canceled pump contracts, and likely impacts on farms, crops, and food prices due to extremely low snowpack and poor runoff forecasts.
And later... Montrose Rec District will keep Flex Rec open through at least the end of 2026, despite monthly losses, to avoid disrupting members before its new nearby facility is ready.
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Today... MsSo, a new fusion noodle bar on Montrose’s Main Street from Typhoon Hospitality, blends authentic Asian flavors with playful, modern twists as part of the group’s broader expansion in town.
And later… The Montrose Lions Club honored Joseph Graff, Lainey Williams, and Kade Halderman as its outstanding students for March.
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Today... A Montrose city council candidate’s wife questioned the city’s ballot security ahead of the election, while officials and the candidate said her email was meant to clarify election safeguards rather than allege wrongdoing.
And later... A Montrose couple recently launched Babysitter Briefing, an app that helps parents and caregivers track a child’s daily routine without constant texting.
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Today... A Colorado man was sentenced to an effective life term of 192 years for fatally stabbing Duane Hamn in 2023, though the sentence still faces proportionality review and appeal.
And later... Montrose’s third "No Kings" protest is set for Saturday, March 28th, featuring a rally, a march on Townsend Avenue, and an inflatables dance party as part of a nationwide day of nonviolent demonstrations.
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Today... A Montrose author will sign copies of her debut suspense novel, Blue Moon Bench, on March 21st at Meditation Spaces, where she’ll also discuss the book’s inspiration, spiritual themes, and her path to publication.
And later... Sam Aster has withdrawn from Montrose’s April 7th city council race for personal reasons, but because ballots were already mailed, his name will remain on them and any votes cast for him will not count.
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Today... Montrose City Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance that would create zoning and permitting rules to finally allow unhoused shelters in the city.
And later... A new scholarship on Colorado’s Western Slope is aiming to support students whose strengths may not show up in their GPA.
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Today... A Montrose dog already ruled dangerous after allegedly biting a 4-year-old is now at the center of a renewed legal battle after a neighbor says it bit her too, prompting police to admit earlier mistakes and change how they handle aggressive-dog cases.
And later... Blue Lakes will stay permit-free this summer, but hikers and campers should expect new rules, tighter enforcement, and more trail protections ahead of a likely permit system next year.
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Today... A $75,000 Colorado state grant will help the "North Fork Valley Creative Coalition" grow from a volunteer-led group into a more professional operation, expanding support for local artists and makers as part of the region’s broader economic transition.
And later... Montrose County may be bringing back a familiar leader to steady county government after a turbulent year.
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Today... Montrose’s school district is buying the rec district’s field house to turn it into a permanent preschool, while the rec district is using the sale proceeds to buy and renovate a larger former factory building for its future programs.
And later... Montrose Regional Health says a proposed partnership with Community Hospital in Grand Junction could save millions each year without changing local control.
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Today... Pruf Pizza is a new Montrose slice shop blending punk-rock style, high-quality handmade pizza, and big ambitions into a fast-growing local favorite.
And later... Montrose County has delayed naming its county manager finalists, citing unspecified circumstances, as the leadership search continues after months of turnover and instability.
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Today... The Montrose school board is delaying its choice of a new law firm, while board member Tiffany Vincent says concerns about Brad Miller’s controversial firm are overblown because, in her view, Montrose would not pursue the kinds of actions that caused legal fights in other districts.
And later... A local trail worker and mountain bike volunteer was seriously injured after an escaped cow charged him in a park, leaving him in intensive care with multiple fractures and a collapsed lung.
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Today... Montrose Regional Health is asking a federal court to permanently dismiss an EEOC lawsuit alleging it discriminated against older nurses, while the EEOC says the hospital fostered age-based harassment, retaliation, and wrongful terminations.
And later... Hotchkiss Mayor Jim Wingfield resigned during a Thursday meeting over personal attacks, and Trustee Randy Thalmann also resigned later that evening, citing health issues.
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Today... Montrose leaders recently touted 2025 gains on Main Street and downtown, and outlined 2026 plans for childcare, public safety, and major capital projects.
And later... Montrose Regional Health is urging a federal judge to permanently dismiss the EEOC’s age-discrimination lawsuit alleging older nurses were retaliated against and forced out, while the hospital denies wrongdoing as the case moves into discovery.
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Today... "Peak Virtual Academy" students turned trimester-long "Spark Lab" entrepreneurship projects into real pitches, earning seed funding for diverse ideas.
And later... Western Slope author C William Langsfeld’s debut “Western noir” novel, "Salvation", is earning national praise, and he’ll give a reading and discussion at The Sherbino in Ridgway on March 4th.
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Today... A Delta County woman was sentenced to 15 years of probation, home confinement, and over $83,000 in fines and restitution after authorities rescued more than 260 neglected cats and dogs from her property.
And later... Bryan Cornwell was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for sending threatening emails to a "Colorado Bureau of Investigation" agent in 2023 while he was already awaiting sentencing for a 2022 threat to blow up the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office.
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Today... "Community Options" is set to buy land and plan a 50-unit affordable, universally designed apartment complex within Montrose’s proposed Hilltop Neighborhood mixed-income development.
And later... "Colorado Parks and Wildlife" will consider a March petition to ban commercial sales of wildlife fur—while still allowing personal use—after advocates argued current trapping rules allow unlimited kills for many fur-bearers without solid population data.
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Today... "Eatery 66 North" has opened in downtown Montrose, bringing the Graves family’s locally sourced, seasonally changing comfort-focused menu and community gathering vibe—similar to their original Ridgway restaurant, but with new dishes and drinks.
And later... Delta County deputies say they seized over 150 neglected animals—some dead—after serving a February 5th warrant at Mikaela Rivas’ Peach Valley property, leading to 141 misdemeanor animal-cruelty counts with more charges possible.
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Today... Black Canyon Surgical Center is entering its 20th year after a major expansion that boosts capacity and supports rapid growth in staff, surgical volume, and advanced outpatient procedures like robotic-assisted knee replacement.
And later... Local artists are hosting the "Art of the Canyon" show and online auction culminating February 28th to raise funds for Black Canyon wildfire restoration projects like re-seeding, invasive species removal, and rebuilding damaged infrastructure.
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Today... A federal magistrate recommended dismissing the wage-and-overtime suit over housekeeping at Telluride’s Madeline Hotel, saying its operator wasn’t the women’s employer because they were H-2B workers hired and paid by contractor "Mountain Premier" and the hotel couldn’t fire them.
And later... Emily Scott Robinson, a North Carolina–born, Telluride-based “mountain girl,” channels her Appalachian roots and Western Colorado life into a new album.
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Today... Montrose County School District staff, led by UVEA, are urging the school board to avoid hiring Brad Miller’s law firm, citing concerns about controversy, transparency, rising legal costs, and potential threats to employee contracts.
And later... Delta-Montrose Electric Association canceled its planned 20-megawatt solar array and withdrew from a $72 million loan after a new cost review found inflation, financing and compliance requirements, and uncertain incentives could push member rates higher.
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Today... A recent Telluride event highlighted how chronic stress impacts mental health in mountain towns and emphasized grounding, awareness, and community support as key tools for healing.
And later... Ed Lafferty, a retired construction executive, is running for Montrose County commissioner with a focus on smart growth, fiscal transparency, and applying real-world leadership to local government.
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Today... In their Delta studio, a mother-daughter duo is turning forgotten quilts and tablecloths into one-of-a-kind fashion—reviving the past one stitch at a time.
And later... A Western Colorado University alum turned a hated cardboard-cutting chore into "Box Blade"—and took it to "Shark Tank" hoping the exposure would boost an already-profitable business.
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Today... Montrose County Sheriff Gene Lillard is highlighting low or no-bail releases to show how recent bail reforms, in his view, let repeat offenders walk free with little oversight—creating a cycle that puts public safety at risk.
And later... This week in Montrose offers musical theatre, food-packing for a cause, casino night, karaoke, a local talent show, and more ways to connect and give back.
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Today... West Slope Outdoors Alliance has launched its first youth video contest for kids eighteen and under to film ninety-second "Leave No Trace" videos by May 15th, with prizes and plans to share winning entries widely.
And later... Crisosto Apache has been named Colorado’s new Poet Laureate for a two-year term, succeeding Andrea Gibson and focusing on youth engagement and statewide poetry outreach.
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Today... The Spiritual Awareness Center in Montrose has closed after twenty-one years, as its founder retires, leaving behind a legacy of inclusive spiritual service and community connection.
And later... Tim Stroh is running for Montrose County Commissioner in District Three, emphasizing his government and revitalization experience to bring stability and preserve the community’s character amid leadership turnover.
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Today... Andrew Beard, a former Marine and nurse practitioner, left corporate healthcare to open Montrose Direct Primary Care, offering personalized, accessible, and spiritually mindful care through a direct membership model.
And later... The Montrose Home, Garden, and Business Expo is back this weekend for the first time since the pandemic—and it’s all about local pride. More than fifty vendors from the area will gather at Friendship Hall on the fairgrounds.
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Today... Colorado Congressman, Jeff Hurd, is facing a tough January -- with a healthcare bill stalled in the Senate, a surprising veto from President Trump blocking a vital water project, and federal disaster aid denied.
And later... Montrose High School’s Advanced Jazz Ensemble has been selected to perform at the prestigious 2026 Colorado Music Educators Association State Conference, highlighting their excellence and dedication.
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Today... Shepherd’s Hand is closing its food pantry for housed clients and redirecting them to Sharing Ministries and the Grace Center while continuing its meals, outreach, and other core services.
And later... Jevon Vigil was sentenced to probation, treatment, and restitution for fatally shooting two pregnant cows in a drunken act the judge called a critical turning point in his life.
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Today... Love Dance Collaborative at Elevation Academy of Dance is giving adult dancers in Montrose—ranging from recent graduates to seniors—a collaborative, performance-focused space to keep dancing, creating, and taking the stage long after high school.
And later... Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans will host a January 29th "Stand Down" in Montrose to provide unhoused veterans with warm meals, winter gear, hygiene supplies, and access to support services.
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Today... Montrose honored Martin Luther King Junior Day with a powerful call to service, urging the community to confront injustice through action, compassion, and courage—asking, “If not you, then who?”
And later... Flu cases in Montrose spiked during the holidays but are now declining, with officials noting more severe cases this season and urging vaccination, especially as local rates remain low.
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Today... Montrose County is seeking to dismiss a lawsuit by former inmate Justin McNeil, calling his excessive force and civil rights claims unfounded, and asserting the deputies acted lawfully and are protected by qualified immunity.
And later... Delta High School was evacuated early Wednesday after an anonymous bomb threat that was later found to be bogus, with police working alongside the FBI as part of an investigation into a threat that affected eleven schools across Colorado.
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Today... Vista Charter School has been approved to leave the Montrose County School District and join the Colorado Charter School Institute, following ongoing disputes over oversight, funding, and organizational fit.
And later... A Montrose man, Antonio Aviles, has been arrested on suspicion of sexually and physically abusing children in his care, allegations he denies as the investigation continues.
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Today... Generation Wild of the Uncompahgre has launched its first community-driven outdoor programs for local youth and families, backed by a five-year grant to expand access to nature through after-school activities, camping trips, and collaborative outreach.
And later... Megan Hess is appealing her twenty-year sentence, arguing the court wrongly labeled victims as “vulnerable” and ignored her significant rehabilitation in prison.
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Today... A San Miguel County judge facing removal resigned due to undisclosed health issues, prompting the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline to dismiss the disciplinary case after determining those health problems substantially affected the alleged misconduct and the investigation.
And later... A routine traffic stop in Delta led to a high-speed, multi-county chase ending near Hayden, where a stolen SUV crashed, multiple suspects—including a juvenile driver tied to a robbery—were detained, and authorities credited interagency coordination for preventing injuries.
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Today... The "Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners" program at "Montrose Regional Health" provides compassionate, evidence-based care to sexual assault survivors, empowering them with support and options—whether or not they choose to report the crime.
And later... Montrose County Commissioner, Sean Pond, a political newcomer known for opposing the Dolores River monument proposal, has launched a US Senate campaign focused on accountability, economic growth, and bridging Colorado’s urban-rural divide.
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Today... "Tortilla Flats" residents and city officials are working toward national historic designation for the Montrose neighborhood, emphasizing that its significance lies not in architecture or restrictions on property, but in honoring the Latino culture, history, and community identity shaped by generations of residents.
And later... After a ski patrol strike shut down a major Western Slope resort during a snow-starved start to winter, nearby mountains including Silverton, Monarch, and Powderhorn rolled out discounts and free tickets to keep displaced skiers on the slopes.
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Today... The Montrose Center for Arts’ new exhibit, "Big Art: The Power of Scale", showcases large-scale works by Western Colorado artists, inviting viewers into immersive, impactful art experiences through bold formats and community events.
And later... "Delta Health" is entering a new chapter—bidding farewell to a longtime provider and welcoming a fresh face to its adult primary care team.
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Today: A new six-episode TV series, "Historic Montrose Colorado", is showcasing the people, businesses, and heritage of Montrose on national television through "RFD TV" and "Wild Rides Television".
And later: Colorado’s new "Urban Agriculture Micro-grant Program" offers up to five-thousand dollars to local growers for small-scale projects that boost food production, conservation, and community engagement.
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Today... Susan Hoppes, once "Windy Point Jane Doe", was finally identified and tied to a con couple likely responsible for her death.
And later... UNA is ready for winter, with full moon skis and family events planned—if enough snow falls to open the trails.
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Today: High school students in Colorado pitched their own businesses through the "Spark Lab" program, earning funding and mentorship to turn their ideas into action.
And later: A gray wolf that strayed from Colorado into New Mexico was captured and returned as part of a multi-state effort to manage wolf populations and protect the endangered Mexican wolf.
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Today... A youth group from the "Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church" brought gifts and carols to children at "Haven House", spreading holiday cheer and learning the value of giving back.
And later... Over two-hundred and fifty thousand Coloradans have enrolled in 2026 health plans through the state marketplace, with many still eligible for financial help despite rising premiums and the end of federal enhanced tax credits.
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Today... A months-long investigation by the "7th Judicial District Drug Task Force" led to the December arrests of two Montrose men accused of working with a shared supplier to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, with formal charges expected in January.
And later... "The Nature Connection" is expanding winter programs like climbing nights and cross-country ski pop-ups, backed by over one-hundred thousand dollars in new grants to support staff and create teen-focused outdoor opportunities.
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Today... "Montrose Regional Health" is seeking to delay an age discrimination lawsuit, arguing the EEOC hasn’t provided enough details to mount a defense, while the EEOC insists it met all legal requirements and says the case should proceed.
And later... Santa is visiting Montrose ahead of Christmas to meet local kids, spread holiday cheer, and answer their favorite questions about Christmas magic, the "Nice List", and his surprising love for oatmeal
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Today... The "Montrose Veterans Memorial Coalition" is working to raise the final three-hundred thousand dollars needed to complete a nine-hundred thousand dollar veterans memorial, after higher-than-expected costs delayed construction.
And later... Jeremy Hepp, a fifty-three-year-old man from Colorado Springs, was found dead by suicide after being reported missing earlier that day.
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Today... Montrose High School’s new dance team is uniting dedicated dancers from across local studios, giving them school recognition, community support, and opportunities for athletic and personal growth.
And later... If you're heading into the Western Slope backcountry this winter, avalanche training is a must. Whether you're skiing, climbing, or splitboarding, knowing how to assess and navigate avalanche terrain can save your life.
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Today... "The Play Does" improv troupe is bringing a spontaneous, comedic twist to "A Christmas Carol" with an unscripted performance at The Sherbino on December 17th, blending classic characters with live, in-the-moment storytelling.
And later... “Mrs. Claus for a Cause” is a free, volunteer-run holiday event in Montrose from December 19th through 21st, offering kids gifts, activities, and inclusive fun for families, especially those with special needs.
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Today, we’re talking about a concern that’s been on the minds of many families—immigration enforcement and what it means for schools. With President Trump back in office, there’s been renewed anxiety over federal policies, and in Montrose, Colorado, those worries quickly made their way to the school district.
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Today, we're diving into a custody case from Hotchkiss, involving a grandmother and her daughter who went on the run with two children. Their arrests, the court case, and their unusual defense arguments make this a case worth exploring.
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Today, we’re diving into a major infrastructure project that’s officially underway right here on Main Street. If you’ve noticed more road work and detours lately, you’re not alone. The city has kicked off a water and sewer replacement project that’s expected to run through August. Here’s what you need to know.
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Today, we’re looking at a controversy in Montrose, where a church is at odds with city officials over its decision to shelter homeless individuals. The debate centers on religious freedom, zoning laws, and the need for shelter.
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Today, we're covering a disturbing case involving a Montrose funeral home operator and her mother, convicted of mail fraud for selling human remains without proper consent. Their resentencing was postponed due to Hess’ attorney falling ill, and a new date is yet to be set.
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As air traffic numbers continue to climb, Montrose Regional Airport learned it is in line for millions in federal funding that will help pay to reconstruct taxiways that cross Runway 1331.
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Today, we’re diving into the history of Tortilla Flats, a neighborhood in Montrose, that’s moving closer to receiving official recognition on the National Register of Historic Places. Thanks to a nearly fifty-thousand dollar grant from the History Colorado State Historical Fund, the city is taking the next big step in preserving this area’s rich history.
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High school students in Montrose will have another educational option next school year, as Outer Range plans to add its first ninth and 10th-grade cohort, as well as a fifth-grade cohort to round out its elementary school.
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Wife and husband duo Stanya and James Gorraiz are proud foodies, travel enthusiasts and veteran business owners with an eye for finding and filing unique niches in local communities. In November, she and James opened Urban Hip-E at 1541 Oxbow Drive, Unit 1000, bringing unique European-inspired eats to the Montrose community.
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Today, we're talking about public safety funding in Montrose County. Sheriff Gene Lillard wants to clarify how the public safety sales tax is used, and he’s looking to the ballot box for answers.
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The High Impact Target Team, or HITT, began in 2019, dedicating peace officers to active surveillance and proactive law enforcement to reduce drug, property and other types of crimes, while taking the load off patrol deputies. But MCSO was having trouble keeping pace with the pay and benefits other agencies offered, including right here in Montrose. The sheriff hit pause on HITT last spring.
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Today, Ed's Fly Shop is a mainstay on Main Street, and one of the most well-known fly fishing guide services in the area. Fifteen years ago, it was a small collection of fishing gear and a laptop in Ed LeViness’ basement on the Front Range.
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The Project 7 Water Authority’s resiliency project — a backup water treatment plant capable of treating 6 million gallons a day — continues drawing challenges and questions from at least one of the authority’s member-entity boards.
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Today, we're exploring “The Year of Main Street”—a major initiative bringing big changes to downtown Montrose in 2025. The city plans three major infrastructure projects, with an investment of nine million dollars to enhance the area while aiming to minimize disruptions to local businesses and residents.
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Today, late last month, two men allegedly shot at a group of cattle, killing two, one of which was pregnant, and wounding a third, also pregnant. The cattle’s owner reported losses exceeding six-thousand dollars. But this wasn’t just a case of reckless violence. One of the suspects, nineteen-year-old Jevon Vigil, reportedly showed off a video of the incident to others, leading to some swift and personal consequences. According to an arrest affidavit, the video angered two individuals so much that they physically attacked him.
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Today, we’re highlighting "Peer Kindness", a nonprofit dedicated to spreading kindness and reducing bullying across the Western Slope.
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Today, we’re exploring the inspiring story of Alyssa Troncoso, a hairstylist turned entrepreneur who’s reshaping the beauty industry with her two businesses: "Reign: A Beauty Collective" and "Slice Strands".
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As we close out 2024, we remember former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away this week. Among his many accomplishments, Carter had a lifelong love for the outdoors, something he shared during a fishing trip on the Gunnison River back in 2003.
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Joe Ryan founded San Juan Huts in the 1980s, pioneering a hut-to-hut adventure system in the U.S. for skiing, mountain biking, and hiking, despite early challenges like building huts in real time during clients' trips. A turning point came in 2014 when an accident led his daughter Kelly to take over, modernizing the business while maintaining its adventurous spirit. Today, the thriving company offers a unique outdoor experience with well-established huts and diverse routes, reflecting decades of resilience and innovation.
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The Montrose County Jail underwent an $8 million, multi-phase overhaul, including a complete remodel of the booking and holding areas to improve functionality and safety. The project spanned seven years of planning and one year of construction, replacing cramped and outdated facilities with modernized spaces, such as a secure booking desk enclosed in glass and repositioned away from holding cells. The final phase of renovations, addressing the video courtroom, kitchen upgrades, and HVAC systems, is slated for completion by March.
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City of Montrose Staff and Council members celebrated the completion of the new Montrose City Hall on Main Street last week, with Mayor J. David Reed cutting the ribbon Dec. 16.
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In this episode, we explore the heartbreaking case of the Gunnison double-murder, where Estefan Coronado and Colin Williams lost their lives in a tragic and senseless act of violence. We look into the court proceedings, including the emotional sentencing of Zachary Baker, who received 30 years in prison for his role in the murders.
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As Santa fills his bag with presents, other people are struggling to fill grocery bags with food and essential supplies. Sharing Ministries Food Bank has seen a dramatic increase in some populations coming through the doors — hunger doesn’t take a holiday.
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A $200,000 total endowment to support healthcare education programs and students at Colorado Mesa University-Montrose is part of keeping locals local, while helping to fill critical local jobs.
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On Tuesday, a ruling on spirits could dampen the Christmas spirit for many local liquor store owners and liquor producers.
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We're diving into the latest on the high-stakes merger between grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons. Recent court rulings have thrown some major roadblocks into this controversial twenty-four point six billion dollar deal.
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Today, we're diving into an important development in Colorado’s hydropower landscape. The Blue Mesa power plant, part of the Blue Mesa Reservoir on the Gunnison River, is getting some much-needed updates thanks to funding from the Department of the Interior. Let’s break down what this means for the facility and the broader Colorado River Basin.
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Chris Trujillo holds places in his memory that he can no longer see with his eye. Places like the Montrose morada — a prayer house of the Penitente Brotherhood — where his father’s wake was held, and which was for more than 30 years a touchstone of the northern Montrose neighborhood whose residents call it Tortilla Flats.
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Today - we've got a story about a kidnapping case that unfolded in Delta, involving a man named Daryle Herger and his estranged girlfriend. Here’s what happened, according to police reports.
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Today, we have exciting news about the expansion of the San Juan Cancer Center in Montrose.
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We're talking about the 30th annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner in Montrose. It’s a story of giving, community, and the goodness that connects us all.
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Montrose County School District received some serious accusations from Mesa Ridge. They claimed that someone wrote hateful language in the visitor's locker room at Montrose High. The language was supposedly written in the dust there.
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Today, we're diving into a debate about whether the Dolores River Canyon should become a national monument.
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Today, we're exploring the challenges small farms face when dealing with government agencies, focusing on Freshies Farm and their struggles with a grant that now threatens their future.
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https://www.montrosepress.com/news/prelim-set-in-west-end-murder-case-suspect-charged-with-murder-after-deliberation/article_ed7f581c-a2d5-11ef-9f32-af482b775e13.html
The West End man accused of arranging the murder of Dale Williams 25 years ago has been set for a preliminary hearing early next year.
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https://www.montrosepress.com/news/the-cats-are-all-right-mountain-lion-study-shows-good-density-in-the-gunnison-basin/article_4a02d530-a201-11ef-a197-d792b7205b8f.html
Mountain lions appear to be plentiful in the Gunnison Basin, and in overall good health. An ongoing Colorado Parks and Wildlife density study of the big cats on the Western Slope found that in the Gunnison Basin, there were more lions than modeling had predicted.
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https://www.montrosepress.com/news/registration-opens-for-powderhorns-free-ski-and-ride-lessons/article_bfc024f2-a21b-11ef-be13-3b57536816fd.html
Powderhorn has once again opened registration for its Bob Beverly Free Learn to Ski or Ride Program. And this year, there are even more lessons available.
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https://www.montrosepress.com/news/like-a-lost-gold-mine-time-capsule-from-1922-opened-at-historic-courthouse/article_fc7fc2ec-a06f-11ef-ad2e-1b409de4d6b4.html
Charles Bunney recounted the “unusually large smile” he found Zane Brown wearing one Monday morning, not too long ago. Bunney, project manager for Stryker & Co., and Brown, the project superintendent, were at work again on the massive restoration and renovation of the historic Montrose County courthouse. As Bunney tells it, Brown had spent his off time digging up information about the 100-plus-year-old structure, specifically, the time capsule people left in the structure in 1922.
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https://www.montrosepress.com/news/montrose-veteran-former-pow-votes-at-100/article_98ae565c-9d59-11ef-96ce-53e8dbd69b40.html
James Corson fought to save the world and survived being held prisoner by the Germans in WWII. On Nov. 5, he exercised one of the rights he and others had protected, by casting his vote at age 100. All those many years ago when he parachuted from his crashing B24, Corson used his wits and enjoyed some luck in surviving. On Election Day, he had help sorting out a miscommunication about his ballot, as well as help getting to the polls.
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Today. We're talking about a big change in Montrose—a new lodging tax that was just approved by voters. This means tourists will start contributing their fair share to the community.
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Dallas David Roberts, a 19-year-old from Montrose, Colorado, was reported missing on October 28, 2024, after being last seen in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park area. His vehicle was discovered crashed approximately 150 feet off East Portal Road within the park. Following an extensive search, authorities located his body on November 2, 2024, about 200 feet down a cliffside in the park. Roberts was a student at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction and had a passion for music and a strong faith.
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“Freedom,” “division,” and of course, “the economy” were some of the most popular words residents of Montrose and nearby communities threw out when discussing the upcoming election at local rallies.
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An old ledger found in the historic Montrose Potato Growers Building dates the last use of the old warehouse to 1963, presumably as local restaurants used the cool basement refrigerator to store food.
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The Montrose Classical Academy has entered the next phase of its journey, and it’s a particularly intense phase — the charter school applicant is effectively being placed under the proverbial microscope by the Montrose County School District Board of Education.
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Jamie Freeman navigates the streets, trying to keep a step or two ahead of someone she says was abusive to her. She has her dog — for protection — and everything she owns in tow so it is not stolen or destroyed, as she gets through each day “by the grace of God” and despite stigma, she said.
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An alert community member helped school district staff and police respond to a threat allegedly made against Centennial Middle School over the weekend via social media.
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On Monday evening, the Montrose County School Board held an important meeting. Kay Alexander, leading the push for the Montrose Classical Academy, felt a sense of guarded excitement. The board had signed off on MCA's application, moving it to the next stage of review, where the district will decide whether to approve the charter.
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Today, we're exploring how different cities in Colorado are addressing urban camping. From Montrose to Delta and Durango, each community is finding its own way forward.
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Today, we're diving into the case of Dale Williams, a man who disappeared back in 1999. After all these years, new developments have finally surfaced, shedding light on what may have happened to him. Let's get into it.
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Today, we're diving into Montrose County's 2025 budget plans. There are some big changes on the horizon, focusing on employee recruitment and retention, as well as a few major capital projects that are really going to shape the future of our community.
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Today, we're diving into a development in the 7th Judicial District: Anna Cooling has been selected by the vacancy committee to take outgoing District Attorney Seth Ryan's place on the November ballot.
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Today, The Montrose Police Department recently celebrated a special milestone for one of its own. Jaroden Siedschlag, a new officer with the department, was awarded the Sheriff Tom Gilmore and Sheriff Warren Waterman Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship, valued at fifteen-hundred dollars, was presented during a ceremony on Wednesday, October 9th, attended by family members of the late sheriffs and fellow peace officers.
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Lawrence Hammett, a man from Montrose, has been missing since June of 2023. Over the weekend, his family made another attempt to find him, but unfortunately, it ended without new leads.
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Today, we’ll be discussing the steps being taken by the City of Montrose to pursue historic designation for one of its oldest neighborhoods—Tortilla Flats, also known as La Raza. This is a story about community initiative, preservation, and the importance of recognizing local history.
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Gina Chase could see the helicopters, but did not at first realize they did not see her. She was exhausted. The SOS signals from her cell phone were simply not going through. Not in the backcountry outside of Norwood, where she’d come days earlier, as part of the Animas Valley Institute’s workshop. Still, the Canadian teacher and artist emerged from those dense woods alive and unhurt Aug. 18, about four days after she had set out on a planned “solo” quest.
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Today. A Gunnison police officer was found dead on Friday, September 27th, just days after being arrested on suspicion of a sex offense. The details of this tragic incident have raised concerns across the community and within law enforcement.
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Today - We’re talking about the recent graduation of 16 adults from the first-ever "Aging Mastery Program". This program is part of a collaboration between the Hispanic Affairs Project and Colorado State University Extension, and it’s making waves in the Montrose Latino community.
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Today - We’re discussing ongoing concerns in Montrose County regarding the hiring of a new county manager, as the election approaches and two of the three current commissioners are set to leave office. Candidates for commissioner positions are calling for a pause in this process. They want to ensure that the incoming board, which will work closely with the new manager, has a say in the hiring decision.
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A mother-daughter duo involved in a notorious body-sale scheme are scheduled to be resentenced on February 14th, 2025. Megan Hess, who ran Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors and Donor Services in Montrose, and her mother, Shirley Koch, had previously pleaded guilty to mail fraud in connection with the scheme. However, their original sentences—twenty years for Hess and fifteen years for Koch—were recently overturned by a federal appeals court. The court found errors in the way the District Court had calculated the offense levels and losses to victims.
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Today - We’re focusing on an inspiring initiative by the Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans, a group dedicated to supporting those who have served our country, and how they’re using art as a healing force for veterans through the upcoming Veterans' Art Expo and Silent Auction.
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Dr. Rob Boyer, founder of Trailhead Clinics, has developed a subscription-based primary care model in response to the limitations and pressures of the traditional healthcare system, which he believes undervalues primary care. For $99 per month, patients receive 24/7 access to a wide range of medical services, aiming to improve healthcare accessibility without replacing insurance. Boyer’s approach prioritizes meaningful doctor-patient interactions and seeks to address the growing demand for more personalized, patient-centered care, particularly in rural areas.
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The Montrose County School District Board of Education has decided to put a nearly $200 million bond measure on the November ballot, asking voters to fund the construction of a new Montrose High School. The proposed project, which would replace the aging facility with a modern, 247,000-square-foot building, has sparked debate among board members, with most supporting the initiative but one member expressing concern about the high cost and economic impact. If approved, the project would result in a significant tax increase, and the decision will ultimately rest with the community in the upcoming election.
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A 45-year-old man from Cortez, Colorado, named Teak Brockbank was arrested by the FBI for allegedly making multiple violent threats against public officials, including Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, over social media. Brockbank, who has a history of criminal activity and possession of firearms despite being a convicted felon, is accused of threatening to harm law enforcement, election officials, and judges involved in decisions he opposed, including the removal of Donald Trump from the Colorado primary ballot. Federal prosecutors are arguing for his detention, citing the seriousness of the threats and the danger he poses to the community.
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Following a recent Supreme Court ruling that upheld a ban on public sleeping in an Oregon town, Montrose is considering a similar camping ban, which has sparked significant controversy. The proposed ordinance would impose fines and jail time on repeat offenders, but residents and advocates argue that it unfairly targets the homeless, who lack alternative shelter options. Despite city officials’ claims that the ban regulates conduct rather than people, public opposition has been strong, with no residents speaking in favor of the ordinance during a council meeting.
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Today - Montrose County School District is contemplating a significant investment in its educational infrastructure. The district is considering a proposal for a new high school, an endeavor that could cost around two-hundred million dollars. As the district prepares to seek voter approval for this substantial project, let’s explore the details and the reasoning behind this move.
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Today - A Canadian woman, Gina Chase, was found safe after being missing for four days in the high country near Norwood.
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The Montrose youth accused of fatally shooting his father last December acted to protect his mother after the older man moved as if to make good on an earlier threat against her life, defense attorneys said Friday. The boy was sentenced to two years in the Department of Youth Services for second-degree assault under a plea deal.
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A critical program for keeping older adults in their homes with support services — even food — is in the hole due to state and federal funding availability.
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How much should tourist visiting or passing through Montrose be contributing to the local community? That issue is at the heart of a ballot question the city is putting before voters in November.
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When Brayden Brown finished up his junior year at Montrose High School earlier this summer, he figured he’d be returning in the fall just like any other kid. But, following a whirlwind of events he’ll be finishing his high school education virtually through Peak Academy — while playing soccer semi-professionally for Mendoza United Football club in Argentina.
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Today. We’re taking a closer look at some exciting developments in Ridgway, where new trails are being added to the Ridgway Area Trails, or "rat" system. These new additions are designed not just to enhance the biking experience, but also to increase accessibility and improve safety for all users.
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Today. A new law, House Bill 1254, will go into effect today, enhancing transparency and regulation in the donation of human bodies for non-transplant purposes.
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Today. We focus on a remarkable new housing development, The Village at San Juan, which recently celebrated its grand opening. This project is more than just housing; it represents a unique, multi-generational community aimed at providing essential support services to vulnerable adults.
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Today - we're focusing on the Bucktail Fire, which is currently burning northeast of Nucla. As of Thursday afternoon, this fire had spread to an estimated 200 acres, starting from private land and now extending into Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service territories.
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Today - As the race for Colorado's State House District Fifty-Eight heats up, the general election campaign has officially kicked off following a narrow Republican primary.
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Today - We explore an exciting and unique activity taking place in Montrose: river surfing.
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Today - We'll be discussing the recent developments in the proposed merger between City Market's parent company, Kroger, and Safeway's parent company, Albertsons Companies. This merger has been temporarily put on hold due to a pending trial in Colorado state court.
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Today. We take a look at a complex legal case involving a teenager accused of fatally shooting his father and the subsequent legal battles surrounding his pretrial release. Our story begins with a 17-year-old accused of shooting his father, Robert Stace, last December.
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Today - We'll be discussing a legal dispute surrounding the construction of the Colorado Outdoors Medical Center.
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If a proposed timeline to replace the recently resigned Montrose County manager goes as expected, there could be a formal offer to a candidate by late August.
But making the hire now could create a burden to taxpayers, if the new board of county commissioners coming into office next January finds the person unsuitable, said Scott Mijares during public comment at Wednesday’s commissioner meeting.
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The GOP House District 58 primary race is still seeing a razor-thin margin of victory; it’s just that the candidate in the lead has changed. Larry Don Suckla of Montezuma County had more votes than Delta’s Mark Roeber when the ballot curing process was done Friday — three more, 6,487 to 6,484.
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Someone has been stringing wires across area trails, prompting the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office and the local Forest Service to issue a safety alert and temporarily close the Wilson Mesa Trail.
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The Montrose Pride float and parade participants were reportedly the targets of harassment during the Fourth of July parade — including alleged vehicle damage and hateful comments.
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Montrose County is opting out of a new state law that further restricts where firearms may be carried.
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Delta-Montrose Electric Association’s latest solar plan is a little bit “audacious,” the local power cooperative’s chief engineering and energy resources officer says, but when it comes to fruition, it is expected to boost both rate and power supply stability.
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A Delta police officer who shot a man during a call on Bert Street last fall will not be charged for his use of force, even though he may have been mistaken about the man’s intent, District Attorney Seth Ryan determined.
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The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday vacated the sentences of former Montrose funeral home operator Megan Hess and her mother Shirley Koch, finding the lower court had erred in several ways in sentencing them to 20 and 15 years, respectively, for mail fraud involving the sale and transport of human remains.
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The Middle Bridge, along U.S. 50 between Montrose and Gunnison, will soon reopen to limited traffic, restoring a flow over the Blue Mesa Reservoir that has been cut off for months following an inspection that revealed cracks in the structure’s steel.
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A tight race for the State House District 58 Republican nomination has both candidates on pins and needles as they await official results.
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Montrose County Manager Jon Waschbusch tendered his resignation June 20, announcing he will leave Aug. 4, after 19 years in the county’s employ.
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Next year will mark 20 years since Lowe started skydiving, and in that time he’s put up the numbers to prove it, logging around 12,500 dives and over 700 wingsuit jumps.
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The Montrose County School District has completed contract negotiations with staff ahead of the upcoming school year. The district reached an agreement with the Uncompahgre Valley Education Association that totals $6 million and represents an overall average increase for staff salaries and benefits of 12.6 %.
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Protect agriculture. Take housing needs into account. Retain viewsheds while allowing for crucial development. Be mindful of roads, access and traffic impacts. All this — and more — is part of the tall order the Montrose County Master Plan is to fill as the guiding document is updated for the first time in 13 years.
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Montrose boasts about 20 miles, cumulative, of trails in parks and along the river corridor. It’s all wonderful for hikers and nature-lovers. But it’s not so easy to patrol: vehicles can’t reach all of the remote spots; mountain bikes can’t access all of the terrain, either, and on foot can be too slow for crime prevention and public safety.
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The varying visions for a redesign of Montrose High School are quite impressive — architectural renderings show sunlight streaming through windows and skylights, illuminating a modern campus designed to serve a growing student population well into the future. But those visions, the Montrose County School District Board of Education learned Tuesday night, come with equally eye-popping price tags.
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Cerise Park had a rainbow splash of color over the event-filled weekend for Montrose County’s first annual Pride celebration.
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Today - We're focusing on how geothermal energy could play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions in Colorado, with a spotlight on the town of Rico.
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A recent foreclosure sale of the former Russell Stover candy factory building failed to draw any bidders. Despite drawing a handful of spectators, no one stepped forward with the three point one-eight million dollar minimum bid at the Wednesday sale.
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An Orchard City teen is fighting to recover after he was shot in the head May 3. The boy, 15, was with other young people in or near an RV parked on property in the 1400 block of U.S. 50, northern Delta, when he was injured. Police are still investigating the matter and have not determined what exactly happened, how it happened, or who is responsible. Chief Luke Fedler said although witnesses on scene said it was an accident, authorities are not so sure.
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Montrose Police Department Sgt. Jonathan Roberts found himself in the driver’s seat the evening of May 19 — literally — as it carried to the hospital the man whose life he saved.
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Normally, you would find 11-year-old Dylan Gasson out on the soccer field after school, but this summer, the newly promoted sixth grader is swapping his soccer ball for a lawn mower.
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Today - On Tuesday, approximately ten residents urged Montrose City Council to either declare Montrose a non-sanctuary city or put the matter to a public vote. This request came after the council voted three to five against a formal resolution on March 19th.
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Today - For the first time in nearly two decades, the Colorado National Guard company headquartered in Montrose is deploying overseas. According to the National Guard, the 947th Engineer Vertical Construction Co. is headed to the Middle East to help partner nations build capabilities and “deter Iranian aggression.”
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Today. We have a tragic story coming out of Telluride. A restaurant worker, Daniel Simon, aged twenty-five, lost his life in a canoe accident on Trout Lake this past Sunday.
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Today - We look at the challenges faced by Montrose High School due to its complex layout and aging infrastructure.
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Today - We’re discussing the Montrose Veterans Memorial Plaza, a project dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of military members. Initially planned for Cerise Park, the memorial will now be located near the Montrose Pavilion. Despite changes in location and design, the memorial aims to pay tribute to all branches of the military and commemorate America's major conflicts from World War I onward.
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Today. We highlight the story of Elizabeth Bennett, a community volunteer and photographer, who's been battling complex regional pain syndrome, or CRPS, for over a decade. This condition, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, is characterized by prolonged pain that disrupts daily life and can lead to severe physical limitations.
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Today - In Hotchkiss, a major public safety project is underway with the construction of the Miners Trail, a one point two mile pathway designed to provide a safe route for students traveling to and from North Fork High School and the Delta County Fairgrounds. This initiative addresses a longstanding safety concern where students had to navigate the shoulder of the busy State Highway ninety-two, posing significant risks.
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On May 6th, 39 year old Jesse Herrera entered the Wells Fargo branch on Palmer Street in Delta with the intention of robbing the branch.
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Today - In a recent turn of events in the legal proceedings of a high-profile double-murder case in Gunnison County, a proposed plea agreement was withdrawn, leaving the court and the families involved without immediate resolution.
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We're exploring the newly inaugurated Montrose Regional Health Ambulatory Care Center.
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Today - We turn our focus to a recent event in Naturita, where U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper held a listening session on the proposed Dolores Canyons National Monument. This proposal, put forth by conservation organizations, aims to protect approximately four-hundred thousand acres near the Dolores River as a national monument, citing the need to safeguard the area from climate change, mining, and development.
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Today - We explore Buddy’s Smoke and Vape. Owner, Nate Gueck, draws inspiration from the film "Joe Dirt," emphasizing the importance of not just selling the ordinary but catering to the diverse demands of his clientele with a special touch.
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Today - In recent legislative developments, a step has been taken to curb the accessibility of a substance linked to numerous suicides. Representative Marc Catlin, motivated by concerns from his constituents, has successfully sponsored legislation aimed at regulating sodium nitrite, a chemical commonly used in suicides.
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Today - we're discussing the upcoming significant changes to the Blue Lakes Trail, as outlined by the U.S. Forest Service in their latest draft decision.
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Today - In a significant operation in Delta, authorities made a crucial arrest and seized a substantial cache of illicit substances and contraband. On April 12th, police apprehended 37 year-old Michael Lee Blair on multiple charges related to drug trafficking. This followed a warranted search at a residence on Silver Street, revealing a trove of illegal items.
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Today - We’re discussing an urgent environmental and public safety issue at Full Moon Dam.The U.S. Forest Service has initiated a drawdown of Crystal Reservoir, formed by Full Moon Dam, after discovering structural concerns. The dam, built in 1935, has recently shown significant signs of distress, including a large crack and other issues.
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Today. The Montrose Classical Academy is in the early stages of exploring the possibility of establishing a new charter school.
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We explore the enduring legacy of The Star Drive-In, a cherished family-owned business that has captivated Montrose for seventy-five years. As the last drive-in theater in the nation still owned by its founding family, The Star has become a significant cultural landmark.
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Today - As the last remnants of winter recede, the trails beckon. Across the valleys that nestle between Mesa County and Ridgway, the dirt is packed, the air is fresh, and the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association is at the forefront of the season.
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Today. Montrose County is nearing a decision on a special use permit application by Todd Haynes for the continued storage of crushed gravel on Ranger Road, with added conditions aimed at quicker removal. This move addresses concerns over zoning compliance and environmental cleanup, emphasizing a balanced resolution for community and commercial interests.
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Last fall marked a significant milestone for Montrose Regional Airport with the inauguration of a comprehensive terminal expansion project. This endeavor not only amplified the terminal's capacity but also enhanced the overall passenger experience from parking to plane boarding.
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Today - We look into the critical situation facing Crystal Lake, due to concerns over the Full Moon Dam. Recently, the U.S. Forest Service has acknowledged a significant public safety issue stemming from a noticeable crack in the dam. This concern arises amidst discussions on the dam's future, balancing community desires against the pressing need for safety measures and environmental considerations.
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A colorful scene at the Montrose Regional Library; Vybe Med Spa wants everyone to feel good about themselves
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A debate around special use permit for gravel pit; Disappearance of Samantha Bartolo.
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A new educational strategy embraced at Montrose County School district; Inspiring career of Nina Riggio
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Today - On the evening of March 19th, the council chambers, along with multiple overflow rooms, were filled to capacity. The topic at hand? Whether Montrose should formally declare itself a non-sanctuary city, a decision that has stirred significant public interest and debate.
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Today - For Gunnison rancher Kathleen Curry, the term limits that will take Colorado House District 58’s current representative out of office at the end of 2024 mean voters will need another strong voice for water rights and agriculture. Curry is making a bid for the job, saying she will be that voice.
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Today - we're taking a closer look at Montrose County School District's stride towards a new school model aimed at overcoming current challenges. This move, spearheaded by Superintendent Dr. Carrie Stephenson, could revolutionize the way education is delivered in Montrose.
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Today - we dive into the ongoing debate in Montrose County over a proposed national monument designation for the Dolores River Canyon. A recent meeting revealed deep-seated tensions between local government officials and conservation groups.
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Today - We're diving into the transformative journey of Montrose Regional Health and Cedar Point Health, as they transition into a new era of healthcare service delivery with the opening of the Montrose Regional Health Ambulatory Care Center.
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Today - In Montrose County, a local Republican Party dispute mimics broader divisions within the GOP. Scott Riba, simultaneously running for the 3rd District seat on the Montrose County Board of County Commissioners and serving as the chairman of the Montrose County Republican Party, is at the center of this controversy. Critics argue that Riba's dual role could unfairly influence the primary race, providing him with advantages not available to his opponents.
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Today - In a significant move, Montrose County has declared itself a "non-sanctuary county," a resolution that has sparked discussions across the state.
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Today - we dive into a significant legislative effort in Colorado aimed at bolstering regulation within the funeral industry. This initiative, spearheaded by State Representative Matt Soper alongside co-sponsors Representative Briana Titone, Senator Dylan Roberts, and Senator Bob Gardner, seeks to introduce licensure requirements for funeral industry practitioners. This move is a direct response to notorious incidents that have shaken public trust, including the scandalous activities at Sunset Mesa Funeral Home and Return to Nature Funeral Home.
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Today - we're shining a spotlight on a remarkable group of young athletes from Montrose High School. As graduation approaches, these seniors are not just looking forward to the next chapter of their academic careers but are also preparing to continue their athletic journeys at the collegiate level. In recent weeks, six standout athletes have officially signed on to play sports in college, marking a significant achievement for both them and Montrose High.
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Former Delta County commissioner, Mark Roeber, is setting his sights on the District 58 seat in the Colorado House of Representatives. With the backing of his community, family, and friends, Roeber steps into the political arena, driven by a desire to preserve his family's legacy and address his concerns over state interventions he views unfavorably.
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We dive into the recent actions taken by the Federal Trade Commission to halt the proposed merger between Kroger Co. and Albertsons Companies, which has ignited a significant debate over its potential impact on the grocery sector and consumers at large. This proposed merger has drawn scrutiny for its potential to reshape the competitive landscape of the grocery industry, affecting everything from pricing to the quality of products available to consumers.
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In 2022, Colorado voters made a significant decision by passing Proposition 122, effectively legalizing the use of certain psychedelics within mental health settings. This legislation marks a bold step towards exploring alternative treatments, with ketamine therapy already making its way into the therapeutic landscape. Other psychedelics, like mushrooms, ibogaine, DMT, and mescaline, are set to follow, potentially creating a new era of mental health treatment options.
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One of several people embroiled in a scheme to defraud the Western Area Power Administration’s Montrose office should only be on the hook for about $6,000 — if anything — his attorneys argue.
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We dive into the latest development in Montrose County's political landscape, where Trisha Murray, an unaffiliated candidate, has announced her intention to run for the District 3 commissioner seat. This move by Murray introduces an independent choice for voters, stepping away from the conventional party nominations and aiming to bridge the partisan divide.
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Today -- we delve into the ongoing development within the Colorado Outdoors campus, where Lamont Companies, a seasoned developer, is broadening its hospitality footprint. After introducing the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott in Montrose, slated to open this spring, plans are now afoot for a second hotel venture on the campus.
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Today -- we dive into a deeply unsettling incident that unfolded in the heart of downtown, shedding light on a stark and unprovoked act of violence, and the profound reflections on forgiveness and accountability it has sparked.
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In an ambitious move to make higher education more accessible, Western Colorado University has announced the "Mountaineer Promise" program, set to begin in the fall of 2024. This groundbreaking initiative promises to cover tuition and mandatory fees for Colorado residents whose family income does not exceed seventy thousand dollars annually.
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Today - Tina Peters, a name that has become synonymous with election fraud claims, now finds herself at the center of a storm following the Colorado GOP's public endorsement. Peters, the indicted former Mesa County clerk, is accused of compromising voting system security protocols—a charge she fervently denies.
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Today - we dive into the evolving landscape of Montrose’s dining scene, spotlighting a significant moment that encapsulates both the potential for growth and the ongoing debates surrounding municipal investments in local businesses.
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Today - we explore the monumental beginning of renovations at the historic courthouse on South First Street, marking a pivotal moment in the preservation and modernization of a century-old edifice that has served as the cornerstone of Montrose County's heritage.
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Today - We dive into an innovative project blossoming on East Main Street, where the "1910 Market and Restaurant", a unique blend of dining, shopping, and living spaces, is set to open its doors this fall. This mixed-use development, spearheaded by the proprietors of Main and Townsend, including Dixon Walne, Zak Danielson, Sarah Glatfelder, and Lindsey Fishering, aims to breathe new life into the heart of the community with a bistro-style restaurant, a marketplace offering both groceries and prepared meals, and four new housing units.
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Today - we're diving into a story of green space expansion and community enhancement in Montrose. The focus is on a new park set to be completed this summer within the Colorado Outdoors campus, a move that underscores the city's commitment to providing its residents with more outdoor recreational opportunities.
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Today - A closer look at the Montrose City Council's latest approval - a substantial investment in the facade of the city hall.
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Today -- A closer look at the urgent legislative effort in Colorado to regulate sodium nitrite, a substance linked to several suicides.
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Today - we focus on the ongoing debate regarding the legalization of marijuana sales within Montrose.
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Today - Our focus is a somber event from Ophir, where a local man, Dr. Peter Harrelson, lost his life in what is suspected to be an avalanche-related incident.
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Today -- we're diving into the upcoming Ice Festival, a thrilling event that's been captivating the hearts of outdoor adventure seekers for over three decades.
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Today -- We delve into a complex case in Montrose where a 17-year-old boy is charged with first-degree murder after the fatal shooting of his father, Robert Levi Stace.
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Today - we dive into the fascinating history of Nucla, a town in the West End of Montrose County, known for its mining heritage and independent spirit.
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Today - we dive into a developing story from Delta County concerning a tragic incident that occurred on Thursday morning. At approximately 9:44 a.m., the Delta County Emergency Communication Center received a distressing 9-1-1 call. An individual reported that his boss had been shot at a ranch located on Payne Siding Road, near Austin.
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Today -- we're diving into a significant development in community policing.The Montrose Police Department is taking a unique approach to combat crime, and it involves you, the citizens.
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Today - we're discussing Colorado's legislative update, where 17 new laws took effect on January 1st.
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Today -- Democratic candidate Adam Frisch reacts to Bowbert's announcement that she'll be running for the 4th District instead of the 3rd.
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Today, we're discussing Representative Lauren Boebert's unexpected leap across Colorado's congressional districts.
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Today -- we dive into the bustling world of The Shepherd’s Hand food pantry, a beacon of hope and assistance for those in need.
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Local ranching family waives grazing permits in agreement hailed as win for San Juan bighorn
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Dr. Blake Walker departs hospital after nearly 32 years of service
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Today -- we're taking you to a chilly morning scene in Cobble Creek, where something truly remarkable unfolds each year.
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MRH's Ambulatory Care Center is on track for February opening; A debate over public safety sales tax
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Now, our feature story. Today -- we delve into a local story that highlights the complexities of community development, environmental concerns, and legal battles.
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Today -- we're following up on the bomb threat that took place on Sunday at Walmart.
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Now, our feature story. Today -- we're exploring a unique holiday tradition on the Western Slope.
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Today - Montrose High School cheerleaders
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Today - we dive into the inspiring work of Unify Montrose
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Today – we dive into a remarkable encounter between a Montrose homeowner and a mountain lion.
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Today - we delve into a topic that's often misunderstood: human trafficking. Our focus is on Angela Clark's story, a harrowing tale of being trafficked from the age of five, not by strangers, but by her own grandfather, at home.
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A 57-year-old Delta resident, Duane Hamm, tragically lost his life following a violent altercation. Hamm was found in a dire state at the RV park where he lived along U.S. 50, unresponsive and covered in blood. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries.
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Today - we're examining a critical environmental issue: the protection of the threatened Gunnison sage-grouse.
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Today - how an oversight concerning a Veterans Day tradition sparked community concern.
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Today, we're discussing Montrose County's master plan update, crucial for guiding the area's growth and development.
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At the 2023 West Slope Water Summit, Andy Mueller, General Manager of the Colorado River Water Conservation District, addressed a skeptical audience via a pre-recorded message.
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In a season marked by intense political and philosophical debates, the Montrose County School District has welcomed new faces to its school board, along with a familiar one. Tom West, a veteran board member representing District D, has reclaimed his seat, triumphing over challenger Charli Oswald. Jody Hovde, contesting for the District F seat, emerged victorious against Dawn Schieldt. In a notable change, newcomer Neisha Balleck secured the District A seat, defeating incumbent Erik Westesen. Meanwhile, Ted Valerio smoothly sailed into the District B seat unopposed.
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Today - we're exploring a unique initiative by Unify Montrose, a non-profit aiming to tackle the childcare crisis in their community. This effort, led by businessman Harry Gottlieb and in collaboration with Unify America, represents a bold attempt at deliberative democracy in a time of political division.
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Today - the remarkable story of Louis Faussone, a centenarian whose life journey exemplifies resilience, service, and community spirit.
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Now, our feature story: In a concerning turn of events, Olathe is on high alert as a series of vehicle break-ins has left residents rattled. The spree of thefts took place between the evening of November 5th and the following morning.
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Today we’re exploring a story of resilience and triumph over adversity with mountaineer Jonathan Zaugg. Raised in the quaint mountain town of Ridgway, Jonathan spent his formative years in the formidable presence of the Sneffels Range.
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Now, our feature story: Let’s march into the story of the Pride of Montrose Marching Band, where Kyle Ullmann, a co-drum major alongside Natalie Powers, recently led the band to a spectacular performance at the state finals. From being a spectator to leading the band, Kyle’s journey embodies the spirit of dedication.
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Today's focus is the Montrose County School District Board of Education races. The political action committee, Ready Colorado Action Fund, based in Greenwood Village, has spent over $12,000 promoting four candidates: Neisha Balleck, Ted Valerio, Charli Oswald, and Dawn Schieldt.
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Now, our feature story: Today, we explore the electrifying efforts in the Navajo Nation.
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Last week, a concerning threat was discovered on a bathroom wall at Montrose High School. The message ominously hinted at a potential attack on November 10th.
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Today, we're diving deep into Montrose Forest Products' latest achievement. If you're not familiar, Montrose Forest Products is a major player in Montrose, employing over a hundred people and producing enough lumber annually to construct roughly 2,000 homes. Impressive, right? But let's talk about what happens behind the scenes.
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Now, our feature story: Today, we're diving deep into a decades-old mystery that's recently resurfaced in the town of Nucla. Late last week, over a span of three days, both the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation made a significant move in this case. They conducted a search on a property in Nucla. Now, you might be wondering, why? Well, it's all connected to a missing persons case from 1999.
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Today, we're diving into the famous Ouray County's Blue Lakes Trail. Known for its alpine lakes and Mount Sneffels, its popularity has, unfortunately, led to issues like trampled campsites, unofficial "social trails," and a significant increase in litter.
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Today, we're delving into Montrose County's draft budget for 2024, exploring the financial outlook, key budget drivers, and the implications of some upcoming projects.
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Today - Local officials and the RealAmerica Development team recently celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony for the Residences at Dry Cedar Creek.
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Today, we're diving into a recent venture by six University of Colorado-Colorado Springs education students to Montrose County, exploring future career opportunities.
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Today, we dive into the inspiring story of Jody Hovde, a dedicated educator from Montrose County who has recently thrown her hat into the ring for the District F seat on the Montrose County School District Board of Education.
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Today, we dive into Delta County, where Commissioner Don Suppes has endorsed Jeff Hurd in the upcoming District Three Republican Primary, challenging incumbent Lauren Boebert.
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Today, we're diving into the Montrose Country School District Board of Education elections.
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Today, we're unpacking the Montrose County School District's recent performance data.
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The Black Canyon Audubon Society has embarked on a mission to enhance the existing research in the Montrose area by integrating the Motus Wildlife Tracking System.
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Today we spotlight the housing crunch in Montrose through the lens of local surgeons, Vineet Singh and Sarah Judkins.
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Today, we dive into a captivating tale from the 1950s, where a young boy, Rick Trujillo, and his friends stumble upon dinosaur tracks in the serene hills of Ouray. This casual discovery in their youth ignites a lifelong passion in Rick.
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Today, we’ll look at how families have paid respects to strangers whose ashes they received through the Sunset Mesa body scam.
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Now, our feature story: Today, we honor the legacy of Marta Taylor, a 5-foot-1 dynamo with a huge heart.
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Today, we have some exciting news for aspiring college students on the Western Slope.
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Today, we spotlight an educational gem right in Montrose: the Montrose Adult Education Center or MAEC.
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Today, we're taking a dive into the transformation of 1433 Encanto Place in Montrose.
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Today, we're diving into major updates surrounding the Sunset Mesa Funeral Foundation.
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Today, we're taking a closer look at a baffling driving trend: rolling coal.
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Last year, three individuals left Colorado Springs to embark on a journey – living off the grid. But tragically, it ended in their demise.
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Today, we’re shining a spotlight on the Montrose Police Department's revamped K9 unit.
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Now, our feature story: Today, we're diving into the Civil Air Patrol's high-altitude rescue training and the rigorous requirements for pilots.
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Today, we're diving into how Colorado is addressing major job shortages.
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Today - we're diving deep into the unexpected decisions and challenges faced by local school football teams.
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Today, we're diving into a poignant chapter of history, marking the long journey of women's rights, especially the right to vote.
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Meet 90 year old Lloyd Wenzel.
While many picture a calm 90th birthday celebration, Lloyd had a different plan. Hours before the cake and candles, he was suiting up in fiery red, preparing to jump out of a plane with Ultimate Skydiving Adventures in Delta. Twenty minutes later, feet back on the ground, he jokingly remarked on the quick $250 adventure. But for him, the panoramic views of the Western Slope were "awesome."
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Now, our feature story: Over the past two years, opioid overdose deaths in Colorado have exceeded those from traffic accidents and gun-related incidents. Montrose County commissioner, Sue Hansen, stressed that this crisis is not confined to certain areas but affects every community in the state, including Montrose and the entire Western Slope.
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Now, our feature story: Today we're diving into an exciting initiative for Montrose business owners, courtesy of our Police Department!
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Today, we’re taking a closer look at the security of our sacred spaces.
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With the rise in discussions around child sexual abuse and the misuse of the term "grooming," it's essential we understand the intricacies.
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There’s some news regarding the historic Montrose City Hall on South First Street. Rathbone PropCo., the company set to purchase it, is facing a challenge: rising construction costs and the quirks of older buildings.
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A legal question has delayed the release of a deputy-involved shooting report.
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Representative Lauren Boebert knows hot-button, national issues may be top-of-mind for constituents — but after talking with voters in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, she says they often end up discussing local issues.
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On Sunday, July 30th, a scene of relief unfolded near a Norwood trailhead. Firefighters had successfully contained a fire that spanned about 5 acres, a blaze ignited by a solitary bolt of lightning. The expansive lands of Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests — all part of the vast jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service — had been under threat, their dry vegetation and fallen timber all too ripe for combustion.
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Today, we're stepping into a unique school - Outer Range.
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Today, we spotlight John and Davina Pope, owners of San Juan Brews, soon to be rechristened as the San Juan Coffeehouse.
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In the western parts of Montrose County, a climate-driven crisis is taking form. Dry conditions, enhanced by weeks of extreme heat, have made the region susceptible to fires.
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Earlier this month, an unexpected discovery took place at the Gold Creek Campground: the bodies of three individuals, two women and one teenage boy, all from Colorado Springs.
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As winter approaches, local sheep farmer Renee Deal, owner of Sperry Livestock, typically faces a significant hurdle - finding sufficient grazing space for her 2,000 ewes. With out-of-state buyers purchasing the private land she used to rent, and drought rendering her Bureau of Land Management permit useless, the issue has grown increasingly challenging.
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Today, we delve into the story of Mark Burns, a 67-year-old accused of double murder. Now, it seems his trial, initially set for this August, could be delayed until next year.
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A once shy federal judge has given his approval to a settlement agreement between a former nurse at Delta County Memorial Hospital, now known as Delta Health, and the Delta County Memorial Hospital District.
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Today, we're bringing light to a new initiative aiming to balance housing accessibility and affordability in Montrose, Mesa, and Delta.
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Amidst the Spring Creek Fire in Garfield County, the Central Arizona Project board visited the Colorado River District to learn about water management on the Western Slope. Despite a wet winter, hot weather and drought continue to take a toll on Colorado's water resources. The visit aimed to foster relationships and understanding as negotiations intensify to conserve more water from the Colorado River.
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Celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act, our community in Montrose has seen a transformative decade. The act has enabled 250,000 people, including undocumented immigrants and international students, to drive with valid licenses and IDs. It's also noticeably improved the safety of our local roads.
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Today, we're examining the housing crisis in Montrose. A deficit of affordable homes is hindering employers' ability to recruit and retain talent, casting a significant impact on the local economy.
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Now, our feature story: Today, we're spotlighting the dynamic musical duo of Miggy C and Enshiloh from Montrose's La Familia Music Group.
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The West End Economic Development Corporation is preparing for a busy future, their sights set on a raft of progressive initiatives including the development of a local meat processing plant to support ranchers, and launching ambitious strategies to bolster the homegrown workforce.
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In the face of tragedy, resilience often shines through. Tennessee resident Rachel Horst is a testament to this. Despite severe burn injuries from a plane crash on June 23rd, she declares herself "blessed to be alive." Horst was piloting a plane that crash-landed on the rough terrain near Colorado Highway 92. Incredibly, all four passengers survived.
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A popular Colorado restaurant finds itself at the center of a health crisis.
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Today, we delve into a recent controversial ruling. In 2021, a state law was passed, the Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Act, giving survivors of child sexual assault a three-year window to sue their abusers and related institutions. However, last Tuesday, the Supreme Court of Colorado effectively nullified this law, stating it retrospectively burdened past actions and infringed on due process.
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State Representative Marc Catlin accomplished a significant milestone in his ongoing efforts to enhance adult education. His bill, aimed at amplifying access to high school diplomas or equivalent credentials, was officially signed into law on June 2nd.
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Today, a look at LaNoue DuBois Winery. Their mission? To cultivate a wine culture that's approachable, affordable and local.
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At a recent school board meeting, Kyle Ayer, co-president of the Uncompahgre Valley Education Association, voiced opposition to a resolution that argues that capitalism exploits public education.
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Now our feature story: Today, in the world of power cooperatives and the challenges they face, the Delta-Montrose Electric Association, or DMEA, is bucking the national trend. While rate increases have become the norm for many power organizations, DMEA has managed to maintain stability.
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Today, we’re focusing on the unusually brimming Blue Mesa Reservoir. Despite previous drought-stricken years, the state's largest body of water is a mere 16 feet from overflowing, a sight that’s taken hydrologists by surprise.
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At the close of the legislative session in May, Democrats passed House Bill 1311 and Senate Bill 303, accompanied by Proposition HH. These interlinked bills proposed changes to property taxes and refunds under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, known as TABOR.
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Today, we delve into the story of a unique haven, The Dolphin House Child Advocacy Center.
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Now our feature story: In Delta, a debt dispute escalated into a brutal incident involving alleged kidnapping, assault, and a dramatic escape. Today, we delve into the narrative of this crime that saw three men charged with a range of offenses.
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In Montrose the local library drew criticism for featuring books and programming centered on LGBTQ+ experiences. Yet, Matt Jenkins, the Public Information Officer for the Montrose County School District, reports no recent requests to reevaluate any library material.
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A local military veteran has found himself a new home, thanks to the remarkable efforts of the national non-profit, Homes For Our Troops or H.F.O.T.
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Today, we look at an audacious incident from Delta Health, where an alleged bomb scare seemed to be part of an intricate scheme of misdirection.
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In Montrose, a wetter than usual winter and spring has led to a significant increase in soil and grass moisture, potentially reducing the risk of devastating wildfires. According to Charles Lanoue, the Southwest District Chief of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, the current conditions have specialists cautiously predicting a mild wildfire season.
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A new study has just been released by a group known as the Colorado Coalition of Cyberschool Families, or the CCCF, a community of advocates championing full-time online public education in the state.
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From the classrooms of Black Canyon High School to the auditorium of the Montrose Pavilion, graduation caps have been flying high and proud in the air. The past week has been a jubilant period for local high school seniors, four of whom saw their students stride across the stage to accept their diplomas.
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Now our feature story: Today, we're talking water rights and drought in the Colorado River Basin.
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An impressive vista along U.S. 550 near Trout Road, the Billy Goat Hop Farm, paints a picture of flourishing hop plants, soon to bear the cones that will star in local brews.
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An Olathe man with a history of violent crime is now facing charges of felony abuse, this time of an infant girl.
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In Montrose, quilting isn’t just a hobby—it's a cornerstone of community. From the Columbine Quilters to the Friendship Quilters of Western Colorado, and the San Juan Quilters, there's an intricate patchwork of groups, each with their unique culture, traditions, and focus on charity work.
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Montrose County recently turned down millions in federal funding, but its historic downtown courthouse renovation project presses forward.
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Today we’re taking a look at Montrose City Council's recent approval of $110,000 for the first part of a street light upgrade project. It aims to replace outdated high pressure sodium and mercury vapor fixtures with energy-efficient LED lights. While this move will save the city around $200,000 per year in energy costs, there are concerns about its potential impact on light pollution.
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Last year, the U.S. government committed to investing $280 billion over five years in advanced industries like bioscience and microchip manufacturing. A Colorado bill sponsored by Delta Representative Matt Soper aims to make sure Colorado’s communities get their fair share.
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Today, we're diving into the recent developments surrounding the sale of the historic city hall in Montrose, and its connection to the establishment of the Montrose Permanent Fund, an effort aimed at supporting higher education.
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Today, our focus is on Gabrielle Clay, a talented fine art photographer who specializes in portraiture. According to Clay, the eyes are the gateway to a person's story, revealing more than what meets the surface.
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Motor vehicle theft is a thorn in the side for both rightful owners and law enforcement agencies alike — but there is some good news.
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Because Montrose failed to follow the law when commissioners denied a special use permit for the Farm Road Source gravel pit expansion, the court should reverse the decision – at least according to a freshly filed lawsuit.
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There’s some exciting news from CASA and Region 10's supportive housing venture, The Village on San Juan. After more than a year of planning, the project is set to break ground at the end of May.
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In the past, Montrose authorities have rounded up an emu, helped track down a wandering wallaby and even coaxed a parrot from a rooftop, but make no missssstake — There WAS NOT a reticulated python at Taviwach Park on Thursday.
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Montrose High School senior Joey Simo is gearing up to graduate in just a few short weeks, and he has some big plans for the next chapter of his life, including attending the United States Merchant Marine Academy this fall.
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Montrose High School senior Joey Simo is gearing up to graduate in just a few short weeks, and he has some big plans for the next chapter of his life, including attending the United States Merchant Marine Academy this fall.
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The Montrose Regional Library Board members are standing by their previous statements against book-banning, giving their stance at a special meeting Wednesday, April 12th, and in wake of lengthy public discussion.
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Now our feature story: When some residents of Colorado’s 800 mobile home parks turn on the tap, quality water isn’t guaranteed. The Clean Water For All Colorado coalition — composed of 15 organizations, including the Montrose-based Hispanic Affairs Project of Western Colorado — is hoping to help this issue by advocating for legislation to protect water quality in mobile home parks.
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Montrose County commissioners have approved an 18-month pause on new special use permit applications for power generation, campgrounds, and RV parks. This decision extends a previous moratorium on power generation uses and helps address a surge in applications for campgrounds and RV parks in wildfire-prone areas.
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A Colorado state bill introduced in the Senate last month has caught the attention of local government officials, as it attempts to take away zoning and land use standards from local authorities and put them under state authority.
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The founders of Shelter Distilling are betting that Montrose residents, and those passing through to other adventurous destinations, like to drink with a view of the mountains.
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Dr. Samuel Holmes, Montrose Regional Health’s newest specialist, aims to make life less painful for residents suffering from chronic issues. Some have been hurting for years.
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A petition calling for the resignation of Montrose County School District superintendent has opened up a window into a collection of events that have caused some community members to lose faith in the district’s leadership.
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Bright Beginnings at Colorado Outdoors opened its first two classrooms for infants and toddlers in January. Because of its success, there are plans to open three more classrooms for older toddlers and preschoolers this summer.
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The Montrose County School District is not immune to a problem pervading schools throughout the country: teacher shortages.
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Today: The City of Montrose has done some extreme spring cleaning as the municipality moves departments from one city hall to another.
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Spring water forecast for Colorado is good, with above-average water supply predicted for the Colorado River basin.
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A handful of tenants have already moved into the first of 96 apartment units to hit the market from Basecamp
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Jennifer Hess was sentenced to 10 years in prison for her involvement in a body donation scheme
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Californians are often blamed for Colorado politics, but what’s the real story?
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The Montrose County School District is joining a class action lawsuit against social media companies for their alleged negative impact on children and teens’ mental health.
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A dress code policy update sparked discussion during the most recent Montrose County School District board meeting.
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Today - Hope and Home, a nonprofit that connects children with foster families, recently opened an office in Delta to serve the Western Slope.
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Colorado’s courts are looking for input as they consider the best way to make virtual hearings permanent.
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Back in April of 2022 the City of Montrose purchased the old Wells Fargo building for $1.5 million. Now, moving day is near.
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Today - A presentation at the Ute Indian Museum teaches mountain medicine.
And later - A man named Christopher Larsen was arrested in Delta County after a harrowing police chase.
late feb
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Billy Goat Hop Farm of Montrose recently made history as the first farm outside of Washington and Oregon to win the Cascade Cup.
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Today - Montrose County Planning Commissioner Dennis Murphy drew on a personal story in relaying his concerns with a proposed gravel pit expansion near Maple Grove.
And later - House District 58 Representative Marc Catlin said that the time has come to make permanent a state office that focuses on rural Colorado.
early feb
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Today - For the Colorado State Patrol troopers who will soon conduct a “surge” enforcement campaign in Delta County, the goal is zero — zero crashes, or if not that, zero traffic fatalities.
And later - The fifth-annual Montrose’s Got Talent took place over the weekend.
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Today - SNAP amounts are reverting to previous income-based levels, while at the same time, food prices are soaring for everyone.
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Today - Members of the community who attended this month’s Montrose Regional Library board of trustees meeting Monday were astonished at how big the crowd was.
And later - The Magic Circle Players will take audiences down the memory lanes of Route 66 in this year’s “My Funny Valentine” fundraiser.
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Today - Montrose County has opened its own, in-house parental visitation program, with integrated services aimed at reducing a family’s involvement in the child welfare system.
And later - The stalking case against a former Montrose resident was dismissed with prejudice on Thursday, just days before trial.
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Today - The Hispanic Affairs Project received a major nod from the Community Resource Center, the Denver-based entity working to bolster and sustain a healthy nonprofit sector in the state.
And later - If all goes according to plan, a city-owned property on Cerro Summit will be home to a professionally designed mountain biking park, complete with options for beginners and experts.
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Today - Montrose County Planning Commissioner Dennis Murphy drew on a personal story in relaying his concerns with a proposed gravel pit expansion near Maple Grove.
And later - House District 58 Representative Marc Catlin said that the time has come to make permanent a state office that focuses on rural Colorado.
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Today - The Hispanic Affairs Project received a major nod from the Community Resource Center, the Denver-based entity working to bolster and sustain a healthy nonprofit sector in the state.
And later - If all goes according to plan, a city-owned property on Cerro Summit will be home to a professionally designed mountain biking park, complete with options for beginners and experts.
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Today - Due to market changes in the recycling industry, the City of Montrose, in partnership with Waste Management, has made changes to the Single-Stream Recycling Program.
And later - Residents of Ophir felt the full force of winter last Wednesday
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Today - Earlier this week, Sheriff’s investigators recovered multiple firearms and other items stolen from a Montrose home.
And later - Stephen Varela, of Pueblo, is the new U.S. Congressional District 3 representative to the State Board of Education. He represents 27 Colorado counties, including Montrose County.
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The City of Montrose is selling a small parcel of land located on the Black Canyon Golf Course back to the individual who originally donated the property.
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Representative Perry Will to replace Bob Rankin as state senator for District 5
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Today - Chipeta Road’s anticipated traffic signal is almost complete, but final materials have to be delivered before the new signal is lit.
And later - More than eight months after the suspicious death of a 5-year-old girl in Montezuma County, no arrests have been made, and no charges have been filed in the case.
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Today - Commercial flights across the country have taken a hit in the last week, with thousands of cancellations nationwide. Montrose Regional Airport has been no exception.
And Later - Aurora Diaz and Tyler Hawk of Montrose are the proud parents of the first child born in Montrose County in the new year!
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Colorado voters approved Proposition FF; Olathe 8th graders place into Colorado Middle School All-State Choir
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Today -After almost 50 years, Lucia Rodriguez retires from Montrose Regional Health.
And later - City of Delta staffers made an interesting find earlier this month in a storage unit at Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive center: a human skull, along with other partial human remains.
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Today - A plan to expand an existing gravel pit near Maple Grove ran into a wall of opposition from affected neighbors.
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Today - Jesikah Rodriguez and her father George have taken ownership of the Tru Vu Drive In in Delta with the goal of restoring the venue to its former glory.
And Later - Montrose City Councilors placed two more structures on the city’s Register of Historic Places.
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Today - Black Canyon High School is an alternative school that offers a personalized and flexible education for students who may not fit within the traditional classroom setting.
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Today - we're taking a closer look at the process of reconsideration, which is what happens when a community member objects to books or other materials available in public libraries.
And later - Black Canyon Surgical Associates, located in Montrose has been recognized by Newsweek as one of the top 13 ambulatory surgery centers in the state.
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Today - Montrose is providing support to refugees of the war in Ukraine.
And Later - Prospective residents of Basecamp apartments in Montrose can now view floor plans of the units that are set to open in mid-January.
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Today - An area woman will spend three years on federal probation for her role in a fake invoice scheme that defrauded Western Area Power Authority in Montrose of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
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Today - Renovation has begun for Region 10’s new Entrepreneurial Business Resource Center, at a location once home to the Boys and Girls Club.
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Today - Colorado Canyons Association is partnering with the Montrose County School District Engagement Center in a series of free hikes for middle-schoolers. The pilot program endeavors to move kids outside while providing an alternative to the traditional classroom space.
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Today - A swift response came from the U.S. District Court for former Montrose funeral home director Megan Hess’ bid to push her sentencing hearing to a later date: There have been enough delays.
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Today - Randall Spaur not only teaches business technology education at Olathe High School, but is hoping to re-establish a strong computer science presence for students through his Computer and Robotics program and afterschool program.
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Second Chance Humane Society celebrates 10 years; Trails Magazine plans first issue
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Homes For Our Troops introduces third veteran recipient of specially adapted home
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The federal government stands poised to receive the bulk of cash seized as part of evidence in the February murders of two Paonia residents.
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The “marathon” — preparing a massive Thanksgiving Day meal to which the entire community is invited — is now underway. After a two-year hiatus, Montrose Community Dinners will this year be hosting guests in person. They’ll also be delivering meals.
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Today - The City opts out of state Family and Medical Leave Insurance program
Also - A perk for veterans across Colorado
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Today - Montrose City Clerk recently honored by her peers.
Also - Why Sportsman's Warehouse opened a new location in Montrose.
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Today - A settlement of three physicians’ discrimination suit against the Delta hospital may be in the works.
Next - The Knights of Pythias building is now officially part of the City of Montrose’s Register of Historic Places.
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Today - Montrose County commissioners considered future needs and the current cost of housing several departments when they approved $1.26 million for the engineering and design of a new campus.
Later - Delta County Library District Director LaDonna Gunn said building age and maintenance costs are among the reasons why the district decided to relocate the Delta branch.
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Today - A sharp plunge to 30 degrees last week and a decent blanket of snow across Montrose - and that the only sign Garey Martinez needed.
Later - Mayfly Outdoors was recognized for its dedication to coldwater conservation. The Montrose-based business accepted the Exemplary Industry Partner Award from Colorado Trout Unlimited earlier this month.
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Today - A local surgical team is taking its members’ skills to Honduras to serve others — and to gain critical perspective.
Next - Did you know that intentionally feeding wildlife is illegal in Colorado? Colorado Parks and Wildlife recently reminded residents to properly dispose of pumpkins following Halloween rather than leaving them out for wildlife to consume.
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Today - Housing prices and availability continue to press most people in Montrose. But for vulnerable veterans, the situation is even more dire.
Later - The Black Canyon Boys and Girls Club has relocated to its permanent home at 1869 East Main.
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Today -One week after ballots were mailed to registered voters, a steady stream of them have been returned, with few concerns raised to election workers in Montrose County.
Later - Montrose County School District is joining the Special Olympics Colorado Hall of Fame next month, and six students are making the trek to Denver to receive the award.
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Today - Not only is the first building of the Basecamp Apartments nearly complete, but the complex is slated for a new owner early next year.
And later - Between April and October, Colorado Parks and Wildlife received 3,614 bear reports. That’s an increase from the 3,155 reports over the same timeframe the previous year.
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Today - Pedestrian safety and congested traffic in West Montrose dominated discussions as the City rounded out its final public forum for the West Main Revitalization project.
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Today -High schoolers recently experienced an Appeals Court case firsthand.
And later - The Colorado Department of Agriculture is launching a new grant program to support the next generation in agriculture through scholarships, career development, and other leadership training opportunities.
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Today - A solar farm planned on Falcon Road is projected to bring close to 20 full-time jobs and millions in property tax revenues during its production life.
Later - MacGeez Productions and Humble Beast Productions of Colorado recently released a proof-of-concept documentary about the events that unfolded at Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors in Montrose.
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Today - A new mascot has been chosen to represent Johnson Elementary School. The school will transition from the Thunderbirds to the Timberwolves.
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Today -Olathe Middle and High School students have set their sights on the nation’s capital! And if all goes well, at least nine students will swap their American history books for a five day educational trip next June.
And later - Montrose Center for Arts presents “Western Visions,” a two-woman show in October featuring Sherry Cobb Kelleher and Twna Douglas.
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Today - Montrose, Delta and neighboring counties officially have more than half a million dollars in state opioid settlement money coming their way.
And later - Mayfly Outdoors welcomed U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert recently, showcasing its Montrose-made fly-fishing equipment.
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Today - Erik Westesen was sworn in as the Montrose County School District’s new District A representative on Tuesday evening.
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Today -Cries for justice intertwined with community celebrations on Tuesday as the Montrose Police Department unveiled its newly minted Public Safety Complex.
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Today - Delta-area Representative Matt Soper is asking the U.S. District Court to impose the maximum sentence on two women convicted of fraud related to the sale of human remains.
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Today - “Unapologetically relevant” will be Delta Pride’s core refrain when they introduce the community's first official pride celebration this Saturday at Cleland Park.
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Today - Montrose, Delta and Cedaredge high schools were among those across the state to be rattled by “swatting” calls earlier this week.
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Today - Montrose County is likely to subcontract to a local clinic immunization services.
And Later - Get ready for The 17th Annual Montrose Oktoberfest!
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Today - The District Attorney of the 7th Judicial District is now part of pilot project touting data and transparency
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Today - Nearly a year after scouting for a new headquarters, Shelter Distilling is set to break ground on a 23,000-square-foot distillery and brewery in Montrose this fall.
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Today - Nearly a year following the city’s abrupt halt on new adult gaming businesses in town, city councilors are slated to review another extension of the moratorium.
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Today - Earlier this week Police and FBI agents arrested a Montrose woman on allegations of prostitution and keeping a house of prostitution.
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Today - One of Montrose’s oldest buildings is about to breathe fresh life into the downtown quarter with a new boutique hotel.
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Today - The newly-minted Flex Buildings are eyeing an inflatable products manufacturer as the Colorado Outdoors campus’ newest addition.
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Today - Montrose High School opens its 2022 football season Friday night, The MHS football team, dressed in the school colors of black-red-white, will have a new mascot, the Red Hawks. Noteworthy, too, is how it’s athletic director Lyle Wright’s last year at MHS.
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Delta-Montrose Electric Association stands to reap the benefits of recent federal legislation.
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Law enforcement’s arrival may have scared away the person who broke into Rocky Mountain High’s medical marijuana dispensary early Monday.
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Today - Black Bear Pass was closed to vehicles and hikers as road crews work on critical repairs following weekend mudslides that trapped four vehicles.
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Today - Federal defendants argue that the wrongful death suit – brought by parents of a deceased Montrose teenager – should be dismissed.
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Today - One half of the mother-daughter duo embroiled in the Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors’ mail fraud case won her bid for a later sentencing date.
Also - A timed bike ride slated to feature both 34-mile and 57-mile routes will weave riders through Montrose fields and farms as Valley Food Partnership seeks to connect locals with agriculture.
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Today - Embattled Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters’ latest legal challenge has been pulled in Montrose County.
Next, As part of its Summer Program Series, Ridgway State Park announces guest speaker Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk, who is coming to the park on Saturday at 7:30 pm
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Plane traffic and the terminal expansion at Montrose Regional Airport have at least one thing in common: both are going up at a steady clip.
Also, Mayfly Outdoors began with just 17 employees when it first headquartered in Montrose in 2015. Now, a new CEO and president is overseeing the rapidly growing company that employs approximately 130 people across California, Colorado and the United Kingdom.
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If all goes to plan, officers and administrative staff could be in the new police headquarters building sometime in October.
Also, one man has been arrested on suspicion of drug distribution, and two others on warrants, after a multi-agency raid in Delta Wednesday yielded dozens of suspected fentanyl pills, methamphetamine and reportedly… stolen property.
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A local outdoors business best known for its fly fishing equipment was recently recognized as one of the most community-minded companies internationally.
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After over a year of construction, drivers can now access Woodgate Road. The City of Montrose completed the road’s realignment on Friday.
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Montrose County’s community wildfire protection plan is undergoing a much-needed update, one that will expand to further address the watershed.
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Pam Anderson, the Republican candidate from Wheat Ridge running to unseat Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold in the November 2022 race, said she hopes to remove politics from the office.
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Billy Goat Hop Farm’s owners want to harness the ongoing fascination with their operation to benefit agri-tourism. That’s why they’re planning a “Southwest Fresh Fest” on October 1st, with tours, music, local food and — they hope — fresh beers from local breweries.
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City councilors have opted out of a statewide opioid settlement fund that would distribute just above $26,000 over 18 years, a move that will allocate the city’s funds to a regional program instead of accepting a small amount each year.
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Today - The rough circle of newly planted trees near the duck pond in Riverbottom Park might look like ordinary landscaping — but it is much more.
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Today - Construction costs appear to mirror those of goods and services in the transformation of the old City Market building into the Delta County Library.
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Today - Montrose Center for the Arts is hosting unique sounds of San Fran artist in benefit concert
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An LGBTQ youth group says the school year wasn’t the success the Delta County School District made it out to be.
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Today - Montrose resident Randilyn Madison said being named Miss Rodeo Colorado at the 100th Greeley Stampede last weekend was a dream come true.
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Today - An 18-month process came to an end this month as Axis Health Systems and The Center for Mental Health completed a health care merger.
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Amy Johnson is still on the case. The Washington-based private investigator, whose extensive research helped shine a big light on a cold Montrose homicide case, came to the scene last week.
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In the most closely watched primary race for the 3rd Congressional District, incumbent Representative Lauren Boebert beat challenger Don Coram.
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The Colorado Agricultural Commission’s rule barring poultry shows, sales and swaps will expire June 30th — but unfortunately that won’t be soon enough to reinstate the poultry show for the Montrose County Fair, coming up at the end of July.
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According to Montrose County Clerk and Recorder Tressa Guynes, a crash at the steps of the Montrose County courthouse was a simple traffic accident and not an attack on voting.
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The solar farm clearly visible from U.S. 50 between Olathe and Delta was confirmed to be a bitcoin mining center.
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The MCSD board unanimously approved a wage settlement between the district and the Uncompahgre Valley Education Association during a school board meeting last week.
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The median sales price for single-family homes in Montrose County clocked in at $425,000 in May, registering the third straight month over $400,000.
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Haven House Transitional Living Center in Olathe just won critical grant funding to move forward its 9,200 square-foot addition.
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Today - Montrose County and San Juan Brews have partnered on “Off the Trail Roast” and “Rimrocker Lager'', each a coffee and beer blend. But they’re only available for a limited time.
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Workshops for regional entrepreneurs are in luck; Fire destroys RV and damages building
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Federal prosecutors and Jared Newman’s defense team agreed that he had broken the law while working as a contractor in the Western Area Power Authority’s Montrose warehouse.
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Today - MCSD will receive just north of $1 million for its planned elementary school security upgrades and $2.4 million for heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades.
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Today - Colorado Outdoors Medical Centerbroke ground on its 50,000-square-foot outpatient facility on Thursday.
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Today - Colorado student teachers will have access to up to $22,000 in stipends under a bill signed into law this week.
Also, God of Carnage, is running from June 3rd through June 6th at the Wright Opera House.
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More than $8.2 million from the City of Montrose’s general fund and water fund has been lent to the Montrose Urban Renewal Authority.
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As contention over the results of the 2020 election persists, skeptical members of the public were invited in to compare ballots with Montrose voting machine records.
Also, State Senator Don Coram tried to paint himself as a moderate alternative to incumbent U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert during the first debate ahead of the Republican primary elections.
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Today - There was another threat of violence in Montrose. Yes – two juveniles are suspected of phoning in a school threat that put Montrose High School on lockdown in February.
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Today - The first building of the Basecamp Apartments is expected to be completed in September.
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Today - The Simms Fire brought with it heartbreaking losses as flames swept through Wildcat Canyon on Thursday.
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Today - The median sales price for a single-family home in Montrose County surpassed $400,000 for the second consecutive month.
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In August of 1993 a 45 year old Washington woman was reported missing. Nearly a year later, in July of 1994, hikers in Montrose County found a woman’s skull. They were on Windy Point.
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In February 2021, less than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, Montrose County School District needed to shut down two schools because of another health hazard: asbestos.
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Montrose students will now need to get parental permission before participating in any health education courses.
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Montrose County is hopeful a federal judge will agree that the “novel” issues raised in an ex-employee’s suit are not protected under the First Amendment.
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Montrose Regional Health is emerging from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but one need remains: staffing.
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A grand opening for a planned hotel next to Montrose Regional Airport with a rooftop bar was scheduled for this month. But the land slated for the hotel has remained undeveloped.
So what happened?
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Today - Meet the students who designed new ‘Red Hawks’ logos!
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The majority of students in Montrose County School District do well enough to graduate on time without any major hiccups. But traditional classrooms don’t work out for all students.
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Representative Lauren Boebert now leads in Colorado District 3 fundraising with many out-of-state donations.
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The US Department of the Interior and agencies operating beneath its umbrella are now formally defendants in the wrongful death suit filed by the family of a Montrose teenager who drowned in the South Canal.
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Today - Montrose County School District is launching a new wellness initiative for employees.
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Today - The Montrose High School logo featuring the letter M with two adjacent feathers will most likely be retired with the Indians mascot at the end of this school year.
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Today - Local leaders came together earlier this month to see the “Broadband Providers Use of Public Rights of Way” bill signed into law.
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The city council will welcome one new member later this month, and he’s no stranger to the chambers.
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Today - A proposal being considered is to transfer Montrose Regional Health properties to the hospital’s nonprofit board.
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Want to know the latest on the Montrose County School District mascot change? Managing Editor Justin Tubbs interviews Staff Writer Anna Lynn Winfrey about her continued coverage of the situation, including what to expect after MCSD was labeled non-compliant by the Colorado Commission on Indian Affairs. This episode was produced by Josue Perez, Justin Tubbs and Anna Lynn Winfrey, and edited by Sean Flannelly.
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Today - The state’s response to avian flu detected in wild geese nearby could affect 4-H poultry projects for the Montrose County Fair. But for now, there’s still enough time to take a wait-and-see approach.
Friends of a Montrose man are raising money to help him pay for something no parent should have to even contemplate: a funeral for his 5-year-old daughter.
Annika Mae Sandoval Leonard was the daughter of Montrose Native Brian Sandoval. Sandoval said she was the brightest angel in the room. Everyone was her friend and she was an amazing little girl.
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Today - Two years after COVID-19 triggered a massive spike in unemployment, the rate has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels as Montrose recovers from job losses.
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Today - Delta will be moving its temporary camping area for homeless individuals a bit further west. The move comes after ongoing public safety issues.
Also, despite a grand jury indictment earlier this month that made national headlines, Tina Peters claims she’s done nothing wrong and is running for Colorado Secretary of State. At a standing-room-only event on Sunday, hosted at the Montrose County Republican headquarters, Peters defended herself against allegations of tampering with election equipment.
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As Montrose Regional Health plans for their new 80,000 square-foot center, another group has similar plans. But can the two co-exist?
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Today - the Montrose County School District is benefitting from a law that makes it possible to hire previously retired teachers to fill staffing shortages.
Also, Delta County and North Fork regions are slated for a new health clinic after River Valley Family Health Centers broke ground under sunny, clear blue skies on Tuesday, March 15th.
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Today - One-third of human-bear conflicts in the state last year occurred because of trash — and the local wildlife management area was no exception.
An avalanche 5 miles southwest of Ophir swept a Telluride man to his death.
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The Governor’s Office has asked agencies around the state to send surplus body armor and ballistic helmets to collection points at armories. Destination: Ukraine.
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Today - Over the last three weeks, the world has watched Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting civilian casualties. And a 7-year-old from Montrose wants to help the people she was seeing on the news.
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A multi-party venture aims to streamline medical IT systems for Medicare patients in rural Colorado. Montrose Regional Health, Dr. Linda M. Peterson, and Cedar Point Health are among those set to join the Community Care Alliance’s partnership with Collaborative Health Systems. The goal is to create the Collaborative Choice Healthcare venture.
Also, even though not all students will be interested in going into the construction industry, Montrose High School’s work-based learning coordinator, Kathy Gaber, hopes that they will pick up some skills they can apply later in life.
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What do you know about Dark Skies in the Western Slope? Listen as Managing Editor Justin Tubbs interviews Black Canyon Astronomical Society President Bryan Cashion, Director of Dark Skies Paonia Aaron Watson and Chief of Interpretation at Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Curecanti NRA Lori Rome. Have any questions? Head to nabur.montrosepress.com and log in to comment.
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Montrose County School Board President recently addressed claims of the school board violating open meeting laws. The alleged violation happened during a meeting on February 8th.
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Today - River Valley Family Health Center is quadrupling it’s clinical space to serve people in Delta County.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is now in its second year of studying mountain lion density across the Western Slope. This year, they’re working to collar 25 adult lions in the Gunnison Basin.
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Halfway around the world, a Montrose-grown aviation nonprofit provides critical flights and medical care.
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Over the weekend Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers responded after a mountain lion reportedly attacked a 47-year-old man near the community of Lebanon in Montezuma County. CPW is trying to locate the mountain lion involved in the incident.
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Montrose won some love on the popular YouTube channel, The World According to Briggs. In fact, we landed in the Number 1 in blogger Jimmy Briggs’s list of “10 Towns You Can Retire on $1,658 a Month in the West.”
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For the first time since incumbent Montrose County Clerk and Recorder Tressa Guynes was appointed seven years ago, she is facing a primary challenger: Kendra Jenkins.
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The Fox Theater is implementing an age-restriction policy following months of disruptive issues from teenagers.
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Centennial Middle School hosted their first-ever robotics competition on Saturday. There, Cameron Culver, Kyle Whitcomb and Teagan Kolbeth wowed the judges and wracked up enough points on challenges to qualify for the state tournament. And another team of Centennial students — Kai Amundson, Jordyn Simo, Sydney Bell and Shiloh Warthen had already qualified.
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Lucas Foster was at the tail end of his second run in the men’s halfpipe at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, when he made a minor but event-changing error.
The 22 year old popped an inch too early and crashed into the lip of the halfpipe. It sent him flying in midair before he regained his balance and slid towards the middle of the pipe.
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An arrest has been made in the double slaying discovered two weeks ago in Paonia. 65 year old Mark Burns who once lived on the Black Bridge Road property of Michael Arnold and Donna Gallegos, was arrested Wednesday.
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As some high school students balance Advanced Placement coursework with sports, other extracurricular activities and jobs, they now have one less thing to worry about: paying for the exams.
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Montrose County School District is further relaxing COVID policies. So here’s the deal. Regular symptom screening upon entry will be stopped, and the district is returning to its former illness policy. And starting on February 28th, quarantines after exposure will no longer be required. There also won’t be any more contact tracing.
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Reports from the Federal Elections Commission show that Lauren Boebert continues to raise more money than other candidates for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District. She raised over $800,000 in the last three months of 2021. That brings the total amount of funds raised so far to $3.58 million.
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When a self-identified parent called into Montrose High School on February 2nd to report that their student had brought a gun to school, the building went into lockdown for more than three hours while teams of law enforcement officers swept the building for weapons — none were found.
Montrose County School District Executive Director of Operations Jim Pavlich attributed the cooperative and speedy response to the partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, the Center for Mental Health, Hilltop and the 7th Judicial District.
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The Maslow Academy of Applied Learning is expanding with a new site in Colorado Outdoors. Maslow, an early childhood center, will move into the space, which will allow them to add about 70 new child care spots.
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A reported weapons threat at Montrose High School left part of the student body in lockdown on Wednesday. But ultimately, after law enforcement agents conducted a thorough search, word came: everyone was safe and no weapon had been found. Montrose Police Chief Blaine Hall said that no arrests were made.
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The boundaries for the school board representatives are changing to account for population shifts. The last time that redistricting happened was back in 2002. So since the boundaries have not been adjusted in nearly two decades, the populations of the districts have become out of balance.
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A charity-centric tea has entered the beverage market and has quickly found its footing. Generosi-TEA, started by Stephen Wesley, a former Montrose resident, has sold 30,000 bottles since September. They have 90,000 ready to ship to stores in the Midwest and east coast.
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Today we’re remembering Marilynn Huseby, an advocate for seniors and community and thinking of her life of service. Senior advocacy was one of Marilynn Huseby’s most important causes. Well-known and loved throughout Montrose, Huseby left a legacy built on compassion, education and community that was embedded deeply in the heart of the Montrose Pavilion’s Golden Circle Senior Center.
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The days of local barley fields growing for Coors Brewing are past — but that doesn’t mean there isn’t opportunity for the one-time cash crop. Proximity Malt already sources barley from fields in San Luis Valley. But now, they’d like to try a pilot program by contracting between 800 — 1,000 acres nearby.
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Jason Senior, Matt Hammer and Karl Anderson are avid snowboarders. And they’ve just announced their ambitious, massive new project. A 23,000 square foot distillery and brewery within the Colorado Outdoors campus in Montrose.
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Today - The Dolphin House Child Advocacy Center hit a record number of cases last year — chilling hopes that 2021 would bring a decline, compared with 2020.
Today and tomorrow is the Western Colorado Food & Farm Forum! It’s the Western Slope’s foremost agriculture conference. There will be local, regional and international speakers sharing their latest research and innovations.
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Nearly three months after a surprising letter from state officials said that Johnson Elementary School’s Thunderbird mascot would have to be changed, representatives from MCSD got the chance to present to a special session of the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs.
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Seeing people sleeping in stairwells, homeless children — and the “disgusting” fouling of the third-floor laundry room — brought several residents of the San Juan Apartments together on Wednesday.
Also, Robert Wick, champion of art, newspapers and community, dies at 86
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The Montrose High School mascot sub-committee narrowed down the new mascot choice to four options at a December meeting — bulls, raptors, storm and mountain lions. But MHS Principal Jim Barnhill said he had a feeling that he didn’t hear enough from students in the process.
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Jacob Pierce, the widower of Paige Schmidt, who was fatally shot in a traffic chase last year, has sued a Delta deputy and supervising sergeant over her death and is arguing that they shouldn’t be allowed to keep POST certifications.
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Don Coram made an official announcement Friday at a Grand Junction coffeehouse that he will be challenging Lauren Boebert in the Republican primary for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District.
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A 9,000 square foot building near the airport will soon be ready to serve as an annex for a library that is bursting at the seams. The price — an ouch-inducing $718,000 not uncommon in today’s hot real estate market — buys the library district space for four departments and streamlines critical functions.
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Centennial teachers rolled up their sleeves on Monday to prepare for students coming back from winter break in a few days — and to donate blood. For the second year in a row, Kim Hutchel, who teaches life skills courses at the school, organized the event for Centennial staff to donate blood to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction.
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Governor Jared Polis and Dr. Eric France, the state’s chief medical officer, announced that Colorado updated its recommended quarantine guidelines. The update aligns with isolation and quarantine recommendations released by the Centers for Disease and Control earlier this week.
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As the new year draws closer, the city is looking at rounding off a stack of capital projects launched throughout the year. While many projects, such as the new Rotary Amphitheater, have recently tied up, a few others are well underway and are slated for completion in 2022. So here’s a quick overview of what’s going on...
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Viewed one way, a starting salary of $55,000, with a housing allowance between $800 to $1,000, is good money — and it ought to make hiring deputies for San Miguel County easy. Keeping them shouldn’t pose difficulty, either. But in Colorado’s exploding real estate market, particularly in the county that is home to tony Telluride, the pay does not keep pace with housing.
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Family and faith breathe life into the heart of many Hispanic traditions, particularly during Christmastime. Traditional Mexican-American Christmas pastimes can look different from American customs, celebrating beliefs rooted in Mexican culture.
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The Montrose real estate market is likely to sustain its recent robust activity if COVID-19 fears continue, according to a report from a local real estate agency. Local experts say the boom is fueled by people from Denver and highly populated West Coast markets moving to rural areas.
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Today - Montrose County School District is still waiting to hear back from the state about whether it will have to replace the Thunderbird mascot at Johnson Elementary School. But there are two other schools in Colorado with Thunderbird mascots: Sangre de Cristo High School in Mosca and Hinkley High School in Aurora.
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Today - 160 Montrose Regional Health employees have been granted exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate on religious grounds or sincerely held beliefs. Another 20 have gotten medical exemptions.
Also, Montrose’s Luke Hutto has made basketball history reaching 1,000 career points, further solidifying his status as one of the best scorers to play at Montrose High School. The moment was Hutto’s, and easily the most memorable one in a 64-38 win over Palisade on Saturday.
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Today - As the mascot committees are met for the second time this week to discuss concrete discussions for the mascot replacement, a third-grade classroom at Oak Grove Elementary School has brainstormed ideas of their own for the new Montrose High School mascot.
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Today - A San Miguel County man is in federal custody for allegedly assaulting two D.C. Police officers at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. 68 year old Avery Carter MacCracken of Telluride, was arrested without incident on Dec. 11, near Norwood where he was reportedly staying in his car.
Also, four city council seats are due for reelection in April, with council seats in Districts I, II, III and the At-Large position slated for a spot on the municipal ballot. The city released the election news earlier this week, announcing that candidates can begin circulating nomination petitions in the new year.
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Today - Dozens of community members braved the cold rain last week to attend the opening celebration of the district’s new outdoor learning center, Outer Range, where the first phase of construction was done less than a year after plans were hatched.
Also, December 2 saw the first prison sentence handed down in a bogus billing and kickback scheme that bilked the Western Area Power Authority’s Montrose location of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
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In our third and final episode of our Montrose housing series, Managing Editor Justin Tubbs sits down with HUB developer Matt Miles, City of Montrose Senior Planner Amy Sharp and Colorado demographer Shannon Bingham. The trio have some big expectations for the city's growth over the next decade, but will it pan out that way? Tune in to hear their reasoning, and how housing plays a central role in that future. To ask a question or comment, head to our local social media site, NABUR, at nabur.montrosepress.com, and create an account.
Mo-Town Knows was created by Justin Tubbs and Josue Perez, edited by Sean Flannelly and Sean Fitzpatrick, with additional support from Anna Lynn Winfrey and Cassie Knust.
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Today - The Hispanic Affairs Project is among 12 Western Slope organizations to receive a share of over a half million dollars in flexible support grants from the NextFifty Initiative.
Also, a fire early Tuesday, December 7th, put a Montrose County woman out of her home. According to Montrose Fire Protection Battalion Chief Craig Willsie, The blaze on Epitaph Road rendered the house uninhabitable due to smoke and fire damage. He told us: “It’s always sad to have someone have a loss this time of year. It’s not good at any time.”
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Today - When Montrose County commissioners updated the bylaws for the Montrose County Fair Board and discharged its current members, the worry was the new requirements might prove too restrictive to seat a new board.
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Today - the first meeting of the mascot transition committees took place on Nov. 30. They talked about what makes a mascot and the road ahead. It was a joint session with Centennial Middle School and Montrose High School.
Tom West, the school board member directly involved with the mascot swaps said that they’re going to change the culture. He noted that what they set as a precedent is going to last over 100 years.
Finally, we’ve had a month of uncertainty since election night when Eric Kelley was leading by a razor-thin margin in the District F Montrose County School District race. But a recount has confirmed Kelley’s lead — and added one more vote to his total margin of victory.
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Today - When Kevin Kuns was invited to speak to a couple of American history classes at Montrose High School, he didn’t expect to see 40 students, ages 16 and 17, pre-register to vote.
Also, a little yellow house tucked away on Main Street is blooming its way into homes and businesses with floral arrangements for every season of life. Hannah Browning is one of Montrose’s youngest new business owners after opening The Flower Shoppe in June. At just 20 years old, she has dedicated herself to enriching lives through all seasons of living, from joyous to mournful occasions. Browning provides arrangements for memorials, events, weddings and “just because” occasions.
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After a pandemic-induced delay, Montrose County School District staff and high school counselors are working on implementing new state requirements for graduating seniors. The easiest way for students to fulfill the new requirements is a minimum SAT score, which all 11th grade students in Colorado have been required to take since 2017, but not as a precursor to graduation.
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Today - When Project 7 began drawing up plans for a water resiliency program in 2019, its leaders didn’t plan to invest in connecting a raw water line from the Ridgway Reservoir to a new treatment plant in Ridgway.
Finally, with the holidays quickly approaching and Cyber Monday just around the corner, the FBI Denver Division reminds Colorado residents to be cautious when purchasing items online.
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A recent spate of suspected suicides has prompted public officials to urge those who need help to seek out mental health resources. Officials are also trying to address some information circulating in the public about a few recent deaths, which they say is not entirely accurate.
It’s almost Thanksgiving and travel is on everyone’s minds. As the airport is preparing for peak season, a terminal expansion project is also underway. While the construction may cause minor disruptions to travelers in the upcoming months, Lloyd Arnold, director of aviation at the airport, said that passengers will be much better off once the renovations are finished.
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Today - Montrose County election officials are moving forward with plans to conduct a recount in the District F school board election. In Colorado, a mandatory recount is triggered when the margin of votes between two candidates is less than 0.5 percent. And the difference between Eric Kelley and Dawn Schieldt is just 0.3 percent.
Before we go - a Montrose woman who was reportedly dragged out of the home she was visiting Wednesday has been found safe after a two-day search for her and her alleged kidnapper.
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Today - The classic melodies of Bach, Vivaldi and Handel may fill the Delta Performing Arts Center today. And so will emotions as the Valley Youth Orchestra bids farewell to its longtime conductor, Deb TenNapel.
Finally, The rate of single-family residential permits issued in Montrose County is reaching — and surpassing — rates not seen since before the Great Recession as the housing market continues to expand.
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Today - An attempt on Delta-Montrose Electric Association’s internal network has taken some of the power cooperative’s operations offline. It’s also worried customers — although power and internet service remain intact.
Also, Thanksgiving is coming soon. And while families may have their own unique Thanksgiving traditions, one staple of this kickoff to the holiday season is bound to make its way to Thanksgiving dinner tables no matter how unusual families’ holiday celebrations may be: turkey. But what's the best way to cook it?
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Today - Officials in Montrose County School District have been hard at work to swap the Indians and Braves mascot since Governor Polis signed a law last summer banning Native American mascots in all Colorado public schools. But just last month they learned that a third Mascot in Montrose would need to be changed. The Thunderbirds.
Before we go - A Colorado marble quarry, in Marble, Colorado, has been mined for its stone since the late 1800s. It's still being utilized to this day, and since 2019, the manufacturing plant that turns large marble blocks into slabs and tiles for distribution all over the world, has been located right in our backyard in Delta.
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Do you have questions about housing in Montrose? Have you experienced housing insecurity? Reporter Anna Lynn Winfrey sits down with Montrose city manager and Western Slope housing experts to take a broad look at the housing crisis's causes, effects and potential remedies.
If any comments or questions come up while listening, head to nabur.montrosepress.com to post them, and we'll be sure to get back to you.
Mo-Town Knows was created by Justin Tubbs and Josue Perez, edited by Sean Flannelly and Sean Fitzpatrick, with additional production support from Anna Lynn Winfrey and Cassie Knust.
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Police agency hiring is down across the country — and it’s said to be a matter of applicant quality. Have national events discouraged people from the profession Montrose is no exception when it comes to hiring woes. Montrose Police Chief Blaine Hall said they’re absolutely down. He thinks one of the concerning things they’re experiencing right now is they’re getting the same numbers of individuals applying, but they’ve seen a decrease in the quality of applicants.
Also, results from public engagement meetings concerning gray wolf reintroduction to Colorado are now in, with the report slated for presentation to the Colorado Wildlife Commission on Nov. 18. The species is being reintroduced on designated lands in the Western Slope, which drew stiff opposition from Montrose County leadership and stakeholders here. The vote broadly failed in Western Slope counties, but voters elsewhere carried Prop 114 to the finish line.
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Today - Walmart temporarily closed its Montrose location yesterday at 2 p.m. as part of a company-initiated program in response to the increased COVID-19 cases in the county. The store will remain closed until 6 a.m. Thursday to allow cleaning crews time to “thoroughly clean and sanitize the building” according to Walmart corporate spokesperson Ashley Nolan.
Also, Changes to the city’s four district boundaries are in limbo as city councilors continue discussing the current district map following August’s Census results. Councilors weighed eight different options presented during Monday’s work session. The boundaries need to be adjusted within a year of the Census results release, according to the City Charter, keeping councilors to a strict August 2022 deadline.
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Today - Groundbreaking of the HUB at Montrose Crossing, a proposed 500-unit multi-family and senior living housing development, is expected to start in February 2022.
Also, following the increased public demand for boosters, Montrose County Public Health and Peak Professionals are partnering to temporarily open a mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic.
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Today - The federal court will hear former Montrose County Road and Bridge employee Johnathan Goodman’s claims the county retaliated against him for exercising his free speech rights.
Also, Montrose Center for the Arts is featuring a show with Julia Reid, Jenny McIntyre and Cristin Johnson for the month of November. They are three talented, creative women with three different perspectives, methods and backgrounds.
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Today - So far, area deer and elk populations have been largely spared the ravages of chronic wasting disease — but Colorado Parks and Wildlife wants a better sense of the situation on the Western Slope.
Also, Sara Plumhoff, the executive director of the Montrose Community Foundation, announced that applications are being accepted for the Montrose Hardware Building Community Grants. The grands will fund local educators and students for up to $1,500.
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Today - As the election season winds to an end, some of the school board candidates are optimistic about the results of the election. But there’s still time to cast your vote if you haven’t already.
Also, a group of environmentally-minded students at Montrose High School are working to clean up their community and educate others on environmental issues. The Montrose High School Environmental Club, spearheaded by substitute teacher Lesley Hallenborg, is presenting “The Lorax” at the library on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
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Over the next month, we're going to be discussing and analyzing the housing market and housing concerns in Montrose and the Western Slope. It's a lot to fit in one episode though, so we're breaking up the topic into three distinct parts. This first part is a basic breakdown of the current Montrose real estate market through the eyes of local realtor Jeff Keehfuss, hosted by reporter Josue Perez.
The second part will focus explicitly on housing insecurity and the broader housing crisis. This is a topic that has been covered extensively in Colorado, but it's usually focused on the Front Range rather than the Western Slope, and very rarely with an eye directly toward Montrose.The third part will discuss Montrose's housing future and the developers with their hat in the ring.
We hope you follow along as we have these discussions, and that you won't hesitate to ask any questions or share your opinion. We want these conversations to be guided by community input -- Do you have any questions about the housing market, or concerns about affordable housing and development? Share on our local social media site, NABUR, at nabur.montrosepress.com.
Mo-Town Knows was created by Justin Tubbs and Josue Perez, and edited by Sean Flannelly and Sean Fitzpatrick. Additional support from Staff Writers Anna Lynn Winfrey and Cassie Knust.
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Today - When Bonnie and Brian Watson started plans to open a coworking space in Telluride in late 2020, the venture was just the first step in an attempt to bolster the Western Slope’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Also, we’d like to take a moment to remember the life of Jack Sparks.
For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.
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Today - The Montrose Community Dinners board weighed concerns over COVID-19 against members’ hopes to bring back the in-person Friends Thanksgiving Dinner. Ultimately they decided that this year must be to-go and delivery only once again.
Also, United States Representative Lauren Boebert’s office announced mobile office hours on November 3rd, 12th, and 16th. Staff from Boebert’s office will be available to allow constituents to request assistance with federal agencies— like veterans having trouble with the VA, travelers having difficulties applying for a passport, IRS difficulties, and senior citizens having issues with Social Security or Medicare.
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Today - Montrose Memorial Hospital is no more — it is now Montrose Regional Health. CEO Jeff Mengenhausen said the name better reflects its scope of service on the Western Slope.
Also, Montrose resident Jackson Bohm recently purchased an old Kodak 1A Series 3 camera from the mid 1920s. He developed the film to find that only one picture was on the roll. The picture is really interesting and reflects the time it was taken perfectly. It shows two men and a lady proudly posed with a tractor on a flatbed trailer. Bohm was able to figure out that the picture had to be taken between 1951 and 1955.
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Montrose Memorial Hospital is dealing with the largest number of COVID-19 cases in over a year. There are also a record number of patients in the hospital. Jeff Mengenhausen, MMH CEO, reported 18 COVID-positive cases over the past weekend alone, and six deaths from COVID in October so far. As of Tuesday, seven ICU beds were filled by COVID-positive patients.
Also, we're taking a moment to remember the life of Esther Ann Morris Armstrong. Esther was born 1934, in Montrose.
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Today - the transition into foster care is a shock for children being moved out of the life they have always known. But the team at Haven Foster, Montrose County Health and Human Services and Delta County Health and Human Services hopes to make it all a little easier.
Also, authorities said a quick-thinking mail carrier sprung into action and saved his cargo Sunday afternoon when his mail truck caught fire on U.S. 50.
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Today - there are about two weeks to go before election day. This year the school board candidates have raised more than three times as much money than in all other previous elections combined.
Also, Spooky corn maze haunts and mechanical bull rides aren’t the only attractions returning to the annual Pumpkin Chunkin fall festival this month. After a hiatus last year, the OFD is celebrating its 18th anniversary of the fundraising event with the classic pumpkin chunkin shoot-offs, the Bookmobile, tractor pulls, silent auction, a bounce house and more.
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Montrose County School District is making some big changes soon -- updating their early childhood center, addressing long-running maintenance concerns and maybe even building a new high school. Staff Writer Anna Lynn Winfrey interviewed James Pavlich, executive director of operations at MCSD, as well as director of property services Philip Bailey and director of the early childhood center Penny Harris. The three discussed the school's new master plan along with the needs of the broader scholastic community.
Mo-Town Knows was created by Justin Tubbs and Josue Perez, edited by Sean Fitzpatrick and Sean Flannelly, and overseen by Dennis Anderson.
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More vaccinated individuals can now report side-effects related to the vaccine. The CDC created a voluntary tool for reporting known as the Vaccine Safety Assessment for Essential Workers, or “V-SAFE”. It’s an app that uses text messaging and web surveys to give personalized health check-ins after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
Also, today we're remembering the life of Louis R. Vigil.
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Today - the Montrose County School District is finally implementing a rapid Covid testing program for unvaccinated students and teachers.
Also, volunteers are invited to help clean up the Uncompahgre River on Oct. 25th.
Pa-Co-Chu-Puk is Ouray County’s most popular fly fishing location with fantastic trout habitat in the Uncompahgre River below the Ridgway Dam. Staff from local fishing guide services and outfitters will make up the central volunteer crews and the partnership welcomes anyone else interested in helping their efforts.
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montrosepress.comToday - Montrose County School District is moving forward with the process to select new mascots for Montrose High School and Centennial Middle School.
Also, Catherine Johnston remembers the call that sunk her heart. It was Sept. 23 and came from a friend who was helping direct traffic on U.S. 550. He told her about the accident. Horses were involved, badly injured or dead in a collision with a pickup truck that also hurt the driver. The site? Close to where the Johnston's pastured their horses for Gold Mountain Trail Rides.
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Today - COVID-19 and other illnesses, plus resignations over vaccine requirements, are exacerbating already tight staffing at Montrose Memorial Hospital... all while demand is growing.
Also, taking a moment to remember the life of Tracy J. Powell.
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Today - the Montrose County School District is finally implementing a rapid Covid testing program for unvaccinated students and teachers.
Also, a man rushing his dog to the vet lost control of his car while turning into Montrose Veterinary Clinic’s lot on Monday night, crashing into the side of the building.
To learn more visit us at montrosepress.com
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Montrose County School District is dealing with a labor shortage. An issue many businesses have been dealing with since the start of the pandemic. One in four substitute teaching jobs are going unfilled, leaving the responsibility to other school staff members. Even school principals have been stepping into classrooms when needed.
Also, today we're remembering the life of Thomas David Armstrong.
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Reporter Cassie Knust sits down with the Hispanic Affairs Project, the Olathe Language Connection and a Tortilla Flats resident to discuss what Montrose residents should be thinking about during Hispanic Heritage Month. Bobbi Fresquez and Ricardo Perez emphasize that many local Hispanic residents have been here for decades, if not longer, while Karen Perez and bebe byrd focus on the problems facing immigrant and undocumented locals.
Mo-Town Knows is produced by Justin Tubbs, Josue Perez, Sean Flannelly, Sean Fitzpatrick and Dennis Anderson.
Special thanks to Delta-Montrose Electric Association for their sponsorship.
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Today, Make-a-Wish is testing out the value of a $10 bill with its new Make-a-Wish 12/12 program. The pilot program is the first of its kind for the wish-granting organization, with Montrose as the first city in America to host the fundraiser.
Also, Oktoberfest is brewing up a batch of fun on October 9th at the new Rotary Amphitheater in Cerise Park. As is tradition, All Points Transit organized the event as one of its main fundraisers. The event returns after cancelling last year because of COVID.
Learn more about these stories at montrosepress.com.
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Today - Montrose is opting into an annual state program that will fund the disruption of black-market marijuana.
Also, Montrose Women March is hosting a walk to support reproductive rights and freedoms.The group has organized the march as part of a national day of action. It’s on Saturday, October 2nd, and is among more than 600 events across all 50 states. The march comes two days before October 4th arguments before the Supreme Court concerning abortion rights.
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Today - although it’s barely fall, nighttime temperatures have been dropping. Advocates for homeless people are already seeing a need for sleeping bags and tents to help those who have to pass the night in the cold.
Also, the city is on its way to revitalizing the pocket park located between San Juan Construction and Synergy One Lending. It’s a project that will bring some improvements to the Main St. locale that once hosted Acoustic Tuesdays.
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Today - Montrose Memorial Hospital has lost up to 10 employees because of the State Board of Health’s recent mandate that they either receive a COVID vaccine, or undergo twice-weekly testing.
Also, in a bizarre story yesterday, Four horses died in a crash on U.S. 550. Three, when a man driving a GMC pickup hit them. And the fourth was when the ambulance dispatched for the driver collided with it on its return about a mile from the crash site.
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Today - more than 20 positive COVID tests were recorded in the last two weeks among staff and clients at Advantage Treatment Center, making the local community corrections facility an outbreak site.
Also, The Delta County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identity of the pilot who crashed ten miles outside of Delta last Friday. Timothy Friendshuh, a 55-year-old man and the sole occupant of the aircraft, died when his biplane crashed into rugged terrain.
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Today - Interior Secretary Deb Haaland intends to move the Bureau of Land Management headquarters back to Washington, D.C. — and maintain the current headquarters in Grand Junction as a regional one.
Also, to commemorate Constitution day this year, State Representative Marc Catlin donated hundreds of pocket constitutions to fifth grade students in Montrose County Public Schools.
Read more about these stories at montrosepress.com
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Managing Editor Justin Tubbs sat down with local authorities and experts on mental health to talk about suicide prevention awareness month, and how Montrose is watching out for residents that are struggling. Montrose Police Chief Blaine Hall joins to talk about the department’s co-responder program and officer training. Montrose School District threat assessment coordinator joins to discuss the school’s new Safe2Tell program and new district therapist program. And finally, Center for Mental Health clinical director Laura Byard joins to talk about online training programs and the center’s crisis walk-in center.
Mo-Town Knows was created by Justin Tubbs and Josue Perez, edited and produced by Sean Fitzpatrick and Sean Flannelly and overseen by Dennis Anderson.
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Today - Passenger traffic at Montrose County Airport has been steadily growing over the past decade. Now, the terminal itself will expand to accommodate record-setting amounts of travelers.
Also, a group of Montrose County elected officials announced plans to run for re-election in 2022 at the Montrose County courthouse steps on Wednesday.
To learn more about these stories visit us at montrosepress.com
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Today - Statewide participation rates on standardized testing dropped dramatically in spring 2021. But the trend did not hold up in Montrose.
Also, Montrose gathered for a somber remembrance on Sept. 11, to mark 20 years since terror attacks claimed nearly 3,000 lives on American soil. A procession of fire trucks and law enforcement vehicles ushered in the ceremony. Prayers, proclamations and remembrances were offered by officials.
To learn more about these stories visit us at montrosepress.com
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Today - Tortilla Flats residents and city officials gathered Thursday evening at the MADA building for a roundtable discussion regarding the historical preservation of their neighborhood.
Also, did you know that next Wednesday the Ute Indian Museum will provide a presentation highlighting the historical archaeology of the Morada? They’ll also discuss the Hispanic history of Montrose.
Learn more about these stories at montrosepress.com
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Today - there’s been an 8% increase in the City of Montrose’s total collected use and sales tax from 2019 to 2020. New figures suggest another considerable increase is in store at the end of 2021… but much higher this time.
Also, tomorrow is the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Together, they were the deadliest terrorist attack in human history... 2,977 were killed, more than 25,000 were physically injured, and long-term health consequences followed for so many first-responders who dug through the rubble looking for survivors.
We will be thinking of those who have lost and sacrificed so much this weekend. We hope you do the same.
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Today - The newest redistricting draft maps Boebert out of the 3rd Congressional District. The third district includes Montrose. But it’s not set in stone -- the independent commission has until the end of the month to decide on boundaries for the next 10 years.
Also, The San Juan Healthcare Foundation and the Montrose Medical Alliance are accepting applications for scholarships for training in the healthcare field.
Learn more about these stories at montrosepress.com
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Today - Marriott Hotels and Lamont Companies jointly confirmed construction is underway for a Fairfield by Marriott hotel in Montrose.
Also, taking a moment to remember the life of Albert Frank Penasa.
For more on these stories visit us at montrosepress.com
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Today - One week after community and staff protests at Montrose Memorial Hospital, the Colorado Board of Health has mandated COVID-19 shots for employees.
Also, new legislation signed in June banned Native American mascots statewide. But the only source of funding to schools mentioned in the bill would not be accessible to school districts until after the change is required. Estimates suggest that the total cost of infrastructure changes at both Montrose High School and Centennial Middle School will be over $900,000.
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Today - Earlier this week there was a candlelit vigil where dozens gathered to honor the 13 American service members killed in an explosion last week outside of the Kabul airport.
Also, starting Tuesday, September 7th, Montrose County School District will be kicking off the Extended Learning Network for elementary school students. It’s a new after-school program that will offer after-school childcare and educational enrichment.
Visit montrosepress.com for more on these stories.
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Today - A Montrose woman’s son was among 13 U.S. service members killed outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan.
Also, Montrose Memorial Hospital’s board was not taking up a possible shot mandate at last week’s meeting. But many say they feared being forced to choose between their livelihoods and their right to make their own medical decisions.
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Welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Friday August 20th and we’re here with local news, events, announcements, jobs, and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado.
Today - Colorado 135 was closed overnight between Wednesday and early Thursday while law enforcement agencies negotiated the surrender of a man suspected of pointing a gun at a Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office deputy.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at www.elevateinternet.com.
Now, our feature story…
Colorado 135 was closed overnight between Wednesday and early Thursday while law enforcement agencies negotiated the surrender of a man suspected of pointing a gun at a Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office deputy.
Brad Fortener was eventually detained on suspicion of first-degree assault, menacing and prohibited use of a weapon. Formal charges are pending and case documents and attorney information were not immediately available.
Sheriff John Gallowich said that shortly after 5 p.m. on Wednesday, deputies were informed that a man had threatened to kill “potheads”. When a deputy arrived, the man could be seen in his home, holding what appeared to be a handgun.
Gallowich alleged the suspect pointed the weapon at the deputy, who took cover and summoned help.
Other GCSO deputies arrived, securing the area with assistance from Mt. Crested Butte Police Department, Colorado State Patrol and the Gunnison Police Department K-9 unit.
For safety reasons, the highway was closed at about 6 p.m. Fortener surrendered shortly after 12 a.m. on Thursday and the highway reopened about 30 minutes after that.
To find out more about this story visit us at montrosepress.com.
Now, some local history. This week's local history is brought to you by England Fence. England Fence is family owned and operated, and they're ready to help you build your dream fence, archway, gate, or deck. Give them a call at 970-249-4430, or head over to their website englandfence.com.
Did you know that Loghill Village borders Ridgway State Park and Eldredge, though there is no direct road access between the two? The nearest town is actually Ridgway which can be seen from its position on the mesa.
The town is covered in large Ponderosa Pine trees, piñons and junipers. Wildlife is abundant with a fairly large population of Mule Deer, Elk, Bobcats, Lynxes, Black Bears, wild turkeys and an occasional sighting of mountain lions. Almost 1,000 feet higher than Ridgway, the types and sizes of flora vary greatly. For example, Aspen trees are seen here and there on the mesa, as opposed to the lower Ridgway valley where they are scarce.
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Before we go, a quick announcement on an upcoming vaccine clinic...
Montrose County School District and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment are collaborating to host a COVID vaccination clinic at Montrose High School on Wednesday, September 1 from 3 to 6 p.m.
The school district is focused on pre-registering students and parents with a goal of 100. Parents will need to provide consent for children under the age of 18.
The CDPHE is funding and operating the clinic, which will be distributing the two-dose Pfizer vaccine. Another event is scheduled four weeks later for the second dose.
And while many employers — including Walmart, the Pentagon and Aurora Public Schools — have already mandated vaccines for some workers, the Montrose district is not planning to require the vaccine for students and employees.
Right now, the vaccination rate in Montrose County is lagging behind the statewide average, with only 46% of residents 12 and older fully vaccinated. Just over half have received at least one dose.
To learn more visit us at montrosepress.com
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That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.
And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.
For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Good morning and welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Wednesday Aug 25th and we’re here to bring you a closer look at our top stories, events and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado.
Today - With a hefty chunk of funding heading its way, the West Region Wildfire Council is better able to tackle fuels reduction projects.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at elevateinternet.com.
Now, our feature story.
With a hefty chunk of funding heading its way, the West Region Wildfire Council is better able to tackle fuels reduction projects.
The state recently awarded the WRWC $730,950 to increase resiliency within the watershed and wildland-urban interface. It’s the area where wildland intersects with human development.
The WRWC also received $178,200 for the Trout Lake wildfire and watershed resiliency project in San Miguel County.
The money comes from the Forest Restoration gation grant program. The goal of the funding is to increase the community’s ability to address wildfire; reduce its risks; promote forest health and to encourage the use of wood from forest health and fuels reduction projects.
We spoke to Jamie Gomez, the executive director of the West Region Wildfire Council. He said that even though it sounds like a single, cohesive project by its title, it’s not. There are a number of individual projects they’ll be taking on.
The council is looking at a combination of defensible space projects; thinning critical routes; fuel breaks and possibly bigger projects.
We all know that the deadly wildfires last year emphasized how many forested areas in the state are fire-prone.
And wildfire is often inevitable. That’s why the state offers funding help through the FRWRM grant program to help offset the costs of reducing that risk and promoting forest health.
And Gomez says that the science is fairly clear - the more we can invest now, the lower intensity wildfire we will have and the lower risks the communities will face.
The West Region Wildfire Council is based in Montrose. It works to reduce wildfire risk in Montrose, Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Ouray and San Miguel counties.
The council offers practical tips for hardening your home against wildfire and creating defensible space around your home.
It also provides wildfire risk assessments, site visits and, for certain qualified neighborhoods.
To learn more about this story visit our full story at montrosepress.com
Next,
We’d like to take a moment to remember the life of Heather Christine Washington of Montrose.
She was born in Denver on June 18, 1967. Her childhood was spent with her family and she graduated from Middle Park High School with Panther pride. Then, in 1995, Heather married Paul Washington and in 1997 had a son. They lived in Tacoma, Washington, for many years amongst family and friends and then moved to Montrose in 1998.
Heather enjoyed crocheting and learning new patterns. She was always creating beautiful blankets, rugs, pillows, decorations and kitchen scrubbers for anyone and everyone. One year she crocheted little teacups as Christmas presents. Hallmark movies and cooking shows held a special place for Heather especially if family and friends would watch with her. She was a very generous and forgiving soul. Heather never held a grudge.
Heather will be missed by so many that loved her. Thank you for taking the time with us today to remember and celebrate her life.
That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.
And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.
For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Good morning and welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Monday August 23rd and we’re here to bring you a closer look at our top stories, events and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado.
Today - With the rise of the delta variant, the Colorado Department of Corrections is now requiring staffers to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at elevateinternet.com.
Now, our feature story.
With the rise of the delta variant, the Colorado Department of Corrections is now requiring staffers to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
The requirement applies to prison employees. It also applies to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Colorado Department of Human Services staffers.
The Delta Correctional Center is a state prison - so this requirement will affect that center. However, it does not apply to county jails, which are not part of the CDOC.
In fact, none of the four jails in the local 7th Judicial District mandates vaccines for corrections staff members. And Montrose County Sheriff Gene Lillard said it’s their constitutional right to decide it one way or the other.
The local jail employs about 38 people.
Lillard said that as of August 16th, the Montrose County Jail had never been tagged as an outbreak site. They’re actually one of very few corrections facilities in Colorado that did not have an outbreak of COVID during 2020.
Delta, Gunnison and San Miguel counties operate the remaining jails in the district.
The Delta County Jail does not have a vaccine requirement for staff. Nor does Gunnison’s jail.
But San Miguel County Sheriff Bill Masters’ views differ from his counterparts. Well, when it comes to vaccination. Masters says they’re strongly encouraging vaccination for all employees. He said of the 44 people employed he is only aware of four who have not opted for a vaccine.
And those non-vaccinated staff are required to wear masks and be tested.
Meanwhile, Delta, Montrose and Gunnison jails do not have staff testing requirements.
And here in Montrose, although Lillard won’t tell his staff to get vaccinated, the staff are masking and wearing gloves. The MCSO also uses commercial-grade equipment to sanitize the facility.
In short, they take precautions.
Lillard summed up his perspective by saying they’re guarded. They don’t take this lightly. But he still believes it is the right of the individual. If someone wants to put something in their body, that’s up to them.
To read more on this story and the precautions that Correctional Centers in our community are taking visit us at montrosepress.com
Before we go…
Pandemic-induced supply chain shortages are affecting the global coffee bean market, but local roasters don't expect prices to rise — yet.
In fact, many different industries are dealing with supply shortages. And a July frost and drought in Brazil is adding to that tension for coffee roasters.
Brazil - one of the largest exporters of coffee beans, lost some coffee bean crops due to the weather-related events. Now, coffee prices have hit a six-year high in the country.
Though a full effect on the crop won’t be realized until next year, the events are expected to have little impact on corporations like Starbucks or Nestlé.
But for small, locally owned roasters, there’s no answer on how the rise in coffee prices could impact business.
Still...for now, Montrose coffee lovers can exhale.
Eric Palumbo, the owner, roaster and barista at Cimarron Coffee Roasters in Montrose said he hasn’t been impacted by the market’s rise in coffee prices. He purchases his product long before it’s placed on a container ship. In fact, he’s locked in product from this year’s harvest that should get him through the majority of next year.
The big thing impacting him short-term is shipping costs.
Palumbo’s less-than-truckload shipping costs have spiked significantly.
He’s been absorbing other additional costs, too, for materials like cups and lids, due to shipping pricing and shortages.
To learn more about this story and other local businesses that are grappling with the affects of shortages visit montrosepress.com
That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.
And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.
For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Friday August 20th and we’re here with local news, events, announcements, jobs, and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado.
Today - Next week’s scrimmage and plenty of practice should give head coach Brett Mertens and his staff an idea of who will replace 2020 graduate Keagan Goodwin. Goodwin was a dual-threat quarterback.
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Now, our feature story…
Next week’s scrimmage and plenty of practice should give head coach Brett Mertens and his staff an idea of who will replace 2020 graduate Keagan Goodwin. Goodwin was a dual-threat quarterback. He threw for 310 yards and six touchdowns and added 147 yards and two scores on the ground in five games last season.
But now, senior Bridger Kurtz and sophomore Gage Wareham both have the opportunity to start on August 26 against Grand Junction Central. It’s the season opener.
Mastering the playbook is key for Kurtz. And experience-wise, Kurtz has an edge. He even made a few spot starts last fall filling in for Goodwin. And he played well.
Excitement is ramping up for Kurtz. He said Montrose could do some special things this year.
This summer, he’s focused on his mechanics, timing and fundamentals, making sure he’s delivering the ball swiftly to each of the team’s running backs.
And he’s enjoyed competing alongside Wareham, too.
Thanks to a somewhat “back-to-normal summer,” absent of certain restrictions or uncertainty of a potential season, players are back to the routine of years past. Montrose’s three-day full-contact summer camp in July at Western State University gave the players adequate opportunity to ramp up conditioning. It's the reason why Mertens isn’t worried about going from six to 10 games — it’s been a routine offseason.
He told us it’s going to be fun. They missed last year.
To find out more about this story visit us at montrosepress.com.
Now, some local history. This week's local history is brought to you by England Fence. England Fence is family owned and operated, and they're ready to help you build your dream fence, archway, gate, or deck. Give them a call at 970-249-4430, or head over to their website englandfence.com.
Before we go a few things going on in our community that you should know about...
Tomorrow starting at 8 a.m. There’s free fun for kids at Youth Appreciation Day. Expect multiple events at multiple locations throughout town. Highlights include Kiddie Carnival; Rec Fest; mini golf; jump houses; dance instruction; police K-9s; stand up paddle board instruction; arts and crafts events; super splash-n-slide; and even a CareFlight helicopter. You can check out the full schedule at montroserec.com.
Then on Wednesday next week head over to the Wright Opera House for their 7pm night movie!
They’ll be showing “Swallow.” It’s about a young housewife who develops a disorder that gives her an irresistible urge to eat inedible objects. Keep in mind it’s rated R.
Finally, next Saturday - the 28th, make sure to head over to the Ridgway RiverFest at Rollans Park. It’s a family-friendly celebration with live music, local food and drinks, and watershed educational and cultural programs.
Make sure to check out all of our favorite upcoming events at montrosepress.com
That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.
And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.
For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/
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Good morning and welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Wednesday Aug 18th and we’re here to bring you a closer look at our top stories, events and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado.
Today - Colorado has committed $173 million in federal money to COVID testing in public schools throughout the state. But the program will not be in place when many Montrose students return to classrooms on Thursday.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at elevateinternet.com.
Now, our feature story.
Colorado has committed $173 million in federal money to COVID testing in public schools throughout the state. But the program will not be in place when many Montrose students return to classrooms on Thursday.
The Colorado Sun reported that the program is behind schedule. This comes as dozens of school districts have already begun to welcome students back to in-person classrooms.
Testing students, especially those still under the age of 12 and ineligible for COVID vaccines, is a large part of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s guidance.
Once it is set up, participation in the program is voluntary. Students under the age of 18 will be required to obtain parental consent.
Montrose’s strategy is less aggressive than other school districts around the state. Teachers and staff in Denver Public Schools are required to receive a vaccine or participate in regular COVID testing. And student athletes above age 12 in Aurora Public Schools must receive a vaccine or be regularly tested.
And outside of testing, our district is also waiting to hear back from the state about the exact details for vaccination clinics.
But supporting vaccine clinics came under attack at the August 10 school board meeting. Disgruntled parents and community members waved signs and passionately spoke to the board about their objections.
The vaccination rate in Montrose County still trails behind the state average. Less than half of adults are fully vaccinated.
But if at least 70% of people eligible for the vaccine within a school have been fully vaccinated, quarantines are not required for anybody at the school.
To learn more about this story visit our full story at montrosepress.com
You can also stay up to date on NABUR!
Next, For the third consecutive year, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is encouraging hunters to take a friend hunting. As a reward, CPW has created a contest for mentors who take the time to pass on their knowledge.
Here’s how it works… Mentors can take a beginner hunter out or mentees can encourage an experienced hunter to teach them how to hunt. From there, the pair can enter to win some great prizes by submitting a photograph and brief story of their time out in the field. Submissions will be judged by their ability to inspire and are due by February 8th. Everyone must be at least 18 years old. Also, the mentors must have held a Colorado hunting license in at least three of the last five years.
Check out the full story to learn more and submit your story at montrosepress.com
That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.
And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.
For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Good morning and welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Monday August 16th and we’re here to bring you a closer look at our top stories, events and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado.
Today - Like the rest of the state, test scores in Montrose County School District have dropped. But this was expected because of the pandemic.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at elevateinternet.com.
Now, our feature story.
Like the rest of the state, test scores in Montrose County School District have dropped. But this was expected because of the pandemic.
Test scores in Montrose parallel the overall decrease in CMAS test scores observed throughout the state of Colorado.
Also, longstanding gaps among racial and ethnic subgroups widened.
The percentage of Hispanic students who scored into the lowest category on math exams grew from 24% in 2019 to 33% this spring, while the amount of white students scoring into the lowest category only grew by five percentage points, from 8% to 13%.
The state of Colorado has required some form of standardized testing since 1993. Students in fourth- through eighth-grade took the first round of tests under the Colorado Student Assessment Program in 1997.
Then, President George W. Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act into law in 2001, which mandated annual math and English testing for third- through eighth-grade students.
But Spring 2020 testing in Colorado and most other states was canceled because of the pandemic.
So although district-level data on participation rates were not immediately available, CDE data suggests that rates fell across the state. In rural and remote schools, only 60-73% of students participated in required statewide assessments, while 77-88% of students in outlying cities and towns took the exams.
All testing across the state was in-person. The state department of education did not allow students to test remotely because of inequities in access to technology, reliable internet and quiet spaces.
The vast majority of students in Montrose attended in-person last year, so testing conditions did not change dramatically from previous years. But students attending 100% online school came into the district office to be tested.
To read more on this story visit us at montrosepress.com
Before we go…
We’d like to take a moment to remember Vincent Lovato of Montrose. Vincent was born in 1989.
Vincent attended elementary, junior high, and high school in Montrose. He was a self-taught musician who won the Colorado’s Got Talent competition. He enjoyed cooking and worked as a sous chef at numerous restaurants in Montrose. Vincent also set up mobile homes in the surrounding area. His smile was very contagious and it brightened any room he was in; he loved making people laugh from the time he was a very young boy.
He leaves behind his 2-year-old son Parker. He is also survived by his love, Rachel, his parents, sister, and grandmother.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that you donate to The Children’s Music Fund in Vincent’s name. Thank you for taking a moment with us to remember and celebrate his life.
That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.
And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.
For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Friday August 13th and we’re here with local news, events, announcements, jobs, and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado.
Today - Dozens of residents gathered outside of school board meeting this week to object to vaccine clinics and critical race theory.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at www.elevateinternet.com.
Now, our feature story…
The room was not big enough to fit the crowd of people who gathered to attend the Montrose County School District’s board meeting this week.
And most of the crowd, board members and district staff present were not wearing masks.
Public commenters came to advocate for parental rights to opt-in sexual education and to object to vaccine clinics.
While addressing the board, resident Richard Couturier even asked them to raise their hands and indicate who had been vaccinated. Nobody raised their hand and multiple board members said that they would not disclose that information.
While the district has strongly encouraged that eligible students and staff get vaccinated, they are not required. Also, wearing masks is not required for the start of the school year.
Other districts across the state are requiring masks indoors and vaccinations for teachers. In Denver Public Schools for example, masks are required for everyone indoors. And all public and high-risk private employees in Denver are required to be fully vaccinated by the end of September.
Another member of the public came to voice objections about critical race theory.
But as Superintendent Carrie Stephenson emphasized in a letter, critical race theory is an advanced academic concept that is not taught in K-12 schools in Montrose.
To find out more about this story visit us at montrosepress.com.
Now, some local history. This week's local history is brought to you by England Fence. England Fence is family owned and operated, and they're ready to help you build your dream fence, archway, gate, or deck. Give them a call at 970-249-4430, or head over to their website englandfence.com.
Did you know that Sweitzer Lake was built as a retreat for water sports, relaxation, fishing, and boating? The lake is named for Morgan Sweitzer, an American farmer and fruit grower who donated the land to the state of Colorado to establish the recreational lake. He passed away in 1953, 12 years before the state park was completed.
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Before we go --- Montrose County grew by 3.4% from 2010 to 2020, according to a new batch of Census data released yesterday.
And the state of Colorado grew by a whopping 14.8% and picked up a new seat in Congress.
Population growth was not even across the state: in general, urban and suburban counties along the Front Range grew at a faster rate than rural counties in agricultural areas.
Most counties in southwest Colorado experienced mild- to moderate growth, with the exception of Hinsdale County which saw a drop. And some counties in the San Luis Valley also dropped slightly. But it was Kit Carson County that saw the highest decrease in the state, dropping by 14.3%.
Meanwhile Denver County grew by nearly 20%.
That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.
And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.
For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Good morning and welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Wednesday Aug 11th and we’re here to bring you a closer look at our top stories, events and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado.
Today - The Colorado River is being squeezed by overuse and plunging supply. In fact, if the Colorado River were a bank account, it would be running toward the red.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at elevateinternet.com.
Now, our feature story.
If the Colorado River were a bank account, it would be running toward the red.
The river, the lifeblood for several Western states, is being squeezed by overuse and plunging supply. And, as temperatures stay on the upswing year after year, thirsty soils absorb the bulk of moisture from a dwindling annual snowpack.
The conclusion is “inescapable,” according to Colorado River District Manager Andy Mueller.
The Colorado River feeds Lake Powell. And Lake Powell is the main water storage for the Upper Basin states of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.
The river also feeds Lake Mead. That’s the main water storage for the three Lower Basin states of Arizona, California and Nevada.
But year after year of dry conditions hammered the river. This year, it’s dropped so low that Blue Mesa Reservoir had to release water just to keep Powell’s power turbines turning.
Given climate science predictions, the poor water years have not been a surprise.
Anne Castle, former assistant Secretary of the Interior for Water and Science during the Obama Administration, said that we’re facing a very difficult problem right now. She explained that we don’t have much control over the supply. The thing we have our fingers on the lever of is demand.
So water users in both the Upper Basin and Lower Basin states are attempting to adjust demand. But they disagree over critical elements of the agreement.
And although the Lower Basin states have cut use, there is much more that needs to be done.
But changing the rules will have ripple effects on both users and the economy.
To learn more about this story visit our full story at montrosepress.com
Next, We’d like to take a moment to remember the life of Gloriann Johnson. Gloriann was born in Minnesota. She grew up on a farm in Twin Valley and graduated from Twin Valley High School, Class of 1958.
She later moved to North Dakota, where she worked as an accountant. There, she met Allen Johnson. They were married in 1962.
Gloriann and Allen moved to Illinois, had two daughters Lori and Julie, then moved to Aurora, Colorado, and had two more daughters, Stacy and Jayne. And adding to the family over the years 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Allen passed away in 1994, after 32 years of marriage. So a few years later Gloriann moved to Montrose, enjoying friends and a new chapter.
She met Al Hanson at a class reunion; they were high school sweethearts, and were married in 2011. They have enjoyed 10 years of marriage, fishing for walleye in Minnesota, snow-birding in Arizona, and of course, enjoying Colorado in the spring and fall seasons.
Thank you for taking a moment with us to remember and celebrate Gloriann’s life.
That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.
And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.
For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Good morning and welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Monday August 9th and we’re here to bring you a closer look at our top stories, events and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado.
Today - A nearly 10-acre site near to the Montrose County School District’s main offices will soon be the site of students and teachers learning al fresco.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at elevateinternet.com.
Now, our feature story.
A nearly 10-acre site adjacent to the Montrose County School District’s main offices will soon be the site of students and teachers learning al fresco.
The plans for the ADA accessible site have been established and construction is already underway.
Keely Vaughan, the center’s program director, said that the main focus right now is going out and talking with members in our community, especially young people. They’re holding some student design sessions and really trying to capture the voice of these people.
The district is aiming to begin offering programming this November and open a forest preschool next fall.
One of the first programs is an “Adventure With Me” course for parents and Pre-K children to go on immersive nature walks.
Eventually, they hope to start a full K-12 outdoor school at the same site.
Vaughan emphasized that they want to ensure the school is accessible to all students and families who want to participate.
An extensive body of research suggests that outdoor learning has many short- and long-term benefits for children. From stronger interpersonal skills to improved physical health.
Plans for the San Juan Center for Outdoor Education were first conceived back in October 2020, when the district had the opportunity to apply for a RISE grant with the state of Colorado.
The grant application encompassed two main elements: a program for social-emotional well being and the outdoor learning center.
Although the district did not win state funding for the outdoor learning center, district leadership decided to move forward with plans.
Dr. Jessica Beller, the district’s director of instructional services, said that the district recognized how important the project was to the community.
And luckily, the district has moved on and found other sources of funding for the project. Montrose County donated stone and gravel for the grounds and the City of Montrose supplied the funds to purchase three large-scale teepees and two yurts from the Colorado Yurt Company.
Beller said that the district is aiming to work with as many local- and Colorado-based businesses as possible.
The district also applied for — and received — another state-based grant for the initial phases of the project.
To read more on this story visit us at montrosepress.com
Before we go…
Police, sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, paramedics and wildlife officers came together last week to serve the community in a different way…. with complimentary hamburgers, hotdogs and soft drinks.
In case you missed it - the local National Night Out event drew the hungry and the curious. They enjoyed grilled goods, along with a bike rodeo for kids, equipment and vehicle displays, tours of the armored BearCat vehicle, and even drone demonstrations.
Sheriff Gene Lillard also presented photographer Joseph Harold with a community appreciation award.
Other event partners included the Montrose Fire Protection District, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Olathe Police Department.
That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.
And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.
For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Friday August 6th and we’re here with local news, events, announcements, jobs, and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado.
Today - Run down homes, overgrown trees and a lack of working water and sewer lines only scratch the surface of the issues at three Montrose mobile home parks. But developer Rich Dana intends to solve them all.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at www.elevateinternet.com.
Now, our feature story…
Run down homes, overgrown trees and a lack of working water and sewer lines only scratch the surface of the issues at three Montrose mobile home parks.
But developer Rich Dana intends to solve them all.
After talks with the Assistant City Manager, Dana has now taken his mobile home park permit application to the City Council.
The application is for San Juan, Cottonwood and Green Acres Mobile Home Parks
City council members readily approved the variance and permit requests, and also committed $500,000 in support to the overall $4 million investment.
Council members also approved $200,000 from the undesignated General Fund and $300,000 from the recently received American Rescue Plan Act funds.
The city’s investment will be designated toward the removal of asbestos and the addition of water and sewer infrastructure in the parks. But Dana has a comprehensive plan for improving the overall well-being of the parks.
He proposes park maintenance, drainage, lighting, fire hydrants and tiny homes.
Dana also intends to take care of landscaping, and add two new parks for children in the communities.
So what’s the timeline? Dana said his plan is to have no more vacant homes by November.
But the project is currently $1.4 million above the initial budget due to rising costs in labor and materials.
Still, despite the unforeseen challenges, Dana maintains that the benefit of the project remains as the focal point of his efforts.
To find out more about this story visit us at montrosepress.com.
Now, some local history. This week's local history is brought to you by England Fence. England Fence is family owned and operated, and they're ready to help you build your dream fence, archway, gate, or deck. Give them a call at 970-249-4430, or head over to their website englandfence.com.
Did you know that Mount Wilson is the highest summit in the San Miguel Mountains in the Rockies? The prominent peak is 14,252 feet high and is named for A.D. Wilson a topgrapher with the Hayden Survey. It was in the first ascent party which climbed the peak on September 13th, 1874 via the South Ridge.
Before we go --- The Black Canyon Boys and Girls Club is turning the tap back on for the annual Wine and Food Festival.
The festival is returning for its 18th anniversary and as is tradition. All proceeds from the event will go toward the club. For $65, people can enjoy a Saturday full of all-you-can-eat food and wine with more than 20 vendors.
The annual event typically is held in May, but this year was pushed to September 4th because of pandemic challenges.
They’re also switching it up this year by adding an app for the festival. The app will have a map, information on sponsors, food and beverage vendors, silent auction donors, festival partners and more.
The festival will be held at the Montrose County Event Center to accommodate more people while social distancing. It’ll also feature local band Neon Sky! You can get tickets at bcbgc.org
That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.
And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.
For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Good morning and welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Wednesday Aug 4th and we’re here to bring you a closer look at our top stories, events and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado.
Today - State Senator Don Coram and Representative Marc Catlin announced their intent to secure an agreement with local Native American tribes to preserve the Montrose High School mascot.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at elevateinternet.com.
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Now, our feature story.
State Senator Don Coram and Representative Marc Catlin announced their intent to secure an agreement with local Native American tribes to preserve the Montrose High School mascot.
At the end of June Governor Jared Polis signed into law Senate Bill 21-116, banning American Indian mascots in Colorado public schools.
The bill gave school districts until June 30, 2021 to reach agreements with nearby tribes if they did want to keep their mascot. This is the only way to be exempted from a $25,000 monthly fine.
But Coram said he didn’t think the state would be able to fine school districts. He thinks that’s a plot to scare everyone.
The Montrose County School District confirmed they have requested meetings with the tribes.
Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Chairman Manual Hart asked --- when you say Indians, do you mean 574 federally recognized Indian tribes that you have to work with?
Hart noted the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe had supported the bill banning the use of Native American mascots in most circumstances.
In short, Hart isn’t optimistic about Coram’s chances at getting an agreement.
The mascots law affects about two dozen public schools in Colorado that use Native American symbolism and mascots. And replacing the Montrose Indians mascot could cost between $500,000 and $750,000.
But Schools like Montrose that need to change the mascot can apply for the Building Excellent Schools Today grant from the state of Colorado to help offset those costs.
To learn more about this story visit our full story at montrosepress.com
Visit Nabur.montrosepress.com
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Next,
We’d like to take a moment to remember the life of Robert W. Lay.
Bob was born on May 7, 1932 in Montrose. He was raised in Rico with his two brothers Gilbert and Richard. His mom and the boys moved to Montrose for high school. He met his soulmate, Joyce A. Miller, during high school whom he married in Afton, New York in 1955. Joyce and Bob started their family.
Bob worked on the dairy farm, drove a Rural Star mail route. He was also a volunteer fireman for close to 40 years and retired in 1992 as the fire district mechanic for South Adams County Fire Department. He loved his family, hunting, fishing and the Lord.
Bob leaves behind wife, Joyce, his children, five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Thank you for taking a moment with us today to remember and celebrate Bob’s life.
That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.
And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.
For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Good morning and welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Monday August 2nd and we’re here to bring you a closer look at our top stories, events and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado.
Today - The frenzied real estate market is causing a shortage of affordable homes in Montrose. And it’s all happening at the same time as the district is struggling to fill open positions for teachers.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at elevateinternet.com.
Now, our feature story.
Kimberly Wilson served for 20 years in the Air Force before she decided to become an elementary school teacher.
And after accepting an offer to teach elementary students in Montrose, Wilson and her husband soon found out that the real estate market is out of control.
It turns out that the frenzied real estate market is causing a shortage of affordable homes in Montrose. And it’s all happening at the same time as the district is struggling to fill open positions for teachers.
Michelle Pottorff, the director of human resources for Montrose County School District, said that the district is facing a twofold challenge. A rapid uptick in people leaving teaching, and a struggle to attract new teachers to the area.
And if the district does find teachers, lots of them are having a really hard time finding a place to live.
As the food service and hospitality industries have been scrambling to hire workers in recent months, some school districts have been struggling to hire enough qualified teachers for the past few years.
Enrollment in teacher training programs dropped by over one-third between 2010 and 2018.
Then, the pandemic hit and an unparalleled amount of teachers left the profession.
Longtime teachers aren’t the only ones retiring, though. Some younger teachers have been leaving the industry for other, better-paying jobs.
To make sure that teachers new to the area find adequate places to live, the district has been providing logistical help. From chasing down teachers moving away - to referring families with local real estate agents.
Local real estate agent Jessamy Pressler has been working with teachers to find homes for the past few years. Pressler said that the housing challenges that teachers face are also affecting people working in other industries.
The people pricing locals out of the real estate market are transplants from expensive urban markets on the Front Range or out of state.
Because as the pandemic accelerated the prevalence of working from home, high-income workers have moved to far-flung towns, including Montrose.
But local wages are not increasing enough for current residents to compete with the urban expat
To read more on this story visit us at montrosepress.com
Before we go…
The city has formally acknowledged one more structure integral to Montrose’s rich history.
The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Depot, located on Rio Grande Avenue.
The city-owned depot is the town’s second railroad depot. It’s known for its association with Montrose’s history of transportation.
The structure opened in Montrose on June 3, 1882, just a month after Montrose was founded.
Pretty soon, it was considered “the most important station west of Gunnison City”.
The Mission Revival style depot provided passenger and freight services at the popular rail junction.
The building boasts a terra cotta tile roof, overhanging eaves, shaped parapets and arched porches.
The property was designated as a Montrose County landmark in 2016. After a July 20 vote, it also was added to the City of Montrose’s register of historic places.
The structure is the eighth addition to the city’s register. It can also be found on the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties.
The depot has been home to the Montrose County Historical Museum since the 1970s.
That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.
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For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Friday July 30th and we’re here with local news, events, announcements, jobs, and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado.
Today - Unvaccinated students and staff in the Montrose County School District will not be required to wear masks to start the school year.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at www.elevateinternet.com.
Now, our feature story…
Unvaccinated students and staff in the Montrose County School District will not be required to wear masks to start the school year.
The district’s spokesperson, Matt Jenkins said that the safety of all of the students and staff is still the number one priority.
This policy comes after national and state public health agencies have directly required masks. But earlier this week the CDC updated federal guidance to recommend that everybody — vaccinated or not — wear masks indoors at schools.
Other school districts on the Western Slope that have already announced mask policies also opted to avoid a mask mandate. Both Delta County 50J and Mesa County Valley School District announced that masks will not be required. Other districts are holding off on announcing their policies until the beginning of August.
But this fall’s COVID policy comes with the caveat. The plan is “subject to change depending on local public health conditions.
Broader CDC guidelines for mask-wearing were also updated on July 27 to encourage people in counties with high community spread to wear masks.
And as of yesterday the CDC has classified Montrose County as an area with high levels of community transmission.
Vaccinations encouraged, but not required
At least 65% of district staff have already gotten vaccinated. But less than half of county residents eligible for the vaccine have received at least one dose. That’s significantly lower than the statewide average.
Jenkins said that the district is not mandating vaccination for district employees and students 12 and older at this time.
But Jenkins did say that the vaccine is an effective way that we're going to end the pandemic,
The district is planning on offering opt-in vaccination clinics for eligible students and staff. Parents will be required to give consent for students to be vaccinated.
To find out more about this story visit us at montrosepress.com.
Now, some local history. This week's local history is brought to you by England Fence. England Fence is family owned and operated, and they're ready to help you build your dream fence, archway, gate, or deck. Give them a call at 970-249-4430, or head over to their website englandfence.com.
Did you know the Flat Top-Peach Valley Recreation Area is 9,700 acres set aside for motorized and non-motorized recreation? It was originally designated for conservation in 1999. If you’re inclined, there are 95 miles of “play areas” where cross-country motorcycle, ATV, and mountain bike riders can enjoy sport and adventure with the backdrop of some of Colorado’s most beautiful scenery.
Blondie Campbell has been dancing her way through life since she was a young girl. She found her lifelong dance partner in her high school sweetheart, Donald.
Whether Campbell was playing music in school or in her dance band that she formed with her aunt, rhythmatic steps kept her going.
Campbell was a bank teller by day and a dancer by night, frequenting the Montrose Pavilion Dance Club with her husband after it was formed in 1990.
From classic waltz to ballroom dancing, Campbell would find fellowship and community out on the dance floor.
The former bank teller took over the dance club in 2008 as the dance coordinator and is excited for the dance club to return from the year and a half hiatus the pandemic required.
In the past, Montrose citizens have shown up for country western dancing, two stepping, rock and roll and even line dancing. And the dance club has no plans on changing their tune anytime soon.
The dance club revival will take place on Saturday August 14 and August 28 with live performances from Ghost River and New Vision. The dance events will return the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 7:30 -11 p.m.
Get your dancing shoes on Montrose!
That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.
And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.
For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Good morning and welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Wednesday July 28th and we’re here to bring you a closer look at our top stories, events and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado.
Today - Following months of hammering out details and anticipation, Colorado Yurt Company broke ground on its new headquarters last week.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at elevateinternet.com.
Now, our feature story.
Following months of hammering out details and anticipation, Colorado Yurt Company broke ground on its new headquarters during a brief public ceremony Thursday.
This marked the start of a near-yearlong process to build out the massive project.
It’ll be a 30,000-square foot manufacturing and office space building on nearly 3.4 acres.
This will include a display village along the south end of the river trail. It’ll also include a public/private restroom on the north end in partnership with the City of Montrose.
Colorado Yurt owners John and Kelly Gibson were joined in attendance by Mayfly Outdoors Founder David Dragoo, city staff and members of Montrose City Council, dozens of Colorado Yurt employees and other community leaders.
Also in attendance were Dan and Emma Kigar, who founded Colorado Yurt in 1976.
The Kigars sold the company to the Gibsons in January of 2020.
They explained that this was always their vision and they’re thrilled to see it all coming together.
Gibson in April reported Colorado Yurt’s first quarter sales were 56% above target projections. That followed a 2020 cycle where sales were up 45%.
The Gibsons have added 27 different employees in 18 months, and could add even more once the project is finalized.
Mayfly Outdoors Founder, Dragoo said the project’s proximity to the River and walking path is a huge bonus.
The project should be completed for Memorial Day in 2022. Colorado Yurt is planning a grand opening during that weekend.
To learn more about this story visit our full story at montrosepress.com
Next,
The day has come. The Blue Mesa Reservoir will contribute water to keep the hydropower turbines at Lake Powell operational. This move is called for under the Upper Basin Drought Response Operations Agreement.
State Representative Marc Catlin of Montrose explained that this is a drastic time.
Catlin, a lifelong water expert, also sits on the Colorado River District Board of Directors, representing Montrose County.
The district was formed in the 1930s to protect the Colorado River.
Now, because of the drought conditions, the water surface level at Lake Powell is taking a record plunge to below 3,555 feet.
The massive reservoir has lost 16 million acre feet of water since 1999, enough to service 64 million households a year.
River district representatives met with the Department of the Interior last week to discuss how drought response operations will proceed.
But Catlin reiterated the drawdown is necessary under the current agreement.
He also noted that Blue Mesa did bail out the Gunnison Basin in parched years like 2002, but this is different.
He isn’t confident whether climate change is the issue, but said the soil moisture content of Upper Basin states is critically dry.
Add to the mix a predicted La Niña pattern for winter, and the southwestern part of the state will miss out on the bulk of whatever snow does come to call.
But for now, Blue Mesa is serving its purposes.
That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.
And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.
For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Good morning and welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Monday July 26th and we’re here to bring you a closer look at our top stories, events and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado.
Today - DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is now considered “unlawful” according to a July 16 ruling.
The ruling leaves the immigrant community in Montrose devastated and in limbo.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at elevateinternet.com.
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Now, our feature story.
DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is now considered “unlawful” according to Texas federal Judge Andrew S. Hanen’s July 16 ruling.
The judge determined that former president Barack Obama exceeded his authority when he created the program by executive order in 2012.
The judge also said that new application approvals are prohibited. Although he would not order the DACA program to be immediately discontinued.
His logic was that DACA violated the Administrative Procedure Act.
The ruling leaves the immigrant community in Montrose devastated and in limbo, according to Ricardo Perez. Perez is the executive director and co-founder of the Hispanic Affairs Project.
Perez said that they’re very disappointed because there are many who we call Dreamers in our communities.
The Hispanic Affairs Project works with the Colorado Immigrants Rights Coalition and the Department of Justice Immigration Legal Assistance Program. These are both programs set up in the Western Slope to help community members with DACA applications and the path to citizenship.
Perez said their organization supports an average of 80 applicants a year.
But the way Perez sees it, the judge left the door open for DACA renewals.
Not to be confused with DREAM - DACA determined that certain individuals who immigrated to the United States as children could request consideration of deferred action for two years.
DACA recipients became eligible for work permits and to reside in the United States legally during that period.
DACA applicants must meet several guidelines, including having moved to the U.S. before turning 15. They also need a clean criminal record.
Perez and The Hispanic Affairs Project are already working to coordinate actions against the ruling.
The organization plans to request action from state senators to support DACA.
Perez added that many applicants began applying when they were 16. They have since graduated high school, been to college, joined the workforce and started a family.
He said - this is their home. They’re active community members participating in our society in many ways.
Perez also explained that this news is very painful, but this is not the end.
To stay up to date on this story visit us at montrosepress.com
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Before we go…
Rosie Glenn’s heart is happiest when colors are floating across her canvas.
She’s fascinated by the idea of leaving behind a legacy and the ability of humans to create something out of nothing.
The artist found her love for art as a young child. She then earned her GED, attended Arapahoe Community College and went on to study jewelry and metalwork at Metro State University.
She transplanted to Montrose in 2017 with her family, where she is now a self-proclaimed “domestic engineer” and a homeschooling teacher.
When she’s not teaching her 6-year-old son, Glenn is in her home studio creating.
With her love of colors, it’s no wonder that the artist is drawn to the abstract style of arts.
Whether Glenn is tie-dyeing, sewing, working with leather, beading, cooking or baking or acrylic painting - she’s happy.
But it’s her work in metal-smithing and jewelry making that really drives her.
Glenn’s current painting phase indulges her passion for the multitude of art practices she enjoys executing, including glitter, color and texture in her art.
The artist is bringing her “playful yet serious” style of art to Mosaic. She’ll be the gallery’s featured artist for July.
Check it out!
That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.
And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.
For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Friday July 23rd and we’re here with local news, events, announcements, jobs, and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado.
Today - What the gray wolf’s Colorado comeback will look like is yet to be determined... but the state got plenty of input from folks in our community on Wednesday evening.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at www.elevateinternet.com.
Now, our feature story…
What the gray wolf’s Colorado comeback will look like is yet to be determined, but the state got plenty of input from the Montrose area Wednesday evening.
Many who went to the Keystone Policy Center and Colorado Parks and Wildlife open house said that robust compensation is needed for livestock producers. Why? Some might lose herds to predation. And at least one person wanted comparative ecological studies.
One attendee made his point through costume. He arrived draped in a crimson cloak and carrying a picnic basket. His nametag read “Little Red”.
He explained it’s symbolic of the wolves coming into Colorado.
In case you’re not up to date, Proposition 114 requires Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to restore and manage gray wolves in the state by the end of 2023.
Reintroduction of the species will happen on the Western Slope.
Prop 114 also requires hearing on scientific, economic and social considerations. It also requires public input and state funds to compensate livestock owners.
And recently, Colorado Parks and Wildlife teamed up with Keystone Policy Center to hear from residents about how they would like to see the state go about bringing back the wolves.
Montrose resident Ralph Files said he’s concerned about the economic fallout of introducing another predator onto the landscape.
He explained that Montrose County has a $50 million economic driver because of hunting and fishing on the Western Slope and that’s in jeopardy.
Files also said he’s not sure exactly how the state would reimburse livestock producers who lose animals to wolf predation. States like Montana and Wyoming are “picky” when it comes to what is sufficient proof of a wolf-kill.
He said what it really amounts to is you and I paying for this … through our taxes.
But not everyone who came Wednesday was opposed to the wolves.
One attendee noted that we’re actually living in their environment.
To find out more about this story visit us at montrosepress.com.
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You can also stay up to date on stories just like this by joining NABUR [this is pronounced just like neighbor] – your trusted neighborhood community.
NABUR is a free online forum you can trust to connect with your community, focus on facts & make a difference. Join the conversation! Visit Nabur.montrosepress.com
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Now, some local history. This week's local history is brought to you by England Fence. England Fence is family owned and operated, and they're ready to help you build your dream fence, archway, gate, or deck. Give them a call at 970-249-4430, or head over to their website englandfence.com.
The Montrose County Courthouse stands three stories high in downtown Montrose. It was built in the Classical Revival style from local sandstone. It was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
Denver architect William Norman Bowman designed the building. It was completed in 1923.
The courthouse was built at a cost of $225,000.
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Before we go ---
We’d like to take a moment to remember the life of Tamara Dawn Hughes who passed away on July 4th. Tammy was born in Grand Junction but spent most of her life in or around Montrose.
She loved animals, music - especially rock and roll. She also loved the mountains, and spending time in the high country.
She cared deeply for her family and friends and her greatest achievement in life was being a mother. She will be remembered for her kindness and her compassion.
Surviving her are her two children, Tyler and Amber, her sister Jamie, and her life partner, Peter.
Thank you for taking a moment with us today to remember and celebrate Tammy’s life.
You can read our full story on the sentencing at montrosepress.com.
That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.
And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.
For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Good morning and welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Wednesday July 21st and we’re here to bring you a closer look at our top stories, events and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado.
Today - Last week, Marisa Felix-Campbell, of Housing Resources of Western Colorado, learned that a client’s rent would increase by 50%.
It paints a picture of the rental and housing landscape for Montrose and other areas on the Western Slope…. pretty much all of Region 10.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at elevateinternet.com.
Now, our feature story.
Last week, Marisa Felix-Campbell, of Housing Resources of Western Colorado, learned that a client’s rent would increase by 50%.
That’s when the client started looking for other places to live.
They eventually secured a showing, but it didn’t matter much. There were already 25 applications for that rental, and the price was out of reach.
So they opted to look at another, but it was much the same.
What the local nonprofit providing housing services and serving western Colorado saw with that client is just one example.
It paints a picture of the rental and housing landscape for Montrose and other areas on the Western Slope…. pretty much all of Region 10.
Demand for assistance is prominent. 50% are for people in need of affordable housing. And out-of-state employees looking to make a potential move make up 25% of the calls. People with disabilities round out the rest.
Felix-Campbell said the organization is witnessing an average of $900 for a one-bedroom apartment, with two-bedroom apartments setting around $1,100.
Others clients have reported to HRWC that they’re tired of renting, and want to own a home.
But for some, it’s too expensive, and for others that do own a home, they’re requesting mortgage assistance.
Felix-Campbell stressed that assistance is available.
Housing Resources has its community block services grant, as well as other funding streams, like donations, to assist the public.
As far as a more permanent solution - there’s hope that the Montrose Housing Action Plan can create opportunities for safe, stable and attainable housing.
Also, the Montrose community was recently accepted into Built For Zero, a national initiative to measurably end homelessness.
By participating in the initiative, local agencies working in unison can use real-time data and analyze and target interventions.
For now, for those seeking assistance, Felix-Campbell suggests continuing to ask questions.
The Housing Resources can refer a client to another agency that may be able to assist with a certain request or need.
Her advice? Don’t rule yourself out before you’ve even tried.
To learn more about this story visit our full story at montrosepress.com
And now, a story from our online community forum — NABUR.
Music has always been Katy Kristoffersen’s friend and confidante.
Since the age of two when she picked up her first instrument, she’s traveled along her musical journey.
Her newest endeavor sits in Montrose as the new Valley Symphony Association chorus director.
Kristoffersen graduated with a double degree in music and psychology, initially attending Mount St. Joseph University to pursue a career as a therapist.
But she quickly “woke up” to what her work would be in the world.
The newly-minted graduate set out in a new direction, gaining experience by teaching in schools despite not having a teaching degree. .
Kristoffersen sees herself as a “joyful forklift,” someone who lifts up others as a team builder and a support for her students and fellow musicians.
Her career may have deviated from her original plans, but the end result leaves the director feeling aligned with herself and her vision in life.
Part of that vision is creating a fusion between her musical and psychology background so she can facilitate an environment where her students feel safe enough to be themselves.
And through the challenges of the past year’s pandemic, Kristoffersen hopes people recognize the importance of the arts as a fundamental part of “being human.”
That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.
And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.
For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.