BENNET IN GJ
Colorado Senator Michael Bennet is in Grand Junction this afternoon pushing the extension of the wind energy production tax credit. Bennet will tour Leitner-Poma. The company manufactures electrical components for wind turbines and Bennet says the extension of the PTC would ramp up production and bring more jobs to the region.
GAS PRICES
Another 8.8 cent a gallon hike in the price of gas in Colorado. ColoradoGasPrices.com says the average is now $3.78 a gallon. The price of gas in the state has climbed an average 58.8 cents a gallon in the last month. As of yesterday, the national average was $3.89 a gallon.
MONTROSE MUNICIPAL ELECTIUON
In Montrose, they're gearing up for tomorrow's election of three city council members and a proposed 2/10 of a cent sales tax increase to pay for a new recreation center. Ballots in the mail-in election are due at the City Clerk's Office by 7:00 tomorrow night.
MONTROSE TRASH SERVICE
The City of Montrose is looking at privatizing sanitation services, and a decision could come tonight. City Council meets tonight instead of its regularly scheduled Tuesday night because of the municipal election. The Montrose Daily Press says an update on the plan and requests for proposals will be revisited in a work session before the meeting and a vote could come in the regular meeting.
NOROVIRUS IN GRAND VALLEY
If you've had a bout of stomach flu lately, you're not alone. The Mesa county Health Department says tests of shown positive results for Norvovirus in the Grand Valley. Spokeswoman Karen Martsolf says although uncomfortable, the illness is usually not serious, but can be in young children and the elderly. Norvovirus is contagious so people who get it should stay home.
GRAND JUNCTION WEATHER
Look for even warmer temperatures in western Colorado in the coming months. According to the National Weather Service the second consecutive year of La Nina conditions mean continued dry and warm conditions. The Daily Sentinel says the .2 inches of precip recorded in March was well below the .92 average, and half that of last year. Snowpack in much of Colorado is at its lowest level in ten years.
D-51 ADMINISTRATOR SUPER FINALIST IN CORTEZ AND DURANGO
District 51's Executive Director of Instructional Support is a finalist for two Superintendent jobs in southwest Colorado. Jody Mimmack was Fruita Monument High School's pricipal before moving into the curriculum position in the middle of last year. The Daily Sentinel says Mimmack earned a superintendent’s certificate six years ago, but waited to apply outside the district until her kids graduated from school here.
COLORADO MEGA
A piece of Friday night's Mega Millions Jackpot is saying in Colorado, a couple of pretty big pieces. A ticket sold at a 7-11 in Denver is worth a million dollars, and one sold at a 7-11 in Centennial, $250,000. Both tickets matched five numbers.
LOWER NORTH FORK FIRE LATEST
The deadly Lower North Fork Fire is reported about 97% contained, with the remaining evacuees expected to be allowed back home this morning. Remains found Saturday afternoon in a burned-out home are believed to be those of a 51 year old woman reported missing early in the fire. A couple in their 70s also died in the fire that burned 4,100 acres.
GRAND VALLEY WEATHER
Temperatures in the Grand Valley were warm yesterday, but not as warm as Denver. A high of 84 degrees beat the old record of 78 set in 2004. The National Weather Service says a big change is in store today with a 50% chance of rain or snow. As much as three inches are possible in the area of the Lower North Fork Fire southwest of the metro area.
DEADLY SKYDIVE ACCIDENT
A 35 year old Crested Butte man is dead in a parachuting accident in Fremont County. The man was part of a tandem jump with an instructor when the chute became tangled. No word on the condition of the 28 year old instructor.
