4th ARREST
The 4th suspect has been arrested in a burglary and theft investigation in Grand Junction. Three people, including the daughter of the victims were arrested earlier this week. The 4th suspect booked yesterday afternoon after turning himself in. Grand Jucntion Police say the group stole money and guns from the home 32 year old Taren Amsberry was housesitting for her parents.
JUDGE THREAT
A 24 year old Grand Junction man is in jail, accused of threatending a Mesa County District Judge. Justin Townsel was to be sentenced tomorrow by Mesa County District Judge Brian Flynn. The Daily Sentinel says Townsel said he had guns and directions from God to Kill Flynn. Townsel is now held on $150,000, will appear before District judge Richard Gurly, and is not allowed within 100 feet of Flynn or his staff.
JURY OUT IN TROOPER SHOOTING
The jury has the case of a Colorado State Trooper accused of criminally negligent homicide and other charges in the shooting death of Jason Kemp. Trooper Ivan "Gene" Lawyer shot Kemp to death after a hit and run accident on the Redlands in July of 2010. Deliberations lasted about 2 hours last night the jury returns to court this morning.
D-51 BUDGET CUTS
District 51 is still struggling with what cuts to make. The Daily Sentinel says the anticipated cuts have gone from as much at $8 million to an anticipated $2 to $4 million. Groups working on where the cuts should be made told the school board last night, "Strongly Preferred" cuts include $3.3 million in reductions at school buildings, $485,000 by increasing athletic fees, and a $10 a month hike in bus charges.
TODDLER HOMICIDE
The death of 19 month old Grand Junction toddler has been ruled a homicide after the Montrose County Coroner ruled the cause of death was non-accidental blunt force trauma. Owen Daniel Reak died in Montrose a week ago. The autopsy report has been sealed and the incident is under investigation by the Montrose and Mesa County Sheriff's Offices.
WOMEN'S WAGES
Women's wages in Colorado still aren't on par with men's. The National Women's Law Center released information regarding the wage gap, showing women in the state make 79 cents for every dollar that men make. The gap is even wider for Hispanic and Black women, who earn 53 and 61 cents respectively, to every dollar white men make in Colorado.
ASPEN COWS
Have you heard about the frozen cows in the Aspen/Sopris Forest Service District? The cows apparently sought cover in a forest service cabin at 11,000 feet, were trapped and are now frozen inside. Rangers are now trying to figure out how to get them out, so hikers can access the popular area. One of the options, is using explosives to get the frozen animals out.
FRIENDS BOOK SALE
If you're looking for a cheap read, you can get it from the Friends of the Mesa County Library. The group collects used books all year long and sells them twice a year. The spring sale is Friday and Saturday at the First Congregational Church across from Grand Junction High School. The books are all $1 or $2. Friends members can shop Thursday and non-members can join at the door for $10.
ELECTION RULES
Secretary of State Scott Gessler has adopted updated election rules designed to increase transparency and security of election processes. Revisions address election administration procedures by consolidating rules on ballot drop-off locations and clarifying security requirements for those sites. A complete list of changes is on the Secretary of State's website.
EAGLE CO FIRE BAN LIFTED
Eagle County's fire restrictions have been lifted after last weekend's storm. Sheriff Joe Hoy says limited agricultural burns are being allowed WITH an open burning permit and inspection from local fire authorities. Fires are also allowed in approved fire pits and BBQs.
COLORADO DEM BLUE BOOK
Colorado Democrats have released what they call the Colorado Blue Manual, a campaign resource for local candidates and activists. The Dems say without gubernatorial or U-S Senate races, local candidates and volunteers are carrying out work statewide campaigns usually do. The Democratic Party Chair says the Blue Manual ensures the smallest communities will get the same advice and insights the most sophisticated campaigns rely on.
