Monday May 21, 2012

GAS PRICES
The price of gas in Colorado continues to fall as drivers get ready for the unofficial kickoff to the summer travel season. ColoradoGasPrices.com says the average over the past week has fallen 3.4 cents/gallon to $3.75. Over the past month, gas prices in the state have fallen an average 12.3 cents/gallon.  GasBuddy.com says the fact prices are falling before Memorial Day puts to bed an old myth that gas prices rise ahead of a major holiday.

HWY 50 CONSTRUCTION
Construction is set to begin this morning east and west of Whitewater on Highway 50.  C-DOT says it's resurfacing a 6.2 mile stretch between Grand Junction and Whitewater and making improvements on an 18 mile stretch from the Mesa/Delta county line south to Delta.  That work involves milling the pavement to level out waved sections of the road.  Construction's scheduled through June.

MONTROSE REPUBLICAN FORUM
Montrose Republicans are holding a County Commission Candidate Forum tonight.  Ron Henderson and Ed Ulibarri, both seeking the District One seat will square off first, then it's District 3 candidates David White and Jim Haugsness's turn. Because only republicans will vote in the June 26th Primary, only registerd Republicans will be allowed to ask questions.  Some Democrats in the county are questioning the format.  Republicans say it makes sense since only republicans can vote in the primary.

GOV IN TOWN
Governor Hickenlooper is set to sign 3 bills into law at the Mesa County Commissioners hearing room this morning.  The first changes the statutory designation of Colorado Mesa University from being “moderately selective” to “selective." CMU joins CU Boulder, CSU, UNC, CU Colorado Springs and Fort Lewis College with "selective" admission standards. The 2nd bill transfers the job of the Public Trustee to the County Treasurer's office. And the 3rd,  enacts a tax exemption for Spruce Beetle-Kill Wood Products.

AX ATTACK
A 55 year old homeless man is facing possible Assault and Felony Menacing charges after an ax attack at Whitman Park.  Grand Junction Police say Mark Hirschberg reportedly hit a man several times with the axe then left on a bike.  He was later arrested on an island in the Colorado River south of Riverside.  The victim is expected to survive.

OLATHE CORNFEST MONEY
How much will the Montrose County commissioners chip in for the annual Olathe Sweet Corn Festival?  Olathe Mayor Rob Smith wants $10,000 for the two-day event in August.  Olathe officials also want the commissioners to waive food inspection fees for the event. It's on the commissioners agenda this morning.

CHAMBER BREAKFAST
The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce is having a breakfast tomorrow to wrap up the 2012 legislative session. Representatives Laura Bradford and Ray Scott, and Senator Steve King will be there. The topics will focus on issues affecting businesses.