Thursday August 9, 2012

The Grand Junction Police Department is headed to the ANB Bank Farmer's Market this afternoon for some serious fun.  The serious part is computers set up to help people sign up for Mesa County's Emergency Alert System.  The fun part is Touch-a- Truck.  Police vehicles including the SWAT and Bomb Squad trucks will be on display, along with vehicles from the State Patrol, Sheriff's Department, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

A former teacher at a Denver private pre-school has been ordered released on bond after his arrest on accusations of child pornography.  David Moe reportedly kept a journal detailing inappropriate touching of children under his care at the school over several years.  A U-S District Court Magistrate Judge issued several requirements for Moe's release, including home incarceration and proof of no access to the internet.

The Small Business Administration and FEMA have announced expaned assistance for homeowners and businesses affected by Colorado's wildfires. The help includes low-interest disaster loans in 13 affected counties.

COLROADO ANTHRAX
The state department of agriculture has confirmed anthrax as the cause of death in at least one of 50 head of cattle found dead on a ranch in Logan County. The ranch north of Sterling has been quarantined and nearby ranchers notified. Anthrax is a bacteria which can occur naturally in soils during a drought, and exposure to humans is limited only to those who had contact with infected animals, soil or water.

T-CAP TEST SCORES
The first scores from Colorado's T-CAP tests are in and are pretty similar to scores on C-SAP tests.  According to the State Board of Education, there were substantial gains in 7th and 8th grade math and 6th grade reading. The tests show a 27% achievement gap between Hispanic and white students, black and white students, and students who qualify for free and reduced lunch and those who don't.

OBAMA IN GJ
President Obama's trip to Grand Junction went off without a hitch, the President arriving early, speaking early and leaving Grand Junction Regional Airport at about the time he was scheduled to speak.  Supporters packed the Grand Jucntion High School gym, while an opposition group rallied a few blocks away. The President's speech centered on the economy.  He called Mitt Romney's economic plan "trickle-down, tax-cut fairy dust."

OBAMA IN GJ
President Obama continues his two-day trip to Colorado with stops in Pueblo and Colorado Springs.  In Grand Junction yesterday, people lined up before 5:00 to see the President.  He drew rousing approval for talk of his economic plan and healthcare, issues he says set him and Republican Mitt Romney apart.  The latest polls show Obama and Romney pretty much neck and neck in Colorado with the election just under 3-months away.

OBAMA IN GJ
President Obama is campaigning in eastern Colorado today.  Yesterday he stopped in Grand Junction for a half hour speech at Grand Junction High School.  The gym was packed with supporters, about a hundred people waved signs in opposition outside.  Those in attendance say the approve of the President's economic and health care plans.  Republicans say President Obama's proposals on both have failed.

GJ FIREWORKS RE-SET
The City of Grand Junction has rescheduled its 4th of July fireworks.  The show was cancelled amid fire bans across the state, but those have been lifted and the Parks and Recreation Department says it's time to celebrate.  The show is set September 2nd at the end of the Grand Junction Rockies game at Suplizio Field.

GJ WOMAN ACCUSED OF TRYING TO KILL HUSBAND ARRESTED AGAIN
A Grand Junction woman accused of trying to kill her husband with poison has been arrested again, accused of violating her bond.  The Daily Sentinel says 45 year old Deon Graham was arrested in San Diego.  Prosecutors say she sent letters to her husband.  She's been accused of plotting her husand's death in an effort to collect his retirement and 401(k) benefits.