Thursday October 4, 2012 (Helen Eisenman's Birthday 10-04-35, Happy Birthday Libby's mom!)

A suspect has been arrested in a late night shooting Monday at the Racquet Club Apartments. 18 year old Julio Castro Quinones of Grand Jucntion has being held on suspicion of Attempted First Degree Murder and First Degree Assault.  Quinones is accused of shooting 34 year old Phillip Burchim in the chest.  The Daily Sentinel says Burchim identified his assailant as a Los Angeles Sureno gang member.

Lawyers for accused Aurora Theater shooter James Holmes say his rights were violated when mug shot pictures of Holmes without his cartoonish orange hair were released.  The court appointed attorneys tell the Denver Post their client is mentally ill.  They say release of the mug shot compromised Homoes' right to a fair and impartial jury and due process.

Still want to get to know your Mesa County candidates?  The Grand Valley Young Professionals are holding a forum tonight with all candidates for Mesa County commissioner in Districts 1 and 3, State House district 54 and House District 55.  The forum is at 5:30 at the Art Center in Grand Junction.

The weather service predicted high fire conditions yesterday afternoon and they were right. A fire north of Rifle grew to 500 acres closing Colorado Highway 13 north of Rifle for just over 2 hours. The BLM says the cause is under investigation. 75 firefighters were on the scene yesterday along with air support.  Spokesman David Boyd says more ground and air teams are expected today. Expect more aircraft today.

A man who rode his bicycle near Grand Junction High School with a gun on his hip last month has been ordered to write a letter of apology to the school, complete 48 hours of community service and a firearms safety class. The 65 year old created a panic when the gun was spotted by students.  The Daily sentinel says the unidentified man will not be charged if he completes the terms of the deal with DA Pete Hautzinger.

Add the City of Grand Junction to municipalities against the pot legalization Amendment 64.  City Council last night passed a resolution opposing 64.

CMU President Tim Foster wants $7 million from the City of Grand Junction to build a 2nd academic building at Elm and Cannell avenues, and he took his case to the council again last night.  The Daily Sentinel says Foster showed numbers forecasting about $2 million in city sales tax annually without university growth and about $2.3 million with growth.  The project has an estimated price tag of $17 million.  Foster tells the city council without the funding, tuition would go up by 16% to pay for it.