Wednesday December 19, 2012

All schools in Mesa County are on a regular schedule this morning.  The district's website, www.d51schools.org says officials have been driving the routes since early morning and have determined schools can open safely at their regular times. School officials say they'll be flexible and understanding should any students arrive late.

The city of Grand Junction is under accident alert.  That means any accident not involving injury, alcohol or major damage can be reported later. Drivers in minor crashes should make a report at the Police Department lobby within the next 48 hours.

4 to 6 inches of snow across the Grand Valley overnight with snow showers expected to continue this morning and taper off through mid-morning.  Highway 65 is closed over the top of the Grand Mesa this morning for avalanche control. Chain laws were in effect on Hwy 139 over Douglas Pass and 550 south over Red Mountain, Molas and Coal Bank Passes. Chain laws also in effect over Vail Pass and at the Eisenhower tunnel.

No Grand Junction stage in the USA Pro Challenge next year.  That's what the local organizing committee is telling the Daily Sentinel this morning. Grand Junction has applied for a stage of the race for the past two years and was turned down. The committee says the professional cycling race wants to concentrate on more populated towns on the front range.

Ute Water is the latest Grand Valley Water provider to announce rate hikes for the coming year.  The base rate will go from $15 to $17 for 3,000 gallons and 10 cents for each tier above that.

A former Palisade man now living in Colorado Springs wants records of his conviction on rape and murder charges sealed after being cleared of the crime earlier this year.  Robert Dewey spent nearly 16 years in prison on the 1994 conviction.  The Daily Sentinel says Dewey's lawyers filed the request Monday saying because of Dewey's innocence, the records should be sealed.

Former Colorado Governor Bill Ritter is being considered as Energy Secretary.  Ritter right now is director of Colorado State University's Center for the New Energy Economy.  He says he's flattered to be considered, but looks forward to continuing his role meeting with governors, legislators and regulators across the country in a non-partisan effort to discuss energy efforts.

Montrose Police are investigating reports of counterfeit $20 bills being passed within the city. They're reminding people and businesses to be aware of any suspicious looking money in any denomination and report any suspected fake money.