Friday February 15, 2013

A vicious dog in Montrose has been ordered euthanized by a Municipal judge.  Jeremiah Aguilar, "Dutch's" owner, ordered to pay fines and spend two days in jail. His attorney plans an appeal. Aguilar was found guilty of violating the city's vicious animal ordinance after Dutch attacked a woman who was caring for him in November. Her medical bills are over $28,000.

Mesa County Democrats are changing their meeting schedule.  The Executive Committee meetings are being held on the 4th Monday of the month, beginning on the 25th. The meetings are open to all democrats at the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 9 Headquarters.

The Mesa County Health Department has called a No Burn advisory because of moderate particulate levels. Another advisory will be issued at 3:00 this afternoon.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation says it expects to clear a backlog of gun-purchase background checks fairly quickly under new operating hours.  Director Ron Sloan says the number of checks being done hasn't been as high as expected, so redirecting some CBI resources should get the backlog cleared within the current budget. He says it's a quick fix and CBI will continue to work with the legislature to address future resource needs.

Visitors in Times Square are getting a view of the Grand Valley in a 15 second electronic billboard.  It's a joint effort of the Grand Junction visitor and Convention Bureau and the Grand Junction Economic Partnership.  The groups estimate 300,000 people will see the ad every day through April 14th.  Both groups say it's a perfect way to elevate the community profile and market the area.

The 2013 1st Annual Winter Wondergrass Festival is this weekend in Edwards. The Eagle County Sheriff's Office is working with the Eagle River Youth Coalition and the Gore Range DUI Task Force to make sure people don't drink and drive.  The youth group's Drug Free Communities grant is paying for the effort. Look for increased patrols and compliance check enforcement.

Two people in Clifton were injured Wednesday when a man tried to kill himself.  The Mesa County Sheriff's Office says the man shot himself in the chest and the bullet went through his body striking a woman.  Several guns were found in the home.  Deputies are continuing their investigation about ownership of the guns.

The Grand Junction Police Department is out with statistics for 2012 and says it's a mixed bag.  According to the Daily Sentinel, violent crime was down last year compared with 2011, while property theft, theft from vehicles and shoplifting was at a five year high.  Drug arrests were also up.  Police Chief John Camper says when drug arrests are up, property crimes usually are too.