SEASONAL FS ROAD CLOSURES
You might be itching to get summer activities started on forest service land, but officials are reminding people about seasonal closures. A lot of roads remain closed to prevent road damage and protect soft road beds. You can get the latest closure information on the forest's website or your local ranger office.
STABBING SUSPECT BOND
A Montrose man held on suspicion of murder remains jailed under a $150,000 bond. 18 year old Isaac Garcia's attorney yesterday argued for a lower bond pointing out Garcia's community ties and that Garcia has been compliant since the stabbing death of 19 year old Zachary Culmer. According to the Montrose Daily Press, the judge in the case said Garcia's bond will remain the same unless a "good reason" was shown to change the amount.
EXTRA IN MONTROSE?
A German aircraft company looking to set up a plant to build its business aircraft in Montrose still doesn't have a federal permit to build its planes in the U-S. Talks with Extra Aircraft and the Montrose Economic Development Corporation broke down last year when the company couldn't secure financing. According to the Daily Sentinel, Montrose hasn't been ruled out of the company's plan, but Extra is still waiting for FAA validation for production in the U-S.
TROOPER TRIAL UNDERWAY
The trial of a Colorado State Trooper charged with shooting a Redlands man to death begins in Grand Junction today. The Daily Sentinel says the 4-man-10-woman jury was sworn in late yesterday and will begin hearing testimony today. Trooper Gene Lawyer has pleaded not guilty to criminally negligent homicide and other charges in the shooting of 31 year old Jason Kemp in July of 2010.
UNAFFILIATED SIGNATURES
Two unaffiliated candidates for Mesa County Commissioner are looking to petition their way onto the November Ballot. John Leane and Jana Gerow must collect 750 signatures by June 4th. The Daily Sentinel says the last time an unaffiliated candidate was elected to the board of commissioners was Howard Rowland in 1975. Leane and Gerow are looking to run for the District 1 seat being vacated by Craig Meis.
FATAL CRASH CITATION
The driver of a car involved in a fatal accident early Saturday morning in Clifton has been cited on suspicion of careless driving causing death and careless driving causing injury. 19 year old Curtis Berenguer of Michigan turned in front of a semi at F-Road and I-70B. A 21 year old Passenger from Tennessee was killed, a 20 year old from Idaho injured. All three men were cadets at the U-S Airforce Academy in Colorado Springs.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
Monday April 2, 2012
BOTTLE ROCKET FIRE
Grand Junction fire investigators say a small fire on the roof of a home last night was caused by a bottle rocket. The firework lit the swamp cooler cover on fire and crews put it out right away. Fireworks that go up in the air are illegal and investigators are looking for whoever was responsible for last night's damage.
GUNNISON CO FIRES
3 wildfires in Gunnison County over the weekend are contained after burning more than 200 acres total, and a new fire is reported in the North Fork of Little Henderson Creek, about 7 miles north of Highway 133. The Montrose Interagency Fire Management Unit says no structures are threatened in the 50 to 60 acre Little Henderson Fire burning on both private and National Forest Service land.
MURDER-FOR-HIRE
A 45 year old Grand Junction woman is jailed on suspicion of trying to poison her husband to collect on his retirement. Police say they began investigating Deone Marie Graham after a witness told police Graham asked to buy illegal drugs with the intent of poisoning her husband. Graham was arrested last Friday and is being held without bond.
FORMER POLICE OFFICER SEX ASSAULT CHARGES
A former Grand Junction police officer and firefighter is free on $25,000 bond after being arrested Friday on suspicion of sexual assault on a child. 42 year old Eric Janusz had been under investigation since a woman came forward last fall and said the assaults had occurred when she was a juvenile. Janusz was a patrol officer from 1996 to 2006 when he was hired by the fire department. He left the City in February in a workers’ compensation separation after an on-the-job injury.
LAWYER TRIAL
Jury selection begins today for a state trooper accused of killing a man in his home during a crash investigation. 31 year old Jason Kemp was shot to death by Trooper Gene Lawyer in July 2010. A grand Jury indicted Lawyer in October of that year on four felony counts including criminally negligent homicide, 2nd-degree assault, illegal discharge of a firearm and 1st degree criminal trespass.
FATAL CRASH
A 21 year old man who died in a crash at I-70 B and F-Road was an Air Force Academy Cadet from Tennessee. The State Patrol says all 3 men in a car that was hit by a semi early Saturday morning were cadets at the academy in Colorado Springs, and were returning home from a concert in Grand Junction when their car was hit. The driver was uninjured and a second passenger suffered minior injuries. Investigators say drugs, alcohol and speed are NOT considered factors in the crash.
GAS PRICES
The price of gasoline in Colorado is 49 cents a gallon higher than last month, and a 4.1 cent/gallon hike last week puts the average at $3.83 a gallon. The national average is $3.91 having climbed less than half as much as Colorado's average in the past month.
Grand Junction fire investigators say a small fire on the roof of a home last night was caused by a bottle rocket. The firework lit the swamp cooler cover on fire and crews put it out right away. Fireworks that go up in the air are illegal and investigators are looking for whoever was responsible for last night's damage.
GUNNISON CO FIRES
3 wildfires in Gunnison County over the weekend are contained after burning more than 200 acres total, and a new fire is reported in the North Fork of Little Henderson Creek, about 7 miles north of Highway 133. The Montrose Interagency Fire Management Unit says no structures are threatened in the 50 to 60 acre Little Henderson Fire burning on both private and National Forest Service land.
MURDER-FOR-HIRE
A 45 year old Grand Junction woman is jailed on suspicion of trying to poison her husband to collect on his retirement. Police say they began investigating Deone Marie Graham after a witness told police Graham asked to buy illegal drugs with the intent of poisoning her husband. Graham was arrested last Friday and is being held without bond.
FORMER POLICE OFFICER SEX ASSAULT CHARGES
A former Grand Junction police officer and firefighter is free on $25,000 bond after being arrested Friday on suspicion of sexual assault on a child. 42 year old Eric Janusz had been under investigation since a woman came forward last fall and said the assaults had occurred when she was a juvenile. Janusz was a patrol officer from 1996 to 2006 when he was hired by the fire department. He left the City in February in a workers’ compensation separation after an on-the-job injury.
LAWYER TRIAL
Jury selection begins today for a state trooper accused of killing a man in his home during a crash investigation. 31 year old Jason Kemp was shot to death by Trooper Gene Lawyer in July 2010. A grand Jury indicted Lawyer in October of that year on four felony counts including criminally negligent homicide, 2nd-degree assault, illegal discharge of a firearm and 1st degree criminal trespass.
FATAL CRASH
A 21 year old man who died in a crash at I-70 B and F-Road was an Air Force Academy Cadet from Tennessee. The State Patrol says all 3 men in a car that was hit by a semi early Saturday morning were cadets at the academy in Colorado Springs, and were returning home from a concert in Grand Junction when their car was hit. The driver was uninjured and a second passenger suffered minior injuries. Investigators say drugs, alcohol and speed are NOT considered factors in the crash.
GAS PRICES
The price of gasoline in Colorado is 49 cents a gallon higher than last month, and a 4.1 cent/gallon hike last week puts the average at $3.83 a gallon. The national average is $3.91 having climbed less than half as much as Colorado's average in the past month.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Friday April 6, 2012
OM FIRE
An open burn is being blamed for a fire on Orchard Mesa. 27 firefighters from Grand Junction, Clifton, and Lands End Fire Departments responded to the call just after 1:00 yesterday. One outbuilding burned to the ground, and three other structures and several vehicles were also threatened. Grand Valley Power also responded for fallen power lines. Open burning is not legal during a Red Flag Warning, even with a permit.
RED FLAG WARNING
When there's a Red Flag Warning in effect in the Grand Valley, it means open burning permits are not valid. A Red Flag Warning continues today and the Grand Junction Fire Department is advising people who want to burn this weekend to check the weather service website to the latest warnings before burning.
EAGLE FIRE
Fire investigators in Eagle County are looking for someone who may have started a wildfire with a cigarette, The fire yesterday burned only a small area near Wolcott, but authorities say it shows the importance of being careful in severe dry conditions.
LNFF ADDRESSES
Addresses of 1 in 6 homes in Jefferson and Broomfield counties are entered incorrectly in data bases used to warn residents in emergencies. The Denver Post says that is one reason for problems with evacuation notifications during the Lower North Fork Fire last week. One of the three fatalities should have received a call, but didn't. The company that provides the data base says it's working to fix the problems with the system and has manually corrected the addresses within the Lower North Fork fire zone.
SW MALL BOMBER
It's been just about a year since an explosive devise was found in a Denver area mall. It had been lit and started a small fire, but didn't detonate. Now the man who pled guilty has been sentenced to life in prison. U-S Attorney John Walsh says the sentence for 66 year old Earl Albert Moore recognizes the grave nature of the crime and its consequences, sending a clear message to anyone seeking to do public harm.
MONUMENT- PARK?
The committee looking into changing the Colorado National Monument to a National Park is holding more open houses to gather public input. The open houses are next Tuesday and Thursday, with two more the following week. You can get the complete schedule from the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce.
NEW MEDICAID PROGRAM
Mesa County DHS is getting the word out about a new Medicaid expansion progam for adults without dependent children receiving Medicaid and are at or below 10% of the Federal Poverty Level. The program's called AWDC and is limited to 10,000 people statewide. Those interested should contact the Mesa County Department of Human Services.
PALISADE RIM TRAIL
The new Palisade Rim Trail System will formally open tomorrow with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The 3-mile loop trail takes hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers to the top of the Palisade Rim, for views of Palisade and the east end of Grand Valley. The ceremony is at 2:00 tomorrow at the trailhead off Highway 6 just south of the I-70 exit 44.
MURDER DETAILS
New details in the arrest of a pair of brothers accused of stabbing a Fruita man to death. According to the Daily Sentinel, Abel Roper and Jose Ortiz were kicked out of Cruisers bar on Horizon Dr. after fighting over a girl. That led to a road rage incident on I-70 and the stabbing of Roper in the Pioneer Village Mobile Home Park in Clifton March 1st. Roper was stabbed 13 times. Jose and Julio Ortiz are being held on a total $3 million bond, charged with 1st Degree Murder.
JUVENILE ADULT FILINGS
A bill taking away prosecutors' ability to charge juveniles as adults and putting that task in the hands of judges is on the governor's desk. The Senate passed the measure yesterday on a bi-partisan vote. Grand Jucntion Senator Steve King sided with prosecutors saying the bill would endanger public safety by curbing their ability to stop potentially dangerous juvenile offenders by giving them longer sentences in more prison-like youth programs.
An open burn is being blamed for a fire on Orchard Mesa. 27 firefighters from Grand Junction, Clifton, and Lands End Fire Departments responded to the call just after 1:00 yesterday. One outbuilding burned to the ground, and three other structures and several vehicles were also threatened. Grand Valley Power also responded for fallen power lines. Open burning is not legal during a Red Flag Warning, even with a permit.
RED FLAG WARNING
When there's a Red Flag Warning in effect in the Grand Valley, it means open burning permits are not valid. A Red Flag Warning continues today and the Grand Junction Fire Department is advising people who want to burn this weekend to check the weather service website to the latest warnings before burning.
EAGLE FIRE
Fire investigators in Eagle County are looking for someone who may have started a wildfire with a cigarette, The fire yesterday burned only a small area near Wolcott, but authorities say it shows the importance of being careful in severe dry conditions.
LNFF ADDRESSES
Addresses of 1 in 6 homes in Jefferson and Broomfield counties are entered incorrectly in data bases used to warn residents in emergencies. The Denver Post says that is one reason for problems with evacuation notifications during the Lower North Fork Fire last week. One of the three fatalities should have received a call, but didn't. The company that provides the data base says it's working to fix the problems with the system and has manually corrected the addresses within the Lower North Fork fire zone.
SW MALL BOMBER
It's been just about a year since an explosive devise was found in a Denver area mall. It had been lit and started a small fire, but didn't detonate. Now the man who pled guilty has been sentenced to life in prison. U-S Attorney John Walsh says the sentence for 66 year old Earl Albert Moore recognizes the grave nature of the crime and its consequences, sending a clear message to anyone seeking to do public harm.
MONUMENT- PARK?
The committee looking into changing the Colorado National Monument to a National Park is holding more open houses to gather public input. The open houses are next Tuesday and Thursday, with two more the following week. You can get the complete schedule from the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce.
NEW MEDICAID PROGRAM
Mesa County DHS is getting the word out about a new Medicaid expansion progam for adults without dependent children receiving Medicaid and are at or below 10% of the Federal Poverty Level. The program's called AWDC and is limited to 10,000 people statewide. Those interested should contact the Mesa County Department of Human Services.
PALISADE RIM TRAIL
The new Palisade Rim Trail System will formally open tomorrow with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The 3-mile loop trail takes hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers to the top of the Palisade Rim, for views of Palisade and the east end of Grand Valley. The ceremony is at 2:00 tomorrow at the trailhead off Highway 6 just south of the I-70 exit 44.
MURDER DETAILS
New details in the arrest of a pair of brothers accused of stabbing a Fruita man to death. According to the Daily Sentinel, Abel Roper and Jose Ortiz were kicked out of Cruisers bar on Horizon Dr. after fighting over a girl. That led to a road rage incident on I-70 and the stabbing of Roper in the Pioneer Village Mobile Home Park in Clifton March 1st. Roper was stabbed 13 times. Jose and Julio Ortiz are being held on a total $3 million bond, charged with 1st Degree Murder.
JUVENILE ADULT FILINGS
A bill taking away prosecutors' ability to charge juveniles as adults and putting that task in the hands of judges is on the governor's desk. The Senate passed the measure yesterday on a bi-partisan vote. Grand Jucntion Senator Steve King sided with prosecutors saying the bill would endanger public safety by curbing their ability to stop potentially dangerous juvenile offenders by giving them longer sentences in more prison-like youth programs.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Thursday April 5, 2012
SNOWPACK
Snowpack in Colorado is way below average, but reservoir storage isn't all that bad. The Natural Resources Conservation Service says snowpack was only 52% of average on April 1st. Streamflow forecasts have decreased by 20 to 40% of average from those issued last month. Reservoir storage is tracking at near to above average volumes across the state.
RED FLAG WARNING
A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service warning of low humidity and wind gusts up to 40 mph in the Grand Junction area. Adverse fire conditions are expected to continue into tomorrow and again on Sunday.
LNFF 9-1-1
Chilling accounts of the early hours of the deadly Lower North Fork Fire. It apparently began to burn out of contol early in the afternoon of March 26th, but evacuation orders didn't come until more than four hours later. The 3 people who died in the fire had called 9-1-1 to report the nearby fire but were told it was under control. A task force has been set up to look into the controlled burn that apparently started the fire, and the firefighting efforts in the early hours of the fire.
LNFF TASK FORCE
A task force set up to review the Lower North Fork Prescribed Fire is hitting the ground running. The US Forest Service is analyzing and studying events associated with the prescribed burn days before the deadly Lower North Fork Fire broke out. The Review Team says it expects to complete its analysis in 10 to 14 days.
DELTA CO. CRUELTY
A Delta County couple who last month pled guilty to a count of cruelty to animals says they didn't know they were supposed to be in court yesterday on summonses for 11 additional counts concerning feeding of their horses and cattle. According to the Montrose Daily Press, a warrant was issued yesterday for Patricia and Charles Keune when they failed to appear. The Keunes surrendered their livestock to Delta County authorities at the time of their plea on the initial cruelty count.
PHOTO ID
A bill to require a photo ID to vote in Colorado has died in the State Senate. The Republican sponsored bill would have sent the question to voters. Democrats killed the bill saying it discriminated against people most likely not to have photo IDs, including minorities, homeless and the elderly.
FRUITA COUNCIL V. D-51
The Fruita City Council is sending a letter to the District 51 School Board, saying students and families there are footing too much of the district's budget cuts. The board last week voted to change boundaries for attendance, moving some students in the city to Loma Elementary to ease overcrowding. The Daily Sentinel says the Fruita Council believes the district is heaping an unfair amount of its budget shortfall on Fruita.
JUVENILE FILING
A bill requiring a judge's intervention in cases where juveniles are considered adults when charges are filed is moving closer to the governor's desk. Proponents of the bill say the power of district attorneys may be overused. Opponents say prosecutors, not judges, are best equipped to make charging decisions. The bill's up for a final vote in the Senate.
MCINNIS CANYONS FACEBOOK
The McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area has a Facebook page. The NCA says the new page is a way to keep the public engaged, sharing trail and water conditions, news photos, videos and other information about McInnis Canyons.
Snowpack in Colorado is way below average, but reservoir storage isn't all that bad. The Natural Resources Conservation Service says snowpack was only 52% of average on April 1st. Streamflow forecasts have decreased by 20 to 40% of average from those issued last month. Reservoir storage is tracking at near to above average volumes across the state.
RED FLAG WARNING
A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service warning of low humidity and wind gusts up to 40 mph in the Grand Junction area. Adverse fire conditions are expected to continue into tomorrow and again on Sunday.
LNFF 9-1-1
Chilling accounts of the early hours of the deadly Lower North Fork Fire. It apparently began to burn out of contol early in the afternoon of March 26th, but evacuation orders didn't come until more than four hours later. The 3 people who died in the fire had called 9-1-1 to report the nearby fire but were told it was under control. A task force has been set up to look into the controlled burn that apparently started the fire, and the firefighting efforts in the early hours of the fire.
LNFF TASK FORCE
A task force set up to review the Lower North Fork Prescribed Fire is hitting the ground running. The US Forest Service is analyzing and studying events associated with the prescribed burn days before the deadly Lower North Fork Fire broke out. The Review Team says it expects to complete its analysis in 10 to 14 days.
DELTA CO. CRUELTY
A Delta County couple who last month pled guilty to a count of cruelty to animals says they didn't know they were supposed to be in court yesterday on summonses for 11 additional counts concerning feeding of their horses and cattle. According to the Montrose Daily Press, a warrant was issued yesterday for Patricia and Charles Keune when they failed to appear. The Keunes surrendered their livestock to Delta County authorities at the time of their plea on the initial cruelty count.
PHOTO ID
A bill to require a photo ID to vote in Colorado has died in the State Senate. The Republican sponsored bill would have sent the question to voters. Democrats killed the bill saying it discriminated against people most likely not to have photo IDs, including minorities, homeless and the elderly.
FRUITA COUNCIL V. D-51
The Fruita City Council is sending a letter to the District 51 School Board, saying students and families there are footing too much of the district's budget cuts. The board last week voted to change boundaries for attendance, moving some students in the city to Loma Elementary to ease overcrowding. The Daily Sentinel says the Fruita Council believes the district is heaping an unfair amount of its budget shortfall on Fruita.
JUVENILE FILING
A bill requiring a judge's intervention in cases where juveniles are considered adults when charges are filed is moving closer to the governor's desk. Proponents of the bill say the power of district attorneys may be overused. Opponents say prosecutors, not judges, are best equipped to make charging decisions. The bill's up for a final vote in the Senate.
MCINNIS CANYONS FACEBOOK
The McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area has a Facebook page. The NCA says the new page is a way to keep the public engaged, sharing trail and water conditions, news photos, videos and other information about McInnis Canyons.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Wednesday April 4, 2012
ABUSED CATTLE
61 head of cattle have been siezed from property on 12 1/4 Road in Loma after Mesa County Sheriff's Deputies found them in various states of neglect, along with several dead animals. 3 animals were euthanized. More than a half dozen state and county agencies are investigating. Authorities were alerted by a citizen complaint.
MONTROSE REC CENTER VOTE
No new Rec Center in Montrose. City voters have turned down a proposed sales tax hike to fund construction. Just 600 votes separated those for and against. 65% of the city's 8,200 registered voters weighed in. Bob Nicholson, Kathy Ellis and Judy Ann Files were elected to the city council.
FRUITA VOTE
It's official, no medical marijuana stores in Fruita. 73% of voters yesterday gave a thumbs down to allowing the shops in their town. The only legal shop operating in Mesa County now is in Palisade. Fruita voters also agreed to lift TABOR restrictions allowing the city to spend money over limits imposed by the Tax Payer's Bill of Rights. Lori Buck is the new mayor, defeating fellow city councilman Terry Moss.
PALISADE VOTE
In Palisade, voters said OK to the sale of the town hall, paving the way for town offices to move into the old Palisade High School which is being renovated into a Civic Center.
TMRAO DEAL
The Telluride Montrose Regional Air Organization has nailed down summer service between Montrose and Houston and Dallas/Ft. Worth. The TMRAO gets funding from local governemnts and businesses to guarantee United and American Airlines flights. The group says the total economic impact to the region from air service to the Montrose and Telluride airports is more than $470 million annually.
SULLIVAN SENTENCED
Former Arapahoe County Sheriff Pat Sullivan has pleaded guilty in a drugs-for-sex case and has been sentenced to 30-days in jail and two years probation. The 69 year old was busted last November in a sting set up by his gay lover. Sullivan's attorney and prosecutors both said the sentence is typical for first-time offenders.
D-51 SPRING BREAK
Students in District 51 will have Spring Break later next year in order to complete state mandated T-CAP tests. The Daily Sentinel says spring break has traditionally been the second full week of March. Next year, it's set March 23rd through 31st.
ASPEN BILLIONAIRES
At least 50 billionaires on Forbes' most recent wealth lists own property or have strong ties to property in the Aspen area. The Aspen Business Journal says their combined net worths total more than $242 billion, their Aspen property more than $741 million. The #1 and #2 billionaires with ties to Aspen are Charles and David Koch with a combined worth of $25 billion.
61 head of cattle have been siezed from property on 12 1/4 Road in Loma after Mesa County Sheriff's Deputies found them in various states of neglect, along with several dead animals. 3 animals were euthanized. More than a half dozen state and county agencies are investigating. Authorities were alerted by a citizen complaint.
MONTROSE REC CENTER VOTE
No new Rec Center in Montrose. City voters have turned down a proposed sales tax hike to fund construction. Just 600 votes separated those for and against. 65% of the city's 8,200 registered voters weighed in. Bob Nicholson, Kathy Ellis and Judy Ann Files were elected to the city council.
FRUITA VOTE
It's official, no medical marijuana stores in Fruita. 73% of voters yesterday gave a thumbs down to allowing the shops in their town. The only legal shop operating in Mesa County now is in Palisade. Fruita voters also agreed to lift TABOR restrictions allowing the city to spend money over limits imposed by the Tax Payer's Bill of Rights. Lori Buck is the new mayor, defeating fellow city councilman Terry Moss.
PALISADE VOTE
In Palisade, voters said OK to the sale of the town hall, paving the way for town offices to move into the old Palisade High School which is being renovated into a Civic Center.
TMRAO DEAL
The Telluride Montrose Regional Air Organization has nailed down summer service between Montrose and Houston and Dallas/Ft. Worth. The TMRAO gets funding from local governemnts and businesses to guarantee United and American Airlines flights. The group says the total economic impact to the region from air service to the Montrose and Telluride airports is more than $470 million annually.
SULLIVAN SENTENCED
Former Arapahoe County Sheriff Pat Sullivan has pleaded guilty in a drugs-for-sex case and has been sentenced to 30-days in jail and two years probation. The 69 year old was busted last November in a sting set up by his gay lover. Sullivan's attorney and prosecutors both said the sentence is typical for first-time offenders.
D-51 SPRING BREAK
Students in District 51 will have Spring Break later next year in order to complete state mandated T-CAP tests. The Daily Sentinel says spring break has traditionally been the second full week of March. Next year, it's set March 23rd through 31st.
ASPEN BILLIONAIRES
At least 50 billionaires on Forbes' most recent wealth lists own property or have strong ties to property in the Aspen area. The Aspen Business Journal says their combined net worths total more than $242 billion, their Aspen property more than $741 million. The #1 and #2 billionaires with ties to Aspen are Charles and David Koch with a combined worth of $25 billion.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Tuesday April 3, 2012
MONTROSE TRASH
The Montrose City Council says no to privatizing trash service, and instead is looking into the possibility of restoring recycling services to provide trash and recycling services for less than current charges. The Montrose Daily Press says city staff will continue to look at the options, after a city manager memo cited the savings through changes to current operations.
MESACO EMPLOYEE TURNOVER
Mesa County is outpacing averages for employee turnover with 1 in 6 workers ending their employment with the county last year. According to the Daily Sentinel, some of the workers were laid off, others resigned or were let go as part of leadership changes in some departments. Although salary was cited as reason for leaving in 12% of exit interviews, DA Pete Hautzinger says he's lost 11 of 20 prosecutors since wages were frozen in 2009. All took higher paying jobs.
BIRGFELD CAUSE OF DEATH
Investigators are learning more from the remains of Paige Birgfeld, but cause-of- death is not one of them. Mesa County Sheriff's Sgt. Matt Lewis tells the Daily Sentinel some information learned from a forensic exam could be critical to the ongoing investigation, but would not say what that information might be.
ONLINE SEX
An Israeli citizen living in Massechusetts is jailed in Grand Junction after a federal agent said the man flew to Grand Junction for a sex tryst with a woman and her two underage daughters. According to the Daily Sentinel, 30 year old Yaron Segal was arrested at the airport last Wednesday. Segal's accused of having online chats with federal agents. Segal's arrest is the second of its kind in Grand Junction involving agents posing online.
MUNI ELECTIONS
Voters in Fruita today are deciding whether to ban medical marijuana shops in the city and whether to allow the city to spend tax money collected above limitations imposed in the Tax Payer's Bill of Rights, or TABOR. City Council seats and a Mayoral election are also on the mail ballot. In Palisade, today's municipal election includes town trustee seats and Mayor, along with a plan to sell the Town Hall building.
COLORADO DROUGHT
Climatologists at CSU say about 90% of Colorado is experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions. The Denver Post says the Colorado and South Platte River basins which supply Denver Water are about half typical averages for this time of year, but still better than the last significant drought year of 2002. In October 60% of the state had no drought categories. That level is now just 2%.
DENVER 9-1-1 MISTAKE
A Denver 9-1-1 operator is on administrative leave amid an investigation for his handling of a road rage incident early Sunday in which a man was shot to death. The man's brother reported the incident and was told to return to Denver where the threat occurred, even though a carload of men, one with a gun, was reported pursuing the dead man's vehicle. A Denver police officer was not dispatched to meet the victim until 13 minuntes after the call for help was made.
MEGA MONEY
Even though the big Mega Millions jackpot winners weren't from Colorado, the state still benefitted from the mania during the lottery's record breaking run last month. The Colorado Lottery says during the week of March 25th to 31st, $11.4 million in Mega Millions tickets. From that, close to $3.5 million stays in the state to fund Colorado Lottery recipients including Great Outdoors Colorado.
The Montrose City Council says no to privatizing trash service, and instead is looking into the possibility of restoring recycling services to provide trash and recycling services for less than current charges. The Montrose Daily Press says city staff will continue to look at the options, after a city manager memo cited the savings through changes to current operations.
MESACO EMPLOYEE TURNOVER
Mesa County is outpacing averages for employee turnover with 1 in 6 workers ending their employment with the county last year. According to the Daily Sentinel, some of the workers were laid off, others resigned or were let go as part of leadership changes in some departments. Although salary was cited as reason for leaving in 12% of exit interviews, DA Pete Hautzinger says he's lost 11 of 20 prosecutors since wages were frozen in 2009. All took higher paying jobs.
BIRGFELD CAUSE OF DEATH
Investigators are learning more from the remains of Paige Birgfeld, but cause-of- death is not one of them. Mesa County Sheriff's Sgt. Matt Lewis tells the Daily Sentinel some information learned from a forensic exam could be critical to the ongoing investigation, but would not say what that information might be.
ONLINE SEX
An Israeli citizen living in Massechusetts is jailed in Grand Junction after a federal agent said the man flew to Grand Junction for a sex tryst with a woman and her two underage daughters. According to the Daily Sentinel, 30 year old Yaron Segal was arrested at the airport last Wednesday. Segal's accused of having online chats with federal agents. Segal's arrest is the second of its kind in Grand Junction involving agents posing online.
MUNI ELECTIONS
Voters in Fruita today are deciding whether to ban medical marijuana shops in the city and whether to allow the city to spend tax money collected above limitations imposed in the Tax Payer's Bill of Rights, or TABOR. City Council seats and a Mayoral election are also on the mail ballot. In Palisade, today's municipal election includes town trustee seats and Mayor, along with a plan to sell the Town Hall building.
COLORADO DROUGHT
Climatologists at CSU say about 90% of Colorado is experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions. The Denver Post says the Colorado and South Platte River basins which supply Denver Water are about half typical averages for this time of year, but still better than the last significant drought year of 2002. In October 60% of the state had no drought categories. That level is now just 2%.
DENVER 9-1-1 MISTAKE
A Denver 9-1-1 operator is on administrative leave amid an investigation for his handling of a road rage incident early Sunday in which a man was shot to death. The man's brother reported the incident and was told to return to Denver where the threat occurred, even though a carload of men, one with a gun, was reported pursuing the dead man's vehicle. A Denver police officer was not dispatched to meet the victim until 13 minuntes after the call for help was made.
MEGA MONEY
Even though the big Mega Millions jackpot winners weren't from Colorado, the state still benefitted from the mania during the lottery's record breaking run last month. The Colorado Lottery says during the week of March 25th to 31st, $11.4 million in Mega Millions tickets. From that, close to $3.5 million stays in the state to fund Colorado Lottery recipients including Great Outdoors Colorado.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Monday April 2, 2012
BENNET IN GJ
Colorado Senator Michael Bennet is in Grand Junction this afternoon pushing the extension of the wind energy production tax credit. Bennet will tour Leitner-Poma. The company manufactures electrical components for wind turbines and Bennet says the extension of the PTC would ramp up production and bring more jobs to the region.
GAS PRICES
Another 8.8 cent a gallon hike in the price of gas in Colorado. ColoradoGasPrices.com says the average is now $3.78 a gallon. The price of gas in the state has climbed an average 58.8 cents a gallon in the last month. As of yesterday, the national average was $3.89 a gallon.
MONTROSE MUNICIPAL ELECTIUON
In Montrose, they're gearing up for tomorrow's election of three city council members and a proposed 2/10 of a cent sales tax increase to pay for a new recreation center. Ballots in the mail-in election are due at the City Clerk's Office by 7:00 tomorrow night.
MONTROSE TRASH SERVICE
The City of Montrose is looking at privatizing sanitation services, and a decision could come tonight. City Council meets tonight instead of its regularly scheduled Tuesday night because of the municipal election. The Montrose Daily Press says an update on the plan and requests for proposals will be revisited in a work session before the meeting and a vote could come in the regular meeting.
NOROVIRUS IN GRAND VALLEY
If you've had a bout of stomach flu lately, you're not alone. The Mesa county Health Department says tests of shown positive results for Norvovirus in the Grand Valley. Spokeswoman Karen Martsolf says although uncomfortable, the illness is usually not serious, but can be in young children and the elderly. Norvovirus is contagious so people who get it should stay home.
GRAND JUNCTION WEATHER
Look for even warmer temperatures in western Colorado in the coming months. According to the National Weather Service the second consecutive year of La Nina conditions mean continued dry and warm conditions. The Daily Sentinel says the .2 inches of precip recorded in March was well below the .92 average, and half that of last year. Snowpack in much of Colorado is at its lowest level in ten years.
D-51 ADMINISTRATOR SUPER FINALIST IN CORTEZ AND DURANGO
District 51's Executive Director of Instructional Support is a finalist for two Superintendent jobs in southwest Colorado. Jody Mimmack was Fruita Monument High School's pricipal before moving into the curriculum position in the middle of last year. The Daily Sentinel says Mimmack earned a superintendent’s certificate six years ago, but waited to apply outside the district until her kids graduated from school here.
COLORADO MEGA
A piece of Friday night's Mega Millions Jackpot is saying in Colorado, a couple of pretty big pieces. A ticket sold at a 7-11 in Denver is worth a million dollars, and one sold at a 7-11 in Centennial, $250,000. Both tickets matched five numbers.
LOWER NORTH FORK FIRE LATEST
The deadly Lower North Fork Fire is reported about 97% contained, with the remaining evacuees expected to be allowed back home this morning. Remains found Saturday afternoon in a burned-out home are believed to be those of a 51 year old woman reported missing early in the fire. A couple in their 70s also died in the fire that burned 4,100 acres.
GRAND VALLEY WEATHER
Temperatures in the Grand Valley were warm yesterday, but not as warm as Denver. A high of 84 degrees beat the old record of 78 set in 2004. The National Weather Service says a big change is in store today with a 50% chance of rain or snow. As much as three inches are possible in the area of the Lower North Fork Fire southwest of the metro area.
DEADLY SKYDIVE ACCIDENT
A 35 year old Crested Butte man is dead in a parachuting accident in Fremont County. The man was part of a tandem jump with an instructor when the chute became tangled. No word on the condition of the 28 year old instructor.
Colorado Senator Michael Bennet is in Grand Junction this afternoon pushing the extension of the wind energy production tax credit. Bennet will tour Leitner-Poma. The company manufactures electrical components for wind turbines and Bennet says the extension of the PTC would ramp up production and bring more jobs to the region.
GAS PRICES
Another 8.8 cent a gallon hike in the price of gas in Colorado. ColoradoGasPrices.com says the average is now $3.78 a gallon. The price of gas in the state has climbed an average 58.8 cents a gallon in the last month. As of yesterday, the national average was $3.89 a gallon.
MONTROSE MUNICIPAL ELECTIUON
In Montrose, they're gearing up for tomorrow's election of three city council members and a proposed 2/10 of a cent sales tax increase to pay for a new recreation center. Ballots in the mail-in election are due at the City Clerk's Office by 7:00 tomorrow night.
MONTROSE TRASH SERVICE
The City of Montrose is looking at privatizing sanitation services, and a decision could come tonight. City Council meets tonight instead of its regularly scheduled Tuesday night because of the municipal election. The Montrose Daily Press says an update on the plan and requests for proposals will be revisited in a work session before the meeting and a vote could come in the regular meeting.
NOROVIRUS IN GRAND VALLEY
If you've had a bout of stomach flu lately, you're not alone. The Mesa county Health Department says tests of shown positive results for Norvovirus in the Grand Valley. Spokeswoman Karen Martsolf says although uncomfortable, the illness is usually not serious, but can be in young children and the elderly. Norvovirus is contagious so people who get it should stay home.
GRAND JUNCTION WEATHER
Look for even warmer temperatures in western Colorado in the coming months. According to the National Weather Service the second consecutive year of La Nina conditions mean continued dry and warm conditions. The Daily Sentinel says the .2 inches of precip recorded in March was well below the .92 average, and half that of last year. Snowpack in much of Colorado is at its lowest level in ten years.
D-51 ADMINISTRATOR SUPER FINALIST IN CORTEZ AND DURANGO
District 51's Executive Director of Instructional Support is a finalist for two Superintendent jobs in southwest Colorado. Jody Mimmack was Fruita Monument High School's pricipal before moving into the curriculum position in the middle of last year. The Daily Sentinel says Mimmack earned a superintendent’s certificate six years ago, but waited to apply outside the district until her kids graduated from school here.
COLORADO MEGA
A piece of Friday night's Mega Millions Jackpot is saying in Colorado, a couple of pretty big pieces. A ticket sold at a 7-11 in Denver is worth a million dollars, and one sold at a 7-11 in Centennial, $250,000. Both tickets matched five numbers.
LOWER NORTH FORK FIRE LATEST
The deadly Lower North Fork Fire is reported about 97% contained, with the remaining evacuees expected to be allowed back home this morning. Remains found Saturday afternoon in a burned-out home are believed to be those of a 51 year old woman reported missing early in the fire. A couple in their 70s also died in the fire that burned 4,100 acres.
GRAND VALLEY WEATHER
Temperatures in the Grand Valley were warm yesterday, but not as warm as Denver. A high of 84 degrees beat the old record of 78 set in 2004. The National Weather Service says a big change is in store today with a 50% chance of rain or snow. As much as three inches are possible in the area of the Lower North Fork Fire southwest of the metro area.
DEADLY SKYDIVE ACCIDENT
A 35 year old Crested Butte man is dead in a parachuting accident in Fremont County. The man was part of a tandem jump with an instructor when the chute became tangled. No word on the condition of the 28 year old instructor.
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