TROOPER JURY STILL OUT
Still no verdict in the Criminally Negligent Homicide trial of Colorado State Trooper Ivan "Gene" Lawyer. The Daily Sentinel says deliberations lasted nearly 12 hours yesterday, with jurors sending written questions to the judge. Lawyer is on trial for the July 2010 shooting death of Jason Kemp at a home on the Redlands.STATE
BUDGET BILL
The Colorado Senate has given initial approval to a $19 billion state budget bill. An amendment to bar the use of state cash assistance cards at ATM's in casinos, strip clubs or liquor stores failed. Opponents saying there's no guarantee cards used at grocery stores aren't being used wrongly either. The senate has to approve the entire budget on a recorded vote, then work out differences with the House before the bill goes to the governor.
BEACONFEST
The Beacon senior newspaper is holding its annual senior fair at Two Rivers Convention Center today...providing information, hosting a national AARP poll and holding a food drive. The Community Food Bank will be on hand, collecting non-perishable food items for the hungry in Mesa County.
HORIZON DRIVE DISTRCIT
The Horizon Drive District is holding a couple of public forums to unveil proposed improvements for Horizon Drive between G and H Roads. The first is this afternoon at 4:00. The business group says investing in Horizon Drive is essential for a couple of reasons, including the significant first and last impression it leaves on travelers to the area. Besides the forums, an online survey is available at HorizonDriveDistrict.com.
MUD SPRINGS OPEN
If you're ready to camp, so is the BLM's Mud Springs Campground in Glade Park. Mud Springs normally opens in mid to late May, but this year's low snowpack has made the early opeing possible. Services there are limited, so there's no fee until those services are available May 4th.
HAVEN HOUSE ANNIVERSARY
Olathe's Haven House, a transitional housing opportunity for homeless families is celebrating its first anniversary today. Haven House provides a variety of programs to homeless families in Delta, Montrose and Ouray Counties. Today's celebration is from 3:30 to 6:30 on River Road in Olathe.
MONUMENT OR PARK?
The final open house on whether the Colorado National Monument should become a National Park is from 4 until 7 today at the Glade Park Community Center. The panel looking into the possible move is listening to views from residents all around the Monument. More information is available on the Monument's website.
OBAMA IN DENVER
President Obama is getting ready for another trip to Denver. White House Officials tell a Denver TV station the President will stop in a suburb next Tuesday, his fourth visit to Colorado since last fall. Obama will be back in Colorado next month to give the commencement address at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.
MAROON CREEK OPENS EARLY
Early sight seeing in the Aspen area. The National Forest Service is opening Maroon Creek Road and some facilities at Maroon Lake tomorrow morning, the earliest opening in 20 years thanks to high temperatures and low snowpack. According to the Aspen Times, now fees will be charged until later in the spring.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Wednesday April 18, 2012
4th ARREST
The 4th suspect has been arrested in a burglary and theft investigation in Grand Junction. Three people, including the daughter of the victims were arrested earlier this week. The 4th suspect booked yesterday afternoon after turning himself in. Grand Jucntion Police say the group stole money and guns from the home 32 year old Taren Amsberry was housesitting for her parents.
JUDGE THREAT
A 24 year old Grand Junction man is in jail, accused of threatending a Mesa County District Judge. Justin Townsel was to be sentenced tomorrow by Mesa County District Judge Brian Flynn. The Daily Sentinel says Townsel said he had guns and directions from God to Kill Flynn. Townsel is now held on $150,000, will appear before District judge Richard Gurly, and is not allowed within 100 feet of Flynn or his staff.
JURY OUT IN TROOPER SHOOTING
The jury has the case of a Colorado State Trooper accused of criminally negligent homicide and other charges in the shooting death of Jason Kemp. Trooper Ivan "Gene" Lawyer shot Kemp to death after a hit and run accident on the Redlands in July of 2010. Deliberations lasted about 2 hours last night the jury returns to court this morning.
D-51 BUDGET CUTS
District 51 is still struggling with what cuts to make. The Daily Sentinel says the anticipated cuts have gone from as much at $8 million to an anticipated $2 to $4 million. Groups working on where the cuts should be made told the school board last night, "Strongly Preferred" cuts include $3.3 million in reductions at school buildings, $485,000 by increasing athletic fees, and a $10 a month hike in bus charges.
TODDLER HOMICIDE
The death of 19 month old Grand Junction toddler has been ruled a homicide after the Montrose County Coroner ruled the cause of death was non-accidental blunt force trauma. Owen Daniel Reak died in Montrose a week ago. The autopsy report has been sealed and the incident is under investigation by the Montrose and Mesa County Sheriff's Offices.
WOMEN'S WAGES
Women's wages in Colorado still aren't on par with men's. The National Women's Law Center released information regarding the wage gap, showing women in the state make 79 cents for every dollar that men make. The gap is even wider for Hispanic and Black women, who earn 53 and 61 cents respectively, to every dollar white men make in Colorado.
ASPEN COWS
Have you heard about the frozen cows in the Aspen/Sopris Forest Service District? The cows apparently sought cover in a forest service cabin at 11,000 feet, were trapped and are now frozen inside. Rangers are now trying to figure out how to get them out, so hikers can access the popular area. One of the options, is using explosives to get the frozen animals out.
FRIENDS BOOK SALE
If you're looking for a cheap read, you can get it from the Friends of the Mesa County Library. The group collects used books all year long and sells them twice a year. The spring sale is Friday and Saturday at the First Congregational Church across from Grand Junction High School. The books are all $1 or $2. Friends members can shop Thursday and non-members can join at the door for $10.
ELECTION RULES
Secretary of State Scott Gessler has adopted updated election rules designed to increase transparency and security of election processes. Revisions address election administration procedures by consolidating rules on ballot drop-off locations and clarifying security requirements for those sites. A complete list of changes is on the Secretary of State's website.
EAGLE CO FIRE BAN LIFTED
Eagle County's fire restrictions have been lifted after last weekend's storm. Sheriff Joe Hoy says limited agricultural burns are being allowed WITH an open burning permit and inspection from local fire authorities. Fires are also allowed in approved fire pits and BBQs.
COLORADO DEM BLUE BOOK
Colorado Democrats have released what they call the Colorado Blue Manual, a campaign resource for local candidates and activists. The Dems say without gubernatorial or U-S Senate races, local candidates and volunteers are carrying out work statewide campaigns usually do. The Democratic Party Chair says the Blue Manual ensures the smallest communities will get the same advice and insights the most sophisticated campaigns rely on.
The 4th suspect has been arrested in a burglary and theft investigation in Grand Junction. Three people, including the daughter of the victims were arrested earlier this week. The 4th suspect booked yesterday afternoon after turning himself in. Grand Jucntion Police say the group stole money and guns from the home 32 year old Taren Amsberry was housesitting for her parents.
JUDGE THREAT
A 24 year old Grand Junction man is in jail, accused of threatending a Mesa County District Judge. Justin Townsel was to be sentenced tomorrow by Mesa County District Judge Brian Flynn. The Daily Sentinel says Townsel said he had guns and directions from God to Kill Flynn. Townsel is now held on $150,000, will appear before District judge Richard Gurly, and is not allowed within 100 feet of Flynn or his staff.
JURY OUT IN TROOPER SHOOTING
The jury has the case of a Colorado State Trooper accused of criminally negligent homicide and other charges in the shooting death of Jason Kemp. Trooper Ivan "Gene" Lawyer shot Kemp to death after a hit and run accident on the Redlands in July of 2010. Deliberations lasted about 2 hours last night the jury returns to court this morning.
D-51 BUDGET CUTS
District 51 is still struggling with what cuts to make. The Daily Sentinel says the anticipated cuts have gone from as much at $8 million to an anticipated $2 to $4 million. Groups working on where the cuts should be made told the school board last night, "Strongly Preferred" cuts include $3.3 million in reductions at school buildings, $485,000 by increasing athletic fees, and a $10 a month hike in bus charges.
TODDLER HOMICIDE
The death of 19 month old Grand Junction toddler has been ruled a homicide after the Montrose County Coroner ruled the cause of death was non-accidental blunt force trauma. Owen Daniel Reak died in Montrose a week ago. The autopsy report has been sealed and the incident is under investigation by the Montrose and Mesa County Sheriff's Offices.
WOMEN'S WAGES
Women's wages in Colorado still aren't on par with men's. The National Women's Law Center released information regarding the wage gap, showing women in the state make 79 cents for every dollar that men make. The gap is even wider for Hispanic and Black women, who earn 53 and 61 cents respectively, to every dollar white men make in Colorado.
ASPEN COWS
Have you heard about the frozen cows in the Aspen/Sopris Forest Service District? The cows apparently sought cover in a forest service cabin at 11,000 feet, were trapped and are now frozen inside. Rangers are now trying to figure out how to get them out, so hikers can access the popular area. One of the options, is using explosives to get the frozen animals out.
FRIENDS BOOK SALE
If you're looking for a cheap read, you can get it from the Friends of the Mesa County Library. The group collects used books all year long and sells them twice a year. The spring sale is Friday and Saturday at the First Congregational Church across from Grand Junction High School. The books are all $1 or $2. Friends members can shop Thursday and non-members can join at the door for $10.
ELECTION RULES
Secretary of State Scott Gessler has adopted updated election rules designed to increase transparency and security of election processes. Revisions address election administration procedures by consolidating rules on ballot drop-off locations and clarifying security requirements for those sites. A complete list of changes is on the Secretary of State's website.
EAGLE CO FIRE BAN LIFTED
Eagle County's fire restrictions have been lifted after last weekend's storm. Sheriff Joe Hoy says limited agricultural burns are being allowed WITH an open burning permit and inspection from local fire authorities. Fires are also allowed in approved fire pits and BBQs.
COLORADO DEM BLUE BOOK
Colorado Democrats have released what they call the Colorado Blue Manual, a campaign resource for local candidates and activists. The Dems say without gubernatorial or U-S Senate races, local candidates and volunteers are carrying out work statewide campaigns usually do. The Democratic Party Chair says the Blue Manual ensures the smallest communities will get the same advice and insights the most sophisticated campaigns rely on.
Tuesday April 17, 2012
BURGLARY SUSPECTS ARRESTED
Grand Jucntion Police have three suspects in custody in a burglary and theft investigation involving a woman house sitting at her parents home. Police says 32 year old Taren Amberry said she was staying at the home when it was broken in to and money and weapons were stolen. Investigators say she and three men were involved in the theft. Amberry, 32 year old Gregory Johnston and 24 year old David Micky Fields were arrested, One suspect, 19 year old Jacob Seabold has not been contacted.
DRUG DEALER RE-SENTENCING
A Grand Jucntion woman sentenced to 6 years in prison last week now will spend 8-years in community corrects instead. 30 year old Starlyn Marie Tait was arrested in a wire tap investigation last fall on charges of buying and selling thousands of dollars worth of meth every day throughout the investigation. Prosecutors wanted a long prison sentence, but District Judge David Bottger decided against that. The Daily Sentinel says Bottger decided Tait would would have a better chance at rehabilitation in community corrections.
SEX SUSPECT SUICIDE
A 30 year old man from Massechuseetts arrested in Grand Junction last month accused of traveling here to have sex with children has killed himself in jail. Yaron Segal, an Israeli citizen died Friday in the Federal Correctional Institution in Englewood.
URANIUM COMPANY
Energy Fuels, the company trying to build a new Uranium mill in Montrose County is buying a mill in Utah and and other assets that would make it a leading U-S uranium company. Energy Fuels is still trying to get started building the Pinon Ridge Mine, but is battling protests from opponents who say the state health department didn't hold enough public hearings bfore granting a license. The Daily Sentinel says The NRC and State Health Department are meeting today to review the health department's regulatory program for radioactive materials.
Grand Jucntion Police have three suspects in custody in a burglary and theft investigation involving a woman house sitting at her parents home. Police says 32 year old Taren Amberry said she was staying at the home when it was broken in to and money and weapons were stolen. Investigators say she and three men were involved in the theft. Amberry, 32 year old Gregory Johnston and 24 year old David Micky Fields were arrested, One suspect, 19 year old Jacob Seabold has not been contacted.
DRUG DEALER RE-SENTENCING
A Grand Jucntion woman sentenced to 6 years in prison last week now will spend 8-years in community corrects instead. 30 year old Starlyn Marie Tait was arrested in a wire tap investigation last fall on charges of buying and selling thousands of dollars worth of meth every day throughout the investigation. Prosecutors wanted a long prison sentence, but District Judge David Bottger decided against that. The Daily Sentinel says Bottger decided Tait would would have a better chance at rehabilitation in community corrections.
SEX SUSPECT SUICIDE
A 30 year old man from Massechuseetts arrested in Grand Junction last month accused of traveling here to have sex with children has killed himself in jail. Yaron Segal, an Israeli citizen died Friday in the Federal Correctional Institution in Englewood.
URANIUM COMPANY
Energy Fuels, the company trying to build a new Uranium mill in Montrose County is buying a mill in Utah and and other assets that would make it a leading U-S uranium company. Energy Fuels is still trying to get started building the Pinon Ridge Mine, but is battling protests from opponents who say the state health department didn't hold enough public hearings bfore granting a license. The Daily Sentinel says The NRC and State Health Department are meeting today to review the health department's regulatory program for radioactive materials.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Monday April 16, 2012
COLORADO GAS PRICES
Colorado's gas prices, once some of the lowest in the country, continue to climb. ColoradoGasPrices.com says the average $3.86/gallon is up 2-cents the past week and 31 cents/gallon higher than one month ago.
The national avg. is down 1.4 cents in the last week to $3.89/g.
MONTROSE AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION
Construction begins today on a taxi-way next to the Montrose Regional Airport's secondary runway. That runway will remain closed through the duration of the project designed to increase aircraft safety and operational efficiency of the airport.
OUTSTANDING STUDENTS
Good news--116 seniors from District 51 high schools are being honored today at the Superintendent's luncheon. All of the students have earned perfect grades all four years of high school. That's a record number honored.
DRUG RE-SENTENCING
A Grand Junction woman sentenced to six years in prison last week on convictions of buying and selling meth, is being re-sentenced today. Chief Deputy DA Dan Rubinstein argued against a community based sentence and asked for 10 years. Star Tait was set to be transferred today from the Mesa County Jail to the Department of Corrections, but district Judge David Bottger put a stop on that and has scheduled another sentencing today.
STORM RESULTS
That weekend storm resulted in 5 to 10 inches of snow in the mountains, leading to chain requirements and closures. Front range weather officials say the moisture is enough to ease fire danger for a little while, but the long term outlook is harder to predict.
CAR STOLEN WITH 3 YEAR OLD INSIDE
Police are looking for a car stolen in Colorado Springs this morning with a 3 year old child inside. According to the Denver Post, the driver left the engine running and the 3-year old inside when the car was taken from a convenience store about 2:00 this morning. The little boy made his way to a nearby home although police say they don't know how the boy got away. Authorities are on the lookout for a White Chrysler new Yorker.
COST OF LIVING UP
New Department of Labor statistics show consumers in the western U-S paid nearly one percent more last month than in February. The price jump was even greater, 2.4% compared with last year. The Denver Post says gasoline prices were the biggest culprit, climbing 10.7%.
GJPD USE OF FORCE
Use of Force by Grand Junction Polcie Officers is down according to reports in the Daily Sentinel. 40 reported officer involved incident last year was down 30% compared to 2010. Tasers were used only 11 times last year, a five year low.
BIRGFELD MEMORIAL
The family of Paige Birgfeld is holding a public memorial service April 28th at Grand Junction High School. They say they want to give the public a chance to say goodbye. Birgfeld was the mother of 3 who disappeared in Grand Junction in 2007. Her remains were found earlier this year.
Colorado's gas prices, once some of the lowest in the country, continue to climb. ColoradoGasPrices.com says the average $3.86/gallon is up 2-cents the past week and 31 cents/gallon higher than one month ago.
The national avg. is down 1.4 cents in the last week to $3.89/g.
MONTROSE AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION
Construction begins today on a taxi-way next to the Montrose Regional Airport's secondary runway. That runway will remain closed through the duration of the project designed to increase aircraft safety and operational efficiency of the airport.
OUTSTANDING STUDENTS
Good news--116 seniors from District 51 high schools are being honored today at the Superintendent's luncheon. All of the students have earned perfect grades all four years of high school. That's a record number honored.
DRUG RE-SENTENCING
A Grand Junction woman sentenced to six years in prison last week on convictions of buying and selling meth, is being re-sentenced today. Chief Deputy DA Dan Rubinstein argued against a community based sentence and asked for 10 years. Star Tait was set to be transferred today from the Mesa County Jail to the Department of Corrections, but district Judge David Bottger put a stop on that and has scheduled another sentencing today.
STORM RESULTS
That weekend storm resulted in 5 to 10 inches of snow in the mountains, leading to chain requirements and closures. Front range weather officials say the moisture is enough to ease fire danger for a little while, but the long term outlook is harder to predict.
CAR STOLEN WITH 3 YEAR OLD INSIDE
Police are looking for a car stolen in Colorado Springs this morning with a 3 year old child inside. According to the Denver Post, the driver left the engine running and the 3-year old inside when the car was taken from a convenience store about 2:00 this morning. The little boy made his way to a nearby home although police say they don't know how the boy got away. Authorities are on the lookout for a White Chrysler new Yorker.
COST OF LIVING UP
New Department of Labor statistics show consumers in the western U-S paid nearly one percent more last month than in February. The price jump was even greater, 2.4% compared with last year. The Denver Post says gasoline prices were the biggest culprit, climbing 10.7%.
GJPD USE OF FORCE
Use of Force by Grand Junction Polcie Officers is down according to reports in the Daily Sentinel. 40 reported officer involved incident last year was down 30% compared to 2010. Tasers were used only 11 times last year, a five year low.
BIRGFELD MEMORIAL
The family of Paige Birgfeld is holding a public memorial service April 28th at Grand Junction High School. They say they want to give the public a chance to say goodbye. Birgfeld was the mother of 3 who disappeared in Grand Junction in 2007. Her remains were found earlier this year.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Friday April 13, 2012
HAPPY FRIDAY THE 13TH!
BOZARTH INVESTIGATION
Grand Junction Fire investigators are working to figure out the cause of a fire that severely damaged Ed Bozarth Chevrolet's Body Shop. It happened about 1:45 yesterday morning, several cars being prepped for work were damaged. 10 shop employees will be reassigned within the dealership.
CLIMATE DATA
New data from The National Climatic Data Center shows last month was the driest March ever in Colorado. The Daily Sentinel says nearly all of Colorado experienced a short-term "extreme drought," The south-central part of the state conditions rated only "severe." State Climatologist Nolan Doesken says the driest areas this year, were the wettest last spring and summer.
TROOPER TRIAL
Two jurors in the Criminally Negligent Homicide trial of State Trooper Gene Lawyer have been removed leaving only 12 jurors. If another leaves, that would force a mistrial. According to the Daily Sentinel, one juror was dismissed Wednesday, then yesterday another juror didn't show up for court. Lawyer is accused of shooting Jason Kemp to death in his apartment after Kemp was allegedly involved in a hit and run accident in a quiet Redlands neighborhood.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT TUITION
It's not clear if a bill to reduce tuition costs for illegal immigrants in Colorado will make it to the House floor, but it IS moving forward, having been assigned to the House Education Committee. The bill is supported by businesses, clergy and some key Republicans. Senate Bill 15 is also set to be heard in the House Appropriations Committee.
STATE BUDGET BILL
Colorado's $19 Billion buget plan has passed out of the House on a nearly unanimous vote. House Speaker Frank McNulty tells the Denver Post, the budget is responsible, increasing funding for education, protecting seniors and helping build a better Colorado. The budget now goes to the Senate where some amendments are expected. The bill would then go to a conference committee to settle Senate and House differences.
ASPEN RESORTS CLOSING
Snow is expected in Colorado this weekend, but it won't be enough to keep some resorts open. Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Snowmass are rolling up the carpet Sunday, a week earlier than scheduled. The Aspen Times says some areas have melted so much skiers have to walk between lift rides. The melt-out is being called "unprecedented."
HANTAVIRUS WARNING
The Mesa County Health Department is warning residents to take some precautions this spring when cleaning areas that may have been inhabited by mice over the winter. Mice droppings can contain Hantavirus, and there have already been two reported cases of the sickness in neighboring counties. Be sure to wear gloves, ventilate the areas, and even spray with a water and bleach mixture before cleaning sheds, barns and garages this spring.
UDALL FOREST SVC LETTER
Senator Mark Udall is expressing concern for wildfires in Colorado, but more specifically, the ability to keep up with what looks to be a busy season. Udall wrote to Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell about the service's dwindling and aging fleet of air tankers. Udall says he hopes the fleet of just 11 planes can keep up with multiple fires, or even a single large wildfire. The fleet was 44 strong in 2002.
FALSE REPORTS AT CU
University of Colorado Chancellor Phil DiStefano sent out a warning to students about false police reports this week. The Boulder Daily Camera says at least two incidents on campus were reported to police, and falsely accused a black man, and hispanic man of criminal activity. DiStefano said the reports create a climate of fear, and asked students to examine their own biases.
MEEKER BANK ROBBERY
A bank robber in Meeker didn't get very far. Meeker Police say the Mountain Valley Bank was held up at 9:00 yesterday morning and a reverse 9-1-1 was issued. The 25 year old suspect was arrest after a citizen report.
BOZARTH INVESTIGATION
Grand Junction Fire investigators are working to figure out the cause of a fire that severely damaged Ed Bozarth Chevrolet's Body Shop. It happened about 1:45 yesterday morning, several cars being prepped for work were damaged. 10 shop employees will be reassigned within the dealership.
CLIMATE DATA
New data from The National Climatic Data Center shows last month was the driest March ever in Colorado. The Daily Sentinel says nearly all of Colorado experienced a short-term "extreme drought," The south-central part of the state conditions rated only "severe." State Climatologist Nolan Doesken says the driest areas this year, were the wettest last spring and summer.
TROOPER TRIAL
Two jurors in the Criminally Negligent Homicide trial of State Trooper Gene Lawyer have been removed leaving only 12 jurors. If another leaves, that would force a mistrial. According to the Daily Sentinel, one juror was dismissed Wednesday, then yesterday another juror didn't show up for court. Lawyer is accused of shooting Jason Kemp to death in his apartment after Kemp was allegedly involved in a hit and run accident in a quiet Redlands neighborhood.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT TUITION
It's not clear if a bill to reduce tuition costs for illegal immigrants in Colorado will make it to the House floor, but it IS moving forward, having been assigned to the House Education Committee. The bill is supported by businesses, clergy and some key Republicans. Senate Bill 15 is also set to be heard in the House Appropriations Committee.
STATE BUDGET BILL
Colorado's $19 Billion buget plan has passed out of the House on a nearly unanimous vote. House Speaker Frank McNulty tells the Denver Post, the budget is responsible, increasing funding for education, protecting seniors and helping build a better Colorado. The budget now goes to the Senate where some amendments are expected. The bill would then go to a conference committee to settle Senate and House differences.
ASPEN RESORTS CLOSING
Snow is expected in Colorado this weekend, but it won't be enough to keep some resorts open. Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Snowmass are rolling up the carpet Sunday, a week earlier than scheduled. The Aspen Times says some areas have melted so much skiers have to walk between lift rides. The melt-out is being called "unprecedented."
HANTAVIRUS WARNING
The Mesa County Health Department is warning residents to take some precautions this spring when cleaning areas that may have been inhabited by mice over the winter. Mice droppings can contain Hantavirus, and there have already been two reported cases of the sickness in neighboring counties. Be sure to wear gloves, ventilate the areas, and even spray with a water and bleach mixture before cleaning sheds, barns and garages this spring.
UDALL FOREST SVC LETTER
Senator Mark Udall is expressing concern for wildfires in Colorado, but more specifically, the ability to keep up with what looks to be a busy season. Udall wrote to Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell about the service's dwindling and aging fleet of air tankers. Udall says he hopes the fleet of just 11 planes can keep up with multiple fires, or even a single large wildfire. The fleet was 44 strong in 2002.
FALSE REPORTS AT CU
University of Colorado Chancellor Phil DiStefano sent out a warning to students about false police reports this week. The Boulder Daily Camera says at least two incidents on campus were reported to police, and falsely accused a black man, and hispanic man of criminal activity. DiStefano said the reports create a climate of fear, and asked students to examine their own biases.
MEEKER BANK ROBBERY
A bank robber in Meeker didn't get very far. Meeker Police say the Mountain Valley Bank was held up at 9:00 yesterday morning and a reverse 9-1-1 was issued. The 25 year old suspect was arrest after a citizen report.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Wind Damage
I-70 SEMI CRASH
High winds blamed for a semi crash that closing the westbound lanes of I-70 for about a half hour. A Fed Ex truck with tandem trailers crashed about 5 miles west of Fruita. The closure happened while crews were working to upright the wreck. It was fully open by 11:30 last night.
High winds blamed for a semi crash that closing the westbound lanes of I-70 for about a half hour. A Fed Ex truck with tandem trailers crashed about 5 miles west of Fruita. The closure happened while crews were working to upright the wreck. It was fully open by 11:30 last night.
Thursday April 12, 2012
MC HOME SALES
Home sales in Mesa County are improving, even if that improvement is a small one. Advanced Title Company President Bob Reece has been compiling statistics for years. He says there were 712 sales in the 1st quarter compared with 623 sales in the same quarter last year. At the peak in 2006, 1,596 sales were recorded in the 1st quarter, 509 in 2009.
G RD WEED FIRE
Grand Junction fire investigators say they don't think a controlled burn caused a weed fire destroying 2 sheds and damaging a third near 26 1/2 and G Roads. It was reported just after 5:00 and controlled by about 5:30. Spokesman Mike Page says at least 2 homes were threatened in the fire. He says it points out the need for extreme caution with anything that could ignite a fire in Red Flag wind conditions.
I-70 SEMI CRASH
High winds blamed for a semi crash that closing the westbound lanes of I-70 for about a half hour. A Fed Ex truck with tandem trailers crashed about 5 miles west of Fruita. The closure happened while crews were working to upright the wreck. It was fully open by 11:30 last night.
BOZARTH CHEVY FIRE
Grand Junction fire fighters busy with a fire at Ed Bozarth Chevrolet early this morning. It was reported in the body shop around 1:45 and it took about a half hour to control. Spokesman Mike Page says there was mostly smoke damage to a paint facility in the building, but major damage to cars and the structure in the repair section at the other end of the building. Investigators still looking for the cause.
JETAWAY CLAIMS
When a federal court threw out an anti-trust lawsuit filed by Jet Away Aviation against Montrose County, JetAway was ordered to pay costs. The county submitted its claim yesterday, asking for nearly $58,000. The Montrose Daily Press says the county's special counsel has already filed a bill for $1.7 million. The judgement against JetAway in the nearly 6-year long battle was handed down March 28th.
MONTROSE SEX ARREST
A Montrose man is being held on suspicion of sexual exploitation of a child for what the Montrose Daily Press calls a sexually inappropriate video. 33 year old Steven Sigafus was arrested Wednesday and is being held on $50,000 bond. He's been ordered to stay away from anyone younger than 18, including his own children.
ANIMAL CRUELTY
The Mesa County Sheriff's Office has charged a Loma man with 71 counts of cruelty to animals. 45 year old John Lawton's cattle herd was seized March 30th when investigators found the animals in various states of neglect, some already dead. 61 of the animals were transported to a local feed lot for rehab and further diagnostic treatment.
TROOPER LAWYER TRIAL
An expert witness says warrantless searches to preserve blood-alcohol evidence in a misdemeanor drunk-driving case is illegal. The Daily Sentinel says Ed Nugent testified more serious drunk driving offenses including vehicular assault or vehicular homicide may justify such a search. Nugent is testifying in the trial of Colorado State Trooper Gene Lawyer accused of shooting to death 31 year old Jason Kemp in July 2010. A grand Jury indicted Lawyer in October of that year.
BUS DRIVER TICKETED
A school bus driver ticketed Tuesday for Driving While Ability Impaired didn't appear intoxicated to a Fist Student bus company dispatcher who sent him on his way early that morning. The Daily Sentinel says First Student requires drivers to get their school bus keys from a dispatcher who determines whether the driver can safely operate their bus. No one noticed 54-year old Gary Williams might have been intoxicated. He was issued a summones after dropping off 30 students at Orchard Mesa Middle School. First Student says it's reviewing its policies and procedures.
COLORADO BUDGET
Colorado's $19 billion fiscal 2012-13 state budget has gotten initial approval from the state house after lively debate over funding for private prisons and the future of the Colroado Office of Consumer Counsel, the agency assigned to represent utility ratepayers' interests before the PUC. The budget bill must pass a second vote before heading to the Senate where more amendments are expected.
Home sales in Mesa County are improving, even if that improvement is a small one. Advanced Title Company President Bob Reece has been compiling statistics for years. He says there were 712 sales in the 1st quarter compared with 623 sales in the same quarter last year. At the peak in 2006, 1,596 sales were recorded in the 1st quarter, 509 in 2009.
G RD WEED FIRE
Grand Junction fire investigators say they don't think a controlled burn caused a weed fire destroying 2 sheds and damaging a third near 26 1/2 and G Roads. It was reported just after 5:00 and controlled by about 5:30. Spokesman Mike Page says at least 2 homes were threatened in the fire. He says it points out the need for extreme caution with anything that could ignite a fire in Red Flag wind conditions.
I-70 SEMI CRASH
High winds blamed for a semi crash that closing the westbound lanes of I-70 for about a half hour. A Fed Ex truck with tandem trailers crashed about 5 miles west of Fruita. The closure happened while crews were working to upright the wreck. It was fully open by 11:30 last night.
BOZARTH CHEVY FIRE
Grand Junction fire fighters busy with a fire at Ed Bozarth Chevrolet early this morning. It was reported in the body shop around 1:45 and it took about a half hour to control. Spokesman Mike Page says there was mostly smoke damage to a paint facility in the building, but major damage to cars and the structure in the repair section at the other end of the building. Investigators still looking for the cause.
JETAWAY CLAIMS
When a federal court threw out an anti-trust lawsuit filed by Jet Away Aviation against Montrose County, JetAway was ordered to pay costs. The county submitted its claim yesterday, asking for nearly $58,000. The Montrose Daily Press says the county's special counsel has already filed a bill for $1.7 million. The judgement against JetAway in the nearly 6-year long battle was handed down March 28th.
MONTROSE SEX ARREST
A Montrose man is being held on suspicion of sexual exploitation of a child for what the Montrose Daily Press calls a sexually inappropriate video. 33 year old Steven Sigafus was arrested Wednesday and is being held on $50,000 bond. He's been ordered to stay away from anyone younger than 18, including his own children.
ANIMAL CRUELTY
The Mesa County Sheriff's Office has charged a Loma man with 71 counts of cruelty to animals. 45 year old John Lawton's cattle herd was seized March 30th when investigators found the animals in various states of neglect, some already dead. 61 of the animals were transported to a local feed lot for rehab and further diagnostic treatment.
TROOPER LAWYER TRIAL
An expert witness says warrantless searches to preserve blood-alcohol evidence in a misdemeanor drunk-driving case is illegal. The Daily Sentinel says Ed Nugent testified more serious drunk driving offenses including vehicular assault or vehicular homicide may justify such a search. Nugent is testifying in the trial of Colorado State Trooper Gene Lawyer accused of shooting to death 31 year old Jason Kemp in July 2010. A grand Jury indicted Lawyer in October of that year.
BUS DRIVER TICKETED
A school bus driver ticketed Tuesday for Driving While Ability Impaired didn't appear intoxicated to a Fist Student bus company dispatcher who sent him on his way early that morning. The Daily Sentinel says First Student requires drivers to get their school bus keys from a dispatcher who determines whether the driver can safely operate their bus. No one noticed 54-year old Gary Williams might have been intoxicated. He was issued a summones after dropping off 30 students at Orchard Mesa Middle School. First Student says it's reviewing its policies and procedures.
COLORADO BUDGET
Colorado's $19 billion fiscal 2012-13 state budget has gotten initial approval from the state house after lively debate over funding for private prisons and the future of the Colroado Office of Consumer Counsel, the agency assigned to represent utility ratepayers' interests before the PUC. The budget bill must pass a second vote before heading to the Senate where more amendments are expected.
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