Thursday December 20, 2012

Two men are being treated for stab wounds after an altercation at a Clifton trailer park.  Mesa County Sheriff's spokeswoman Heather Benjamin says the two apparently stabbed each other last night.  A witness was being questioned. Investigators still looking for a motive.

The Secretary of State's office is out with a Top Ten list for wise giving.  They say it's really important, especially around the holidays to make sure the charity you're helping is legitimate.  The top ten list for checking out a charity is available on the Colorado state website.

The BLM is extending the public comment period to January 18th on a Genesis Gas & Oil expansion plan near the town of Mesa. Existing roads will be used an another 3 and 1/2 miles of road are planned.  The detailed proposal is available at the BLM.

A group calling themselves the Fiscal Cliffmas Carolers is stopping at Congressman Scott Tipton's Grand Junction office later this morning, putting their views to music.  The singers say all they want for Christmas is to see Tipton put the middle class over millionaires and ask the top 2% to pay their fair share.

Heavy snow overnight Tuesday into Wednesday is providing a little relief from the drought, but not much.  The Bureau of Reclamation tells The Daily Sentinel numbers on the moisture content of the snow won't be available for a while, and with the snowpack at only 39% of average at the end of last month, a whole lot more is needed just to get up to average.

A Grand Junction mother has come up with a unique way to honor the memories of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting.  Annie Wright has hung 26 Christmas stockings on a tree between Pitkin and Ute Avenues at 15th Street.  She's encouraging anyone who wants to, to leave a note to the families.  She says she'll send them to Connecticut January 7th.

Governor John Hickenlooper is calling for a moment of silence tomorrow to honor the 26 people killed at Sandy Hook elementary school last week. People all over the country plan a silent memorial at 9:30 Colorado time.  Hickenlooper made the call after a request from CT Governor Dannel Malloy asked all of the country's governors to join the moment. Churches and government buildings in CT also plan to ring bells 26 times to honor each person killed.

Grand Junction reporting a total 4.6 inches of snow in this week's storm and now the state's climatologist says favorable storm-tracking means more snow is possible through the end of the year.  Nolan Doesken tells the Denver Post snowpack in many of the state's river basins has climbed as much as 30% in the past ten days, with the Yampa and White river basins at 80% of average.

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.

Friday December 7, 2012

Grand Jucntion Police are investigating an explosion at a house on N. 23rd Street.  Apparently something inside a safe blew up injuring a man and woman in the house. Both were taken to the hospital.  Police are still lookng for the cause of the blast.

A Mesa County District Judge has granted an emergency injunction to block plans to cremate the bodies of Tyler and William Jensen. The boys' mother has requested the cremation, their fraternal grandparents instead want the children buried next to their father who was killed in a car crash in October.  Judge Thomas Deister has ordered the grandparents to post a $5,000 bond since the bodies are in the custody of Callahan-Edfast Mortuary.

A tentative plea agreement means 26 year old Justin Keel could face 24 to 36 years in prison in the death of his girl friend's 19-month old son Owen Reak.  The little boy died in April.  The Daily Sentinel says Keel is expected to plead guilty to  one count of child abuse resulting in death.  In exchange the DA's office is to dismiss other charges including first degree murder in exchange.


One of Grand Junction's Deputy Police Chiefs is on his way to Commerce City, having been named their new Chief of Police.  Troy Smith was with Grand Junction for 9 years.  While here, Smith received the Grand Junction Police Department’s Award of Excellence and the Colorado State Police Chief’s Executive Innovation Award.  He starts in Commerce City Next month.


Grand Junction Rotary and Kiwanis are holding their annual Salvation Army Bell ring-off tomorrow.  Rotary mans the kettles from 10 to noon, Kiwanis from noon to 2:00. The Salvation Army says the competition annually raises for projects for kids throughout the year.

Wal-Marts in Delta and Grand Junction are holding a first-ever "Fill the Truck" event tomorrow from 9 to 5.  The stores will have barrels at each door and will accept new unwrapped toys and coats for children in need.  The Colorado Army National Guard will be there to help load  the toys and will also have some equipment for kids to play on.

Police in Delta have released the name of a man killed when his bicycle was hit by a pickup Wednesday night.  63 year old Craig Warren Hampton of Delta suffered serious injuries and was flown to Grand Junction where he later died.  The accident is still under investigation.

Some Central High School students are doing their part to help make Christmas merrier for folks who need a little help. The collected donations and are handing them out tomorrow.  Food, clothing, toiletries, toys and more are available at the school cafeteria all day tomorrow.

The Fruita Chamber of Commerce has a new director, Shauna Davies.  She's been with the Chamber for a long time and acted as interim director since May.  Chamber Board President John Burwell tells the Daily Sentinel Davies length of service and knowledge of the group led to her becoming the head.

19 horses have been found dead at the Wild Horse Inmate Program outside Canyon City.  BLM officials are trying to figure out what happened.  They say some of the horses were dead in a pen and others nearby were so sick they were put down.  Tests are underway on water and hay samples.  Since 1986, 5,000 horses have been trained by inmates in the program.

Thursday December 6, 2012

Delta Police are investigating the death of a person hit by a pickup last night. He was crossing Highway 92 near Henrie Street around 8:00 last night when he was struck. He was seriously injured and flown to Grand Junction where he died of his injuries.

Grand Junction City Council has signed off on the 2013 budget.  The city continues to grow since significant cuts in 2009.  Next year's $145.8 million budget includes 13 new positions which leaves the city with 69 fewer positions than in 2009.  The plan includes parks improvements, Avalon Theater renovation, and street overlay increases.  You can look at the entire budget on the city's website gjcity.org.

CMU Cycling Coach Rick Crawford has admitted involvement in professional cycling doping more than ten years ago. The University says Crawford will continue to coach and will serve 500 hours of community service in anti doping education for the US Anti-Doping Agency.  Former professional cyclist and outspoken anti-doping advocate Scott Mercier has signed on to act as Director of CMU cycling.

The grandmother of two boys who died in suspicious circumstances on the Grand Mesa has gone to court to try and have the boys' remains buried next to their father, her son Eric Jenson, who was killed in a car crash in October. According to the Daily Sentinel, the grandmother, Diane Mathena, believes the boys' mother wants to have the remains cremated. The matter hasn't been set for a hearing.

The Colorado Secretary of State's Office is set to certify the results of the November election and several Colorado business and advocacy organizations — including the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce and Club 20 have sent a letter to US Attorney General Eric Holder to make clear whether he intends to enforce federal laws against marijuana sale, use, and possession.  Club 20 tells the Daily Sentinel businesses and agencies that must comply with federal law need to know Holder's intentions so they can figure out how to handle issues relating to Colorado's new law.

It's dry in Colorado, especially in the Colorado River, and Yampa and White River basins where snowpack is 39 and 37%. Statewide snowpack is 41% of normal.  Snow IS expected in the next few days, up to 6 inches or more in the northern mountains.

The figures are in from Colorado Gives Day: a record $15 million was raised for local nonprofits around Colorado.  Officials say 68,000 donations were made, from $10- all the way to one donor who gave $44,000 to 96 different charities.

SWAT teams from the Grand Junction Police and Mesa County Sheriff's Departments are holding their annual toy drive Saturday from 11 to 3 at Mesa Mall next to Target.  The teams are bringing their armored rescue vehicle and collecting toys for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots. Kids can get in the BearCat and have a chance to win prizes.

Wednesday December 5, 2012

For the past few years, Coloradans Against Auto Theft have been pointing out the dangers of warming up your car, leaving it running with the doors unlocked.  In the Grand Valley,  the Western Colorado Auto Theft Taskforce is taking it a step further.  Grand unction Police, the state patrol, and the Mesa County Sheriff's and DA's offices are rolling in safety tips, and steps to protect your car from theft.  They say it's important to be extra careful during the holidays.

Colorado Democrats are smiling today. Senator Michael Bennet has secured a position at the top of the National Democratic Committee, and Governor Hickenlooper has been chosen to serve as Vice Chair for the Democratic Governors Association.  In a newsrelease, the Colorado Democratic Party says Hickenlooper's inclusive, collaborative approach to leading the state is unique and can be a model for others.

Colorado Senator Mark Udall isn't giving up his stance on the Wind Energy Production Tax Credit. He's giving his 24th floor address today.  He says the PTC is important for Colorado and several other states, and the country's global competitiveness. Today Udall plans to focus on the economic impacts of the PTC on Minnesota.

Mesa County Sheriff's investigators are looking for a man who stole a donation container from the counter of Enterprise Liquor Store at 2923 North Avenue.  The suspect took the cotainer then got in an older model Chevy Van yesterday around 2:00. The man made off with donations for a high school student trying to study abroad.

The Salvation Army has announced another drop-off location for people who want to donate food or toys for Christmas Assistance.  Mesa View Retirement Community will accept donations between 9 and 5 through next Tuesday.

A Palisade winery has raised more than $1,700 for the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association. Talon Winery introduced a label called Rock Red last spring featuring a label with a "ride local/drink local" theme and set aside $1 from every bottle sold.  The winery presented the check to COPMOBA yesterday.

No new details in the deaths of two young boys left in a running SUV on the Grand Mesa last week.  2-year old William Jensen was dead when authorities arrived to an area near Powderhorn a week ago.  4-year old Tyler Jensen was taken off life-support and died at Children's Hospital in Denver. Documents in the case of been sealed and authorities have not released any new information.

Fire officials are blaming heat tape for a fire that destroyed a mobile home in Parachute.  A man staying in the trailer escaped in his pajamas and was not injured but a cat died in the fire.

A unique Western Colorado business is making its national debut on the Science Channel tomorrow.  Colorado Yurt is being featured on the series "How It's Made."  A second espisode is scheduled later this month.

Getting in and out of the Mesa County Fairgrounds on Orchard Mesa is about to get easier.  Mesa County Commissioners have approved a new signal on Highway 50 in anticipation of re-opening the old entrance to the grounds at 27 3/4 Road.  Officials say it's important to address traffic concerns as a new fairground master plan is developed.

Garfield County is challenging a BLM decision to reduce acreage available in northwest Colroado for oil shale leasing.  A protest letter has been sent to the BLM and Interior officials questioning data used by the BLM in its decision. County commissioners say commercial oil shale development is highly questionable under the BLM plan.

Aspen Skiing Company says there's not enough snow and Aspen Highlands won't open as scheduled this Saturday.  Skico tells the Aspen Times they need at least 8 inches of snow and 24 hours. Snow is in the forecast, but Skico officials say they're not going to count on it.

The City of Denver is looking to recoup some of the cost of hosting the first presidential debate in October.  Officials tell the Denver Post they spent about $500,000, including about $90,000 in police overtime. The Denver Post says the University of Denver estimated it received nearly $58 million in media exposure over the past year for hosting the debate.

Coloradans might have a say on whether the state should stay on daylight saving time.  State Senator Greg Brophy says he'll bring the issue up in the coming legislative session and would like to put the matter to a vote.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory or N-REL in Golden is teaming up with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to study the pricing trends of solar energy. N-REL says the two are working to reduce confusion in   Photovoltaic or PV pricing, and say there has been a downward pricing trend for the past two years.

Tuesday December 4, 2012

A 4-year old Palisade boy in Children's Hospital since last week has died.  Tyler Jensen had been hospitalized since he and his two year old brother were found in a running SUV on the grand mesa November 28th.  2 year old William was dead when Mesa County Sheriff's Deputies arrived after their mother called 9-1-1.  Sheriff's officials say an autopsy on William has been completed.  Records in the case have been sealed and no information is being released.

A Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce business survey says a weak economy has been replaced as the number one concern impacting businesses in the coming year.  It's the first time since the survey was started in 2008 it was not the biggest concern.  Number one was increased fees and regulations.  Healthcare costs was third on the list of concerns.

Montrose Regional Airport is the latest in the state to be equipped with Wide Area Multilateration or WAM technology to track aircraft in mountainous areas outside radar coverage.  The same systems are in place in Craig, Hayden, Steamboat Springs and Rifle, and scheduled to be installed around Durango, Gunnison and Telluride next summer.  WAM allows pilots to fly search and rescue missions and land in conditions they wouldn't have been able to before.

Last week's record Powerball Jackpot paid off for the Colorado Lottery. The $22 million in ticket sales was the highest sales week in history with more than double the average weekly sales.  Nearly $8.4 million tickets were sold last Wednesday alone.

The Salvation Army is gearing up for its annual Christmas assistance with applications due by the end of the week.  People who need information should call the Army's main office on 4th Street to find out what documents are required with their application.

Colorado is continuing its road to recovery with continued job growth predicted by a CU researcher.  Richard Wobbekind.  He says the growth will be across all sectors, although not as strong as this year. According to the Denver Post, Wobbekind is concerned with the Fiscal Cliff, saying Colorado would be significantly affected by spending cuts to federal agencies and defense because of the state's heavy stake in both.

Grand Junction Police are investigating an attempted burglary on Orchard Mesa.  The victim said someone was removing property from an apartment and fired a shot while officers were on their way. No suspects have been located.

Monday December 3, 2012

The price of gas in Colorado is down again, starting the week nearly 5 1/2 cents a gallon less than last week.  The average now $3.32/gal.  The national avg. now $3.39.

A group of small business owners urging 3rd District Congressman Scott Tipton to carry on plans not to raise taxes on the middle class and raise them instead on the top 2% of earners.  The group says allowing taxes for the middle class to remain steady is the answer to strengthening the national economy.

The Montrose City Council is on track to put a moratorium in place on applications for retail marijuana shops in the city after voters there voted against Amendment 64.  The Montrose Daily Press says a vote on the proposal is scheduled tomorrow.

The City of Grand Junction has a bright idea, Solar Power, and they're expanding a system at the Persigo Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Daily Sentinel says the city expects to save more than $350,000 over 20 years.

Grand Junction City Council looking at an April vote on an extension of Tax Payer Bill of Rights taxes.  The money collected right now is paying for the Riverside parkway.  An April TABOR override could fund any number of municipal projects including parks and major road projects.  An open house is Thursday at Two Rivers Convention Center. A survey's available on the city's website.

5 states including Colorado are announcing today a plan to increase classroom learning time by 300 hours in some schools.  The 3-year pilot program is being paid for with a mix of federal, state and district funding with a goal of boosting student achievement and making US schools more globally competitive.

An annual gathering to remember homeless people who have died in the Grand Valley called attention yesterday to nine people who died in the past year.  The Daily Sentinel says the homeless Shelter, Homeward Bound is trying to raise awareness the need for housing, especially for families.

The Town of Palisade's $7.9 million budget for next year is on the books, including a new fire station and some significant street maintenance and repairs.  The search is on for a new police chief with a higher salary than the former chief's, along with less overtime pay for officers.

That wildfire burning near Rocky Mountain National Park isn't any closer to containment, especially in abnormally dry conditions, high winds and beetle-kill trees. Fire officials are keeping a close eye on the weather concerned flames could move to the tops of the trees forcing evacuations of at least 1,000 residences.

Gun sales in Colorado are soaring, with criminal background checks required to buy a gun up 58% in the past five years. The Denver Post cites data from the CBI saying there were more than 4,000 checks run in Colorado on Black Friday.  Nationally, nearly 155,000 checks were run the same day.

Looking for a home invasion suspect: there's an app for that.  The Aspen Daily News says the son of the victim was able to track his mother's stolen phone from Basalt, all the way to Parachute where a suspect was arrested.  There's a warrant out for a second suspect.