Friday May 18, 2012

MOTORCYCLE FATAL
It could take days to notify the family of a man killed in a motorcycle crash on I-70 Tuesday. The crash happened near Palisade, the man was thrown from the bike and died of head injuries.  The Mesa County Coroner's office says the victim was from out of state and they haven't been able to notify his family.

HICK BILL SIGNINGS
Among the bills signed by Governor John Hickenlooper after this year's legislative session, one to make sure kids can read before moving to more advanced coursework.  The Colorado Early Literacy Act addresses kids kindergarten through 3rd grade, offering more resources for teachers and parents.

Governor Hickenlooper is traveling the state on a Bill signing tour..12 stops and 11 bills signed. The Governor comes to Grand Junction's Grand Valley Catholic Outreach's St. Martin Place Sunday evening.  The 16-unit apartment community serving homeless veterans, for a discussion of the new "Pathways Home Colorado" plan to prevent and end homelessness.  Then Monday, Hickenlooper signs three bills
before the Mesa County Commissioners regular meeting.

Governor John Hickenlooper's trip to Grand Junction this weekend includes the signing of three bills Monday morning.  Hickenlooper will sign the County Treasurer Becoming Public Trustee, Spruce Beetle Kill Wood Products Tax Exemption, and the official name change of Colorado Mesa Univeristy.  The ceremony is at the Old Mesa County Courthouse before the County Commissioners regular meeting.

Monday's a big day in Grand Junction for Governor John Hickenlooper.  Not only will he sign three bills into law before the Mesa County Commissioner's meeting, he'll get a look at the "Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness."  The plan, two years in the making, is being unveiled in conjunction with the 2012 Vulnerability Index compliled by over 100 community and social service agency reps and others.

RED FLAG WARNING
A Red Flag Warning goes into effect at 11:00 this morning in eastern Utah and western Colorado including the Grand Valley as a strong Pacific storm moves into the area.  Wind gusts up to 40 miles an hour are expected and low humidity which make for critical fire conditions.

KISSNER FREE ON BOND
A Delta County man accused of killing his wife a year and a half ago has been released on bond.  The Montrose Daily Press says 47 year old Billy Kissner posted a $100,000 bond, and is awaiting a preliminary hearing next month.  Kissner has been charged with 2nd Degree Murder as an Act of Domestic Violence.  Kissner reported finding his wife Raelynn dead in a hot tub.  Prosecutors say she showed significan head injuries, and no sign of drowning.

GJ HEROIN ARREST
A 29 year old Grand Junction man has been arrested in connection with the robbery of the Dollar General store on Orchard Mesa last Sunday. Gary Michael Lynn Barnett, also known as Gary Michaels was arrested Wednesday.  Investigators say Barnett was also wanted on a no bond warrant for robbery and escape out of Washington State. Local investigators discovered his real name after finding he was a suspect in a shoplifting incident in Fruita in January.

RIFLE INCIDENT
Police in Rifle aren't saying much, but they are thanking several agencies who helped diffuse a situation yesterday at Cross Roads Assisted Living.  A man with a gun reportedly barricaded himself in a public restroom at the center and wouldn't come out.  Residents werre evacuated during the 45 minute ordeal.  54 year old Gregory Blurton of Rifle finally surrendered.  No one was injured and charges are pending.

HEROIN ARREST
A Colorado Mesa University Student has been arrested twice this week on suspicion of dealing heroin.  The Daily Sentinel says 22 year old Cameron Coon was released on a personal recognizance bond after being booked Tuesday. He was arrested again, several hours later on the same charges. Coon's bond now is $25,000 cash only.

MESACO POLLEN
The Mesa County Health department says that pollen levels have gone up in the latest samples. Tree allergens lead the way with weed and grass allergens at lower levels. The Health Department also says that high wind over the weekend could lead to higher levels over the weekend.

DROPOUT RECOVERY
High school drop outs have a second chance to graduate after Gov. Hickenlooper signed a bill into law creating the Dropout Recovery Concurrent Enrollment Program. The law allows Community Colleges and local schools to create "recovery programs" that will allow students to finish their HS diplomas.

LITERACY BILL
The Colorado Childrens Campaign is applauding Governor Hickenlooper signing the Literacy Bill. The bill gives teaches more tools to help kids struggling with reading skills. Colorado Children's Campaign President Chris Watney says that the law will dramatically increase the chances of struggling students and is happy with the speed it was passed.