Montrose Fresh

Today... Montrose has canceled its Fourth of July fireworks because of wildfire danger, but will still celebrate with a heritage-themed parade, farmers’ market activities, food trucks, family events, dog shows, cornhole, and live music. And later... Two people are dead, and a 1-year-old girl is seriously injured, after a crash on Monday evening on US Five-Fifty near Solar Road.

Today... Recent wildfires in southwest Colorado prompted Montrose County to postpone its fire summit and the City of Montrose to delay its July 4th fireworks show to August 1st, while other Independence Day events remain scheduled. And later... Sweet corn will still be available this summer, but drought, pests, water cuts, and higher costs mean the crop will be much smaller and harder to find.

Today... Montrose Recreation District’s "Adaptive Biking Program" is expanding after a successful first year, adding more adaptive bikes, monthly rides, and a new Special Olympics cycling team for athletes with intellectual disabilities. And later... Justin Dahl’s 97-count animal cruelty case is set for an August trial, though it could be delayed depending on a defense expert’s report.

Today... Montrose County approved about $60,000 in geotechnical drilling and water-flow analysis to determine how, whether, and at what cost the damaged, closed section of Kinikin Road can be safely repaired. And later... The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival runs July 10th through 19th, with several still-open events including art, guided hikes, ghost tours, photography, and yoga among the blooms.

Today... Billy Goat hop farm is expanding its summer agritourism with new glamping units and the return of "Fridays on the Farm", featuring live music, food vendors, and regional craft beers made with Billy Goat hops. And later... "The Montrose Center for Arts" is hosting a premier Western Slope screening of "Georgia O’Keeffe: The Brightness of Light" on July 13th, at Fox Cinema Center in Montrose.

Today... Drought and a late spring freeze have left Colorado bears unusually hungry and active near homes and campsites, so officials are urging people to secure trash, food, feeders, grills, pets, and livestock to prevent dangerous human-bear conflicts. And later... Mirza Ahmed, hired in 2025 as Montrose County’s public health director, is no longer working for the county as of Thursday.

Today... Montrose City Council appears likely to create a citizens committee to review possible charter changes, despite Mayor Michael Badagliacco’s opposition and his push to put amendments directly on the November ballot. And later... Jake Shimabukuro is making a long trip from Hawaii to return to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival for the third time.

Today... Montrose city leaders appear ready to restore more than $270,000 in Dart funding after a budget typo accidentally reduced the allocation to just over $4,000. And later... A wolf-themed truck is traveling Colorado to promote the "Born to Be Wild" license plate program, which raises money to help ranchers prevent conflicts with reintroduced wolves.

Today... Montrose Mayor Michael Badagliacco reversed his support for a citizen charter review commission, saying city council should prepare charter amendments for the November ballot itself, including a disputed proposal to put the police chief under council oversight. And later... A fatal shooting is under investigation in Montrose County after deputies found one man dead on Kayla Trail on Thursday afternoon.

Today... Chef Uma Stout, formerly behind the Baan Thai food truck, has opened Chef Uma’s Kitchen in Montrose to share authentic, regional Thai dishes and give customers a better sense of the chef behind the food. And later... Montrose has a busy week ahead, with classic cars, art, theater, music, and family events on the calendar.

Today... Montrose County commissioners recently heard strong support for improving West End healthcare access, but residents were divided over whether a proposed health service district and future critical access hospital are feasible. And later... Montrose City Council’s refusal to read a Pride Month proclamation drew a packed crowd last week.

 Today... Montrose County commissioners heard broad support for better West End healthcare, but deep disagreement over whether a proposed tax-funded health service district and future critical access hospital is realistic, affordable, or the best solution. And later... After vandals broke windows at "Iglesia Verdad y Vida" in the historic Menoken Schoolhouse, community members rallied to help.

Today... Montrose Pride Festival returns this weekend with its biggest celebration yet, adding new events, performances, family-friendly programming, an adult after party, and expanded year-round support for the local LGBTQ community. And later... At a June 2nd special meeting, Montrose County Superintendent Doctor Carrie Stephenson denied allegations that she intimidated Oh-laythe Elementary staff or interfered with an investigation.

Today... Montrose County Superintendent Doctor Carrie Stephenson says allegations, raised by the school board President, are unfounded and politically motivated as the board considers placing her on paid suspension. And later... Police in Montrose are still searching for a motive after a shooting spree on Saturday morning that ended with the suspect dead.

Today... The Montrose Regional Library will close on Saturdays starting August 1st to save money as it prepares for possible budget cuts if voters reject a renewed mill levy measure. And later... Colorado health officials have confirmed a measles case in a Delta County child under five.

Today... Entegra Attachments has purchased Montrose-based TEI Rock Drills, but company leaders say local operations, leadership, employees, and Sue Frank’s presidency will remain in place during a smooth transition. And later... Wilder, the Generation Wild mascot from Great Outdoors Colorado, will be at the Bring on the Summer Outdoor Fest on Saturday, May 30th, from 11 to 4 at Riverbottom Park in Montrose.

Today... West Slope water leaders warned that unprecedentedly low snowpack and drought in 2026 are forcing irrigators, Montrose officials, and residents to conserve, share limited supplies, and prepare for painful cutbacks. And later... Enduro Ranch is using the adobes of the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area as a summer training ground for young dirt bike riders.

Today... Nashville-based Montrose native Erik Stucky is returning home to release his self-produced third album, Bag of Bones, with a Bluecorn show that celebrates his roots, growth and evolving folk-Americana sound. And later... Officer Riley Thompson, a recent academy graduate, has been sworn in as the newest patrol officer with the Montrose Police Department.

Today... Montrose broke ground on its long-awaited Veterans Memorial Plaza, a community-backed tribute that will honor service members, veterans, and former sheriff Rick Dunlap with a permanent place for reflection and remembrance. And later... Mountain Film offers free Memorial Day weekend events including Town Park film screenings, a Spanish-language shorts block and art crawl, plus morning Coffee Talks, book signings, and outdoor activities.

Today... A Waste Management driver noticed something strange on a hillside after his route — and moments later, his quick decision may have saved a young dirt biker’s life. And later... Work is continuing on a major upgrade to the Montrose Wastewater Treatment Plant, nearly two months after crews broke ground.

Today... Rachel Leonard, a Montezuma County mother charged with first-degree murder in the death of her five-year-old daughter Annika, is set to stand trial in Cortez in October. And later... Former Montrose physical therapist, Ryan Williams, was sentenced to six years in prison for unlawful sexual contact involving a fake medical exam after women described betrayal, lasting trauma, and a pattern of alleged misconduct.

Today... Montrose’s Art Crawls return this Thursday with artist pop-ups, hands-on activities, late-night downtown business participation, and a new scavenger hunt for hidden miniature art pieces. And later... May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and communities across Colorado’s Western Slope are showing support by lighting buildings green.

Today... The Black Canyon Ascent returns May 16th as a six-mile uphill community race supporting wildfire recovery efforts at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. And later... A man was hospitalized after Montrose police officers responding to a report of an armed man with a rifle fired their weapons, and the CBI is investigating.

Today... Montrose City Council changed its public comment policy so residents can ask agenda-related questions during meetings and staff or council members may respond, while keeping the three-minute limit and rules against disruptive remarks. And later... The Montrose Mudder returns this weekend with muddy obstacles, kids and adult races, food trucks, a free concert, and proceeds benefiting the Montrose High School Rotary Interact Club.

Today... Jesus Bikes, a Montrose charity that repairs donated bicycles for people in need, may shut down after longtime volunteer repairman Christopher Gallegos died, unless a new person or group steps in to keep the program running. And later... The Montrose Veterans Memorial will break ground May 15th after years of fundraising and planning, with features honoring veterans, major conflicts, and local service members.

Today... Montrose County residents angrily opposed the possible vacation of a collapsing section of Kinikin Road, arguing the county’s past inaction helped create a dangerous, costly problem that now threatens their access, safety, and livelihoods. And later... Montrose’s first Black Canyon Pickleball Classic will bring doubles competition to the Rec Center on May 16th and 17th while raising money to help local families access recreation programs.

Today... The Montrose County School Board voted to delay any elementary school closure decision until next year and rejected a proposal to place Superintendent Doctor Carrie Stephenson on leave. And later... Ridgway Area Trails opens today with six new miles of singletrack, adding nine new segments for riders of varying skill levels after years of volunteer work, grants, and community support.

Today... Montrose Regional Airport is expanding its summer schedule with more flights to Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Denver, giving travelers more options and boosting capacity by 5 percent over last year. And later... Montrose Center for Arts is showcasing student creativity through its Youth Invitational Art Exhibit, featuring local young artists, award winners, and additional spring art events.

Today... Montrose is piloting a free phone recycling kiosk at the Visitor Center through April 30th, giving residents a secure and easy way to dispose of old devices during Earth Month. And later... The Curecanti Medical Society is accepting scholarship applications for people pursuing careers in health-related fields, including nurses, medical students, therapists, and clinic or hospital employees.

Today... Six years after a 25-year-old Montrose man was fatally shot by a federal park ranger, his family is still pushing for accountability, and now their legal fight has entered a new phase. And later... Montrose middle schoolers will get another chance to learn mountain biking later this month, as a local skills camp returns April 27th through 30th.

Today... Paradise Theater in Paonia is building a community-focused documentary program around films and post-screening discussions about culture, change, and resilience. And later... Colorado’s Next-Gen Ag Leadership Grants are open for organizations and schools supporting emerging agriculture leaders, with applications due on Friday, April 24th.

Today... A judge is weighing whether former Colorado D.A Myrl Serra, convicted in a 2010 sex offense case, can be removed from the sex offender registry after he argued he has met all legal requirements while prosecutors said public safety still favors keeping him on it. And later... Colorado’s Palisade Insectary has opened a new grow-house to expand production of beneficial insects used to fight invasive weeds and pests across the state.

Today... Colorado lawmakers are advancing a bill that would speed support for child sexual abuse victims by requiring faster notification to advocacy centers and expanding protections for minors testifying in court. And later... Montrose County declared April 12th through 18th National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week to honor WestCo dispatchers as the essential first link between the public and emergency responders.

Montrose voters elected Michael Badagliacco, Adam Woodden, and incumbent Ed Ulibarri to the city council, with the winners set to be sworn in on April 21st after results are certified.

Today... Montrose County School District is heading into what could be one of its toughest budget seasons in years, and district leaders are signaling that some big decisions may be ahead. And later... Montrose has officially made its municipal court a court of record, a change leaders say will improve transparency and streamline appeals.

Today... The Montrose Economic Development Corporation says Montrose had a strong 2025, marked by new business growth, employer expansion, job retention efforts, and workforce development aimed at strengthening the local economy. And later… Montrose has a little bit of everything this weekend, from ballet and live music to a free concert, trivia, and a talk on ancient stone tools.

Today... Police are investigating after employees at the Montrose Daily Press printing plant found a package containing about one pound of suspected meth, and a worker who was arrested on suspicion of related drug offenses after police allegedly found drugs in the vehicle she drove to the facility. And later... Montrose County residents can dispose of household waste for free at the Montrose Landfill on Saturday, April 18, but electronics, mattresses, tires, appliances, commercial waste, and out-of-county waste are excluded.

Today... Montrose County has taken a major step toward building a long-planned Veterans Memorial Plaza, with construction potentially starting this spring on a community-backed tribute honoring veterans and military history. And later... Nearly a year after a wildfire damaged Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the park is showing both destruction and early signs of recovery as rebuilding moves forward slowly.

Today... Montrose County has officially rehired former county manager Joe Kerby to return on June 15th at a $220,000 salary, hoping his experience will bring stability after a turbulent year in county leadership. And later... Grand Junction Media has bought the Montrose Daily Press, Delta County Independent, and Montrose Press production facility from Wick Communications, saying it will preserve the papers’ local independence while expanding regional news and advertising reach.

Today... About 2,000 people joined the latest No Kings protest in Montrose, part of a nationwide day of demonstrations that organizers say drew 8 million people across more than 3,300 events. And later... Montrose County authorities are investigating several small Rim Road fires that burned about one acre as suspected arson because they appeared to be deliberately set in multiple spots amid dangerous dry, windy conditions.

Today... Western Colorado irrigators are facing a record-bad water season, with sharply reduced deliveries, canceled pump contracts, and likely impacts on farms, crops, and food prices due to extremely low snowpack and poor runoff forecasts. And later... Montrose Rec District will keep Flex Rec open through at least the end of 2026, despite monthly losses, to avoid disrupting members before its new nearby facility is ready.

Today... MsSo, a new fusion noodle bar on Montrose’s Main Street from Typhoon Hospitality, blends authentic Asian flavors with playful, modern twists as part of the group’s broader expansion in town. And later… The Montrose Lions Club honored Joseph Graff, Lainey Williams, and Kade Halderman as its outstanding students for March.

Today... A Montrose city council candidate’s wife questioned the city’s ballot security ahead of the election, while officials and the candidate said her email was meant to clarify election safeguards rather than allege wrongdoing. And later... A Montrose couple recently launched Babysitter Briefing, an app that helps parents and caregivers track a child’s daily routine without constant texting.

Today... A Colorado man was sentenced to an effective life term of 192 years for fatally stabbing Duane Hamn in 2023, though the sentence still faces proportionality review and appeal. And later... Montrose’s third "No Kings" protest is set for Saturday, March 28th, featuring a rally, a march on Townsend Avenue, and an inflatables dance party as part of a nationwide day of nonviolent demonstrations.

Today... A Montrose author will sign copies of her debut suspense novel, Blue Moon Bench, on March 21st at Meditation Spaces, where she’ll also discuss the book’s inspiration, spiritual themes, and her path to publication. And later... Sam Aster has withdrawn from Montrose’s April 7th city council race for personal reasons, but because ballots were already mailed, his name will remain on them and any votes cast for him will not count.

Today... Montrose City Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance that would create zoning and permitting rules to finally allow unhoused shelters in the city. And later... A new scholarship on Colorado’s Western Slope is aiming to support students whose strengths may not show up in their GPA.

Today... A Montrose dog already ruled dangerous after allegedly biting a 4-year-old is now at the center of a renewed legal battle after a neighbor says it bit her too, prompting police to admit earlier mistakes and change how they handle aggressive-dog cases. And later... Blue Lakes will stay permit-free this summer, but hikers and campers should expect new rules, tighter enforcement, and more trail protections ahead of a likely permit system next year.

Today... A $75,000 Colorado state grant will help the "North Fork Valley Creative Coalition" grow from a volunteer-led group into a more professional operation, expanding support for local artists and makers as part of the region’s broader economic transition. And later... Montrose County may be bringing back a familiar leader to steady county government after a turbulent year.

Today... Montrose’s school district is buying the rec district’s field house to turn it into a permanent preschool, while the rec district is using the sale proceeds to buy and renovate a larger former factory building for its future programs. And later... Montrose Regional Health says a proposed partnership with Community Hospital in Grand Junction could save millions each year without changing local control.

Today... Pruf Pizza is a new Montrose slice shop blending punk-rock style, high-quality handmade pizza, and big ambitions into a fast-growing local favorite. And later... Montrose County has delayed naming its county manager finalists, citing unspecified circumstances, as the leadership search continues after months of turnover and instability.