Montrose Fresh

Today... Andrew Beard, a former Marine and nurse practitioner, left corporate healthcare to open Montrose Direct Primary Care, offering personalized, accessible, and spiritually mindful care through a direct membership model. And later... The Montrose Home, Garden, and Business Expo is back this weekend for the first time since the pandemic—and it’s all about local pride. More than fifty vendors from the area will gather at Friendship Hall on the fairgrounds.

Today... Colorado Congressman, Jeff Hurd, is facing a tough January -- with a healthcare bill stalled in the Senate, a surprising veto from President Trump blocking a vital water project, and federal disaster aid denied. And later... Montrose High School’s Advanced Jazz Ensemble has been selected to perform at the prestigious 2026 Colorado Music Educators Association State Conference, highlighting their excellence and dedication.

Today... Shepherd’s Hand is closing its food pantry for housed clients and redirecting them to Sharing Ministries and the Grace Center while continuing its meals, outreach, and other core services. And later... Jevon Vigil was sentenced to probation, treatment, and restitution for fatally shooting two pregnant cows in a drunken act the judge called a critical turning point in his life.

Today... Love Dance Collaborative at Elevation Academy of Dance is giving adult dancers in Montrose—ranging from recent graduates to seniors—a collaborative, performance-focused space to keep dancing, creating, and taking the stage long after high school.   And later... Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans will host a January 29th "Stand Down" in Montrose to provide unhoused veterans with warm meals, winter gear, hygiene supplies, and access to support services.

Today... Montrose honored Martin Luther King Junior Day with a powerful call to service, urging the community to confront injustice through action, compassion, and courage—asking, “If not you, then who?” And later... Flu cases in Montrose spiked during the holidays but are now declining, with officials noting more severe cases this season and urging vaccination, especially as local rates remain low.

Today... Montrose County is seeking to dismiss a lawsuit by former inmate Justin McNeil, calling his excessive force and civil rights claims unfounded, and asserting the deputies acted lawfully and are protected by qualified immunity. And later... Delta High School was evacuated early Wednesday after an anonymous bomb threat that was later found to be bogus, with police working alongside the FBI as part of an investigation into a threat that affected eleven schools across Colorado.

Today... Vista Charter School has been approved to leave the Montrose County School District and join the Colorado Charter School Institute, following ongoing disputes over oversight, funding, and organizational fit. And later... A Montrose man, Antonio Aviles, has been arrested on suspicion of sexually and physically abusing children in his care, allegations he denies as the investigation continues.

Today... Generation Wild of the Uncompahgre has launched its first community-driven outdoor programs for local youth and families, backed by a five-year grant to expand access to nature through after-school activities, camping trips, and collaborative outreach. And later... Megan Hess is appealing her twenty-year sentence, arguing the court wrongly labeled victims as “vulnerable” and ignored her significant rehabilitation in prison.

Today... A San Miguel County judge facing removal resigned due to undisclosed health issues, prompting the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline to dismiss the disciplinary case after determining those health problems substantially affected the alleged misconduct and the investigation. And later... A routine traffic stop in Delta led to a high-speed, multi-county chase ending near Hayden, where a stolen SUV crashed, multiple suspects—including a juvenile driver tied to a robbery—were detained, and authorities credited interagency coordination for preventing injuries.

Today... The "Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners" program at "Montrose Regional Health" provides compassionate, evidence-based care to sexual assault survivors, empowering them with support and options—whether or not they choose to report the crime. And later... Montrose County Commissioner, Sean Pond, a political newcomer known for opposing the Dolores River monument proposal, has launched a US Senate campaign focused on accountability, economic growth, and bridging Colorado’s urban-rural divide.

Today... "Tortilla Flats" residents and city officials are working toward national historic designation for the Montrose neighborhood, emphasizing that its significance lies not in architecture or restrictions on property, but in honoring the Latino culture, history, and community identity shaped by generations of residents. And later... After a ski patrol strike shut down a major Western Slope resort during a snow-starved start to winter, nearby mountains including Silverton, Monarch, and Powderhorn rolled out discounts and free tickets to keep displaced skiers on the slopes.

Today... The Montrose Center for Arts’ new exhibit, "Big Art: The Power of Scale", showcases large-scale works by Western Colorado artists, inviting viewers into immersive, impactful art experiences through bold formats and community events. And later... "Delta Health" is entering a new chapter—bidding farewell to a longtime provider and welcoming a fresh face to its adult primary care team.

Today: A new six-episode TV series, "Historic Montrose Colorado", is showcasing the people, businesses, and heritage of Montrose on national television through "RFD TV" and "Wild Rides Television". And later: Colorado’s new "Urban Agriculture Micro-grant Program" offers up to five-thousand dollars to local growers for small-scale projects that boost food production, conservation, and community engagement.

Today... Susan Hoppes, once "Windy Point Jane Doe", was finally identified and tied to a con couple likely responsible for her death. And later... UNA is ready for winter, with full moon skis and family events planned—if enough snow falls to open the trails.

Today: High school students in Colorado pitched their own businesses through the "Spark Lab" program, earning funding and mentorship to turn their ideas into action. And later: A gray wolf that strayed from Colorado into New Mexico was captured and returned as part of a multi-state effort to manage wolf populations and protect the endangered Mexican wolf.

Today... A youth group from the "Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church" brought gifts and carols to children at "Haven House", spreading holiday cheer and learning the value of giving back. And later... Over two-hundred and fifty thousand Coloradans have enrolled in 2026 health plans through the state marketplace, with many still eligible for financial help despite rising premiums and the end of federal enhanced tax credits.

Today... A months-long investigation by the "7th Judicial District Drug Task Force" led to the December arrests of two Montrose men accused of working with a shared supplier to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, with formal charges expected in January. And later... "The Nature Connection" is expanding winter programs like climbing nights and cross-country ski pop-ups, backed by over one-hundred thousand dollars in new grants to support staff and create teen-focused outdoor opportunities.

Today... "Montrose Regional Health" is seeking to delay an age discrimination lawsuit, arguing the EEOC hasn’t provided enough details to mount a defense, while the EEOC insists it met all legal requirements and says the case should proceed. And later... Santa is visiting Montrose ahead of Christmas to meet local kids, spread holiday cheer, and answer their favorite questions about Christmas magic, the "Nice List", and his surprising love for oatmeal

Today... The "Montrose Veterans Memorial Coalition" is working to raise the final three-hundred thousand dollars needed to complete a nine-hundred thousand dollar veterans memorial, after higher-than-expected costs delayed construction. And later... Jeremy Hepp, a fifty-three-year-old man from Colorado Springs, was found dead by suicide after being reported missing earlier that day.

Today... Montrose High School’s new dance team is uniting dedicated dancers from across local studios, giving them school recognition, community support, and opportunities for athletic and personal growth. And later... If you're heading into the Western Slope backcountry this winter, avalanche training is a must. Whether you're skiing, climbing, or splitboarding, knowing how to assess and navigate avalanche terrain can save your life.

Today... "The Play Does" improv troupe is bringing a spontaneous, comedic twist to "A Christmas Carol" with an unscripted performance at The Sherbino on December 17th, blending classic characters with live, in-the-moment storytelling. And later... “Mrs. Claus for a Cause” is a free, volunteer-run holiday event in Montrose from December 19th through 21st, offering kids gifts, activities, and inclusive fun for families, especially those with special needs.

Today... Montrose County Commissioner Sean Pond claimed a September hit-and-run was intentional and blamed the “liberal Left,” citing law enforcement as his source — but all involved agencies deny ever suggesting the act was deliberate. And later... Avalanche education is essential for anyone venturing into Colorado’s snowy backcountry, teaching the skills to recognize risks, make safer decisions, and respond effectively in emergencies.

Today... Montrose County commissioners passed flexible new regulations for power-generation facilities, ending a long moratorium and allowing solar projects with case-by-case oversight and public input. And later... This week in Montrose brings pet care clinics, a city budget forum, nature talks, a local book signing, Santa’s Cabin, and multiple performances of "The Polar Express" at the Pavilion.

Today... There’s been a shift in leadership on the Montrose County School Board. After years in the minority, Neisha Balleck now holds the gavel as board president, following a unanimous vote by her fellow members. And later... Middle Way Midwifery, led by licensed midwife Jaime Doty, offers personalized, full-spectrum care for low-risk pregnancies—including home births and postpartum support—now from a new location in downtown Montrose.

Today... The United Methodist Church in Montrose has settled with the city over its backyard encampment for unhoused people, agreeing to probation and dropping appeals in exchange for dismissal of most citations and avoiding formal convictions. And later... Montrose kicked off the holiday season with a festive tree lighting downtown, and celebrations continue this weekend with the annual Vintage Christmas-themed "Parade of Lights".

Today... Unify Montrose is urgently seeking seventy-thousand dollars to keep the Lighthouse shelter open seven nights a week this winter, as zoning restrictions, rising demand, and delayed grant funding leave the city’s only legal overnight shelter at risk. And later... Metaphorse, a nonprofit in Montrose offers equine-assisted learning for people facing life’s toughest moments. Whether it’s trauma, addiction, or grief, the organization provides a space to reflect and reset—with the help of retired horses.

Today... Montrose celebrates the start of the holiday season with a “Vintage Christmas”-themed Small Business Saturday, featuring local shopping, festive activities, and community events that support small businesses. And later... Montrose kicks off its “Vintage Christmas” season this Friday with a tree-lighting ceremony and opening of Santa’s Cabin, followed by weekend festivities and the Parade of Lights on December 6th.

Today... Kirstin Copeland has been sworn in as Montrose County Commissioner for District One, stepping into the role with a focus on urgent issues like the county budget and energy regulations. And later... The Colorado State Patrol is increasing holiday-week enforcement to curb speeding, aggression, and impaired driving, urging travelers to stay patient, stay alert, and keep Thanksgiving roads safe.

Today... Western Colorado’s water crisis is intensifying, prompting urgent local dialogue on sustainable use, interstate pressure, and protecting rural communities amid mounting scarcity. And later... Scott Hawkins is stepping down as Montrose County’s emergency manager after six impactful years, during which he led major emergency initiatives and earned regional recognition for his service.

Today... Region Ten has launched a mobile food trailer as part of its Business Cultivator program, giving aspiring entrepreneurs hands-on experience and training in the fast-growing mobile food industry. And later... The Montrose Community Thanksgiving Dinner urgently needs more volunteers and meal delivery requests ahead of its free holiday event serving thousands, with a sign-up deadline of noon on November 26th.

Today... Colorado’s judicial discipline commission is seeking to remove San Miguel County Judge Sean Murphy over chronic delays, unprofessional courtroom behavior, and failure to respond to oversight. And later... A fifty-six-year-old Ridgway man, Colin Kimber, died from a suspected medical episode while ice climbing near Precipice Peak, and rescue teams conducted a complex recovery in the remote terrain.

Today... Montrose’s new San Juan Cancer Center Medical Oncology and Infusion Center expands local access to cancer care with more space, staff, and faster treatment. And later... Police say a Delta Middle School student was removed from campus and faces charges after allegedly using Discord and email to threaten twenty-seven classmates.

Today... Paonia artist Seth Weber’s new Montrose City Hall mural blends painted and sculptural elements to celebrate the region’s landscape while reflecting his broader commitment to community-focused public art. And later... A rare and vivid display of the northern lights lit up Colorado’s Western Slope Tuesday night due to a strong solar storm, with a chance for another sighting Wednesday if skies stay clear.

Today... Montrose voters narrowly rejected a proposed update to the city charter that included mostly minor changes, but also two more debated items on judge residency and council term limits. And later... The historic Montrose County Courthouse, built in 1923, has reopened after a fifteen million dollar renovation that modernized its infrastructure, preserved key historic elements, and restored public access.

Today... The Montrose County Commissioner is likely to be recalled after a contentious campaign citing workplace issues and public frustration. And later... A Montrose man is accused of attempted murder after police say he broke into his former girlfriend’s home and attacked another man with a knife.

Today... Ice conducted a low-profile immigration operation in Montrose, detaining at least two individuals while local police observed but did not intervene, and few details have been released. And later... A sixteen-year-old is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly shooting and critically injuring a woman at a Montrose Halloween party.

Today... The FBI is seeking public help to locate nine year-old Melodee Buzzard, last seen near the Utah–Colorado border on October 9th, as a multi-state investigation unfolds into her disappearance with her uncooperative mother. And later... Montrose has completed its “Year of Main Street” revitalization, finishing months of construction that upgraded utilities, sidewalks, and bike lanes to create a safer, more inviting downtown.

Today... Montrose Community Dinners returns November 27th, with a free Thanksgiving meal honoring Kevin Kuns. And later... Montrose County’s school board races are officially non-partisan, but party endorsements and campaign tactics reveal a growing influence of politics in local education decisions.

Today... Shirley Koch is appealing her fifteen-year prison sentence in the Sunset Mesa body-selling fraud, arguing that her lesser role and minimal contact with victims don’t justify such a harsh punishment. And later... Montrose County voters will decide whether to recall Commissioner Scott Mijares and replace him with Kirstin Copeland, with the outcome hinging entirely on the recall vote.

Today... The Montrose High School Pride of Montrose Marching Band set a new school record and earned fifth place at the Colorado State Championship, capping off a season defined by hard work, unity, and pride. And later... This November, Montrose voters will decide whether to update the city’s charter — basically, the local government’s rulebook.

Today... More than twenty-eight hundred Montrose County households — that’s over five thousand people — could see delays in their snap benefits if the federal shutdown continues past October 31st. And later... This season was a special one for the Montrose High School Mountain Bike team — and a farewell to longtime director Chris Brown.

Today... A three-day job posting for Montrose County’s manager position sparked a sharp dispute among commissioners, with one accusing the others of rushing the process to favor the interim manager. And later... earlier this month, the "Pickin’ at the Pea" transformed Pea Green into a lively vintage market where vendors and shoppers celebrated creativity, community, and nostalgic finds.

Today... In Montrose, hundreds joined the nationwide No Kings protest—blending humor, costumes, and calls for unity—to show that community itself can be an act of resistance against Trump’s second term. And later... Powderhorn is adding a high-speed West End lift and new Quickdraw Café to boost safety, speed, and the guest experience—without raising prices.

Today... Montrose has approved a nonprofit operator to run its new city-owned childcare facility, set to open in March, as a key investment in supporting local families and the workforce. And later... A new group called the "Western Colorado Women’s Creative Guild" is bringing local artists together to collaborate, create, and support each other in a fun, inclusive community.

Today... Former inmate Justin McNeil is suing Montrose County, claiming deputies assaulted him, denied him a wheelchair, and retaliated after he spoke out. And later... Every fall, Montrose turns into one big game board for The Amazing Race for Adaptive Sports — a scavenger hunt that mixes running, riddles, and community spirit.

Today... The Valley Food Partnership’s "Cultivating Farmers and Ranchers That Thrive" program offers a four-part series to help producers, ranchers, and food entrepreneurs strengthen their business, leadership, and decision-making skills while building community connections. And later... After nearly thirty-seven years shaping Montrose Regional Health, Leann Tobin retires, leaving behind a lasting legacy of service and compassion.

Today, we're talking about The Valley Food Partnership’s "Stone Soup Community Lunch" in Montrose. It'll serve around five-hundred free, locally sourced meals this Saturday to celebrate the farmers market season and thank the community. And later, we'll address the tense scene Wednesday afternoon on Happy Canyon Road. Deputies with the Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a domestic violence incident in progress — and by the time they arrived, the situation had already turned tragic.

Today... we’re talking about the Montrose Regional Library District — and its upcoming appeal to voters this November. And later... looking for a little weekend magic with a purpose? Sharing Ministries invites you to “Be Their Guest” at a Beauty and the Beast Tea Party on Saturday, October 11th

Today... Garnet Mesa Solar transforms a once-controversial Delta County project into a model of clean energy and agriculture, where solar panels and grazing sheep work together to power local homes. And later… A former San Miguel County deputy accused of possessing child sexual abuse material, was captured in Mexico after fleeing Colorado and now awaits extradition to face multiple felony charges.

Today... Layered, a Montrose-based healthy fast-casual restaurant founded by Candice Stanek, has opened its first brick-and-mortar location, bringing her vision of locally sourced, feel-good food to life. And later... A freak accident at Haven House burst a water line and flooded parts of the transitional housing facility, displacing families and prompting a community effort to repair the damage and raise funds for recovery.