Montrose Fresh

Today: The Montrose County School District board unanimously voted to offer Superintendent Doctor Carrie Stephenson a voluntary resignation and separation agreement after months of tension left their working relationship beyond repair. And later: Sharing Ministries Food Bank in western Colorado has received about 35,000 pounds of food at a time when demand is rising sharply.

Today: Montrose resident and British Army veteran Kelvin Kent received royal recognition at Buckingham Palace, honoring a remarkable life of military service, Himalayan adventure, and community leadership. And later: Extreme heat, drought and wildfire debris are putting Colorado fish under growing stress, prompting hundreds of miles of fishing closures and emergency conservation efforts.

Today: The Montrose Recreation District is seeking community input on plans for a roughly $3 million new field house, with open houses and surveys helping determine its sports surfaces, fitness areas and other amenities. And later: Tour de Cedars returns on Sunday, September 6th, with four Cedaredge homes featuring local food, wine and cider, live music, and art to benefit the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center.

Today: Montrose Regional Health earned an overall A grade on the "2026 Lown Hospitals Index", receiving top marks for social responsibility, value, outcomes, patient satisfaction, and ranking first in Colorado for pay equity. And later: Crystal Dam releases are being reduced as water managers work to protect storage in Blue Mesa Reservoir while maintaining flows for endangered fish habitat.

Today: A Montrose County jury convicted rancher Justin Dahl on 20 of 26 animal cruelty and neglect charges after prosecutors argued that pigs, horses, calves and dogs on his property were kept in severely neglected conditions, while Dahl maintained that a devastating illness—not neglect—caused the animals’ poor health. And later: A Montrose man accused of sexually exploiting children and discussing plans to facilitate abuse remains jailed on a $1 million cash-only bond as prosecutors cite serious public-safety concerns.

Today: Montrose County School District Superintendent, Doctor Carrie Stephenson, remains on paid administrative leave as an investigation continues, leaving the district divided over her leadership as the new semester begins. And later: The "Monte de Rosas Fiesta" is returning to Montrose with a full day of music, food, dancing, and community celebration.

Today... Amazon’s new $25 million last-mile delivery station in Montrose is creating local jobs, supporting businesses, and cutting many Amazon delivery times from seven to ten days down to just two or three. And later...El Pomar Foundation has awarded 335 thousand dollars to 37 organizations across southwestern Colorado.

Today... Montrose County Commissioner, Sean Pond, is facing accusations of antisemitism after posting an AI-generated image of Jewish gubernatorial candidate Phil Weiser with devil horns. Pond insists the meme was political satire and says he was unaware of Weiser’s religion. And later... Montrose is moving closer to tighter rules for electric bikes after the City Council unanimously approved an updated ordinance on first reading.  

Today... Isaac Snell pleaded guilty to reduced careless-driving charges in the 2024 US 550 crash that killed Trinity Hasse and Candace Smith. He now faces 10 to 365 days in jail. And later... About 300 cyclists are riding through south-central Colorado next week as part of Colorado’s Ride, a five-day tour.

Today... PrimeHealth+ has sold its stabilized Montrose safety-net clinic to River Valley Family Health Center, which will continue operating the site and providing comprehensive care to the surrounding community. And later... Three motorcyclists died in separate crashes on US Five-Fifty, Colorado One-Forty-Five, and Colorado 82, prompting renewed calls for drivers and riders to use extra caution.

Today... Montrose officials are considering a major rewrite of the city’s e-bike rules, arguing that technology has moved faster than the law. And later... The Montrose Center for Arts is opening a new member exhibit called The Power of Art.

Today... Snow Capped Cider’s traditional cider apples, high-altitude Colorado orchards, and careful craftsmanship have earned it record-setting honors at major international competitions. And later... Nearly 50 years after Ben Gray vanished, a Texas man is returning the missing rodeo legend’s stolen championship saddle to his family.

Today: Montrose City Council scheduled several August meetings to discuss and gather public input on proposed charter amendments before finalizing any measures for the November ballot. And later: The Montrose County Fair Board works nearly year-round to organize the 10-day event and preserve local agricultural traditions for future generations.

Today... Three men face first-degree murder charges in the November 2025 killing of Christopher Hubbell, with one held without bond and two jailed on $1.5 million cash-only bonds. And later... As wildfire smoke clears across Colorado’s Western Slope, summer stargazing is coming back into focus.

Today... After nearly two decades with the Montrose Recreation District, lifelong recreation enthusiast Justin Mashburn has been named executive director and will lead major facility projects, community-focused growth, and internal improvements. And later... Montrose school administrator James Pavlich is retiring weeks after criticizing the board’s leadership, calling for the superintendent’s return, and urging the board president’s removal.

Today... Local powerlifter, Allie Hamm, won one silver and three bronze medals at the Special Olympics, marking another milestone in a lifelong journey of overcoming challenges And later... Firefighters are gaining ground on the Gold Mountain and Elk fires, but flash-flood risks, changing evacuations, and the death of pilot Nicholas Dale continue to shape the emergency response.

Today: Sue Hansen is stepping down from the Montrose County Board of Commissioners four months before her term ends, saying an early transition will give likely successor Caryn Gibson time to learn the role while she leaves behind a legacy of community-focused leadership and major county initiatives. And later: Three men are facing first-degree murder charges in the November 2025 shooting death of Christopher Hubbell in Montrose County.

Today... A Montrose teenager and his family restored a historic snow ball trolley to preserve a beloved summer tradition for future generations. And later... The Montrose County Fair and Rodeo is back for its 140th year, bringing more than a week of family events, agricultural traditions, and rodeo action.

Today... A solemn procession crossed Colorado’s Western Slope on Monday, honoring a Canadian helicopter pilot who died while fighting the Gold Mountain Fire. And later... Montrose’s "Development and Revitalization Team" has had its funding restored after a major budget typo.

Today... Donald Rodarte Junior faces second-degree murder and multiple related charges in the June 11th shooting death of Jesse Pagan, and is being held on a one million dollar bond pending a July 23rd preliminary hearing. And later... Three new hotels are planned for the Colorado Outdoors complex in Montrose.

Today... The Montrose City Council voted 3 to 2 to reject a citizen charter commission and review potential ballot amendments itself, after Councilor Ed Ulibarri reversed his support, citing bullying from commission advocates. And later... Discounted season passes are now on sale for the "Fall Into Winter Concert Series" at the "Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center" in Cedaredge.

Today... Montrose County commissioners unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on new data center applications in unincorporated areas while they study potential impacts on infrastructure, resources, zoning, and community character. And later... The Montrose Recreation District is hosting a two-day adaptive pickleball event July 17th and 18th, featuring a beginner night and a mixed doubles tournament pairing standing and seated athletes.

Today... Montrose County marked America’s 250th anniversary with a brief courthouse ceremony that mixed patriotic reflection, recognition of local firefighters, and one attendee’s political protest. And later... Years after the Sunset Mesa case, remaining civil lawsuits are stalled because plaintiffs still can't get key federal records identifying whose remains were sold and to whom.

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.