Montrose Fresh

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.

Today... The Montrose school board is delaying its choice of a new law firm, while board member Tiffany Vincent says concerns about Brad Miller’s controversial firm are overblown because, in her view, Montrose would not pursue the kinds of actions that caused legal fights in other districts. And later... A local trail worker and mountain bike volunteer was seriously injured after an escaped cow charged him in a park, leaving him in intensive care with multiple fractures and a collapsed lung.

Today... Montrose Regional Health is asking a federal court to permanently dismiss an EEOC lawsuit alleging it discriminated against older nurses, while the EEOC says the hospital fostered age-based harassment, retaliation, and wrongful terminations. And later... Hotchkiss Mayor Jim Wingfield resigned during a Thursday meeting over personal attacks, and Trustee Randy Thalmann also resigned later that evening, citing health issues.

Today... Montrose leaders recently touted 2025 gains on Main Street and downtown, and outlined 2026 plans for childcare, public safety, and major capital projects. And later... Montrose Regional Health is urging a federal judge to permanently dismiss the EEOC’s age-discrimination lawsuit alleging older nurses were retaliated against and forced out, while the hospital denies wrongdoing as the case moves into discovery.

Today... "Peak Virtual Academy" students turned trimester-long "Spark Lab" entrepreneurship projects into real pitches, earning seed funding for diverse ideas. And later... Western Slope author C William Langsfeld’s debut “Western noir” novel, "Salvation", is earning national praise, and he’ll give a reading and discussion at The Sherbino in Ridgway on March 4th.

Today... A Delta County woman was sentenced to 15 years of probation, home confinement, and over $83,000 in fines and restitution after authorities rescued more than 260 neglected cats and dogs from her property. And later... Bryan Cornwell was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for sending threatening emails to a "Colorado Bureau of Investigation" agent in 2023 while he was already awaiting sentencing for a 2022 threat to blow up the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office.

Today... "Community Options" is set to buy land and plan a 50-unit affordable, universally designed apartment complex within Montrose’s proposed Hilltop Neighborhood mixed-income development. And later... "Colorado Parks and Wildlife" will consider a March petition to ban commercial sales of wildlife fur—while still allowing personal use—after advocates argued current trapping rules allow unlimited kills for many fur-bearers without solid population data.

Today... "Eatery 66 North" has opened in downtown Montrose, bringing the Graves family’s locally sourced, seasonally changing comfort-focused menu and community gathering vibe—similar to their original Ridgway restaurant, but with new dishes and drinks. And later... Delta County deputies say they seized over 150 neglected animals—some dead—after serving a February 5th warrant at Mikaela Rivas’ Peach Valley property, leading to 141 misdemeanor animal-cruelty counts with more charges possible.

Today... Black Canyon Surgical Center is entering its 20th year after a major expansion that boosts capacity and supports rapid growth in staff, surgical volume, and advanced outpatient procedures like robotic-assisted knee replacement. And later... Local artists are hosting the "Art of the Canyon" show and online auction culminating February 28th to raise funds for Black Canyon wildfire restoration projects like re-seeding, invasive species removal, and rebuilding damaged infrastructure.

Today... A federal magistrate recommended dismissing the wage-and-overtime suit over housekeeping at Telluride’s Madeline Hotel, saying its operator wasn’t the women’s employer because they were H-2B workers hired and paid by contractor "Mountain Premier" and the hotel couldn’t fire them. And later... Emily Scott Robinson, a North Carolina–born, Telluride-based “mountain girl,” channels her Appalachian roots and Western Colorado life into a new album.

Today... Montrose County School District staff, led by UVEA, are urging the school board to avoid hiring Brad Miller’s law firm, citing concerns about controversy, transparency, rising legal costs, and potential threats to employee contracts. And later... Delta-Montrose Electric Association canceled its planned 20-megawatt solar array and withdrew from a $72 million loan after a new cost review found inflation, financing and compliance requirements, and uncertain incentives could push member rates higher.

Today... A recent Telluride event highlighted how chronic stress impacts mental health in mountain towns and emphasized grounding, awareness, and community support as key tools for healing. And later... Ed Lafferty, a retired construction executive, is running for Montrose County commissioner with a focus on smart growth, fiscal transparency, and applying real-world leadership to local government.

Today... In their Delta studio, a mother-daughter duo is turning forgotten quilts and tablecloths into one-of-a-kind fashion—reviving the past one stitch at a time. And later... A Western Colorado University alum turned a hated cardboard-cutting chore into "Box Blade"—and took it to "Shark Tank" hoping the exposure would boost an already-profitable business.

Today... Montrose County Sheriff Gene Lillard is highlighting low or no-bail releases to show how recent bail reforms, in his view, let repeat offenders walk free with little oversight—creating a cycle that puts public safety at risk. And later... This week in Montrose offers musical theatre, food-packing for a cause, casino night, karaoke, a local talent show, and more ways to connect and give back.

Today... West Slope Outdoors Alliance has launched its first youth video contest for kids eighteen and under to film ninety-second "Leave No Trace" videos by May 15th, with prizes and plans to share winning entries widely. And later... Crisosto Apache has been named Colorado’s new Poet Laureate for a two-year term, succeeding Andrea Gibson and focusing on youth engagement and statewide poetry outreach.  

Today... The Spiritual Awareness Center in Montrose has closed after twenty-one years, as its founder retires, leaving behind a legacy of inclusive spiritual service and community connection. And later... Tim Stroh is running for Montrose County Commissioner in District Three, emphasizing his government and revitalization experience to bring stability and preserve the community’s character amid leadership turnover.

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.