Today, we're diving into a development in the 7th Judicial District: Anna Cooling has been selected by the vacancy committee to take outgoing District Attorney Seth Ryan's place on the November ballot. 

Today, The Montrose Police Department recently celebrated a special milestone for one of its own. Jaroden Siedschlag, a new officer with the department, was awarded the Sheriff Tom Gilmore and Sheriff Warren Waterman Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship, valued at fifteen-hundred dollars, was presented during a ceremony on Wednesday, October 9th, attended by family members of the late sheriffs and fellow peace officers.

Lawrence Hammett, a man from Montrose, has been missing since June of 2023. Over the weekend, his family made another attempt to find him, but unfortunately, it ended without new leads.

Today, we’ll be discussing the steps being taken by the City of Montrose to pursue historic designation for one of its oldest neighborhoods—Tortilla Flats, also known as La Raza. This is a story about community initiative, preservation, and the importance of recognizing local history.

Gina Chase could see the helicopters, but did not at first realize they did not see her. She was exhausted. The SOS signals from her cell phone were simply not going through. Not in the backcountry outside of Norwood, where she’d come days earlier, as part of the Animas Valley Institute’s workshop. Still, the Canadian teacher and artist emerged from those dense woods alive and unhurt Aug. 18, about four days after she had set out on a planned “solo” quest.

Today. A Gunnison police officer was found dead on Friday, September 27th, just days after being arrested on suspicion of a sex offense. The details of this tragic incident have raised concerns across the community and within law enforcement.

Citing ongoing struggles to properly staff his office, District Attorney Seth Ryan on Monday announced his resignation, effective Oct. 31. “We just don’t have the attorney manpower necessary for me to do my job effectively. Over the past four years, it’s been really difficult to find, recruit, hire and retain brand-new attorneys,” Ryan said Monday, after the DA’s Office sent out a letter announcing his decision.

In the small, rural communities of the West End, everyone knows everyone — and everyone seems a little hopeful, and fearful, of the area’s uncertain future. Five years ago, the coal and power plant that doubled as one of the community’s largest employers and taxpayers closed down. Now, largely outside forces are pushing for a national monument right in the West End’s backyard.

Today - We’re talking about the recent graduation of 16 adults from the first-ever "Aging Mastery Program". This program is part of a collaboration between the Hispanic Affairs Project and Colorado State University Extension, and it’s making waves in the Montrose Latino community.

Today - We’re discussing ongoing concerns in Montrose County regarding the hiring of a new county manager, as the election approaches and two of the three current commissioners are set to leave office. Candidates for commissioner positions are calling for a pause in this process. They want to ensure that the incoming board, which will work closely with the new manager, has a say in the hiring decision.

A mother-daughter duo involved in a notorious body-sale scheme are scheduled to be resentenced on February 14th, 2025. Megan Hess, who ran Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors and Donor Services in Montrose, and her mother, Shirley Koch, had previously pleaded guilty to mail fraud in connection with the scheme. However, their original sentences—twenty years for Hess and fifteen years for Koch—were recently overturned by a federal appeals court. The court found errors in the way the District Court had calculated the offense levels and losses to victims.

Today - We’re focusing on an inspiring initiative by the Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans, a group dedicated to supporting those who have served our country, and how they’re using art as a healing force for veterans through the upcoming Veterans' Art Expo and Silent Auction.

Dr. Rob Boyer, founder of Trailhead Clinics, has developed a subscription-based primary care model in response to the limitations and pressures of the traditional healthcare system, which he believes undervalues primary care. For $99 per month, patients receive 24/7 access to a wide range of medical services, aiming to improve healthcare accessibility without replacing insurance. Boyer’s approach prioritizes meaningful doctor-patient interactions and seeks to address the growing demand for more personalized, patient-centered care, particularly in rural areas.

The Montrose County School District Board of Education has decided to put a nearly $200 million bond measure on the November ballot, asking voters to fund the construction of a new Montrose High School. The proposed project, which would replace the aging facility with a modern, 247,000-square-foot building, has sparked debate among board members, with most supporting the initiative but one member expressing concern about the high cost and economic impact. If approved, the project would result in a significant tax increase, and the decision will ultimately rest with the community in the upcoming election.

A 45-year-old man from Cortez, Colorado, named Teak Brockbank was arrested by the FBI for allegedly making multiple violent threats against public officials, including Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, over social media. Brockbank, who has a history of criminal activity and possession of firearms despite being a convicted felon, is accused of threatening to harm law enforcement, election officials, and judges involved in decisions he opposed, including the removal of Donald Trump from the Colorado primary ballot. Federal prosecutors are arguing for his detention, citing the seriousness of the threats and the danger he poses to the community.

Following a recent Supreme Court ruling that upheld a ban on public sleeping in an Oregon town, Montrose is considering a similar camping ban, which has sparked significant controversy. The proposed ordinance would impose fines and jail time on repeat offenders, but residents and advocates argue that it unfairly targets the homeless, who lack alternative shelter options. Despite city officials’ claims that the ban regulates conduct rather than people, public opposition has been strong, with no residents speaking in favor of the ordinance during a council meeting.

Today - Montrose County School District is contemplating a significant investment in its educational infrastructure. The district is considering a proposal for a new high school, an endeavor that could cost around two-hundred million dollars. As the district prepares to seek voter approval for this substantial project, let’s explore the details and the reasoning behind this move.

Today - A Canadian woman, Gina Chase, was found safe after being missing for four days in the high country near Norwood.

The Montrose youth accused of fatally shooting his father last December acted to protect his mother after the older man moved as if to make good on an earlier threat against her life, defense attorneys said Friday. The boy was sentenced to two years in the Department of Youth Services for second-degree assault under a plea deal.

A critical program for keeping older adults in their homes with support services — even food — is in the hole due to state and federal funding availability.

How much should tourist visiting or passing through Montrose be contributing to the local community? That issue is at the heart of a ballot question the city is putting before voters in November. 

When Brayden Brown finished up his junior year at Montrose High School earlier this summer, he figured he’d be returning in the fall just like any other kid. But, following a whirlwind of events he’ll be finishing his high school education virtually through Peak Academy — while playing soccer semi-professionally for Mendoza United Football club in Argentina.

Today. We’re taking a closer look at some exciting developments in Ridgway, where new trails are being added to the Ridgway Area Trails, or "rat" system. These new additions are designed not just to enhance the biking experience, but also to increase accessibility and improve safety for all users.

Today. A new law, House Bill 1254, will go into effect today, enhancing transparency and regulation in the donation of human bodies for non-transplant purposes.

Today. We focus on a remarkable new housing development, The Village at San Juan, which recently celebrated its grand opening. This project is more than just housing; it represents a unique, multi-generational community aimed at providing essential support services to vulnerable adults.

Today - we're focusing on the Bucktail Fire, which is currently burning northeast of Nucla. As of Thursday afternoon, this fire had spread to an estimated 200 acres, starting from private land and now extending into Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service territories.

Today - As the race for Colorado's State House District Fifty-Eight heats up, the general election campaign has officially kicked off following a narrow Republican primary.

Today - We explore an exciting and unique activity taking place in Montrose: river surfing.

Today - We'll be discussing the recent developments in the proposed merger between City Market's parent company, Kroger, and Safeway's parent company, Albertsons Companies. This merger has been temporarily put on hold due to a pending trial in Colorado state court.

Today. We take a look at a complex legal case involving a teenager accused of fatally shooting his father and the subsequent legal battles surrounding his pretrial release. Our story begins with a 17-year-old accused of shooting his father, Robert Stace, last December.

Today - We'll be discussing a legal dispute surrounding the construction of the Colorado Outdoors Medical Center. 

If a proposed timeline to replace the recently resigned Montrose County manager goes as expected, there could be a formal offer to a candidate by late August. But making the hire now could create a burden to taxpayers, if the new board of county commissioners coming into office next January finds the person unsuitable, said Scott Mijares during public comment at Wednesday’s commissioner meeting.

The GOP House District 58 primary race is still seeing a razor-thin margin of victory; it’s just that the candidate in the lead has changed. Larry Don Suckla of Montezuma County had more votes than Delta’s Mark Roeber when the ballot curing process was done Friday — three more, 6,487 to 6,484.

Someone has been stringing wires across area trails, prompting the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office and the local Forest Service to issue a safety alert and temporarily close the Wilson Mesa Trail.

The Montrose Pride float and parade participants were reportedly the targets of harassment during the Fourth of July parade — including alleged vehicle damage and hateful comments.

Montrose County is opting out of a new state law that further restricts where firearms may be carried.

Delta-Montrose Electric Association’s latest solar plan is a little bit “audacious,” the local power cooperative’s chief engineering and energy resources officer says, but when it comes to fruition, it is expected to boost both rate and power supply stability.

A Delta police officer who shot a man during a call on Bert Street last fall will not be charged for his use of force, even though he may have been mistaken about the man’s intent, District Attorney Seth Ryan determined.

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday vacated the sentences of former Montrose funeral home operator Megan Hess and her mother Shirley Koch, finding the lower court had erred in several ways in sentencing them to 20 and 15 years, respectively, for mail fraud involving the sale and transport of human remains.

The Middle Bridge, along U.S. 50 between Montrose and Gunnison, will soon reopen to limited traffic, restoring a flow over the Blue Mesa Reservoir that has been cut off for months following an inspection that revealed cracks in the structure’s steel. 

A tight race for the State House District 58 Republican nomination has both candidates on pins and needles as they await official results.

Montrose County Manager Jon Waschbusch tendered his resignation June 20, announcing he will leave Aug. 4, after 19 years in the county’s employ.

Next year will mark 20 years since Lowe started skydiving, and in that time he’s put up the numbers to prove it, logging around 12,500 dives and over 700 wingsuit jumps.

The Montrose County School District has completed contract negotiations with staff ahead of the upcoming school year. The district reached an agreement with the Uncompahgre Valley Education Association that totals $6 million and represents an overall average increase for staff salaries and benefits of 12.6 %.

Protect agriculture. Take housing needs into account. Retain viewsheds while allowing for crucial development. Be mindful of roads, access and traffic impacts. All this — and more — is part of the tall order the Montrose County Master Plan is to fill as the guiding document is updated for the first time in 13 years.

Montrose boasts about 20 miles, cumulative, of trails in parks and along the river corridor. It’s all wonderful for hikers and nature-lovers. But it’s not so easy to patrol: vehicles can’t reach all of the remote spots; mountain bikes can’t access all of the terrain, either, and on foot can be too slow for crime prevention and public safety.

The varying visions for a redesign of Montrose High School are quite impressive — architectural renderings show sunlight streaming through windows and skylights, illuminating a modern campus designed to serve a growing student population well into the future. But those visions, the Montrose County School District Board of Education learned Tuesday night, come with equally eye-popping price tags. 

Cerise Park had a rainbow splash of color over the event-filled weekend for Montrose County’s first annual Pride celebration.

Today - We're focusing on how geothermal energy could play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions in Colorado, with a spotlight on the town of Rico.

A recent foreclosure sale of the former Russell Stover candy factory building failed to draw any bidders. Despite drawing a handful of spectators, no one stepped forward with the three point one-eight million dollar minimum bid at the Wednesday sale.