Montrose Fresh

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.

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.