KVNF REGIONAL NEWSCAST Paonia selected for Second WaterSMART Small Scale Water Efficiency Grant to Improve Water Infrastructure and Efficiency

The grant, from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation, will support critical improvements to the town’s municipal water system. The Bureau of Reclamation has identified the town’s application, titled “Municipal Meters for Water Efficiency,” as one of the highest rated proposals in the national competition and is moving forward toward execution of a financial assistance agreement for $116,000 in federal funding.

Local non-profit Friends of Youth and Nature hosts a day of winter fun for underserved

More than 80 youth participants and 27 volunteers across two locations on the Grand Mesa spent a day filled with fun, first-time experiences, and outdoor education. Participants had the opportunity to try ice fishing, cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing, many for the very first time. The event was part of the organization’s Together for Resilient Youth Program, which hosts six events throughout the year, all focused on providing underserved youth and families with meaningful outdoor recreation experiences.

North Fork Valley Creative Collective receives state grant

The collective supports local artists and artisans who make a living through their craft. The Delta County Independent reports that thanks to a $75,000 grant from the state’s Office of Just Transition, the collective is now able to make its executive director position full-time as it seeks expansion opportunities. The collective is currently considering a big project, the creation of a coworking space and entrepreneurial support center planned for downtown Paonia. According to Executive Director Jess Dervin-Ackerman “This grant helps us support our neighbors' many business endeavors through entrepreneurial learning opportunities, free community events throughout the year that provide vending and performance opportunities, and outlets to take goods made in the North Fork Valley to other markets.”

Montrose School Board hires controversial law firm

The Montrose County School District Board of Education voted Wednesday to hire Miller Farmer Carlson Law as the district’s law firm. The decision comes amid pushback from community members, who have expressed concerns over the firm’s alleged political agenda. The founder of the firm has also been accused of hiring a Pueblo school board member to his education cooperative in exchange for fast-tracked approval of a religious charter school. During Wednesday’s discussion, the board called one of the firm’s lawyers, who denied having a policy objective or any knowledge of the alleged quid-pro-quo.