Montrose Fresh

Today: On Thursday morning, Montrose police responded to a call at the Methodist Church. A man had been found behind the church’s front sign, unresponsive.

And later: Montrose Regional Airport is quietly making a massive impact on the state’s economy.

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Today: At The Association's Boozy Book Fair, book lovers enjoy a grown-up twist on the classic school book fair with a curated selection of fiction, themed cocktails inspired by popular series, and unique surprises like “Blind Date With a Book” boxes.

And later: At its annual luncheon, MEDC highlighted updates on the Manufacturers Association, a potential new employer, new ownership of a historic plant, and seventy-five years of Montrose Regional Health.

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In this episode, we examine the legal standoff between the City of Montrose and the United Methodist Church over a homeless encampment on church property, exploring how both sides frame the issues of safety and religious mission. We then turn to Montrose County’s vaccination challenges—highlighting concerning flu and MMR vaccine rates—and discuss the measures officials are taking to increase community immunization.

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In this episode, we explore a heated county commissioners meeting where rumors of a county manager firing and shifts in public health leadership sparked public outrage. We then revisit the unresolved tragedy of Charles "Gage" Lorentz, fatally shot by a park ranger at Carlsbad Cavern National Park in March 2020, as community questions continue to resonate.

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Today, we cover two major stories out of Colorado. First, a tragic discovery in the Black Canyon—authorities believe they have found the body of Jordan Marsters, a missing man from Denver. We break down the search efforts, recovery operation, and what comes next for his family. Then, a shift in the state’s economic landscape: David Dragoo, President of Colorado Outdoors and Founder of Mayfly Outdoors, has been reappointed to the Colorado Economic Development Commission. We discuss what his continued leadership means for rural businesses and economic policy in the state.

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Montrose Regional Airport is more than just a gateway—it’s a major economic engine for the region. A new report from the Colorado Department of Aviation highlights its growing impact, from job creation to increased tourism and business activity. We’ll break down the numbers and explore how recent expansions are shaping the airport’s future.

Then, we shift gears to the mountains with meteorologist and OpenSnow founder Joel Gratz. If you’ve ever chased the perfect powder day, chances are you’ve seen his forecasts. We’ll talk about how he built OpenSnow, the science behind precision ski predictions, and what changing weather patterns mean for the future of skiing.

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In this episode, we dive into the heated debate surrounding Montrose County Manager Frank Rodriguez and the hiring of Public Health Director Mirza Ahmed. Residents packed Wednesday’s meeting room, with some defending Rodriguez and Ahmed against what they called politically motivated attacks, while others questioned transparency around Ahmed’s qualifications. The controversy has fueled division, with accusations of discrimination, backtracking by commissioners, and concerns over county leadership.

Then, we switch gears to something everyone can agree on—beer! The Black Canyon Homebrewers Association is bringing back Montrose’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration. We’ll break down everything you need to know about the Parade and Brewfest happening this Saturday, March 15th.

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Montrose County’s new public health director, Mirza Ahmed, is facing backlash over his WHO background and medical credentials—supporters call it a step forward, while critics raise concerns. Meanwhile, tragedy strikes in the San Juans as a Crested Butte snowboard instructor loses her life in an avalanche near Ophir Pass. We unpack both stories and their impact on the community.

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Montrose is making a major investment in city services with a brand-new $77 million public works facility—years in the making and now finally under construction. We’ll break down what this means for residents, from safer operations to expanded services. Plus, in Delta County, a routine traffic stop led to a massive drug bust, uncovering hundreds of grams of meth, fentanyl, and carfentanil. Stay tuned for the latest on both stories.

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Imagine you’re a teenager with a business idea—but no clue where to start. That’s where Homegrown Pathways’ Spark Lab comes in. This six-week program teaches young entrepreneurs the ins and outs of business, from pitching to funding and everything in between. And in January, twelve teens from across Colorado’s Western Slope put their skills to the test at Spark Lab’s first-ever pitch event.

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