Montrose Fresh

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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