Montrose Fresh

Today... Montrose County has taken a major step toward building a long-planned Veterans Memorial Plaza, with construction potentially starting this spring on a community-backed tribute honoring veterans and military history.

And later... Nearly a year after a wildfire damaged Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the park is showing both destruction and early signs of recovery as rebuilding moves forward slowly.

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Today... Montrose County has officially rehired former county manager Joe Kerby to return on June 15th at a $220,000 salary, hoping his experience will bring stability after a turbulent year in county leadership.

And later... Grand Junction Media has bought the Montrose Daily Press, Delta County Independent, and Montrose Press production facility from Wick Communications, saying it will preserve the papers’ local independence while expanding regional news and advertising reach.

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Today... About 2,000 people joined the latest No Kings protest in Montrose, part of a nationwide day of demonstrations that organizers say drew 8 million people across more than 3,300 events.

And later... Montrose County authorities are investigating several small Rim Road fires that burned about one acre as suspected arson because they appeared to be deliberately set in multiple spots amid dangerous dry, windy conditions.

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Today... Western Colorado irrigators are facing a record-bad water season, with sharply reduced deliveries, canceled pump contracts, and likely impacts on farms, crops, and food prices due to extremely low snowpack and poor runoff forecasts.

And later... Montrose Rec District will keep Flex Rec open through at least the end of 2026, despite monthly losses, to avoid disrupting members before its new nearby facility is ready.

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Today... MsSo, a new fusion noodle bar on Montrose’s Main Street from Typhoon Hospitality, blends authentic Asian flavors with playful, modern twists as part of the group’s broader expansion in town.

And later… The Montrose Lions Club honored Joseph Graff, Lainey Williams, and Kade Halderman as its outstanding students for March.

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Today... A Montrose city council candidate’s wife questioned the city’s ballot security ahead of the election, while officials and the candidate said her email was meant to clarify election safeguards rather than allege wrongdoing.

And later... A Montrose couple recently launched Babysitter Briefing, an app that helps parents and caregivers track a child’s daily routine without constant texting.

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Today... A Colorado man was sentenced to an effective life term of 192 years for fatally stabbing Duane Hamn in 2023, though the sentence still faces proportionality review and appeal.

And later... Montrose’s third "No Kings" protest is set for Saturday, March 28th, featuring a rally, a march on Townsend Avenue, and an inflatables dance party as part of a nationwide day of nonviolent demonstrations.

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Today... A Montrose author will sign copies of her debut suspense novel, Blue Moon Bench, on March 21st at Meditation Spaces, where she’ll also discuss the book’s inspiration, spiritual themes, and her path to publication.

And later... Sam Aster has withdrawn from Montrose’s April 7th city council race for personal reasons, but because ballots were already mailed, his name will remain on them and any votes cast for him will not count.

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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.

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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.

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