Good morning and welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Wednesday Aug 18th and we’re here to bring you a closer look at our top stories, events and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado. 

 

Today - Colorado has committed $173 million in federal money to COVID testing in public schools throughout the state. But the program will not be in place when many Montrose students return to classrooms on Thursday.

 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at elevateinternet.com.

 

Now, our feature story.

 

Colorado has committed $173 million in federal money to COVID testing in public schools throughout the state. But the program will not be in place when many Montrose students return to classrooms on Thursday.

 

The Colorado Sun reported that the program is behind schedule. This comes as dozens of school districts have already begun to welcome students back to in-person classrooms.

 

Testing students, especially those still under the age of 12 and ineligible for COVID vaccines, is a large part of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s guidance.

 

Once it is set up, participation in the program is voluntary. Students under the age of 18 will be required to obtain parental consent.

 

Montrose’s strategy is less aggressive than other school districts around the state. Teachers and staff in Denver Public Schools are required to receive a vaccine or participate in regular COVID testing. And student athletes above age 12 in Aurora Public Schools must receive a vaccine or be regularly tested.

 

And outside of testing, our district is also waiting to hear back from the state about the exact details for vaccination clinics. 

 

But supporting vaccine clinics came under attack at the August 10 school board meeting. Disgruntled parents and community members waved signs and passionately spoke to the board about their objections.

 

The vaccination rate in Montrose County still trails behind the state average. Less than half of adults are fully vaccinated.

 

But if at least 70% of people eligible for the vaccine within a school have been fully vaccinated, quarantines are not required for anybody at the school.

 

To learn more about this story visit our full story at montrosepress.com

 

You can also stay up to date on NABUR! 

 

Next,  For the third consecutive year, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is encouraging hunters to take a friend hunting. As a reward, CPW has created a contest for mentors who take the time to pass on their knowledge.

 

Here’s how it works… Mentors can take a beginner hunter out or mentees can encourage an experienced hunter to teach them how to hunt. From there, the pair can enter to win some great prizes by submitting a photograph and brief story of their time out in the field. Submissions will be judged by their ability to inspire and are due by February 8th. Everyone must be at least 18 years old. Also, the mentors must have held a Colorado hunting license in at least three of the last five years.

 

Check out the full story to learn more and submit your story at montrosepress.com

 

That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.

 

And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.

 

For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good morning and welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s MondayAugust 16th and we’re here to bring you a closer look at our top stories, events and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado. 

 

Today -  Like the rest of the state, test scores in Montrose County School District have dropped. But this was expected because of the pandemic.

 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at elevateinternet.com.

 

Now, our feature story.

 

Like the rest of the state, test scores in Montrose County School District have dropped. But this was expected because of the pandemic.

 

Test scores in Montrose parallel the overall decrease in CMAS test scores observed throughout the state of Colorado.

 

Also, longstanding gaps among racial and ethnic subgroups widened.

 

The percentage of Hispanic students who scored into the lowest category on math exams grew from 24% in 2019 to 33% this spring, while the amount of white students scoring into the lowest category only grew by five percentage points, from 8% to 13%.

 

The state of Colorado has required some form of standardized testing since 1993. Students in fourth- through eighth-grade took the first round of tests under the Colorado Student Assessment Program in 1997.

 

Then, President George W. Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act into law in 2001, which mandated annual math and English testing for third- through eighth-grade students.

 

But Spring 2020 testing in Colorado and most other states was canceled because of the pandemic.

 

So although district-level data on participation rates were not immediately available, CDE data suggests that rates fell across the state. In rural and remote schools, only 60-73% of students participated in required statewide assessments, while 77-88% of students in outlying cities and towns took the exams.

 

All testing across the state was in-person. The state department of education did not allow students to test remotely because of inequities in access to technology, reliable internet and quiet spaces.

 

The vast majority of students in Montrose attended in-person last year, so testing conditions did not change dramatically from previous years.  But students attending 100% online school came into the district office to be tested.

 

To read more on this story visit us at montrosepress.com

 

Before we go… 

 

We’d like to take a moment to remember Vincent Lovato of Montrose. Vincent was born in 1989.

 

Vincent attended elementary, junior high, and high school in Montrose. He was a self-taught musician who won the Colorado’s Got Talent competition. He enjoyed cooking and worked as a sous chef at numerous restaurants in Montrose. Vincent also set up mobile homes in the surrounding area. His smile was very contagious and it brightened any room he was in; he loved making people laugh from the time he was a very young boy.

 

He leaves behind his 2-year-old son Parker. He is also survived by his love, Rachel, his parents, sister, and grandmother.

 

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you donate to The Children’s Music Fund in Vincent’s name. Thank you for taking a moment with us to remember and celebrate his life.

 

That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.

 

And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.

 

For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s FridayAugust 13th and we’re here with local news, events, announcements, jobs, and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado. 

 

Today - Dozens of residents gathered outside of school board meeting this week to object to vaccine clinics and critical race theory.

 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at www.elevateinternet.com.

 

Now, our feature story…

 

The room was not big enough to fit the crowd of people who gathered to attend the Montrose County School District’s board meeting this week.

 

And most of the crowd, board members and district staff present were not wearing masks.

 

Public commenters came to advocate for parental rights to opt-in sexual education and to object to vaccine clinics.

 

While addressing the board, resident Richard Couturier even asked them to raise their hands and indicate who had been vaccinated. Nobody raised their hand and multiple board members said that they would not disclose that information.

 

While the district has strongly encouraged that eligible students and staff get vaccinated, they are not required. Also, wearing masks is not required for the start of the school year.

 

Other districts across the state are requiring masks indoors and vaccinations for teachers. In Denver Public Schools for example, masks are required for everyone indoors. And all public and high-risk private employees in Denver are required to be fully vaccinated by the end of September.

 

Another member of the public came to voice objections about critical race theory.

 

But as Superintendent Carrie Stephenson emphasized in a letter, critical race theory is an advanced academic concept that is not taught in K-12 schools in Montrose. 

 

To find out more about this story visit us at montrosepress.com.

 

 

Now, some local history. This week's local history is brought to you by England Fence. England Fence is family owned and operated, and they're ready to help you build your dream fence, archway, gate, or deck. Give them a call at 970-249-4430, or head over to their website englandfence.com.

 

Did you know that Sweitzer Lake was built as a retreat for water sports, relaxation, fishing, and boating? The lake is named for Morgan Sweitzer, an American farmer and fruit grower who donated the land to the state of Colorado to establish the recreational lake. He passed away in 1953, 12 years before the state park was completed.

 

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Before we go --- Montrose County grew by 3.4% from 2010 to 2020, according to a new batch of Census data released yesterday.

 

And the state of Colorado grew by a whopping 14.8% and picked up a new seat in Congress. 

 

Population growth was not even across the state: in general, urban and suburban counties along the Front Range grew at a faster rate than rural counties in agricultural areas. 

 

Most counties in southwest Colorado experienced mild- to moderate growth, with the exception of Hinsdale County which saw a drop. And some counties in the San Luis Valley also dropped slightly. But it was Kit Carson County that saw the highest decrease in the state, dropping by 14.3%. 

 

Meanwhile Denver County grew by nearly 20%. 

 

That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.

 

And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.

 

For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good morning and welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Wednesday Aug 11th and we’re here to bring you a closer look at our top stories, events and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado. 

 

Today - The Colorado River is being squeezed by overuse and plunging supply. In fact, if the Colorado River were a bank account, it would be running toward the red.

 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at elevateinternet.com.

 

Now, our feature story.

 

If the Colorado River were a bank account, it would be running toward the red.

 

The river, the lifeblood for several Western states, is being squeezed by overuse and plunging supply. And, as temperatures stay on the upswing year after year, thirsty soils absorb the bulk of moisture from a dwindling annual snowpack.

 

The conclusion is “inescapable,” according to Colorado River District Manager Andy Mueller.

 

The Colorado River feeds Lake Powell. And Lake Powell is the main water storage for the Upper Basin states of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.

 

The river also feeds Lake Mead. That’s the main water storage for the three Lower Basin states of Arizona, California and Nevada.

 

But year after year of dry conditions hammered the river. This year, it’s dropped so low that Blue Mesa Reservoir had to release water just to keep Powell’s power turbines turning.

 

Given climate science predictions, the poor water years have not been a surprise. 

 

Anne Castle, former assistant Secretary of the Interior for Water and Science during the Obama Administration, said that we’re facing a very difficult problem right now. She explained that we don’t have much control over the supply. The thing we have our fingers on the lever of is demand.

 

So water users in both the Upper Basin and Lower Basin states are attempting to adjust demand. But they disagree over critical elements of the agreement.

 

And although the Lower Basin states have cut use, there is much more that needs to be done.

 

But changing the rules will have ripple effects on both users and the economy.

 

To learn more about this story visit our full story at montrosepress.com

 

Next,  We’d like to take a moment to remember the life of Gloriann Johnson. Gloriann was born in Minnesota. She grew up on a farm in Twin Valley and graduated from Twin Valley High School, Class of 1958.

 

She later moved to North Dakota, where she worked as an accountant. There, she met Allen Johnson. They were married in 1962.

 

Gloriann and Allen moved to Illinois, had two daughters Lori and Julie, then moved to Aurora, Colorado, and had two more daughters, Stacy and Jayne. And adding to the family over the years 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

 

Allen passed away in 1994, after 32 years of marriage. So a few years later Gloriann moved to Montrose, enjoying friends and a new chapter.

 

She met Al Hanson at a class reunion; they were high school sweethearts, and were married in 2011. They have enjoyed 10 years of marriage, fishing for walleye in Minnesota, snow-birding in Arizona, and of course, enjoying Colorado in the spring and fall seasons.

 

Thank you for taking a moment with us to remember and celebrate Gloriann’s life.

 

That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.

 

And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.

 

For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good morning and welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s MondayAugust 9th and we’re here to bring you a closer look at our top stories, events and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado. 

 

Today - A nearly 10-acre site near to the Montrose County School District’s main offices will soon be the site of students and teachers learning al fresco.

 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at elevateinternet.com.

 

Now, our feature story.

 

A nearly 10-acre site adjacent to the Montrose County School District’s main offices will soon be the site of students and teachers learning al fresco.

 

The plans for the ADA accessible site have been established and construction is already underway. 

 

Keely Vaughan, the center’s program director, said that the main focus right now is going out and talking with members in our community, especially young people. They’re holding some student design sessions and really trying to capture the voice of these people.

 

The district is aiming to begin offering programming this November and open a forest preschool next fall.

 

One of the first programs is an “Adventure With Me” course for parents and Pre-K children to go on immersive nature walks.

 

Eventually, they hope to start a full K-12 outdoor school at the same site.

 

Vaughan emphasized that they want to ensure the school is accessible to all students and families who want to participate.

 

An extensive body of research suggests that outdoor learning has many short- and long-term benefits for children. From stronger interpersonal skills to improved physical health.

 

Plans for the San Juan Center for Outdoor Education were first conceived back in October 2020, when the district had the opportunity to apply for a RISE grant with the state of Colorado. 

 

The grant application encompassed two main elements: a program for social-emotional well being and the outdoor learning center.

 

Although the district did not win state funding for the outdoor learning center, district leadership decided to move forward with plans.

 

Dr. Jessica Beller, the district’s director of instructional services, said that the district recognized how important the project was to the community.

 

And luckily, the district has moved on and found other sources of funding for the project. Montrose County donated stone and gravel for the grounds and the City of Montrose supplied the funds to purchase three large-scale teepees and two yurts from the Colorado Yurt Company.

 

Beller said that the district is aiming to work with as many local- and Colorado-based businesses as possible.

 

The district also applied for — and received — another state-based grant for the initial phases of the project.

 

To read more on this story visit us at montrosepress.com

 

Before we go… 

 

Police, sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, paramedics and wildlife officers came together last week to serve the community in a different way…. with complimentary hamburgers, hotdogs and soft drinks.

 

In case you missed it - the local National Night Out event drew the hungry and the curious. They enjoyed grilled goods, along with a bike rodeo for kids, equipment and vehicle displays, tours of the armored BearCat vehicle, and even drone demonstrations. 

 

Sheriff Gene Lillard also presented photographer Joseph Harold with a community appreciation award.

 

Other event partners included the Montrose Fire Protection District, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Olathe Police Department.

 

That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.

 

And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.

 

For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s FridayAugust 6th and we’re here with local news, events, announcements, jobs, and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado. 

 

Today - Run down homes, overgrown trees and a lack of working water and sewer lines only scratch the surface of the issues at three Montrose mobile home parks. But developer Rich Dana intends to solve them all.

 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at www.elevateinternet.com.

 

Now, our feature story…

 

Run down homes, overgrown trees and a lack of working water and sewer lines only scratch the surface of the issues at three Montrose mobile home parks.

 

But developer Rich Dana intends to solve them all.

 

After talks with the Assistant City Manager, Dana has now taken his mobile home park permit application to the City Council.

 

The application is for San Juan, Cottonwood and Green Acres Mobile Home Parks

 

City council members readily approved the variance and permit requests, and also committed $500,000 in support to the overall $4 million investment. 

 

Council members also approved $200,000 from the undesignated General Fund and $300,000 from the recently received American Rescue Plan Act funds.

 

The city’s investment will be designated toward the removal of asbestos and the addition of water and sewer infrastructure in the parks. But Dana has a comprehensive plan for improving the overall well-being of the parks.

 

He proposes park maintenance, drainage, lighting, fire hydrants and tiny homes.

 

Dana also intends to take care of landscaping, and add two new parks for children in the communities. 

 

So what’s the timeline? Dana said his plan is to have no more vacant homes by November.

 

But the project is currently $1.4 million above the initial budget due to rising costs in labor and materials. 

Still, despite the unforeseen challenges, Dana maintains that the benefit of the project remains as the focal point of his efforts.

 

To find out more about this story visit us at montrosepress.com.

 

Now, some local history. This week's local history is brought to you by England Fence. England Fence is family owned and operated, and they're ready to help you build your dream fence, archway, gate, or deck. Give them a call at 970-249-4430, or head over to their website englandfence.com.

 

Did you know that Mount Wilson is the highest summit in the San Miguel Mountains in the Rockies? The prominent peak is 14,252 feet high and is named for A.D. Wilson a topgrapher with the Hayden Survey. It was in the first ascent party which climbed the peak on September 13th, 1874 via the South Ridge.

 

Before we go --- The Black Canyon Boys and Girls Club is turning the tap back on for the annual Wine and Food Festival.

 

The festival is returning for its 18th anniversary and as is tradition. All proceeds from the event will go toward the club. For $65, people can enjoy a Saturday full of all-you-can-eat food and wine with more than 20 vendors. 

 

The annual event typically is held in May, but this year was pushed to September 4th because of pandemic challenges.

 

They’re also switching it up this year by adding an app for the festival. The app will have a map, information on sponsors, food and beverage vendors, silent auction donors, festival partners and more.

The festival will be held at the Montrose County Event Center to accommodate more people while social distancing. It’ll also feature local band Neon Sky! You can get tickets at bcbgc.org

 

That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.

 

And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.

 

For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good morning and welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Wednesday Aug 4th and we’re here to bring you a closer look at our top stories, events and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado. 

 

Today - State Senator Don Coram and Representative Marc Catlin announced their intent to secure an agreement with local Native American tribes to preserve the Montrose High School mascot.

 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at elevateinternet.com.

 

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Now, our feature story.

 

State Senator Don Coram and Representative Marc Catlin announced their intent to secure an agreement with local Native American tribes to preserve the Montrose High School mascot.

 

At the end of June Governor Jared Polis signed into law Senate Bill 21-116, banning American Indian mascots in Colorado public schools.

 

The bill gave school districts until June 30, 2021 to reach agreements with nearby tribes if they did want to keep their mascot. This is the only way to be exempted from a $25,000 monthly fine.

 

But Coram said he didn’t think the state would be able to fine school districts. He thinks that’s a plot to scare everyone.

 

The Montrose County School District confirmed they have requested meetings with the tribes.

 

Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Chairman Manual Hart asked --- when you say Indians, do you mean 574 federally recognized Indian tribes that you have to work with?

 

Hart noted the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe had supported the bill banning the use of Native American mascots in most circumstances. 

 

In short, Hart isn’t optimistic about Coram’s chances at getting an agreement. 

 

The mascots law affects about two dozen public schools in Colorado that use Native American symbolism and mascots. And replacing the Montrose Indians mascot could cost between $500,000 and $750,000.

 

But Schools like Montrose that need to change the mascot can apply for the Building Excellent Schools Today grant from the state of Colorado to help offset those costs.

 

To learn more about this story visit our full story at montrosepress.com

 

Visit Nabur.montrosepress.com 

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Next,  

 

We’d like to take a moment to remember the life of Robert W. Lay.

 

Bob was born on May 7, 1932 in Montrose. He was raised in Rico with his two brothers Gilbert and Richard. His mom and the boys moved to Montrose for high school. He met his soulmate, Joyce A. Miller, during high school whom he married in Afton, New York in 1955. Joyce and Bob started their family.

 

Bob worked on the dairy farm, drove a Rural Star mail route. He was also a volunteer fireman for close to 40 years and retired in 1992 as the fire district mechanic for South Adams County Fire Department. He loved his family, hunting, fishing and the Lord.

 

Bob leaves behind wife, Joyce, his children, five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. 

Thank you for taking a moment with us today to remember and celebrate Bob’s life.

 

That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.

 

And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.

 

For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good morning and welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s MondayAugust 2nd and we’re here to bring you a closer look at our top stories, events and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado. 

 

Today - The frenzied real estate market is causing a shortage of affordable homes in Montrose. And it’s all happening at the same time as the district is struggling to fill open positions for teachers.

 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at elevateinternet.com.

 

Now, our feature story.

 

Kimberly Wilson served for 20 years in the Air Force before she decided to become an elementary school teacher.

 

And after accepting an offer to teach elementary students in Montrose, Wilson and her husband soon found out that the real estate market is out of control.

 

It turns out that the frenzied real estate market is causing a shortage of affordable homes in Montrose. And it’s all happening at the same time as the district is struggling to fill open positions for teachers.

 

Michelle Pottorff, the director of human resources for Montrose County School District, said that the district is facing a twofold challenge. A rapid uptick in people leaving teaching, and a struggle to attract new teachers to the area.

 

And if the district does find teachers, lots of them are having a really hard time finding a place to live.

 

As the food service and hospitality industries have been scrambling to hire workers in recent months, some school districts have been struggling to hire enough qualified teachers for the past few years. 

 

Enrollment in teacher training programs dropped by over one-third between 2010 and 2018.

 

Then, the pandemic hit and an unparalleled amount of teachers left the profession.

 

Longtime teachers aren’t the only ones retiring, though. Some younger teachers have been leaving the industry for other, better-paying jobs.

 

To make sure that teachers new to the area find adequate places to live, the district has been providing logistical help. From chasing down teachers moving away - to referring families with local real estate agents.

 

Local real estate agent Jessamy Pressler has been working with teachers to find homes for the past few years. Pressler said that the housing challenges that teachers face are also affecting people working in other industries.

 

The people pricing locals out of the real estate market are transplants from expensive urban markets on the Front Range or out of state.

 

Because as the pandemic accelerated the prevalence of working from home, high-income workers have moved to far-flung towns, including Montrose.

 

But local wages are not increasing enough for current residents to compete with the urban expat

 

To read more on this story visit us at montrosepress.com

 

Before we go…

 

The city has formally acknowledged one more structure integral to Montrose’s rich history.

 

The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Depot, located on Rio Grande Avenue.

 

The city-owned depot is the town’s second railroad depot. It’s known for its association with Montrose’s history of transportation.

 

The structure opened in Montrose on June 3, 1882, just a month after Montrose was founded. 

 

Pretty soon, it was considered “the most important station west of Gunnison City”.

 

The Mission Revival style depot provided passenger and freight services at the popular rail junction.

 

The building boasts a terra cotta tile roof, overhanging eaves, shaped parapets and arched porches.

 

The property was designated as a Montrose County landmark in 2016. After a July 20 vote, it also was added to the City of Montrose’s register of historic places. 

 

The structure is the eighth addition to the city’s register. It can also be found on the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties.

 

The depot has been home to the Montrose County Historical Museum since the 1970s.

 

That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.

 

And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.

 

For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s FridayJuly 30th and we’re here with local news, events, announcements, jobs, and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado. 

 

Today - Unvaccinated students and staff in the Montrose County School District will not be required to wear masks to start the school year. 

 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at www.elevateinternet.com.

 

Now, our feature story…

 

Unvaccinated students and staff in the Montrose County School District will not be required to wear masks to start the school year. 

 

The district’s spokesperson, Matt Jenkins said that the safety of all of the students and staff is still the number one priority.

 

This policy comes after national and state public health agencies have directly required masks. But earlier this week the CDC updated federal guidance to recommend that everybody — vaccinated or not — wear masks indoors at schools.  

 

Other school districts on the Western Slope that have already announced mask policies also opted to avoid a mask mandate. Both Delta County 50J and Mesa County Valley School District announced that masks will not be required. Other districts are holding off on announcing their policies until the beginning of August. 

 

But this fall’s COVID policy comes with the caveat. The plan is “subject to change depending on local public health conditions.

 

Broader CDC guidelines for mask-wearing were also updated on July 27 to encourage people in counties with high community spread to wear masks. 

 

And as of yesterday the CDC has classified Montrose County as an area with high levels of community transmission.

 

Vaccinations encouraged, but not required  

 

At least 65% of district staff have already gotten vaccinated. But less than half of county residents eligible for the vaccine have received at least one dose. That’s significantly lower than the statewide average.  

 

Jenkins said that the district is not mandating vaccination for district employees and students 12 and older at this time.

 

But Jenkins did say that the vaccine is an effective way that we're going to end the pandemic,

 

The district is planning on offering opt-in vaccination clinics for eligible students and staff. Parents will be required to give consent for students to be vaccinated. 

 

To find out more about this story visit us at montrosepress.com.

 

Now, some local history. This week's local history is brought to you by England Fence. England Fence is family owned and operated, and they're ready to help you build your dream fence, archway, gate, or deck. Give them a call at 970-249-4430, or head over to their website englandfence.com.

 

Did you know the Flat Top-Peach Valley Recreation Area is 9,700 acres set aside for motorized and non-motorized recreation? It was originally designated for conservation in 1999. If you’re inclined, there are 95 miles of “play areas” where cross-country motorcycle, ATV, and mountain bike riders can enjoy sport and adventure with the backdrop of some of Colorado’s most beautiful scenery.

 

Blondie Campbell has been dancing her way through life since she was a young girl. She found her lifelong dance partner in her high school sweetheart, Donald. 

Whether Campbell was playing music in school or in her dance band that she formed with her aunt, rhythmatic steps kept her going.

 

Campbell was a bank teller by day and a dancer by night, frequenting the Montrose Pavilion Dance Club with her husband after it was formed in 1990. 

 

From classic waltz to ballroom dancing, Campbell would find fellowship and community out on the dance floor.

 

The former bank teller took over the dance club in 2008 as the dance coordinator and is excited for the dance club to return from the year and a half hiatus the pandemic required. 

 

In the past, Montrose citizens have shown up for country western dancing, two stepping, rock and roll and even line dancing. And the dance club has no plans on changing their tune anytime soon.

 

The dance club revival will take place on Saturday August 14 and August 28 with live performances from Ghost River and New Vision. The dance events will return the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 7:30 -11 p.m.

 

Get your dancing shoes on Montrose!

 

That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.

 

And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.

 

For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good morning and welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Wednesday July 28th and we’re here to bring you a closer look at our top stories, events and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado. 

 

Today - Following months of hammering out details and anticipation, Colorado Yurt Company broke ground on its new headquarters last week.

 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at elevateinternet.com.

 

Now, our feature story.

 

Following months of hammering out details and anticipation, Colorado Yurt Company broke ground on its new headquarters during a brief public ceremony Thursday.

 

This marked the start of a near-yearlong process to build out the massive project.

 

It’ll be a 30,000-square foot manufacturing and office space building on nearly 3.4 acres.

 

This will include a display village along the south end of the river trail. It’ll also include a public/private restroom on the north end in partnership with the City of Montrose.

 

Colorado Yurt owners John and Kelly Gibson were joined in attendance by Mayfly Outdoors Founder David Dragoo, city staff and members of Montrose City Council, dozens of Colorado Yurt employees and other community leaders. 

 

Also in attendance were Dan and Emma Kigar, who founded Colorado Yurt in 1976. 

 

The Kigars sold the company to the Gibsons in January of 2020.

 

They explained that this was always their vision and they’re thrilled to see it all coming together.

 

Gibson in April reported Colorado Yurt’s first quarter sales were 56% above target projections. That followed a 2020 cycle where sales were up 45%.

 

The Gibsons have added 27 different employees in 18 months, and could add even more once the project is finalized. 

Mayfly Outdoors Founder, Dragoo said the project’s proximity to the River and walking path is a huge bonus. 

 

The project should be completed for Memorial Day in 2022. Colorado Yurt is planning a grand opening during that weekend.

 

To learn more about this story visit our full story at montrosepress.com

 

Next,  

 

The day has come. The Blue Mesa Reservoir will contribute water to keep the hydropower turbines at Lake Powell operational. This move is called for under the Upper Basin Drought Response Operations Agreement.

 

State Representative Marc Catlin of Montrose explained that this is a drastic time.

 

Catlin, a lifelong water expert, also sits on the Colorado River District Board of Directors, representing Montrose County. 

 

The district was formed in the 1930s to protect the Colorado River.

 

Now, because of the drought conditions, the water surface level at Lake Powell is taking a record plunge to below 3,555 feet. 

 

The massive reservoir has lost 16 million acre feet of water since 1999, enough to service 64 million households a year.

 

River district representatives met with the Department of the Interior last week to discuss how drought response operations will proceed. 

 

But Catlin reiterated the drawdown is necessary under the current agreement.

 

He also noted that Blue Mesa did bail out the Gunnison Basin in parched years like 2002, but this is different.

He isn’t confident whether climate change is the issue, but said the soil moisture content of Upper Basin states is critically dry. 

 

Add to the mix a predicted La Niña pattern for winter, and the southwestern part of the state will miss out on the bulk of whatever snow does come to call.

 

But for now, Blue Mesa is serving its purposes.

 

That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.

 

And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.

 

For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.