Welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s FridayFebruary 12th, and we’re here with local news, events, announcements, jobs, and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado. 

Today - Students have today off from school as Montrose County School District employees receive their COVID-19 vaccinations. 

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.

Before we begin, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is hosting an online “Sportspersons’ Roundtable” for hunting, fishing and wildlife issues in Southwest Colorado. The meeting is on February 18th, and will take place via Zoom at 6 p.m.

CPW staff will present updates on the 2021 hunting season, terrestrial species, aquatic species and other issues that they’re facing.

To find the zoom link visit us at montrosepress.com, or check this podcast episode description.

https://www.montrosepress.com/free_access/cpw-hosting-online-hunting-fishing-meeting/article_64d87e42-6cb2-11eb-95cf-633e2e23a7b0.html

To connect with the call, go to: https://zoom.us/join. Then enter the meeting ID 81468446639 and the passcode, 700654. Those who don’t have internet access, can phone in at: 720-928-9299 and then enter the meeting ID 81468446639 and the passcode, 700654. Contact Joe Lewandowski at 970-759-9590 or via email at [email protected] with questions.

Now, our feature story.

Students have today off from school as Montrose County School District employees receive their COVID-19 vaccinations. The district sent a letter to families notifying them of the school closure after the state announced that 35% of vaccine supplies will be earmarked for school staff.

According to the letter vaccine doses will be administered over the next three Fridays.

The letter also says that getting educators vaccinated means that they will be better protected from the virus, and it will reduce the number of quarantines necessary. This will reduce interruptions to in-person learning, and help ensure that parents can report to their own workplaces without child care or remote learning demands.

Ahead of today's vaccinations, Superintendent Carrie Stephenson discussed the plan during Tuesday’s board of education meeting. 

The district is working in partnership with public health to administer the first round of vaccines. Matt Jenkins, MCDS’s public information officer said that they had initially narrowed down the first registration to people who see kids on a routine basis. But upon learning of the availability of more doses, the district opened up the registration to office personnel.

There are roughly 1,000 people employed in the district, which includes coaches and club sponsors. Looking strictly at the building staff, there are around 750 people.

Board member Eric Kelley asked the question - what’s the plan for teachers who decide not to receive the vaccine? 

Superintendent Stephenson says staff who elect not to get the vaccine for personal or medical reasons will still be required to be quarantined if exposed to the virus.

Although staff will be vaccinated over the coming weeks and fully vaccinated in the coming months, the district’s COVID-19 mitigation strategies will remain in place for now to keep everyone safe. 

Gov. Polis said that two weeks after educators’ second dose, they no longer have to quarantine if they have COVID exposure

Vaccinations for educators is one step closer to a return to normalcy as the district remains committed to welcoming students back to 100% in-person instruction.

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.

Anna Lee Mills was born in Montrose, on April 19, 1921. She was an American jockey and trick rider in rodeos. She was also the first woman in the United States to receive a jockey's license. Anna pursued her professional horse racing career from, winning many races at state and county fairs. She then pursued a second career as a trick rider. She was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame in 2004.

And finally, before we go we’d like to take a moment to remember the life of 

James Austin. Jim left this earth with the same bravado that he lived by. As anyone who knew him would agree. Jim was larger than life. Whether you crossed paths with him at KU, where he was student body president, in Montrose where he was city manager, or Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Atlanta, Mexico, Copenhagen or Spain --- you surely remember a man of intelligence, humor and creativity who had a big voice and a bigger heart. Jim did not walk into a room unnoticed ... and if he did, he’d make sure to get your attention.

His greatest love was Patty, his soulmate and wife of over 60 years. Jim and Patty were together their entire lives — their “first date” captured in a photo of the two of them sharing a tire swing at age 3. Jim also went through life with an amazing cadre of close friends — too many to mention by name. In addition to Patty, he leaves behind a family who adored him. 

Thank you for taking a moment with us today to remember and celebrate Jim’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.

A Montrose physician was charged with drug offenses for allegedly dispensing Adderall outside the course of his professional practice.

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

But before we begin, -- We’re excited to announce that this year you can attend the 15th anniversary Mountainfilm on Tour-Montrose event -  from your couch!

This virtual online event will be open for viewing starting 9 a.m. on February 19th through February 21st. The show will involve nearly two hours of short films. Ons is focused on a father and daughter duo living and surfing on the coast of Iceland. Another is about an exceptional home in Denver whose volunteers welcome immigrants released from ICE detention.

To attend, go to mountainfilm.org/tour, click on the tour schedule, and then the event, and follow the instructions. A free virtual ticket is required and can be reserved ahead of time. You’ll be able to watch the films during a 48 hour window.

To learn more about the event, and learn more about the non-profits who have organized it, visit us at montrosepress.com.

Now, our feature story. 

A Montrose physician was charged with drug offenses for allegedly dispensing Adderall outside the course of his professional practice.

Dr. David Dreitlein was issued a summons earlier this month. It charges three unlawful acts related to controlled substances. Each count in the complaint alleges that he dispensed Adderall unlawfully in November of 2018.

Dreitlein had previously worked in the emergency department of Montrose Memorial Hospital. He was not directly employed by the hospital, and no longer has privileges at MMH. 

Defense attorney Kelly Page said that he is devastated by the charges.

She said that the government is substituting their own legal judgment for the medical judgment of an experienced, well-respected physician. 

She also noted that anyone who has seen and confided in a doctor should be unsettled by these allegations.

District Attorney Seth Ryan said that doctors have the ability to prescribe and dispense medication under their licenses as long as they are doing it in accordance with the license. When they don’t, just like anyone else, it’s subject to criminal charges.

Ryan could not speak much about the specific case, since it’s still ongoing.

If convicted, Dreitlein faces six months to a year in prison for the class-4 drug felony charges. And depending on the circumstances, the sentence could double to a minimum of one year, or maximum of two.

Dreitlein is scheduled to appear in court March 25th.

To learn more about this story visit us at montrosepress.com

Next, we’d like to highlight some local athletes!

A number of the swimmers had their best times recently, including sophomore Caitlyn Dillon, who placed third in the women 200 free at the Delta swim meet last week. Joining Dillon was Alex Waxler, the team’s only senior, who, for the first time, completed the 500 in under seven minutes.

Like other sports, their season was reduced. This makes the meets important opportunities for the girls to record successful times before states.

Congratulations Caitlyn and Alex!

Finally, we’d like to take a moment today to remember the life  of Richard Friend who was born in New Jersey. He attended Camden Catholic Schools until he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1963. He was awarded two Good Conduct Medals and The National Defense Medal while he served. He then received an honorable discharge in 1967.

Richard returned to New Jersey where he entered the workplace as a carpet layer apprentice, becoming a professional carpet layer until 1979. Then, he moved from New Jersey to Colorado Springs to work as a horse rancher. Finally in 1981 he moved with friends to Montrose.

Soon after, he met the love of his life, Pamela, whom he married in 1982. He went to work with the family on their Buffalo Ranch and Farm. Richard had an immense love of the buffalo and the produce growing business.

He is survived by his wife, his son, his grandsons, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, three sisters, and nieces and nephews.

He was a generous, compassionate and loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be eternally missed.

Thank you for taking a moment with us today to remember and celebrate Richard’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 MondayFebruary 8th 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 Rotary Amphitheater project was approved during the latest City Council meeting.

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

Before we begin, we’d like to highlight Jaycie Casebolt, from the MHS girls basketball team.

Offensive rebounding is often a silent skill that can be overlooked. But when a player finds continued success with it, it’s noticeable.

Jaycie Casebolt, after grabbing four rebounds and scoring nine points in the season opener against Delta, has found similar success. In Thursday’s loss to Coal Ridge she scored 12 points — a team-high. Casebolt is one of four seniors on the 2021 team.

Coach Steve Skiff says that Jaycie has an outstanding knowledge about finding the ball. 

Casebolt helped the Indians take a 20-17 lead into the half on Thursday. She added two steals and an assist in the Delta loss, and was a near perfect 4 for 5 from the field.

The Rotary Amphitheater project was approved during the last City Council meeting.

The city awarded $3.2 million of budgeted funds for construction of an amphitheater at Cerise Park.

This project included the award of a contract with Stryker and Company, who will serve as the Construction Manager and the General Contractor. It will feature a stage, a recessed viewing area, a sound booth, restrooms, additional parking, a back access road to the stage area and designated spaces for vendors and merchandise.

According to the community impact report, uses for the amphitheater could include music, theater, festivals, non-profit events and other events like movies or workout classes.

The stage would be about the same size as the stage in the Montrose Pavilion. With a stage that big, there is potential to host bigger acts and shows, regional orchestras and symphonies. 

Public Works Manager Jim Scheid said that the priority and challenge of the construction project was to create as little environmental impact as possible.

Public comments advocated for further review of the environmental measures set in place for the project. There were concerns about negative environmental impacts on the ecological system in Cerise Park.

Plans for breaking ground for the amphitheater are set to start by March 1st, and the amphitheater is scheduled for total completion by November 1st.

And before we go,  The Montrose County School District announced last week that after a routine inspection, possible asbestos debris was found in the middle school ceiling at Olathe Middle and High School. 

The district shared the discovery of asbestos during the BEST grant application process.

The BEST grant would allow the district to use funds to further improve its security systems district-wide, something the community expressed as a goal several years ago.

MCSD Superintendent Carrie Stephenson said that anytime we have the opportunity to access additional funds to improve our safety and security measures, we will continue to do so.

MCSD and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment are collaborating to identify mitigation strategies based on state regulations as they determine next steps.

Stephenson said the timeline is not known currently as they continue the investigation, which includes having the qualified people come inspect the campuses. That process has already begun.

She added that the district’s COVID-19 conditions are getting to a place where they can consider welcoming all students back in-person. It’s another reason why the district is taking immediate action to address the asbestos situation to avoid delaying that return.

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 FridayFebruary 5th, and we’re here with local news, events, announcements, jobs, and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado. 

Today - Search teams have located the bodies of three people who were buried under about 20 feet of snow and debris from a Monday avalanche. 

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.

Before we begin, we’d like to highlight The Montrose Center for the Arts who will be hosting Wine & Roses, a live piano concert tonight from 5-7.

The live concert will be limited to 30 guests in the studio’s gallery. Tickets are $20 each or $30 per couple. Following the concert, guests can go to the Stone House to receive a special pre-made take out meal for $30. Tickets are available on their website at www.mc4arts.com. Masking and social distancing rules will be observed.

Now, our feature story.

Search teams have located the bodies of three people who were buried under about 20 feet of snow and debris from a Monday avalanche. The avalanche swept down as they skied the backcountry between Silverton and Ouray.

The victims had not been publicly identified as of Wednesday night.

The three were in a group skiing near Mineral Creek and Ophir Pass on Monday, near a feature known as The Nose. While they were there, an avalanche was triggered from an elevation of about 11,500 feet. It carried them away, along with a fourth member of the group.

The other skiers were able to locate the fourth person. That person reportedly sustained minor injuries.

Search and rescue teams from multiple jurisdictions responded to search for the missing skiers, but found severe conditions — and ongoing avalanche danger.

These conditions were so perilous that snowmobiles and other equipment used for the rescue became entrapped in heavy snow on Tuesday.

Search operations were suspended Tuesday afternoon out of safety concerns. They continued on Wednesday, and Ophir Pass was closed to facilitate efforts as ground teams worked sunup to sundown.

Teams from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, emergency management, San Juan County Search and Rescue, La Plata County Search and Rescue, Silverton Mountain Medical and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center scoured the debris fields, ultimately locating the three skiers buried more than 20 feet deep. All three skiers were equipped with locator beacons, which helped searchers to find their bodies.

The rugged terrain and conditions meant that a helicopter team was required to actually remove the bodies.

Back in December avalanches claimed 3 lives in the region in just one weekend. 

If you’re going out don’t forget to Check the forecast at colorado.gov/av and have proper equipment, including a locator beacon, probe pole and shovel. Always share planned routes and intended timeframes with at least one other person.

Stay safe Montrose.

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. Right now they're offering their best prices of the year, 20% off of all installed jobs through the month of January. Give them a call at 970-249-4430, or head over to their website englandfence.com.

J.C. Frees started the first store in Montrose. When the city moved north to be closer to the railroad tracks, Frees moved his store too. It was built in 1905 it later housed the Montrose Grocery and Bakery.

Ralph Daniel Carver Jr. Ralph Jr. was born in Denver. He was the oldest of three children. Ralph grew up on a 5-acre mini-farm with his family. His mom raised turkeys which were quite popular at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ralph and his siblings also raised white rabbits, cows, and chickens. After graduating from school he married Lucinda Carhart. Together they had four children.

In 1960 Ralph opened his first C&C Auto Parts, and in 1963 he moved the family to Montrose and opened a second C&C Auto Parts. He owned and operated both stores, traveling to between them weekly. The drive was time consuming and this was when Ralph developed his interest in flying. He became a pilot in 1970. He loved flying and often would take one of his children with him on the weekly trips.

He opened C&C Auto Parts number 3 in Delta in 1977. All three boys grew up working in the stores and learned the value of a hard day’s work. 

Ralph was an advocate of higher education and was instrumental in bringing Colorado Western College to Montrose. He served as president of the board in 1972. He was also involved in the start of the Delta-Montrose Vo-Tech Center. He felt that getting a higher education or learning a trade should be available to every young adult. He always said that an education can never be taken away.

Ralph’s marriage to Lucinda ended, and in 1985, he married Irene Thompson. They celebrated 27 years together before she passed away. They enjoyed traveling whenever possible. 

Ralph gradually sold off his three auto parts stores and retired in 1995 to ”return to his roots” and farm his acreage on Spring Creek Road. He especially enjoyed having many grandchildren and great-grandchildren visit the farm. 

He was proud of being a farmer. He was a true Christian, a believer. He was considerate, careful, and thoughtful. Ralph was not a man of many words, but he was a man of his word and will be dearly missed.

Thank you for taking a moment today to remember and celebrate Ralph’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 Wednesday February 3rd and we’re here with local news, events, announcements, and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado. 

 Today -- Governor Jared Polis announced the state is expanding the vaccination group to incorporate teachers and 65-69 year olds, starting on February 8th.

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

But before we begin, -- as of last night search and rescue efforts were continuing for three of four people who were caught in an avalanche on Monday.

According to preliminary information from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, a group skiing in the backcountry triggered a large avalanche from a northeast-facing slope at about 11,500 feet.

Four people were caught, carried away and buried. The group located and recovered one person, who sustained minor injuries, but the other three remained unaccounted for. For the latest on this story visit us at Montrosepress.com.

The state shared a modified timeline for when groups of Coloradans are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine during a press conference on Friday.

Governor Jared Polis said the prioritization list will likely change as changes occur with the state’s access vaccine and as changes occur with Centers for Disease Control guidance, data and science.

He also said it was an easy decision to say people ages 70-and-up to receive the vaccine first. And about 40% of people ages 70-and-up have been vaccinated already, but the state’s goal is to vaccinate 70% of that group by the end of February.

As healthcare professionals across the state continue to vaccinate people ages 70 and older, Polis announced the state is expanding the vaccination group to incorporate teachers and 65-69 year olds, starting on February 8th.

The vaccination of educators will include teachers, child care workers, paraprofessionals and staff who work in classrooms with children. That process is expected to take two or three weeks.

School districts will be the ones providing staff with details about vaccinations.

For those in the age 65-69 population, the signup process for the vaccine is similar to the process for people ages 70 and older. 

They can sign up through a local healthcare provider or local public health agency. While people 65-69 can sign up now, Polis said that will not change the prioritization for people 70 and older. He also noted that when Feb. 8 arrives, vaccination prioritization will be randomized, meaning people who register now are not guaranteed to be one of the first people to be vaccinated.

Finally, Polis noted that essential frontline workers like grocery store workers will be included in a coming expansion scheduled to start through the employers on March 5.

Thanks for listening -- now, we’d like to take a moment today to remember the life  of Robert Kerr who passed away at Montrose Memorial Hospital from complications of COVID-19. Bob spent his childhood in Michigan. Right after high school he joined the US Army and served from 1962 until 1965.

He lived in New Mexico, for 28 years and worked at the school doing maintenance and driving the bus, and also at the local Hospital. He then lived in Denver for 15 years before moving to Montrose in 2018 to enjoy the small town life. His favorite mode of transportation was his motorcycle, which he rode almost every day, rain or shine. 

He retired in 2005 and loved nothing better than a bike ride and a cappuccino. He was a member of Trinity Reformed Presbyterian Church of Montrose. He was a humble, gentle, caring man who loved the Lord and made friends with everyone he met. He regularly attended AA meetings and talked easily with struggling people. He will be missed greatly. Thank you for taking a moment today to remember and celebrate his life.

Finally, although the pandemic has required students to adjust to new protocols from wearing face coverings and social distancing, the Montrose High School choirs have used technology to continue sharing their vocal talents. Here they are singing 'Rise Up In Festive Song’

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 MondayFebruary 1st 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 -  Lauren Boebert’s Montrose town hall was canceled at the last minute due to multiple threats.

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

Before we begin, a quick announcement.

What has been hailed as a climate-saver and also decried as a job-killer, President Joe Biden’s recent executive order pauses new federal oil and gas leases. It’s drawing attention in the region.

Conservationists and small farmers in the North Fork Valley welcomed the orders as a respite that will protect clean water and agri-tourism in the valley.

Meanwhile, Lauren Boebert called blocking future leases an unlawful attack on jobs, at a time when Coloradans are struggling from COVID-19’s hit on the economy.

To read more about what’s going on visit us at montrosepress.com.

Now, our feature story.

What would have been Lauren Boebert’s first stop in Montrose since being sworn in was canceled on Saturday.

Boebert had apparently been scheduled for an event here. Word of the event began circulating online on Friday evening. But by Saturday, the event had been canceled. The host site, Circle 3 Cowboy Fellowship, reported receiving a phone threat before that cancelation.

Ben Stout, the Communications director for the US Congresswoman said that Boebert The was planning on stopping by a small private event. It was not an official town hall organized by her office. And it ultimately became clear that there was not enough security for the number of people that were planning to attend. 

Stout did note that the congresswoman looks forward to meeting with members of the community in the future.

Pastor Gary Lear told the Montrose Daily Press the church was notified of the cancelation on Saturday morning.

And that morning, Lear said the church received nearly 10 threats related to the event. One threat came from a Denver area code phone number. The individual that issued the threat apparently claimed to be part of Boebert’s team.

The Montrose County Republican Party had planned to attend the event according to Chairman Ray Langston. Langston said the party was disappointed about the cancelation.

The Montrose Mirror announced details of the event on its Facebook page Friday evening, but the post, and a subsequent post about the cancelation, have since been taken down.

To learn more about this story, visit us at montrosepress.com.

And before we go,  We’d like to highlight the Montrose high school girl’s basketball team. The group is certainly happy to be back after more than a month of waiting for an official timeline.

Coach Steve Skiff said that they know it’s going to be different in a lot of ways and it’s going to be fast and furious, but they have a great group of kids and they have great leadership from seniors. 

The team is getting used to wearing the mask while playing, and adjusting to the conditions after a rough start, but the mentality remains positive, for both players and coaches.

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 FridayJanuary 29th, and we’re here with local news, events, announcements, jobs, and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado. 

Today - According to state officials, masks and social distancing are still needed in Colorado for the months to come.

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.

Before we begin, we’d like to highlight Johnson Elementary School Principal Cheryl Gomez.

Gomez started her career in the business realm, where she wrote training manuals for companies and trained colleagues. She continued to find herself training others and writing course guidelines, which helped her realize her passion was for teaching.

Gomez has taught at high needs, poverty-ridden schools and served as vocational director for School District 70 in Pueblo County. Within her first two years in teaching, Gomez was selected as teacher in charge, meaning if the principal was out of the building, she was in charge. She realized she needed to earn her master’s degree, thinking it was inevitable to get her principal’s license. 

Now, at Johnson, Gomez enjoys praising her staff and students for trying a new teaching method or getting more involved in classroom discussion. This school year, students have also inspired Gomez.

As COVID-19 vaccine shipments continue to trickle into Colorado, state officials continue to stress the importance of social distancing. According to them, social distancing and mask wearing will remain the best tools available to fight the pandemic for months to come.

During a recent press conference Governor Jared Polis said that if people get a little bit more lax, it will resurge before the vaccine has time to kick in. He noted that vaccine distribution is rapidly happening, but there’s still a lot of danger in people socializing or getting together or not wearing masks right now.

This will likely remain true for much of the first half of 2021, according to public health modeling presented by state epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy. 

At the state’s current level of transmission, an estimated 700 more Coloradans could die from COVID-19 before June 1st. And with effective vaccine distribution that number may be reduced to around 500. But if Colorado’s transmission control level drops significantly, that number could climb into the thousands.

According to Herlihy we really don’t see the full effect or benefit of the vaccine for many months to come, so during this time, all of the strategies we have in place continue to be important.

Colorado providers have administered nearly a half million first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. And luckily, Polis has confirmed that the supply has been stable enough that second doses have remained on schedule.

Polis again urged drugmakers and the federal government to speed up production and shipments to Colorado and other states. He says that providers have the capacity to vaccinate up to five times as many people as they are now. 

And now, with many of its highest-priority, front-line health care workers having received the vaccine, Colorado has entered Phase 1B.

The state is laser-focused on getting vaccines into the arms of Coloradans aged 70 or older. Phase 1B will continue with many essential workers, including teachers, receiving the vaccine next. 

Recently, case rates have fallen off since a dramatic spike that threatened to overwhelm Colorado hospitals. Colorado is currently faring better than many other states, with the 11th-lowest number of cases per capita in the country.

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. Right now they're offering their best prices of the year Give them a call at 970-249-4430, or head over to their website englandfence.com.

Robert LeRoy Parker, better known as Butch Cassidy, was an American train and bank robber and the leader of a gang of criminal outlaws known as the "Wild Bunch". Cassidy's first bank robbery took place in 1889, when he robbed the San Miguel Valley Bank in Telluride. 

And finally, before we go we’d like to take a moment to remember the life of Jimmie Salaz. Jimmie was born in 1935, in Montrose. He proudly served his country in the Marines. After serving he returned home and worked in the mines, concrete and carpentry.

He met and married his first wife Julia where he had four children. Later in life he met and married his wife Erma. With this second marriage he gained three stepchildren.

Jimmie was a very loving and happy man. When you saw him, he always had a big smile on his face. He enjoyed spending time in the outdoors hunting, fishing, and camping. 

Nothing brought him more happiness than spending time with family and friends. Jimmie will be dearly missed by all those that knew him.

Thank you for taking a moment today 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.

Good morning and welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Wednesday January 27th and we’re here with local news, events, announcements, and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado. 

 Today -- A sprawling ranch located along the scenic West Elk bypass is now conserved

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

But before we begin, We’d like to highlight the dancers at A Time to Dance. For them, dance is a way to not only express, but to connect during a time when connecting has been entirely reinvented.

The dance group recently held its Winter Showcase, dancing in the theme of spreading kindness to the people around us.

Dance director and A Time to Dance owner Catherine Frates described the rehearsal performance as “informal.” and said it was a rough draft to the recital in May.

The dance company is entering its 15th year in Montrose, serving a wide range of community members from dancers as young as 2 years old, to older adults.

For everyone, being able to dance is helping to bridge the gap between safely social distancing and continuing to dance.

Frates said although the dance company has always been attentive to cleaning, the members are being even more careful now due to COVID risks.

Now, our feature story. A sprawling 1,200 acre ranch located along the scenic West Elk bypass is now conserved -- thanks to efforts by the property owners and Colorado West Land Trust.

The Meek Ranch, in the Crystal Valley, is a mosaic of irrigated meadows and pastures, mountain shrublands, and woodland that covers gently rolling terrain. Crystal Creek runs for nearly 2 miles through the property and provides significant habitat for wildlife.

From the West Elk Scenic and Historic Byway, one may now look out over this beautiful ranch with assurance that it will never be developed or subdivided in the future.

Sandy McLaughlin, who now owns the ranch with Roy McLaughlin said that the Meek family started ranching this land in 1915. The McLaughlins purchased the property in 2014 and used it to graze livestock.

The ranch is surrounded by privately owned open space and National Forest land that connects to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to the southwest. This area provides forage, cover, breeding grounds, and migration corridors for a diversity of wildlife. 

Conservation of the Meek Ranch builds on previous efforts by CWLT to protect unique natural and agricultural characteristics in the area. To date, the organization has protected nearly 9,500 acres of ranch land along the West Elk Scenic Byway.

Additional funding to complete this project was provided by Great Outdoors Colorado and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, two organizations that have worked alongside CWLT on many projects to conserve open space on the Western Slope.

Colorado West Land Trust is a private, charitable nonprofit organization. They have conserved over 125,000 acres across six Delta, Gunnison, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel counties.

Its mission is to protect and enhance agricultural land, wildlife habitat and scenic lands in western Colorado to benefit the community at large, enrich lives, provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, and ensure our connection to land for generations to come. 

Thanks for listening, finally, we’d like to take a moment today to remember the life  Glenn Watts of Grand Junction. After Glenn married his first wife Betty, he was drafted into the U.S. Army for the Korean War. Upon discharge he returned to Colorado to start Watts Construction. Some of his custom log homes can be seen on the Western Slope of Colorado.

Glenn lived mainly in Montrose, where he met and married his third wife Lynnda. They resided in Montrose for a few years until they relocated to Grand Junction, Colorado.

Glenn and his brother David were rough stock riders in the very first Little Britches Rodeos. Glenn acted as an angel by saving his brother’s life by loading him on his horse and racing home for help after David was accidentally shot by a friend during a camping trip. He also saved a young man from an electrocution death while on a job site.

Glenn was happiest being outdoors. He loved rifle hunting, bow hunting, and fishing. Glenn also never missed a Denver Broncos football game and he lived for football Sundays. Glenn also was an avid reader of Western novels and loved collecting “The End of The Trail” and Native American art. His eyes twinkled when enjoying a good laugh. He loved the music of his grandchildren’s laughter and enjoyed watching his grandsons play football.

Thank you for taking a moment today to remember and celebrate Glenn’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 MondayJanuary 25th 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 -  Despite the restrictions due to the pandemic, multiple businesses have opened in downtown Montrose.

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

Before we begin, a quick announcement.

Colorado agricultural producers are encouraged to be part of the 2021 Farm Fresh Directory, published annually by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

The directory, which will be released in June, promotes Colorado farmers’ markets, roadside stands, u-picks, Community Supported Agriculture producers, agritourism activities, wineries, and farms and ranches that sell direct to the public.

The fee to be included in the directory is $25, and the listing deadline is Feb. 15. For more information, contact Loretta Lopez at 303-869-9175.

Now, our feature story.

It’s no secret the downtown area in Montrose experienced a significant lull shortly after the heavy restrictions.

Some popular locations closed, like The Vine Market and Bistro and The Ginger Cat. And the owners of Roosters also put a pause on operations to focus efforts on their Grand Junction locations. 

But despite all of this, the area hasn’t lost its appeal. Downtown has been infused with a slew of new businesses just in the past few months.

City of Montrose Community Program Manager Kendall Cramer said that there’s quite a bit of interest in the downtown area. 

The entrepreneurial efforts are coming from local citizens eager to keep the vibrancy of downtown Montrose.

In just the past few months, businesses like Sidelines Sports Bar, Synergy One Lending and Mosaic opened their doors. Joining them are San Juan Brews, Double Barrel Taco and an upcoming venture --- Reign, a beauty salon.

It’s not done there. Cramer and the city anticipate a few more businesses will open in the area in the subsequent months as details are finalized.

Thanks to what Cramer calls a “strong economic climate” in the downtown area, the benefits of either relocating or opening in the area are showing. The shops enjoyed an exceedingly successful holiday shopping season, one in which saw the City of Montrose run out of its physical cards through its Montrose Bucks program.

Cramer also praised the locals for an entrepreneurial spirit while commending their ability to partner with one another, especially when restrictions during the pandemic.

There’s also been some support - like that from the Colorado Yurt Company, which teamed up with the Montrose DART program, to provide tipis for outdoor dining. Jimmer’s BBQ and Grill, Rio Bravo and downtown’s Storm King Distilling, to name a few, are some that took advantage of the service.

Cramer said people in the community have really stepped up to support the downtown area, helping to keep doors open.

Additional plans to innovate the area are in the works as well. The city’s proposed Block 93 Alley Project intends to convert the alley located in the block on the corner of the Main Street and Townsend into a local amenity, acting as a commercial and retail space.

And though certain restrictions are still in place, future planning remains prevalent for the local shop owners. 

“Whatever we can do to attract businesses to help them grow and be profitable, we’re going to try to do that,” Cramer said. “... it’s only going to get better as we move forward.”

To learn more about this story, visit us at montrosepress.com.

And before we go,  the choral sounds that echo through the halls around the choir room at Montrose High School have sounded different since last March.

Students are required to wear face masks while on campus, and performing in choir class is no exception. Add the face coverings, a drop in program enrollment and a lack of any public performances allowed and Choral Director Monica Phillips had a unique situation that required her to change her approach to teaching.

To address the effects of the masks on the vocal sound, Phillips worked with her students on placement of their sound, how to listen to others and how to adapt to hearing themselves more loudly than usual. 

Phillips says she has a deep desire to see students recognize their own strength and ability to overcome any adversity that comes their way. The pandemic could be looked back on as a test, and Phillips can only hope she can be a spark that ignites those passions.

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 FridayJanuary 22nd, and we’re here with local news, events, announcements, jobs, and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado. 

Today - Colorado Parks and Wildlife is launching a management plan to reintroduce gray wolves in the western half of Colorado.

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.

Before we begin, a quick announcement.

CASA of the 7th Judicial District received a healthy chunk of change for its latest supportive housing project to benefit youths aging out of the foster system. It was just one of many area nonprofits to win grants from the El Pomar Foundation. Among them include the Delta County Public Library District of Hotchkiss, the Delta Montrose Youth Services, the Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League, and the Midwestern Colorado Mental Health Center. In all, the El Pomar awards total $136,000.

Now, our feature story.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is launching a management plan to reintroduce gray wolves in the western half of Colorado. Under Proposition 114 they’re required to achieve this by December 31, 2023.

The Colorado Wildlife Commission has voted to begin creating the management plan. CPW Director, Dan Prenzlow said they’ll be doing so with a flexible approach.

The controversial Proposition 114 passed by a statewide vote in November 2020. But it worries local livestock communities and officials.

Under the new law, CPW must develop the reintroduction plan for designated lands west of the Continental Divide. They also must hold statewide hearings concerning scientific, economic and social considerations, and get public input.

Rob Edward, the strategic adviser for the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project, says that he’s encouraged, and that if paws aren’t on the ground by 2023, the state will have failed to obey the law.

The species was extirpated in Colorado in the 1940s. But last year, CPW confirmed at least six wolves in Moffat County. And it remains illegal to kill a wolf in Colorado, despite the animal’s delisting as a federally protected species.

Montrose County Commissioner Keith Caddy is among those who are concerned about reintroducing the wolf to Colorado.

Caddy said the 2023 timeline is too hurried and more time should have been allowed to study where and how to best reintroduce wolves — for the animals’ sake, too.

According to Caddy, the state needs to go about reintroduction properly, with in-depth studies that cannot be completed within just a few years.

He asks -- if you're introducing an animal to an area it’s been removed from for nearly 100 years, how do the other entities in the area compete with the wolf in that environment?

But Rob Edward insists there is well-established science behind wolf reintroduction. To him, the human element will require continued work and cooperation.

Edward says that in places where wolves have been reintroduced, the basics of balancing wolves, livestock production, and hunting are also fairly well established.

CPW will begin with a stakeholder process for input. 

In addition to public meetings for input, questions and concerns, the state is creating a technical working group and a stakeholder working group to serve as advisory bodies.

The stakeholder advisory group will represent a range of viewpoints and geographic areas across the state. It’ll also contribute to the plans the technical working group develops.

The Wildlife Commission is the decision-making body for plan development and is ultimately responsible for approving the plan. 

Caddy is still concerned though, and said “They’ll throw the wolves to the wolves in a lot of ways,” 

But to Edward’s the ballot measure is not going to be re-litigated and it is time to move forward.

CPW will be holding a virtual education and listening tour about wolf reintroduction from February through May to share information with the public and provide opportunities for public input on wolf conservation and management.

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. Right now they're offering their best prices of the year, 20% off of all installed jobs through the month of January. Give them a call at 970-249-4430, or head over to their website englandfence.com.

The Gunnison Tunnel is an irrigation tunnel that was constructed in the early 1900’s. The nearly 6 mile long tunnel diverts water from the Gunnison River. When it was completed, it was the longest irrigation tunnel in the world and quickly made the area around Montrose into profitable agricultural lands.

And finally, before we go we’d like to take a moment to remember the life of 

Charles Hecht. After high school, Chuck joined the United States Army and served in the Korean War. Upon returning, he married Eloris June Smith in Delta, Colorado. They celebrated 34 years of marriage until June’s passing in 1997. Chuck and June lived in Arizona, Nebraska, and in Greeley, Julesburg, and Montrose, before moving to Clifton, which was home until they passed. 

Chuck enjoyed spending quality time with family, going fishing, taking walks around his neighborhood, and doing what he said he does best — nothing. He was deeply loved and will be missed by all. Thank you for taking a moment today to remember and celebrate Chuck’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.