Montrose Fresh

Today... Black Canyon Surgical Center is entering its 20th year after a major expansion that boosts capacity and supports rapid growth in staff, surgical volume, and advanced outpatient procedures like robotic-assisted knee replacement.

And later... Local artists are hosting the "Art of the Canyon" show and online auction culminating February 28th to raise funds for Black Canyon wildfire restoration projects like re-seeding, invasive species removal, and rebuilding damaged infrastructure.

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Today... A federal magistrate recommended dismissing the wage-and-overtime suit over housekeeping at Telluride’s Madeline Hotel, saying its operator wasn’t the women’s employer because they were H-2B workers hired and paid by contractor "Mountain Premier" and the hotel couldn’t fire them.

And later... Emily Scott Robinson, a North Carolina–born, Telluride-based “mountain girl,” channels her Appalachian roots and Western Colorado life into a new album.

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Today... Montrose County School District staff, led by UVEA, are urging the school board to avoid hiring Brad Miller’s law firm, citing concerns about controversy, transparency, rising legal costs, and potential threats to employee contracts.

And later... Delta-Montrose Electric Association canceled its planned 20-megawatt solar array and withdrew from a $72 million loan after a new cost review found inflation, financing and compliance requirements, and uncertain incentives could push member rates higher.

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Today... A recent Telluride event highlighted how chronic stress impacts mental health in mountain towns and emphasized grounding, awareness, and community support as key tools for healing.

And later... Ed Lafferty, a retired construction executive, is running for Montrose County commissioner with a focus on smart growth, fiscal transparency, and applying real-world leadership to local government.

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Today... In their Delta studio, a mother-daughter duo is turning forgotten quilts and tablecloths into one-of-a-kind fashion—reviving the past one stitch at a time.

And later... A Western Colorado University alum turned a hated cardboard-cutting chore into "Box Blade"—and took it to "Shark Tank" hoping the exposure would boost an already-profitable business.

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Today... Montrose County Sheriff Gene Lillard is highlighting low or no-bail releases to show how recent bail reforms, in his view, let repeat offenders walk free with little oversight—creating a cycle that puts public safety at risk.

And later... This week in Montrose offers musical theatre, food-packing for a cause, casino night, karaoke, a local talent show, and more ways to connect and give back.

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Today... West Slope Outdoors Alliance has launched its first youth video contest for kids eighteen and under to film ninety-second "Leave No Trace" videos by May 15th, with prizes and plans to share winning entries widely.

And later... Crisosto Apache has been named Colorado’s new Poet Laureate for a two-year term, succeeding Andrea Gibson and focusing on youth engagement and statewide poetry outreach.

 

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Today... The Spiritual Awareness Center in Montrose has closed after twenty-one years, as its founder retires, leaving behind a legacy of inclusive spiritual service and community connection.

And later... Tim Stroh is running for Montrose County Commissioner in District Three, emphasizing his government and revitalization experience to bring stability and preserve the community’s character amid leadership turnover.

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Today... Andrew Beard, a former Marine and nurse practitioner, left corporate healthcare to open Montrose Direct Primary Care, offering personalized, accessible, and spiritually mindful care through a direct membership model.

And later... The Montrose Home, Garden, and Business Expo is back this weekend for the first time since the pandemic—and it’s all about local pride. More than fifty vendors from the area will gather at Friendship Hall on the fairgrounds.

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Today... Colorado Congressman, Jeff Hurd, is facing a tough January -- with a healthcare bill stalled in the Senate, a surprising veto from President Trump blocking a vital water project, and federal disaster aid denied.

And later... Montrose High School’s Advanced Jazz Ensemble has been selected to perform at the prestigious 2026 Colorado Music Educators Association State Conference, highlighting their excellence and dedication.

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