Grand Junction Other News

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - On May 5, 2010 at approximately 6:30 a.m., Trooper Herrle of the Colorado State Patrol responded to a single vehicle roll-over crash on westbound I-70 just east of Avon. Dustin Millett, 32, of Grand Junction, was traveling west on I-70 in a 2007 Nissan Titan pick up. The Nissan drifted off the left side of the roadway and collided with a delineator post. The driver over-corrected and traveled back across the westbound lanes of travel, rotating clockwise. The Nissan ran off the right side of the roadway, rolling 1 and 3/4 times. The Nissan pick up came to rest on its...

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman John Salazar met with approximately 150 West Slope veterans with the Grand Junction-based chapter of Honor Flight.Honor Flight is an organization whose mission is to transport America's veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices. Congressman Salazar, a Vietnam-era veteran joined members of the West Slope chapter of Honor Flight as they visited the World War II memorial in Washington D.C. with other members of the Colorado chapter of Honor Flight. Before leaving the memorial, Salazar took time to...

DENVER, Colo. - A compromise plan to fix the rusting Capitol dome with a mix of public and private money advanced Tuesday in the Senate, but the lawmaker behind a competing proposal in the House said he didn't like the deal.The stalemate is the latest twist in the saga behind fixing the cylindrical drum of the dome, a 19th-century structure made almost entirely of cast iron and now rusting so badly that workers in 2007 closed off a walkway to the public after a 10-pound chunk of metal fell down.State architects estimate it will take $11.6 million to repair the cast-iron sections, a process...

The price of regular unleaded gasoline climbed more than 3 cents to $2.779 per gallon in the Grand Junction market this week.The average price for regular unleaded (85 octane) was $2.748 per gallon last week, AAA Colorado reported Tuesday.A year ago the average price for regular unleaded was $2.107 per gallon in Grand Junction.The highest price in the state this week was found in Vail at $3.126. Colorado Springs had the lowest average price at $2.677 per gallon.A total of 10 metropolitan areas are surveyed by AAA Colorado.

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. - The spring runoff season is an exciting time for hydrologists."This is our favorite time of year," said Bryon Lawrence, a hydrologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Grand Junction. "Because this is when things start to happen."However, Lawrence is not too excited about the spring runoff season this year due to a lack of snow accumulation this winter. He said that this year is shaping up to be a "mediocre" runoff year at best."The snowpack has been considerably below normal," he said. "And we are not expecting a really good runoff this...

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - On May 5, 2010 at approximately 6:30 a.m., Trooper Herrle of the Colorado State Patrol responded to a single vehicle roll-over crash on westbound I-70 just east of Avon. Dustin Millett, 32, of Grand Junction, was traveling west on I-70 in a 2007 Nissan Titan pick up. The Nissan drifted off the left side of the roadway and collided with a delineator post. The driver over-corrected and traveled back across the westbound lanes of travel, rotating clockwise. The Nissan ran off the right side of the roadway, rolling 1 and 3/4 times. The Nissan pick up came to rest on its...

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman John Salazar met with approximately 150 West Slope veterans with the Grand Junction-based chapter of Honor Flight.Honor Flight is an organization whose mission is to transport America's veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices. Congressman Salazar, a Vietnam-era veteran joined members of the West Slope chapter of Honor Flight as they visited the World War II memorial in Washington D.C. with other members of the Colorado chapter of Honor Flight. Before leaving the memorial, Salazar took time to...

The price of regular unleaded gasoline climbed more than 3 cents to $2.779 per gallon in the Grand Junction market this week.The average price for regular unleaded (85 octane) was $2.748 per gallon last week, AAA Colorado reported Tuesday.A year ago the average price for regular unleaded was $2.107 per gallon in Grand Junction.The highest price in the state this week was found in Vail at $3.126. Colorado Springs had the lowest average price at $2.677 per gallon.A total of 10 metropolitan areas are surveyed by AAA Colorado.

A man accused of dragging a stolen dog to its death in the Colorado National Monument pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court to a federal charge of aggravated animal cruelty.Steven Romero, 38, of Grand Junction will remain in federal custody. He is scheduled for sentencing by Judge Philip Brimmer on July 30.Romero faces up to three years in federal prison, a $100,000 fine or both. Jeff Dorschner, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office in Denver, said Romero has not made a plea bargain. Buddy, a German shepherd mix, was found dead Dec. 30. Romero is accused of placing a rope around...

This weekend, Fruita and the rest of the world are getting set for the 15th annual New Belgium Brewing Fruita Fat Tire Festival presented by US Bank and supported by Shimano and the City of Fruita.Sunshine, singletrack, products displayed from the best in the bike industry, the ever-welcoming Beer Garden, the Clunker Crit, and more are what you can expect. SCHEDULE OF EVENTSFriday, April 30* 9 a.m.-6 p.m. - Expo opens, bike demos* 10 a.m.-6 p.m. - Registration opens at Fruita Civic Center* Rides (see bulletin board at Beer Tent)* 6-10 p.m. - Friday Party at Civic Center; Dry River Yacht Club...

EAGLE COUNTY, Colo. - Early Saturday morning, a sheriff's deputy checking on a crash on the interstate was hit by two cars driven by suspected drunken drivers, one of whom fled the scene, according to the Colorado State Patrol.Shortly after 1:30 a.m., Eagle County Sheriff's Deputy John Brownlee was walking back to his patrol car with a driver who had been in an accident on a bridge on the eastbound side of Interstate 70 three miles west of Wolcott, according to a statement from the State Patrol.As the two were walking on the shoulder of the interstate, 19-year-old Jamison Bair, of Eagle, lost...

DENVER - Many in Colorado's evangelical Christian community believe the Denver Broncos' first-round draft pick of quarterback Tim Tebow will give them a lot more to cheer about than just football.Like Tebow, they feel blessed by coach Josh McDaniels' choice.Tebow, an all-American, Heisman Trophy- and championship- winning Florida Gator, is also the home-schooled son of Christian missionaries. He wore Bible-verse citations on his game-day eye black and starred in a Super Bowl ad for Colorado Springs-based ministry Focus on the Family."Tim Tebow is a lightning rod. This transcends football,"...

VAIL VALLEY, Colorado - Joey DeLia will be double-fisting diplomas this spring.He's just 17, but he's already graduating from Colorado Mountain College with an associate of science degree May 1.And did I mention his graduation from Eagle Valley High School is a few weeks after that?DeLia said he started taking dual-enrollment classes - courses that count for both high school and college credit - at Eagle Valley High School in Gypsum during his junior year.Two chemistry classes, two U.S. history courses and two college-level math classes later, an idea hit him."By the end of the year I was...

Approximately 9 a.m. Thursday, the Verizon wireless cell network went down. Two towers on the East Slope were knocked out due to the storm. Service should be back by 2 or 3 p.m. today.The outage affects Colorado and Wyoming.

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. - The lone adult accused of his alleged involvement in a burglary at a medical marijuana grow facility near New Castle appeared in Garfield County District Court Wednesday, and was advised of the charges against him.Jose Rodolfo Chavez, 18, was charged with three felonies, including second-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit second-degree burglary, and possession of more than 8 oz. of marijuana. Chavez was also charged with misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief, theft and criminal trespassing.Prosecutors allege that Chavez was the ringleader of an attempted robbery...

LEDs have become the buzz in the lighting industry. Is the time finally right for LEDs to establish a foothold in the commercial and residential lighting design? Recent technology strides have paved the way for LED light fixtures, said Matt Thesing, owner of One Source Lighting in Grand Junction, particularly in categories such as under-cabinet, recessed lighting, accent lighting and even outdoor use.Although issues with higher cost and limited light output linger, the future of LEDs use appears bright. Greater acceptance and even preference for energy-efficient alternatives to incandescent...

Coming off one of its poorest seasons in recent history, the Grand Junction housing market bounced back with a 13 percent increase in sales for the first quarter of 2010. A report released by the Colorado Association of Realtors showed sales of single-family homes climbed to 346 in the first three months of the year. In the same period of 2009, a total of 306 homes were sold."I am very encouraged by the first quarter," said Erika Doyle of Doyle & Associates and president of the Grand Junction Area Realtor Association.She credited the increase in single-family homes sales to several factors,...

Colorado's business and general-aviation airports will highlight their contributions to nearby communities and the state's economy with an open house today at Centennial Airport.Three dozen exhibitors will display information and aircraft to show the public what they do, from medical-emergency response and firefighting to flight schools and public safety.Aircraft on display will include an F-16, Flight for Life plane and helicopter, and a plane with an experimental electric engine.The Colorado Aviation Business Association has planned the first-time event "so everyone can see and learn about...

The unemployment rate in Mesa County surged to 9.9 percent in March, as the regional job market continues to reel from an epic pullback in the natural resources sector and a down housing market.One year earlier the jobless rate stood at 8.3 percent in Mesa County. Data are seasonally adjusted.The latest jobless reading was the highest in the state for metropolitan areas, a position Mesa County has held for many months, according to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.That distinction is not likely to change any time soon."I don't see it improving a lot," said economist Tucker Hart...

The annual CINCO DE MAYO celebration will be held in the Rockslide parking lot and in the 400 block of Colorado Avenue Saturday, May 1. Make plans to take part in this traditional event.CREATIVE AVENUES will hold open auditions for the summer production, "Disney's Cinderella Kids," grades K-12, on Saturday, May 15, 10-11:30 a.m. at their studio, 128 S. Fifth St. Don't miss out! IL BISTRO will begin serving lunch again on Monday, May 3, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Lunch will be available Monday-Friday through the summer. They've got a great patio and it's a great spot to "people watch" while lunching...

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. - The spring runoff season is an exciting time for hydrologists."This is our favorite time of year," said Bryon Lawrence, a hydrologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Grand Junction. "Because this is when things start to happen."However, Lawrence is not too excited about the spring runoff season this year due to a lack of snow accumulation this winter. He said that this year is shaping up to be a "mediocre" runoff year at best."The snowpack has been considerably below normal," he said. "And we are not expecting a really good runoff this...

LEDs have become the buzz in the lighting industry. Is the time finally right for LEDs to establish a foothold in the commercial and residential lighting design? Recent technology strides have paved the way for LED light fixtures, said Matt Thesing, owner of One Source Lighting in Grand Junction, particularly in categories such as under-cabinet, recessed lighting, accent lighting and even outdoor use.Although issues with higher cost and limited light output linger, the future of LEDs use appears bright. Greater acceptance and even preference for energy-efficient alternatives to incandescent...

One of the many options to go green will expand later this year with new versions of an idea as old as the 1920s.The electric car has been resurrected by GM, Nissan, Tesla and other companies.High Noon Solar obtained a year 2000 electric Ford Ranger from an outlet in California. Ford made 1,400 hundred of these Ranger trucks and smashed 1,000 of them a couple years later. You will have to watch the movie "Who Killed The Electric Car" to see why this happened. GM, Chrysler, Toyota and Ford all had electric vehicles at that time.Our EV Ford Ranger gets 60 miles per charge and takes eight hours...

Starting Monday, April 19, Colorado consumers can apply for rebates on energy-efficient appliances and home energy upgrades from an $18 million economic stimulus program.Rebates range from $50 to $400 on qualifying clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, furnaces, hot water heaters and boilers.In addition, the program offers rebates of $400 to $15,000 for home insulation or installation of residential or commercial solar- and wind-energy systems.The Recharge Colorado program is part of a $300 million federal stimulus package, administered locally by the Governor's Energy Office."We want...

Forty years after former U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin founded Earth Day the event has morphed into a worldwide phenomenon with massive celebrations throughout the globe that champion the environment.In keeping with that tradition, Earth Day 2010 is being celebrated Saturday, April 17, at Mesa County Fairgrounds.The event, which is being sponsored by High Noon Solar of Grand Junction, runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, and leashed dogs are welcome."On a lot of levels it is important," said Heidi Ihrke, co-owner of High Noon Solar, on Earth Day. "We are seeing that our...

DENVER, Colo. - Willie D. Clark will spend the rest of his life in prison without a chance at parole for the murder of Denver Broncos player Darrent Williams.Clark was also sentenced Friday to an additional 1,152 years in prison for 16 attempted-murder charges that included sentencing enhancements for his habitual criminal history."Mr. Clark, I will simply say from where I sit, barring a retrial of this issue, you are spending your life in prison, and you, too, can be a good person and make a change and make a difference with your life however it turns out," Judge Christina M. Habas...

A man accused of dragging a stolen dog to its death in the Colorado National Monument pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court to a federal charge of aggravated animal cruelty.Steven Romero, 38, of Grand Junction will remain in federal custody. He is scheduled for sentencing by Judge Philip Brimmer on July 30.Romero faces up to three years in federal prison, a $100,000 fine or both. Jeff Dorschner, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office in Denver, said Romero has not made a plea bargain. Buddy, a German shepherd mix, was found dead Dec. 30. Romero is accused of placing a rope around...

Authorities are asking for the public's help in locating a Whitewater man who is believed to have left his home Tuesday morning.Melvin Ferguson, 54, has medical conditions that require him to take medication on a regular basis, the Mesa County Sheriff's Office said Thursday. Authorities do not believe Ferguson had his medicine with him when he left his home between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 27.Ferguson is a white male, who stands 5 feet 10 inches and weighs about 185 pounds. He was last seen wearing a tan Carhart jacket, blue Levi jeans and cowboy boots.Anyone with information as to...

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. - The lone adult accused of his alleged involvement in a burglary at a medical marijuana grow facility near New Castle appeared in Garfield County District Court Wednesday, and was advised of the charges against him.Jose Rodolfo Chavez, 18, was charged with three felonies, including second-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit second-degree burglary, and possession of more than 8 oz. of marijuana. Chavez was also charged with misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief, theft and criminal trespassing.Prosecutors allege that Chavez was the ringleader of an attempted robbery...

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. - Three juveniles from Fruita accused of burglarizing a medical marijuana grow facility between Silt and New Castle, appeared in Garfield County Court Wednesday.A fourth suspect, and the only adult in the case, is due in court next week.A 15-year-old girl and two 17-year-old boys were charged with felony counts of second-degree burglary, and misdemeanor counts of conspiracy to commit burglary, theft, and criminal mischief, among other charges.One of the boys was still in custody and is being detained in a juvenile detention facility in Grand Junction, while the other...

DENVER, Colo. - A compromise plan to fix the rusting Capitol dome with a mix of public and private money advanced Tuesday in the Senate, but the lawmaker behind a competing proposal in the House said he didn't like the deal.The stalemate is the latest twist in the saga behind fixing the cylindrical drum of the dome, a 19th-century structure made almost entirely of cast iron and now rusting so badly that workers in 2007 closed off a walkway to the public after a 10-pound chunk of metal fell down.State architects estimate it will take $11.6 million to repair the cast-iron sections, a process...

DENVER, Colo. - Colorado's next Senate minority leader ripped Democrats today, saying with them in charge, "We've had an assault on freedom within our state."Sen. Mike Kopp, R-Littleton, made his remarks after he was unanimously elected minority leader. He takes over after the session ends, which is scheduled for May 12.He was nominated by Sen. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield, who called Kopp "a strong leader for Republican philosophy" with a "strong and gentle demeanor at the same time."Kopp succeeds Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry, who plans to resign his leadership post at the end of the...

DENVER, Colo. - Republican Sen. Josh Penry who has battled his own caucus this year, is stepping down as minority leader when the session ends May 12.Sen. Mike Kopp of Littleton has emerged as the lone candidate to succeed Penry, who is resigning his leadership post to manage the campaign of Republican Jane Norton, who is running for U.S. Senate.The election is scheduled for 9 a.m. today.The leadership change caps an at-times tumultuous year during which Senate Republicans have battled Penry on legislation, staffing and issues of leadership style.One lobbyist dubbed the session "Penry v.

DENVER - Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott McInnis said Monday his charitable donations go to individuals down on their luck - and the GOP."The contributions I give to personally are families in need. And I give to the Republican National Committee," he said on the Caplis & Silverman radio show on KHOW-630 AM, noting that neither are tax deductible.As an example, McInnis pointed to a year he possessed an "elk tag.""I went out and got an elk and had the elk processed and donated the processed meat to a family in need," he said.Questions about McInnis' donations surfaced after he...

DENVER - In 1987, a broke and out-of-work geologist named John Hickenlooper earned $15,491 - half of which came from unemployment benefits.Fifteen years later, the Wynkoop Brewery owner made $1.7 million.Five years after that, when his restaurant interests had all been sold off, Hickenlooper and his wife, journalist Helen Thorpe, declared joint income of $6.6 million.Throughout those 23 years, Hickenlooper often gave large percentages of his yearly income to charity - $2.8 million in total. In 1989, for instance, he made only $26,375 but 30 percent went to charitable organizations. In 2004,...

This weekend, Fruita and the rest of the world are getting set for the 15th annual New Belgium Brewing Fruita Fat Tire Festival presented by US Bank and supported by Shimano and the City of Fruita.Sunshine, singletrack, products displayed from the best in the bike industry, the ever-welcoming Beer Garden, the Clunker Crit, and more are what you can expect. SCHEDULE OF EVENTSFriday, April 30* 9 a.m.-6 p.m. - Expo opens, bike demos* 10 a.m.-6 p.m. - Registration opens at Fruita Civic Center* Rides (see bulletin board at Beer Tent)* 6-10 p.m. - Friday Party at Civic Center; Dry River Yacht Club...

Hot embers from a barbecue grill were the apparent cause of house fire in the 1500 block of 14 1/2 Road in Fruita, authorities said Tuesday.The Lower Valley Fire District said it received a report about the fire around 10:52 p.m. Monday.When firefighters arrived at the location they found the homeowner trying to extinguish the fire, which was burning the siding of the garage.Strong winds apparently fanned the blaze by blowing the embers into the siding. No injuries were reported.

After nine months the Hot Tomato Cafe and Pizzeria in Fruita is about to be reborn.In June, owners Jen Zeuner and Anne Keller closed the cafe at 201 E. Aspen after a dispute with the landlord regarding rent and building improvements.Customers helped wage a "Save the Tomato" campaign but Zeuner and Keller decided to not renew the lease while they considered other options. Since opening in 2005, the Hot Tomato had become a popular Fruita fixture with everyone, from school kids to city officials. They wanted to purchase a property and reopen around the corner at 124 N. Mulberry, but discovered a...

In January of 2008, a Grand Junction landmark and the home of many Happy Valley memories was lost in a tragic fire. This time of year many of you remember seeing Santa for the first time at the old KREX Television studios. KREX is once again asking for "Letters to Santa" and has loaned me some of their photos for this column.For 25 years, KREX-TV reigned supreme as the only television station in Grand Junction. Broadcasting pioneer Rex Howell was persuaded by the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce in 1930 to move from Denver to Grand Junction and bring his four-year-old radio station, KFXJ...

MondayDec. 14Andrew Romanoff, candidate for U.S. Senate, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Main Street Bagels, Sixth and Main streets. Info: .241-2740Honor our military service members & their families, 6:30 p.m., GJ Veterans Hospital, 2121 North Ave., Bldg. 6, Info: 640-7971.Co. Desert Herb Society meeting, 6:30 p.m., second Monday, Botanical Gardens library, 641 Struthers Ave. Info: 241-1065. Happy Feet Round Dance Club, 7:30-10:30 p.m., Masonic Lodge, 2400 Consistory Court. $4. Info: 243-5858. Swing Dancing Mondays, 7-9:30 p.m. Tree House Teen Bistro, 1505 Chipeta Ave. Info: 241-8001.Visual Impairment...