Grand Junction News

It’s not what lives on this farm that matters. It’s what the farm says about death.

Over objections by the victim’s family, prosecutors Thursday moved to dismiss a case involving a former nurse’s aide accused of assaulting a disabled client at a local assisted-living facility.

The campaign trail has rough spots, but some are worse than others.

Two Montrose County Sheriff’s Department deputies and three 911 dispatchers were honored this week for their response to the fatal shooting of a Montrose police officer last summer.

A 39-year-old Los Angeles man was arrested Wednesday afternoon in Grand Junction after members of the Western Colorado Drug Task Force found 34 pounds of marijuana in his suitcase onboard a Greyhound bus.

Two weeks ago, I asked you for the first 10 albums you bought or owned, and a lot of you responded.

Few agree with far-left agenda

At last, at the age of 95, I am about to become a member of the GGM club. I am going to be a GREAT grandmother for the first time.

Apple, we hope, has done it again.

Of all the statistics that have been thrown about in the economic downturn, from falling rig counts to falling employment numbers, there is one number that stands out.

Conventional wisdom says when Central High School post player Josh Wells scores 26 points, the Warriors will win.

Justin Ashbaugh was in search of ice.

The Colorado High School Activities Association will be under new leadership beginning in the 2010-2011 school year

The battle to be the top girls basketball team in the Southwestern League was a tough one Thursday night.

The basketball IQ shot up considerably Thursday night for the Mesa State College women’s basketball team.

District 51 gets health-related award

At one time, it was common for Rogelio Lariz to eat 15–18 tacos in one sitting.

A symbol of the wild West still flourishes in Mesa County.

Name: Lexxi Varner

— Births

BALTIMORE — In a remarkably sharp face-to-face confrontation, President Barack Obama chastised Republican lawmakers Friday for opposing him on taxes, health care and the economic stimulus, while they accused him in turn of brushing off their ideas and driving up the national debt.

LANCASTER, Calif. — Muslim advocates are demanding an apology from a California city councilwoman for posting anti-Muslim comments on her Facebook social networking page.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Muslim parents of an Ohio girl who ran away from home claiming she feared harm for becoming Christian have rejected a deal meant to resolve the conflict.

PHILADELPHIA — A man who fled to South Korea for a decade after being charged in a 1996 slaying in Philadelphia has been convicted of murder.

LA JUNTA, Colo. — An Amtrak passenger who alarmed fellow passengers in Colorado by allegedly talking about terrorist threats on a cell phone was pulled from the train and faces a felony charge of endangering public transportation.

The NOAA and the National Weather Service are planning some big upgrades to help make weather data more accurate.

While the rest of the country is still talking about the record snow fall that hit the mid–Atlantic states, back here on the western slope, we're approaching records of our own.

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and 11 News has a little tip for those on a budget who want to give their loved ones flowers for the special day.

According to Hilltop's Child and Family Center, half of Mesa County's children are eligible for low-cost health insurance programs, but their parents don't know it.

Local bikers have an edge in this year's Ride the Rockies, and so does the local economy.

The #13 Mavericks stayed perfect in RMAC play with an 80-67 win over Adams State at Brownson Arena on Saturday night.

With only seven player active for Saturday's game, the Mavericks beat the Grizzlies 53-49 in an RMAC game at Brownson Arena.

The Tigers have won three out of their last four games after defeating the Golden Eagles 55-53 in a non-league game at Grand Junction High School on Saturday night.

The Mesa State hockey team lost an exhibition game to the Haliburton Oilers, a Grand Junction men's team, by a score of 6-4 at Glacier Arena on Saturday night.

The Fruita Monument wrestling team battled to a 51-16 win over visiting Durango in a Southwestern League dual on Saturday morning.

Perhaps you'd like to take advantage of today's real estate market but feel a little intimidated by everything that's involved in making what could be the biggest purchase of your life. You know the routine: finding the right locale and the right house; negotiating an agreement; putting together a down payment; and selecting the best mortgage available. There are two things you can do to make every step run smoothly.The first is to select a local agent who knows the real estate business, knows the Grand Valley local market, has both a solid reputation for integrity and a record of success,...

Income. Debt. Down payment. Closing costs. Two years income tax returns. Assets. Liabilities. IRAs. You want WHAT? All I what to know is what can I afford?Buying a home in today's marketplace is a bit intimidating. And your new home purchase is likely to be one of the most important decisions you've ever had to make. Usually, it's one of the single most valuable assets you'll own. Where to startBefore you invest hundreds of hours searching and to avoid any heartbreak if you find yourself unable to qualify for your dream home, sit down with a lender. Your lender can perform a simple verbal...

WASHINGTON (AP) - The average interest rate for a 30-year mortgage dropped to a record low of 4.71 percent this week, pushed down by an aggressive government campaign to reduce borrowing costs.The rate, published Thursday by Freddie Mac, is the lowest since the mortgage finance company began tracking the data in 1971. The previous record of 4.78 percent was set during the week ending April 30 and matched last week.The Federal Reserve is pumping $1.25 trillion into mortgage-backed securities to try to bring down mortgage rates, but that money is set to run out next spring. The goal of the...

"Be prepared." It is a slogan that can be applied to almost every moving day. Here is a checklist of some items you should have on hand. * Paperwork - If you are using a moving company or renting a truck, keep a copy of the contract with you.* Directions - Perhaps you are caravaning with friends to the new place. It is easier to hand out printed directions than explain it multiple times.* Mobile phone and charger - A fully-charged mobile phone is a must.* Numbers - Your address book, phone book or a list of important contacts is a good idea.* Money - If you are tipping movers, you will need...

Need to know something? Just type a few keywords into your web browser. That is the logical first step for many people today. The Internet has revolutionized how we search for information and that includes the world of real estate. Here are four ways you can use the Internet when searching for a home. 1. Use it to research locations. You can learn a lot about a place online. Good sources include the township home page, the school district web site, local newspaper site, etc. While nothing can replace an in-person visit, information from these sites can help you ask better questions.2. Use it...

As I've mentioned before, I didn't start growing roses until just a few years ago-it's a strictly 21st century interest for me. I jumped into the deep end of rose education, and managed not to drown before I began to get the hang of things. I began to get a grasp on roses in the rose garden at the Botanical Gardens. There are about 60-70 roses in those beds, of several kinds, and as I've spent years with those roses, I've learned so much -there's nothing like hands-on training!Have you noticed how often roses are planted in "rose gardens" that are patches of garden separate from other parts...

This week, we will attempt to answer the following question: "What is loss mitigation, and how can it help me?"While most mortgage lenders and servicers often have a department that operates under the name loss mitigation, this term really refers to a process and a goal that these staff members work toward. When homeowners default on their mortgages, lenders almost invariably suffer financial losses. As much as they would like to prevent these losses from occurring at all, the reality of our financial world is that household finances can change and make a previously reasonable mortgage...

The Treasury Department unveiled sweeping rules this week to help financially troubled homeowners who need to sell but can't get a price high enough to pay off their mortgages. Homeowners will even get $1,500 to help cover their moving costs.The plan is designed to help homeowners who don't have the income or debt levels to qualify for a loan modification under the Obama administration's $75 billion Making Home Affordable program. The plan establishes timelines, a standard process and documents, and cash incentives for participation."There's always efficiency with uniformity," said Vicki...

There is little doubt that western Colorado took longer to feel the effects of the national foreclosure crisis. Perhaps because of that, cooperative community responses to assisting homeowners are not yet as formally developed here as they are in other Colorado metro areas.One of the major tools used in the Front Range to combat the spread of foreclosure is a community event known as a Default Clinic or Borrower Outreach event. At an event like this, struggling homeowners can visit counselors, lenders, and resource agencies all at one time, in one place. They can also listen to educational...

Once more with feeling-DO NOT PRUNE YOUR ROSES NOW! I know lots of you already know this, but I get asked this question every time I work at the nursery. This area is full of newcomers who've pruned their roses in winter, so living here is a big change. We prune roses here in Spring. Period.Of course, as I huddle inside during this cold spell, this could be the winter that changes the rules. "Normally", (and, just what IS normal weather anymore?) our winters are known for two plant-killing tricks-very dry conditions DESPITE the snowfall, and seasonal freeze-thaw temperature patterns that keep...

DENVER (AP) - U.S. Forest Service officials in Colorado are getting $30 million to deal with the aftermath of the bark-beetle epidemic that have killed about 3.6 million pine trees in the state and southern Wyoming.U.S. Democratic Sens. Mark Udall and Michael Bennet said Monday the funds are a sign federal officials recognize how severe the bark-beetle problem has become since the infestation started more than a decade ago. Udall calls it "one of the West's biggest natural disasters."The funding Colorado is getting is part of $40 million that federal officials have allocated to deal with the...

The Denver Post Ride The Rockies is to begin June 13 in Grand Junction with a 46-mile loop that includes a trip up to the Colorado National Monument.The second day of the tour features a 90-mile ride from Grand Junction to Delta, with a climb up the Grand Mesa.The Monument sits at an elevation of 8,755 feet while the Grand Mesa stands at 10,839 feet.The third day of the weeklong tour is a 67-mile trip from Delta to Ouray, followed by a 70-mile trip from Ouray to Durango.The fifth day of the tour features an 85-mile ride from Durango to Pagosa Springs. That is followed by a 90-mile ride from...

ASPEN, Colo. - The long-term future of what is currently Frontier Airlines service to Aspen was thrown into question last week when Republic Airways announced it would shut down Frontier's Lynx Aviation and phase out the fleet of Bombardier Q400s that Frontier flies to regional markets, including Aspen.Frontier service to Aspen using the Q400 turboprop is, however, apparently secure through the end of the coming summer, according to resort official Bill Tomcich.Republic acquired Lynx when it purchased Frontier Airlines out of bankruptcy last year. Most of the flying done by Lynx will be...

A slight chance of snow is in the forecast in the early part of the week with remainder of the period producing cloudy to partly cloudy skies with daytime highs ranging from 29 to 35 degrees.The high Monday is forecast at 35 with partly sunny skies and a low around 10. Tuesday should be similar with partly sunny skies although cooler with a high of 29 and a low of about 15.A slight chance of snow is forecast Wednesday, with mostly cloudy skies Thursday and Friday.-National Weather Servicewww.weather.gov/gjt

DENVER (AP) - State regulators are getting more involved in Xcel Energy's smart-grid project in Boulder as the utility has started charging customers statewide to cover some of the costs.The Colorado Public Utilities Commission has decided that Xcel Energy needs to seek more approval of the project, which is modernizing the electric grid by going digital.Xcel Energy spokesman Tom Henley says the utility didn't feel it needed to get a certificate of public convenience and necessity, which regulators require to establish the need for new infrastructure and facilities.But the commission says...

When you are buying a home it may feel like every time you turn around there is a hand out for some unexpected fee or expense. This is probably especially true if you are a first-time buyer.The fact is there are many steps along the way to a closing and each has a professional who must be paid for her time and expertise. These expenses often fall under the general heading of "closing costs." These four items are some of the safeguards required by lenders who want to verify that the property is worthy of the loan.1. Home inspection: Most contracts include a contingency that requires a property...

WASHINGTON (AP) - Sales of new homes fell unexpectedly in December, capping the industry's worst year on record and fueling concern the housing market turnaround could falter.Last month's results were the weakest since March and were only 4 percent above the bottom last January. The data showed the housing recovery remains limp despite newly expanded tax incentives to spur sales. Many in the industry, however, expect sales to pick up as the April 30 deadline for the tax credit nears.Some builders are nervous. "If we don't see better data in March and April, we're going to have a big problem,"...

An avalanche of foreclosure activity resulted in fourth quarter sales rising more than 300 percent in Mesa County when compared with the same period a year earlier.The Colorado Division of Housing reported Thursday foreclosure sales surged to 157 in the three months ending Dec. 31 from 37 in the same period of 2008. That marked a rise of about 324 percent in the period.The most recent percentage gain was the highest in the Centennial State for metropolitan counties.Boulder County ranked second with an increase of roughly 28 percent to 143 from 112 in the same period. Pueblo County rounded out...

WASHINGTON (AP) - Mortgage companies are finally starting to sign up for a long-delayed piece of the Obama administration's $75 billion foreclosure-prevention program.The administration had been offering lenders who made so-called "piggyback" mortgages - second loans that allowed consumers to make a little or no down payment - incentives to lower payments or eliminate the loans entirely.But no one signed up until Tuesday when Bank of America became the first to do so.During the housing boom, lenders readily gave such second loans. While home prices soared, such mortgages were even extended to...

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - Local award-winning filmmakers Stacy Schoolfield and Arn McConnell will introduce a younger generation to the craft during a film camp for kids Aug. 3-7."We'll go through the process of writing story boards; we'll work on cameras, learn how to deal with sound issues, production design, acting, costumes, lighting and locations. We'll go through the whole process of editing, adding in effects," Schoolfield said. "It's a lot of fun."Instruction and editing will take place in the Radio Room, 1310 Ute Ave., although shooting the camera may take place elsewhere depending on...

This week's column all came about because in last week's column about Operation Foresight and the challenges the construction brought to the downtown merchants, I misquoted Orrin Hibschle, the manager of Zale's Jewelers during the construction as saying that John Zellner was the manager of J. C. Penney Co store. Mr. Zellner was the manager of the Shoe Department and at the time, Mr. Les Halvorson was the much admired manager of the store. I received an e-mail from John Hocker and Mr. Hockert that set me straight. His mother Elsie Hocker Halvorson worked at that J.C. Penney for 30 years and...

GRAND JUNCTION,Colo. - The Grand Junction Free Press will begin publishing weekly each Friday beginning March 5.The newspaper's mission of connecting with the Grand Valley community won't change. "We intend to continue that with a focus on in-depth reporting, more community photos, comprehensive arts and entertainment coverage and more - all while providing value to our readers and advertisers," said Publisher Valerie J. Smith.In addition, the Web site at gjfreepress.com will continue to provide daily local and regional news updates and all the information visitors have come to expect."There...

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - Five students from the Western Colorado Community College culinary school have been coming to school before the sun rises, sometimes as early as 3:30 or 4:30 a.m. Since August they've been practicing their cooking techniques intensely, in preparation for traveling to New Mexico this weekend for the 2010 American Culinary Federation Western Regional Conference.The five-member culinary team will compete with teams from seven other western states after winning - for the second consecutive year - the state competition held in December at the Art Institute of Colorado in...

Three local baseball legends were inducted into the Colorado Dugout Club's inaugural Hall of Fame last month - Bill Fanning, Gene Taylor and the late Sam Suplizio.The club seeks to honor those who have been instrumental in promoting baseball in Colorado, said the club's Western Slope representative and Fruita Monument High School head baseball coach Ray McLennan in an e-mail Tuesday to the Free Press. All three hall of famers impacted baseball both on the Western Slope, and at the state level, McLennan said. "In Sam Suplizio's case, his impact was felt at the national level as well. The work...

A five-month search ended Tuesday when John S. Camper was named chief of police at the Grand Junction Police Department.Camper, who was named interim chief in August, is to assume his new role Feb. 7, city officials said. He is scheduled to earn $120,032 a year plus benefits."I am extremely excited to have been given this opportunity and I look forward to many great things ahead," Camper said. "The dedicated men and women of this police department are really what cemented my interest in become Grand Junction's Chief of Police."He added, "I have been impressed from day one by the commitment...