Grand Junction News

Mesa State 13, Colo. Christian 6Friday at Suplizio Field

Pine Creek 5, Central 1Friday at Pine Creek

Grand Junction 16, Rangeview 6Friday at Aurora

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.

If you've ever wondered what the county does with all the different offices and employees and you've wanted to learn more about their daily operations, here's your chance.

America's Got Talent will soon be in Grand Junction.

Don't rub your eyes if you see a dancing bagel on North Avenue. You're not seeing things, it is a bagel and it could mean free food.

Plenty of sunshine and warmer temperatures have many people catching spring fever. After a long and harsh winter, many local businesses are also looking forward to putting the cold behind them and springing into the busy season.

Customers at the Red Lobster got quite a jolt Friday as a car slammed into the side of the building.

It was a good night at Suplizio Field for the Mavericks offense, as they put up 13 runs in a 13-6 win over Colorado Christian in an RMAC game on Friday night.

Sign up for the 4th Annual "Jam for Sam" 3-on-3 Tournament, which will be held on Saturday, March 20th at Saunders Fieldhouse at Mesa State College.

No. 1 Paonia has lived up to it's seeding so far, beating No. 5 Sangre De Cristo 36-32 on Friday to advance to the girls 2A state title game on Saturday.

The No. 3 Pirates lost for the first time all season 68-34 to No. 2 Holy Family in the semi-finals of the girls 3A state playoffs on Friday.

The Tigers took quick care of the Raiders, winning 16-6 in 6 innings in a non-league game at Rangeview High School on Friday.

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...

Suplizio Field in Grand Junction is the best facility of its kind in the state.The field, which was built in 1949 and seats 11,000, was named 2009 Field of the Year by the Colorado Sports Turf Managers Association."The award recognizes outstanding turf sports facilities and the staff who work so very hard to maintain them," the city of Grand Junction said in a statement Tuesday.-City of Grand Junctionwww.gjcity.org

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...

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - Costs will be at least $860,000 to repair holes punched into Interstate 70 by a rock slide.Colorado Department of Transportation officials said Friday the costs of repairing the highway through Glenwood Canyon, about 115 miles west of Denver, doesn't include the costs of responding to the slide.A total of 20 boulders rained down on the highway Monday, ranging in size from 3 feet to 10 feet in diameter. The largest boulder weighed an estimated 66 tons. No vehicles were caught in the slide.Flatiron Construction presented the lowest bid for an emergency contract to...

Mesa State College's Tomlinson Library recently acquired online materials typically found only in much larger college libraries - and anyone with a Colorado library card has access to it.The library is figuring out a way to remain current despite state budget cuts."Prior to last year the state provided a million dollars a year in database support to public and academic school libraries," said library director Betsy Brodak. To offset that funding loss the library joined the Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries in July.The Alliance membership allows the library to pool its buying power to...

HILLCREST 1:Priscilla Mangnall | Free PressChris Brown, owner of Brown Cycles and Dirty Brown Cycles, and Mike Menard of the Museum of Western Colorado discuss the historical significance of the rolled up banner found in the basement of 555 Main St. HILLCREST 2:Priscilla Mangnall | Free PressOne of two original entrance features still standing at First and Hillcrest Drive. HILLCREST 3:Priscilla Mangnall | Free PressA portion of the hand-painted map showing the park in Hillcrest. Chris Brown of Brown Cycles recently purchased the building at 555 Main St.While exploring the basement, he...

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - At a time of unprecedented economic upheaval, a couple of Grand Junction business owners saw opportunity. The opportunity to do something other than cut costs or layoff workers.John and Angela Hildebrand of Autopaychecks Inc. decided to invest. Invest money as a means to set up for what they see as a bright future for their business."We (had) been renting and wanted not to rent," said John Hildebrand, who along with his wife founded the payroll processing business about seven years ago. "We had been looking for office space we could afford."The couple zeroed in on a...

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - In a move unlikely to be matched for years to come, three of the most visible enterprises in the community spent upward of $150 million last year to expand and upgrade each of their facilities.Mesa State College spent the most money of the three as it shelled out about $77 million on a variety of projects, including the North Avenue Student Housing complex, based on figures compiled by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce.The $21.3 million complex features three buildings and added more than 300 beds to the campus.The buildings, according to the college, include...

Every move has its own personality. Some happen quickly. Others are years in the making. If you have some time to plan the sale of your home, here is a one-year time line for a smooth move. * Twelve months ahead - Start with two key consultations. Ask a real estate professional for some advice. See what she thinks are the highlights and lowlights of your home. This will give you plenty of time to play up the good and fix the bad. Also, hire a home inspector. This professional will tell you what home systems need attention. For instance, if you need a new roof, you can decide whether to put...

WASHINGTON (AP) - The government is giving homeowners another year to refinance their loans under a little-used program designed to help borrowers whose homes have plummeted in value.The Obama administration effort, known as Home Affordable Refinance Program, had been scheduled to end on June 10 but will now run out on June 30, 2011, the Federal Housing Finance Agency said Monday.The program allows borrowers who owe up to 25 percent more than their homes are worth to refinance to lower interest rates.It was originally projected to help 4 million to 5 million homeowners with loans owned or...

Selling your home during a recession-like climate certainly brings extra challenges. One of the best ways you can raise to the occasion is to make your home a marketplace standout. In a competitive real estate marketplace first impressions are paramount. When potential buyers turn the corner, you want them to feel a strong, emotional connection. You want them to think, "I want to live here!" not, "What else is for sale in the neighborhood."Here are five things you can do to make your home shine:* Debris Buster: A home overgrown with trees, bushes, and yard knick-knacks is not appealing.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of buyers who agreed to purchase a home fell sharply in January, a sign that demand for housing is sinking this winter as stormy weather slammed Eastern states.Record snowstorms in January and February had many Americans shoveling sidewalks and driveways instead of combing through listings for open houses. Partly as a result, an index that tracks sales agreements fell 7.6 percent from December to a seasonally adjusted January reading of 90.4, the National Association of Realtors said Thursday.It was the lowest reading since last April and a disappointment to...

A key component of the Mesa County housing market picked up where it left off last year as foreclosure sales spiked more than 300 percent in January.The Colorado Division of Housing reported in its monthly survey that foreclosure sales in the region increased to 70 in January from 16 in January 2009. That represented a gain of nearly 338 percent in the period.The percentage increase was the highest in the state for the metropolitan counties tracked in the report. The regional housing market also held the same distinction at the end of the fourth quarter.Data were released this week.Ryan...

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...

DENVER (AP) - A rock slide punched gaping holes in a bridge and left huge boulders on Interstate 70, closing a 17-mile stretch in western Colorado and prompting Gov. Bill Ritter to declare a disaster emergency Monday for the road.The slide struck around midnight Sunday near Hanging Lake Tunnel in Glenwood Canyon, a deep, narrow chasm about 110 miles west of Denver, the Colorado Department of Transportation said.No injuries or damage to vehicles were reported. All lanes were closed from Glenwood Springs east to the town of Dotsero. Up to 25,000 vehicles a day travel that section of highway,...

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - The newly established criterium series is set to begin March 31 with five additional races to follow on April 7, 14, 21, 28 and May 5. This USA Cycling-sanctioned road race begins with Group B at 5:30 p.m. each race day at the Rocky Mountain Orthopaedic Associates building, 25 1⁄2 Road and Fracture Lane. Criterium participants may sign up at www.livetrainrace.com or just before the race at the Rocky Mountain Orthopaedic Associates building. However, fields are limited to 100 riders, so registering early is suggested. There are two group races. Group B - Category...

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - When Mitchell Cheramie left his camp by the river two weeks ago, he was seeking solace more than shelter.Cheramie, who's been homeless for four years, normally prefers camping but had difficulty sleeping outdoors after finding his friend, 52-year-old Dennis Lowery, dead in a tent."All I do at my camp is toss and turn all night," said Cheramie, in his quiet, southern drawl. "Right now I'm too depressed finding a friend of mine's body."It messed with me. It messed with me bad because he was a good friend of mine."Kim Hollingshead of the Mesa County Coroner's office said...

A bill that would afford senior citizens the luxury of buying lifetime passes to Colorado parks is one step closer to becoming law.The state Senate approved the bill, with amendments, Wednesday. The legislation now heads to the state House for further consideration.The bill would create the so-called "Aspen Leaf Lifetime Pass," and would allow folks 64 years of age and above to buy the permit, state legislative records showed. The fee would be $150 this year, or five times the existing rate seniors pay for an annual pass.Should the legislation; known as Senate Bill 71, clear a number of...

Right about now, we're all pretty sick of the dirty snow that's been lying on the valley floor since December. But up on Thunder Mountain, we can't help but feel grateful for the abundant blessing of snow.Skiers are still schussing about at Powderhorn Ski Resort, and more snow is to come. I wanted to write a timely article on the history of skiing on Grand Mesa but knew that many writers had come before me.Racking my brain as I'm in the habit of doing before I dive into my weekly column, I wanted to be original; write about something maybe few people know about and write it because those that...