Grand Junction News

Rep. John Salazar is sponsoring an excellent bill that will promote conservation, access and good public lands management. The bill will give a narrow, barely used strip of BLM land above Paonia Reservoir to a cattle ranch, in exchange for two threatened parcels of private land, long desired by the National Park Service.Unfortunately, a small group of people with personal grudges against the owner of the ranch are trying to kill this good bill by spreading rumors and falsehoods. Here’s the truth:

The faculty of Mesa State College’s theater department is small in number but big in personality.There are five full-time professors and one full-time lecturer and they aspire to make the 2010–11 academic year a memorable one in the classroom and on the stage.

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.

Colorado Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Dan Maes is vowing to stay on the ticket despite pressure from some in the state GOP for him to bow out.

Just in case it wasn’t clear: weapons and drugs don’t make good charitable donations.

The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. decreased by three this week to 1,653.

The official cause and manner of death for a Clifton woman whose body was pulled from the Colorado River has been listed as undetermined.

The Montrose County District Attorney says he’ll review charges filed against a Montrose teenager accused of causing a crash that killed his own mother.

It took until tuesday morning for the Mavericks to announce that Robert Felberg would be their starting quarterback, and on thursday night, Felberg and the Mavs failed to find a groove. They lost in their season opener to the No. 14 Missouri Western State Griffons, 36-3.

The blurry-eyed Philadelphia Phillies didn't mind that they wouldn't get a lot of shuteye after making their one-night stopover in Denver so worthwhile. Chase Utley drove in six runs and hit a grand slam to cap a nine-run seventh inning Thursday night as the Phillies overcame a four-run deficit to beat the Colorado Rockies 12-11 in a makeup of a May rainout.

Tim Tebow's first two series had rookie written all over them. Then he started playing with the veteran-like poise that helped him get drafted in the first round by Denver in the first place. Tebow outplayed Minnesota's Tarvaris Jackson in the backup quarterback comparison, but the Vikings forced four first-half turnovers and beat the Broncos 31-24 on Thursday night in the preseason finale for both teams.

Despite giving up three interceptions and a fumble, the Grand Junction Tiger defense kept their Thursday night opener in reach. But the offense could not make up enough lost ground as the Tigers lost to the Highlands Ranch Falcons 17-10.

Darren Ford entered as a pinch-runner and scored the go-ahead run from second base on a wild pitch and throwing error in the eighth inning, helping Tim Lincecum end a career-worst five-start skid in a 2-1 victory over Colorado on Wednesday night.

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...

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...

GQ magazine, arbiter of all things hip, has spoken with its list of "50 Beers to Try Before You Die." What? Only 50?Many of the 50 will be familiar to fans of craft brews, but it's a good list for newbies to take on. In fact, even serious devotees may find a few they haven't tried.The ever-expanding Oskar Blues Brewery in Longmont has not one but two beers on GQ's list - Dale's Pale Ale, a hoppy, classic American style, and Old Chub, a malty, Scottish-style ale.The list made a splash on national TV when GQ's Adam Rapoport and "Early Show" host Harry Smith went through a few on-air. "We saw it...

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.

The first thing most of us think about when the time comes to take out a mortgage on a new home is the interest rate. That's both perfectly natural and very sensible. The rate of interest we pay can make an immense difference - a difference amounting to tens of thousands of dollars - in what the actual cost of our house ultimately turns out to be. Still, interest rates are far from the only thing worth thinking about where mortgages are concerned. Other important variables need to be considered, too. One is the question of whether to take a fixed interest rate of choose from among the many...

Q: Recently, when a roofing crew made significant repairs to our roof due to storm damage, my two sons and daughter were fascinated by all the activity. They followed the crew around and pestered them with questions. I think learning about home repair is a valuable skill, and I'd like the kids to be involved in more projects, but I am unable to perform many home repair tasks myself. I also wonder if they're old enough to learn various tasks: They are 10, 8 and 5. Do you have any suggestions? - Gloria G., Fort Worth, Texas A: Getting kids involved in home improvement and repair projects can be...

There are those who say that interest-only mortgages are the main reason for the housing market's problems in recent years. Loans were given fast and loose, with many purchasers barely qualifying for the interest portion, never mind the principal when it was added in. Still, interest-only mortgage loans are still out there, and purchasers will sign up for them. On paper, an interest-only mortgage looks enticing: The first years offer a significantly lower monthly payment, especially if you're only going to keep your home for a few years. But Freddie Mac might think there are clouds on the...

Happy 3rd anniversary!Tina Harbin, owner and managing broker of Real Estate West, recently announced the company's third anniversary in business.Originally licensed in Georgia in 1974, Harbin opened the company in April 2007 as the sole and only real estate agent. Shortly thereafter, experienced agents in the Grand Valley began checking out the company's unique philosophy, and today there are 28 seasoned real estate professionals affiliated with Real Estate West.Their uniqueness is in several aspects: All agents at Real Estate West must be experienced, with a minimum of two years real estate...

If you are moving a short distance, are working with a limited budget or don't have too many possessions, moving your belongings yourself might be a good option. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting a truck rental company. * Start by asking for referrals from friends and family. * Take an inventory of your possessions and estimate their size and weight. Th-is information will be helpful when buying packing materials and selecting which vehicle is right for your move. * Carefully review the insurance agreement and pay special attention to pricing and terms.* Ask to see a...

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...

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...

A new, independent bookstore is opening Saturday at 350 Main St.Margie Wilson and Frank Cooley also own Twice Upon a Time, a new and used bookstore at 2885 North Ave., across the street from Zen Garden restaurant. Grand Valley Books will carry a mix of fiction and nonfiction, both new and used."We'll emphasize regional history, hiking and nature guides, wildlife, western Americana and Native American," Wilson said.Grand Valley Books will carry children's books and Spanish-language books by contemporary authors."We get a lot of requests at Twice Upon a Time (for Spanish-language materials),"...

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - It sure is hot, but that's not a fire burning.That's firefighter Scott Roahrig from Grand Junction Fire Department Station #2.Roahrig traveled to Denver recently to audition for the 2011 Fired Up For Kids Calendar.Fired Up For Kids is a nonprofit organization which donates all of its proceeds to the Children's Hospital Burn Center. During the last six years they have raised more than $350,000.Thirty-seven firefighters auditioned before a thousand screaming (mostly) women at the Exdo Event Center. Visit www.fireupforkids.org for more details. And let's hope our guy gets...

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - When Valerie Stow first told people she was planning a home birth with a midwife, she was often asked, "Is that even legal?""People don't know it's even an option," said Stow, who's baby is due in June.Only about 1 percent of women in the United States choose to give birth at home. For most healthy women, giving birth at home with a trained midwife is as safe or safer than a hospital birth, say many childbirth professionals.Birth at home is also less expensive than hospital births, although not all insurance companies cover home births. It's not the cost, however, that...

Pelly Hannigan started his first band in 1960. The Mark 4 Band was made up of Doug Green, Tony Heinz and Mike Justice. Their first gigs were playing for the Chamber of Commerce meetings at the old La Court Hotel. They played at the Grand Junction High School Senior Proms in 1961 and 1962 and at Central and Hotchkiss high's. Usually Homecomings. They mostly played rock 'n' roll in those days and doo-wop from the 1950s- Elvis Presley, The Big Bopper, Buddy Holly and a little Marty Robbins.Pelly tried to play at the Copeco Ballroom but he wasn't old enough to get in or to play."I got kicked out...