Montrose Fresh

Today... A Montrose dog already ruled dangerous after allegedly biting a 4-year-old is now at the center of a renewed legal battle after a neighbor says it bit her too, prompting police to admit earlier mistakes and change how they handle aggressive-dog cases.

And later... Blue Lakes will stay permit-free this summer, but hikers and campers should expect new rules, tighter enforcement, and more trail protections ahead of a likely p...

Today... A $75,000 Colorado state grant will help the "North Fork Valley Creative Coalition" grow from a volunteer-led group into a more professional operation, expanding support for local artists and makers as part of the region’s broader economic transition.

And later... Montrose County may be bringing back a familiar leader to steady county government after a turbulent year.

Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/s...

Today... Montrose’s school district is buying the rec district’s field house to turn it into a permanent preschool, while the rec district is using the sale proceeds to buy and renovate a larger former factory building for its future programs.

And later... Montrose Regional Health says a proposed partnership with Community Hospital in Grand Junction could save millions each year without changing local control.

Support th...

Today... Pruf Pizza is a new Montrose slice shop blending punk-rock style, high-quality handmade pizza, and big ambitions into a fast-growing local favorite.

And later... Montrose County has delayed naming its county manager finalists, citing unspecified circumstances, as the leadership search continues after months of turnover and instability.

Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/

See omny...

Today... The Montrose school board is delaying its choice of a new law firm, while board member Tiffany Vincent says concerns about Brad Miller’s controversial firm are overblown because, in her view, Montrose would not pursue the kinds of actions that caused legal fights in other districts.

And later... A local trail worker and mountain bike volunteer was seriously injured after an escaped cow charged him in a park, leaving ...

Today... Montrose Regional Health is asking a federal court to permanently dismiss an EEOC lawsuit alleging it discriminated against older nurses, while the EEOC says the hospital fostered age-based harassment, retaliation, and wrongful terminations.

And later... Hotchkiss Mayor Jim Wingfield resigned during a Thursday meeting over personal attacks, and Trustee Randy Thalmann also resigned later that evening, citing health issues.

S...

Today... Montrose leaders recently touted 2025 gains on Main Street and downtown, and outlined 2026 plans for childcare, public safety, and major capital projects.

And later... Montrose Regional Health is urging a federal judge to permanently dismiss the EEOC’s age-discrimination lawsuit alleging older nurses were retaliated against and forced out, while the hospital denies wrongdoing as the case moves into discover...

Today... "Peak Virtual Academy" students turned trimester-long "Spark Lab" entrepreneurship projects into real pitches, earning seed funding for diverse ideas.

And later... Western Slope author C William Langsfeld’s debut “Western noir” novel, "Salvation", is earning national praise, and he’ll give a reading ...

Today... A Delta County woman was sentenced to 15 years of probation, home confinement, and over $83,000 in fines and restitution after authorities rescued more than 260 neglected cats and dogs from her property.

And later... Bryan Cornwell was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for sending threatening emails to a "Colorado Bureau of Investigation" agent in 2023 while he was already awaiting sentencing for a 2022 th...

Today... "Community Options" is set to buy land and plan a 50-unit affordable, universally designed apartment complex within Montrose’s proposed Hilltop Neighborhood mixed-income development.

And later... "Colorado Parks and Wildlife" will consider a March petition to ban commercial sales of wildlife fur—while still allo...

Today... "Eatery 66 North" has opened in downtown Montrose, bringing the Graves family’s locally sourced, seasonally changing comfort-focused menu and community gathering vibe—similar to their original Ridgway restaurant, but with new dishes and drinks.

And later... Delta County deputies say they seized over 150 neglected animals—some dead—after serving a February 5th warrant at Mikaela Rivas&rsquo...

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-seedi...

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,” ch...

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, fina...

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.

Support the show: https:/...

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.

Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms...

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.

Support the show: htt...

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 ...

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.

Suppor...