Montrose Fresh

Today... Montrose County commissioners unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on new data center applications in unincorporated areas while they study potential impacts on infrastructure, resources, zoning, and community character. And later... The Montrose Recreation District is hosting a two-day adaptive pickleball event July 17th and 18th, featuring a beginner night and a mixed d...

Today... Montrose County marked America’s 250th anniversary with a brief courthouse ceremony that mixed patriotic reflection, recognition of local firefighters, and one attendee’s political protest. And later... Years after the Sunset Mesa case, remaining civil lawsuits are stalled because plaintiffs still can't get key federal records identifying whose remains were sold and...

Today... Montrose has canceled its Fourth of July fireworks because of wildfire danger, but will still celebrate with a heritage-themed parade, farmers’ market activities, food trucks, family events, dog shows, cornhole, and live music. And later... Two people are dead, and a 1-year-old girl is seriously injured, after a crash on Monday evening on US Five-Fifty near Solar Road. Sup...

Today... Recent wildfires in southwest Colorado prompted Montrose County to postpone its fire summit and the City of Montrose to delay its July 4th fireworks show to August 1st, while other Independence Day events remain scheduled. And later... Sweet corn will still be available this summer, but drought, pests, water cuts, and higher costs mean the crop will be much smaller and harder to...

Today... Montrose Recreation District’s "Adaptive Biking Program" is expanding after a successful first year, adding more adaptive bikes, monthly rides, and a new Special Olympics cycling team for athletes with intellectual disabilities. And later... Justin Dahl’s 97-count animal cruelty case is set for an August trial, though it could be delayed depending on a defense expert...

Today... Montrose County approved about $60,000 in geotechnical drilling and water-flow analysis to determine how, whether, and at what cost the damaged, closed section of Kinikin Road can be safely repaired. And later... The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival runs July 10th through 19th, with several still-open events including art, guided hikes, ghost tours, photography, and yoga among...

Today... Billy Goat hop farm is expanding its summer agritourism with new glamping units and the return of "Fridays on the Farm", featuring live music, food vendors, and regional craft beers made with Billy Goat hops. And later... "The Montrose Center for Arts" is hosting a premier Western Slope screening of "Georgia O’Keeffe: The Brightness of Light" on July 13th, at Fox Cinema Center in Mo...

Today... Drought and a late spring freeze have left Colorado bears unusually hungry and active near homes and campsites, so officials are urging people to secure trash, food, feeders, grills, pets, and livestock to prevent dangerous human-bear conflicts. And later... Mirza Ahmed, hired in 2025 as Montrose County’s public health director, is no longer working for the county as of Thursday. Su...

Today... Montrose City Council appears likely to create a citizens committee to review possible charter changes, despite Mayor Michael Badagliacco’s opposition and his push to put amendments directly on the November ballot. And later... Jake Shimabukuro is making a long trip from Hawaii to return to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival for the third time. Support the show: https://www.montrosepr...

Today... Montrose city leaders appear ready to restore more than $270,000 in Dart funding after a budget typo accidentally reduced the allocation to just over $4,000. And later... A wolf-themed truck is traveling Colorado to promote the "Born to Be Wild" license plate program, which raises money to help ranchers prevent conflicts with reintroduced wolves. Support the show: https://www.mo...

Today... Montrose Mayor Michael Badagliacco reversed his support for a citizen charter review commission, saying city council should prepare charter amendments for the November ballot itself, including a disputed proposal to put the police chief under council oversight. And later... A fatal shooting is under investigation in Montrose County after deputies found one man dead on Kayla Trai...

Today... Chef Uma Stout, formerly behind the Baan Thai food truck, has opened Chef Uma’s Kitchen in Montrose to share authentic, regional Thai dishes and give customers a better sense of the chef behind the food. And later... Montrose has a busy week ahead, with classic cars, art, theater, music, and family events on the calendar. Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/sit...

Today... Montrose County commissioners recently heard strong support for improving West End healthcare access, but residents were divided over whether a proposed health service district and future critical access hospital are feasible. And later... Montrose City Council’s refusal to read a Pride Month proclamation drew a packed crowd last week. Support the show: https://www.montros...

 Today... Montrose County commissioners heard broad support for better West End healthcare, but deep disagreement over whether a proposed tax-funded health service district and future critical access hospital is realistic, affordable, or the best solution. And later... After vandals broke windows at "Iglesia Verdad y Vida" in the historic Menoken Schoolhouse, community members rallied to...

Today... Montrose Pride Festival returns this weekend with its biggest celebration yet, adding new events, performances, family-friendly programming, an adult after party, and expanded year-round support for the local LGBTQ community. And later... At a June 2nd special meeting, Montrose County Superintendent Doctor Carrie Stephenson denied allegations that she intimidated Oh-laythe Eleme...

Today... Montrose County Superintendent Doctor Carrie Stephenson says allegations, raised by the school board President, are unfounded and politically motivated as the board considers placing her on paid suspension. And later... Police in Montrose are still searching for a motive after a shooting spree on Saturday morning that ended with the suspect dead. Support the show: https://www.mo...

Today... The Montrose Regional Library will close on Saturdays starting August 1st to save money as it prepares for possible budget cuts if voters reject a renewed mill levy measure. And later... Colorado health officials have confirmed a measles case in a Delta County child under five. Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/ See omnystudio.com/l...

Today... Entegra Attachments has purchased Montrose-based TEI Rock Drills, but company leaders say local operations, leadership, employees, and Sue Frank’s presidency will remain in place during a smooth transition. And later... Wilder, the Generation Wild mascot from Great Outdoors Colorado, will be at the Bring on the Summer Outdoor Fest on Saturday, May 30th, from 11 to 4 at Riv...

Today... West Slope water leaders warned that unprecedentedly low snowpack and drought in 2026 are forcing irrigators, Montrose officials, and residents to conserve, share limited supplies, and prepare for painful cutbacks. And later... Enduro Ranch is using the adobes of the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area as a summer training ground for young dirt bike riders. Support the sho...

Today... Nashville-based Montrose native Erik Stucky is returning home to release his self-produced third album, Bag of Bones, with a Bluecorn show that celebrates his roots, growth and evolving folk-Americana sound. And later... Officer Riley Thompson, a recent academy graduate, has been sworn in as the newest patrol officer with the Montrose Police Department. Support the show: https:/...

Today... Montrose broke ground on its long-awaited Veterans Memorial Plaza, a community-backed tribute that will honor service members, veterans, and former sheriff Rick Dunlap with a permanent place for reflection and remembrance. And later... Mountain Film offers free Memorial Day weekend events including Town Park film screenings, a Spanish-language shorts block and art crawl, plus morning Coff...

Today... A Waste Management driver noticed something strange on a hillside after his route — and moments later, his quick decision may have saved a young dirt biker’s life. And later... Work is continuing on a major upgrade to the Montrose Wastewater Treatment Plant, nearly two months after crews broke ground. Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_serv...

Today... Rachel Leonard, a Montezuma County mother charged with first-degree murder in the death of her five-year-old daughter Annika, is set to stand trial in Cortez in October. And later... Former Montrose physical therapist, Ryan Williams, was sentenced to six years in prison for unlawful sexual contact involving a fake medical exam after women described betrayal, lasting trauma, and...

Today... Montrose’s Art Crawls return this Thursday with artist pop-ups, hands-on activities, late-night downtown business participation, and a new scavenger hunt for hidden miniature art pieces. And later... May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and communities across Colorado’s Western Slope are showing support by lighting buildings green. Support the show: https://www.mont...

Today... The Black Canyon Ascent returns May 16th as a six-mile uphill community race supporting wildfire recovery efforts at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. And later... A man was hospitalized after Montrose police officers responding to a report of an armed man with a rifle fired their weapons, and the CBI is investigating. Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/si...