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Three people stabbed outside Eagle Claw Liquors on U.S. Highway 160
The Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office is preparing an arrest warrant for the suspect in three stabbings outside Eagle Claw Liquors south of Cortez on July 3, said Sheriff Steve Nowlin. The three victims were attacked about 9:30 p.m. after witnessing an “altercation” outside Eagle Claw Liquors and Gifts, at...
Dispatch center in Cortez receives high volume of calls during Independence Day celebrations
The Fourth of July is always a large affair in Montezuma County, with gatherings and fireworks shows throughout the county. It’s also a busy holiday for law enforcement. The Cortez Police Department reported the number of calls that the Cortez Communications Center received between midnight July 4 and 3 a.m. July 5 via a crimewatch.net alert created Monday evening.
KSJD Local Newscast - July 9, 2024
Critics of a planned biochar facility at the former Ironwood plant southwest of Dolores voiced blistering criticism of both Ironwood and the Montezuma County commissioners at Tuesday’s commission meeting. They spoke during the public-comment session, since a scheduled hearing on a high-impact permit for the biochar operation had been cancelled. County attorney Ian MacLaren said the county planning director had determined that the operation needs no permit because it won’t exceed threshold standards in the land-use code. Seven local residents expressed dismay at that decision and reiterated complaints about lights, noise, dust, and piles of wood produced by Ironwood’s now-closed plywood mill. Melissa Valdez pointed out that some of the same people involved with Ironwood are part of the Palaterra company that is launching the biochar operation. She asked who besides the neighbors will monitor whether the new operators comply with standards. Ingrid Ward called the county’s action in green-lighting the proposal “outrageous” and “irresponsible.” Sheila Wheeler said the county had made numerous mistakes, including granting permits to Ironwood in the first place, then accepting Palaterra’s application. She said, “My own dog is smart enough to not fall into the same hole twice.” Commission Chair Jim Candelaria said the board’s hands are “tied in a lot of ways” by statutes and regulations and that the commissioners are genuinely concerned about the issues raised.
Suckla takes narrow lead in HD58 race
Former Montezuma County Commissioner Larry Suckla reversed his deficit to lead the race for the GOP nomination for House District 58, but not by much. He now leads former Delta County Commissioner J. Mark Roeber by a mere three votes. By the end of the evening on primary night last...
Law enforcement agencies gear up for DUI enforcement for July 4
Law enforcement agencies across the state of Colorado will participate in The Heat is On Fourth DUI enforcement period, July 3-8. Cortez Police Department and the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office are among participating agencies. The Colorado Department of Transportation is supporting Colorado State Patrol and 66 local agencies in...
Montezuma Water breaks ground for water treatment plant expansion
The expansion of the plant will allow Montezuma Water to plan for future growth. In mid-June, Montezuma Water Co. broke ground for its water treatment plant extension on its property on Road T in Dolores. The expansion will increase the plant’s water capacity from 4 million gallons per day to 6 million per day.
Rural Coloradans show strong support for abortion-rights constitutional amendment
Patty Coen was able to finish her bachelor’s degree because she had an abortion. Ever since, the Southwest Colorado resident has been an advocate for abortion access and reproductive justice. She worked as a nurse at a reproductive-care agency in Durango for about seven years. When a campaign started...
Dust to Dust: New company on IronWood property seeks to recycle carbon, clean up mill site
A new venture is beginning to reshape the embattled IronWood Mill property outside Dolores. IronWood shut down last year, subject to a lawsuit brought by Montezuma County after it left towering piles of wood chips on the property, creating a fire hazard. The revocation of the mill’s high-impact permit, coupled...
After a wet June, dry conditions kick off July
June, generally the driest month in Southwest Colorado, saw near-record rainfall this year as Tropical Storm Alberto pushed moisture into the Four Corners, followed by the beginning of the monsoon season. But the weather will start to dry up later this week, which does have the potential to drive up...
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