Killer Company's: CO mask mandate ending in 2 weeks

Email not displaying correctly? View the web version

Statewide mask mandate ending April 4: Colorado's statewide mask ordinance is lifting in less than two weeks. Gov. Jared Polis' administration announced the changes as the pace of vaccinations increases, but public health experts say it's too soon.

The proposed changes would still require children aged 11-18 attending in-person school to wear face masks at all times.

This shift in COVID response is designed to give more jurisdiction to county and city governments, but masks would still be required in counties that are above a level green. Meanwhile, the state has also more than doubled the case rate for achieving a level green, shifting the standard from 15 cases per 100,000 to 35.

Montrose County is currently at a level blue, one level above where mask mandates are lifted. The case incidence over the past week was 39.8 per 100,000, so masks would still be required in the county.

(Noya Fields/Flickr)

Would a ballot initiative change ranching as we know it? An animal rights group proposed a ballot initiative that would expand the definition of animal cruelty to include all sex acts with animals and require that animals live a minimum one-quarter of their natural lifespan. The CO Secretary of State has authorized the group to begin collecting signatures.

If the group, called Protect Animals from Unnecessary Suffering and Exploitation (PAUSE), collects the minimum 125,000 signatures needed, the measure would be on the ballot next fall.

"We didn't feel that slaughtering baby animals was humane," Alexander Sage, one of the backers of the initiative, said to the Colorado Sun. "The average Coloradan, based on a lot of market research, wants the livestock that finally goes on their plate to not be unnecessarily abused."

On the other hand, many ranchers, who were not consulted by the animal rights group, oppose the measure that would drastically change how the animal husbandry industry works. (Check out the column from local contributor Micheal Cox opposing the initiative published last week.)

Habitat for Humanity building home for a veteran: The regional chapter of Habitat for Humanity has announced that their next project will be building a home for a local veteran.

"Habitat for Humanity of the San Juans is stepping up to help the needs of a local Veteran family realize the American dream of owning their own home. Montrose is, and always has been a great supporter of Veterans," Randy Havens, vice president to the HFHSJ board of directors, said in a press release.

The pre-construction phase of the project entails fundraising, as well as finding an architect and contractor for the house. A veteran and their family will be determined in the future as well.

QUICK LINKS

Listen to our podcast Montrose Fresh, it's available everywhere podcasts are found including Apple, Pandora, Spotify and Amazon Music
Remember those we've lost in our obituaries section
View the letter to the editor. If you would like to submit a letter please email: editor@montrosepress.com
Get today's weather forecast
Check out our classifieds and explore the MDP e-editions
Already a subscriber, but need to activate your digital account? Click here to create an account or call our office at 970-249-3444 and we'll get you all set up!

NABUR platform bridges the gap between local news and social media by inserting a previously missing element: Interactive, quality community journalism.

Go to NABUR

INVEST IN YOUR LOCAL JOURNALISM
Just $1.99 per week - Become a member of your community today.

Mead defeats Montrose to win 4A title

Hopeful to finish off an undefeated season and come home with a state title, the moment didn't come to pass for No. 3 Montrose (18-1). Behind Elijah Knudsen and a strong defense, No. 5 Mead (15-3) defeated the Indians 68-44 on Sunday in the 4A state title game.

Montrose, Bridges to host American Junior Golf Association tournament

The Bridges of Montrose will host an American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) tournament Aug. 1-5, it was announced Wednesday morning. The City of Montrose will partner in the event which will attract a field of 96 young men and women golfers from all over the world.

Observations from week one of Centennial Middle School's in-person learning at the Montrose Pavilion

Following a mid-day break, dozens of Centennial Middle School students filed back into one of the spacious Montrose Pavilion ballrooms, nestled into their seats, masks on and engaged in another session of in-person learning.

Neighbors push against 'first step' toward new manufactured home park

A zoning change approved Wednesday is among the preliminary steps toward a new manufactured housing park that could be built on the southeast corner of LaSalle Road and Marine Drive — but nearby property owners said it was a step that should not be taken, in light of traffic and other concerns.

Crews tackle brush fire off Spring Creek Road

Montrose got a sharp reminder of dry conditions Friday, when a controlled fire blew out of control off Spring Creek Road, charring about 40 acres of sage and grass between residential neighborhoods and taking a run uphill toward homes.

Colorado's Scenic Highways and Byways: The Trail of the Ancients

The Anasazi, or ancestral Puebloans, were a mysterious people. Their civilization, rich with rock art, pottery and cliff dwellings, dominated the Colorado Plateau for hundreds of years.

The Trail of the Ancients, one of Colorado Department of Transportation's Scenic Byways and Highways, is one of the best ways to get a look at the way the "Ancient Ones" lived.

SECOND CHANCE: Cruisin' with your canine

Hi, my name's Pip. I'm a new canine arrival at Second Chance and just had the most fabulous experience.

Have a story idea? Click here to let us know

Loving this newsletter? Have an idea for something we could do better? Send us feedback by emailing justint@montrosepress.com

Stay up-to-date on the coronavirus pandemic and local events by following us on social media.