More COVID restrictions lifting in Montrose | From the Newsroom

Also, why are gas prices going up?

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COVID restrictions lifting — Montrose County now level blue: The state deployed the latest rendition of the coronavirus safety dial because of rising vaccination rates. Counties can now more easily be classified at lower levels. One of the biggest changes it that bars are allowed to open at 25% capacity, or up to 75 people — whichever is fewest. Read a full list of the changes here. This is the first step in the governor's broader plan to give local counties more jurisdiction over COVID restrictions. However, some public health experts say that the loosening of restrictions is coming too soon. Will renewed calls for gun control come to fruition? After two mass shootings in the US in the same week in Boulder and Atlanta, some state and national politicians are now pushing for expanding background checks and banning assault-style rifles. In Colorado, Democratic lawmakers are discussing a statewide ban on assault-style weapons. Seven states and the District of Columbia already have bans in place. Democrats hold a majority in both chambers, so a bill would likely pass. But without a federal ban, Colorado lawmakers worry that people seeking an assault-style weapon could drive to another state to purchase one. Meanwhile, other states with Republican majorities, such as Tennessee, Iowa and Indiana, are passing laws that would expand access to guns. The US House of Representatives passed 2 bills earlier this month that would mandate background checks on private gun sales and close the "Charleston loophole." but faces an uphill battle in the Senate because of the 60 votes required to bypass the legislative filibuster. (Daily Press file photo) Fueled by rising demand, gas prices rising nationwide: The above photo from our archives was taken in 2007, but prices are rising to around $3 in the Montrose area and around the rest of the country to pre-pandemic levels. Is it Joe Biden's fault? No. After the pandemic initially caused a sharp drop in demand for petroleum products around the world, gas prices have been slowly trending upward since May of last year. Correction: Yesterday's newsletter incorrectly identified the weapon in the mass shooting in Boulder as an "assault-style automatic gun." The weapon deployed was a semi-automatic Ruger AR-556 pistol. 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!

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Procession planned tomorrow for late West End fire chief The Montrose County Sheriff's Office and area law enforcement, fire and public safety agencies will travel in procession on Friday to the funeral of Nucla-Naturita Fire District Chief Chester Riley. Read More Montrose-based Geyser Systems growing and thriving as outdoor industry continues to surge A year ago, Montrose City Council passed an incentive grant agreement (worth $199,500) with Geyser Systems, whose flagship product is a hot portable shower that uses less than one gallon of water. At the time, Geyser CEO and founder Jonathan Ballesteros said the company plans to go international over the next five years, all while being taken on by REI CO-OP as an exclusive vendor, starting in 35 stores. Today, Geyser Systems has followed through on that goal, exporting the product internationally, securing an exclusive distributor in Australia. REI, too, wants to expand the company to 160 stores. Read More Montrose turns out for meat and ag The opposing response to the Governor's Meat Out proclamation three weeks ago occurred in more than 75 cities and towns in Colorado, including Montrose and Ouray. The "Meat In" events nearby drew nearly 2,000 people, who fed on burgers, hotdogs, lamb burgers, lamb chops and other meats. Read More A look at how Montrose's co-response model is helping the community at-large In Montrose, the co-response model involving local law enforcement and mental health professionals is having an impact. The co-response model — where local law enforcement and mental health professionals respond together — launched in 2018. It's a partnership with the Center for Mental Health, which provides behavioral health professionals to respond with officers to police calls that involve a person experiencing a mental health crisis, and the Montrose County Sheriff's Office. Read More Telluride Venture Accelerator launches new phase The Telluride Venture Accelerator, an initiative of the Telluride Foundation, is launching a new chapter and rebranding as Telluride Venture Network (TVN). Launched in 2013, the Telluride Venture Network is a nationally recognized, award-winning entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports new, innovative, and growing businesses. Read More Art within art: Northrup's spray-art gains notice, adds to creative passion Christaan Isaac Northrup found his love for spray painting when he was searching for ways to paint his guitar. He has loved art from an early age, taking after his father. Until about a year and a half ago, however, he was taking on temp jobs for income. Read More OPINION: We can act now to fight wildfires For the 2021 fire season, the writing is on the wall. The West, despite a few days of intense winter, is far drier than it was leading up to last year's record-breaking fires. Read More

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