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Hey Montrose! Tonight's a big night at Lloyd McMillan Gym. Montrose High School's boys and girls basketball programs will play their home openers tonight. It's Game 1 of the Black Canyon Classic for both programs.

Of note, there's no restrictions on fan attendance. Last season, attendance was limited due to pandemic-related restrictions, diminishing the usual crowd energy players are used to.

Both teams are playing well so far. The girls are off to a 3-3 start and the boys are 6-0.

I'll be there for the girls' game, which starts at 6 p.m., and I'll be sticking around for the boys' game, set for a 7:30 p.m. start. I'll see you there!

- Josue

Expanding options: Montrose County School District is adding six options for full-time employees in efforts to reduce quarantines.

The additions come after employees brought up concerns with the initial requirement of full-time employees to participate in a weekly rapid testing program or submit proof of vaccination.

"The decision about the mitigation strategies is not because we believe one way or another about this virus, it's only because we want to reduce quarantines," said Carrie Stephenson, MCSD superintendent.

Read the latest from staff writer Anna Lynn here.

Adjust those traveling plans: Here's the latest update on travel through the Little Blue Creek Canyon Project on U.S. 50.

Starting Dec. 23, the project area will be open to two-way traffic until March 2022. That means no extended wait times all winter.

Hope everyone has travels safe this holiday!

Thoughts on the shortlist? The Montrose High School mascot committee defined a mascot shortlist at their Tuesday meeting. This is what they came up with: Raptors, Bulls (referring to bull elk), Storm and Mountain Lions.

We sent out a poll on our website yesterday and "Mountain Lions" is an early favorite — it has 90 votes to 68 for "Raptors."

You can vote for your favorite online here!

Slide in our DMs: We placed NABUR drop boxes at both Coffee Trader locations, Camp Robber, Horsefly and Camelot Gardens yesterday. You can drop us story tips and ideas by filling out a slip and placing it in the box!

Let us know your thoughts, concerns or ideas. We appreciate hearing from the community!

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Gifts for needy children for the holidays

This past weekend I picked up a card from the "Angel Tree" at Starbucks. Went and bought a few gifts for an 8-year-old boy.

I've done this a few times over the years, sometimes with Operation Christmas Child, where you pack a box for a kid, often overseas, I believe.

But I was wondering if anyone knows whether there's a best organization to go through for these sorts of charities? If you know the answer, share.

Go to NABUR

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Sunset Mesa body-scheme defendant again seeks trial delay

One of two women federally indicted over an alleged scheme involving the sale of human remains wants to push her trial date beyond the current setting.

Montrose Regional Health announces chief medical director

Montrose Regional Health on Tuesday announced Dr. Rhonda Parker as the hospital's chief medical director.

Local residents win a 1915 Chevy wooden model in recent Creative Corner prize drawing

Creative Corner's November Customer Appreciation Drawing winner is Dana Rasho. Rasho registered for the wooden model of the 1915 Chevy made by the late Les Gifford when she was shopping for family gifts at Creative Corner.

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