AmeriCorps cuts hit home | From the Newsroom

Longtime pediatrician heads into the sunset; findings in West Elk Mine death

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The bridge is (almost) back Just a little more work, and the vital Middle Bridge over Blue Mesa Reservoir will be fully back: the bridge and the nearby Lake Fork Bridge are set for final finishing work — final painting on the repaired steel. That work starts May 12. It was only a year ago that the entire Middle Bridge was shut down, because of several structural defects making it unsafe. That snarled transportation and upended people's lives, especially tourism-dependent businesses. I know government takes a lot of criticism, and a lot of it is justified. Still, it impresses me when I think of where things stood a year ago and where they stand now: A year ago, you could not get to Gunnison from Montrose without a lengthy detour. Now, it's business as usual. I can only speak for myself here, but the bridge debacle has taught me that infrastructure is the often unsung hero of civilization.  Anyway, I'm glad to have those bridges back. And I'm glad we didn't find out about the Middle Bridge's problems after a catastrophe. Some things are worse than long detours.  Happy Monday! Katharhynn, from the Newsroom. Say thanks ...  Give a Cup, Say Thank You is on now.   Help the Montrose County Democrats recognize local educators and support staff with its "Share a Cup, Thank You" campaign. Donations help the party buy cups of coffee for local educators; donations of any amount are appreciated. Donate at montrosedemocrats.org/donate, or by check at MCDP, P.O. Box 2126, Montrose, CO 81402-2126. Online, fill out the purpose of donation field with "Teacher Appreciation 2025."

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'It's been chaos': AmeriCorps cuts slash Colorado jobs, leaving local leaders scrambling Federal cuts have crippled AmeriCorps on a national level over the past few weeks, while local organizations and Serve Colorado, the state's affiliated service commission, face radio silence from the top. Read More Serving, saving children: Dr. Mary Vader, renowned pediatrician and volunteer, retires after 35 years Mary Vader has been busy her whole life — from growing up with six brothers on a Gunnison ranch, to helping lead Pediatric Associates and becoming the hospital's first female chief of staff. But after 35 years in medicine, the… Read More Report faults safety lapses in 2024 West Elk Mine death A final investigative report into the death of a worker who died in a fall at the West Elk Mine last August has pointed to safety lapses that contributed to the accident. Read More

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