Community Rallies Around Injured Volunteer Firefighter
A young Crawford firefighter is recovering after a freak accident during a house fire response. Brylan Cotten, just 17, was seriously injured on May 22 when a hose line attached to a fire truck snapped and struck him, causing a compound fracture in his upper arm that required emergency surgery. Despite the injury, Cotten remains determined to return to service. Fundraisers have been launched to help cover his medical costs and support him as he heals. Donations can be made via Venmo or at designated drop-off locations in Crawford.
Montrose Classical Academy Resubmits Charter School Bid
The Montrose Classical Academy is once again seeking approval to open a charter school. After being denied last year over concerns about facilities, diversity, and staffing, the group has revised its application. The proposed K–5 school would be located in the Millstone Building and grow to serve 440 students. Supporters say it would offer families more educational choice. Critics argue it could siphon funds from existing schools and may not serve all students equitably. Teachers would not be required to hold certification. The Montrose County School Board is expected to vote on the application June 24.
Spotlight on Colorado Crime Labs: What Can Be Learned from Connecticut
In part two of a series from the Mountain West News Bureau, Colorado’s backlog in processing sexual assault kits was compared to Connecticut’s streamlined system. Connecticut's crime lab currently processes all sexual assault evidence within 30 days—a standard Colorado officials can only dream of. Lawmakers here hope to cut current 18-month wait times, but that will require hiring 20 more forensic scientists and an estimated $3 million in funding. A recently passed bill requires lab workers to report misconduct and creates a new oversight panel.
Montrose County to Vote on Solar and Healing Center Zoning Rules
Montrose County Commissioners are set to vote today on updated zoning regulations affecting utility-scale solar and healing centers. The changes would require new solar and energy facilities to meet stricter environmental and community standards. The update also includes rules for healing centers, in response to Colorado’s 2022 Natural Medicine Act. Healing centers would be limited to parcels of at least five acres, with no more than 20 participants at a time. The Planning Commission has recommended approval. A final vote could come at today’s 9:30 a.m. meeting at the Montrose County Public Works building.
Ouray Renews Critical Water Lease as Drought Deepens
Ouray County has renewed its lease for 3,000 acre-feet of water from Ridgway Reservoir in an effort to prevent downstream users from curtailing local irrigation. The $15,000 lease, signed May 13, could prove crucial this year as drought conditions worsen. Without it, county ranchers risk losing up to a ton of hay per acre—an estimated $2.3 million hit. The lease, which began in 2023, is currently set up as a five-year renewable contract. County leaders have asked Representative Jeff Hurd to advocate for a longer-term deal with the Bureau of Reclamation.
