TOP STORY: At the Montrose Board of County Commissioners regular meeting last week the effort to recall commissioner Scott Mijares spilled into the public meeting in an unusual manner. KVNF's Brody Wilson has the details.
WATER RESTRICTIONS: The Town of Paonia will enact Stage One Water Restrictions beginning August 1st. According to a press release from the town, the restrictions are due to a rehabilitation project on the town’s primary 2-million-gallon finished water storage tank. During the project, water for the town will come from its 725,000 gallon tank, significantly reducing water storage capacity. The town’s water system serves in-town customers, out-of-town users, 24 consecutive water systems, and approximately 100 bulk water customers. In addition to restrictions, the town has also instituted an Irrigation Schedule which can be found at the town’s website.
FIRE UPDATE FOR THURSDAY: Fire crews are making progress on a number of wildfires in our listening area. The South Rim Fire at the Black Canyon National Park is at 31% containment. Colorado Highway 347 from US Highway 50 is now open to the south rim entrance, however, the park remains closed. Crews will continue to focus on mopping up hotspots and securing and improving fire lines.
The Sowbelly Fire burning in Montrose, Delta and Mesa Counties in the Escalante-Dominguez Canyon is listed at 90% containment. Travelers are now able to access the Potholes Recreation Area, but are asked to use extra caution and watch for firefighters and equipment. That fire has burned over 2,000 acres.
The large Turner Gulch Fire burning northwest of Gateway in Mesa County is reported at 37% containment as of yesterday. A break in the weather aided firecrews by reducing fire growth. Smoke will continue to be visible as the fire moves up out of steep areas. The fire has burned over 16,000 acres
