Category Archives: October 2012

A ‘mammoth’ undertaking

The tamarisk-control project in the borderlands of Southeast Utah and Southwest Colorado had an interesting side effect. A few years ago, when the voracious, tamarisk-eating beetle was let loose on the banks of the San Juan River, it ate its … Continue reading

Published in October 2012

Cortez voters mull funds for new high school

If voters in the Cortez area approve Question 3B on the November ballot, they’ll gain $22.7 million from the Front Range and get a new high school for half-price. That’s the case that proponents of the measure are making to … Continue reading

Published in October 2012

State Civil Rights Commission to hold local hearings

The Colorado Civil Rights Commission will hold two hearings in Montezuma County on Thursday, Oct. 25, to give residents of the region an opportunity to air complaints related to civil and human rights. The meetings are scheduled in Cortez at … Continue reading

Published in October 2012

Dolores district seeks $3.5 million school bond

It is not too often a school district receives a grant of $2.62 million for capital improvements, but the catch is that the community taxpayers have to match the amount in order to receive the money. That is the campaign … Continue reading

Published in October 2012

Mancos voters asked to approve mill-levy increase for Re-6

A depressed economy and cuts in state education have trickled down to Mancos School District Re-6, forcing teachers into better-paying jobs and threatening the quality of education for youth attending Colorado’s longest-operating school. To secure a better future for its … Continue reading

Published in October 2012

Montezuma County pulls the plug on the PLCC

Montezuma County commissioners on Oct. 1 disbanded the county’s Public Lands Coordination Commission, citing ongoing disagreements over its role and doubts about its usefulness. The PLCC was created in 2010 as an advisory group that would study public-lands issues and … Continue reading

Published in October 2012

Liking the word ‘Independent’

Larry Don Suckla is aware that running for county commissioner as an unaffiliated candidate is not the easiest path to being elected, but he isn’t daunted. “I don’t think there’s been an independent that’s won,” he said, “but I have … Continue reading

Published in October 2012

Studying the effect of uranium on Navajos

Three decades after the end of uranium mining on the Navajo Nation, a study is being launched to see how ongoing exposure to contaminated sites may be affecting pregnant women and children. In 2009, Congress awarded funding for the Navajo … Continue reading

Published in October 2012 Tagged

Landowners can seek restitution for fire damage (web only)

Landowners who sustained damage to their property as a result of the Roatcap Fire last week near Dolores should contact the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office, according to Paul Hollar, emergency manager for the county. The sheriff’s office will attach the … Continue reading

Published in October 2012

Man charged in fire appears in court (web only)

The man charged with arson in connection with the Roatcap fire near Dolores said little during his brief appearance in front of Montezuma County Court Judge Jennilynn Lawrence Friday, except to respond, “I didn’t!” when she cautioned him not to … Continue reading

Published in October 2012

Arrest made in Roatcap Fire (web only)

By Jim Mimiaga The Roatcap fire that flared up Wednesday morning a few miles from Dolores and burned more than 400 acres has been 70 percent contained, fire officials said Thursday evening. More than a hundred firefighters successfully battled the … Continue reading

Published in October 2012

Human-caused brush fire hits 400 acres (web only)

By Jim Mimiaga A fast-moving wildfire – reportedly started by someone burning trash – is burning in a rural neighborhood south of Dolores and has triggered evacuations and road closures. The wind-fueled blaze had burned more than 400 acres as … Continue reading

Published in October 2012