I made it to Huntsville, Alabama! I'm all moved in to my new place, now relaxing before I start work tomorrow at WHNT TV.
Showing posts with label Grand Junction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grand Junction. Show all posts
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Fire Department Will Not Rely On "Luck" Any Longer
White Hall Task Force Releases Action Report
by
Matt Kroschel
Grand Junction, CO-- Months after the White Hall fire, a
task force assembled to access how the fire was handled releases their
report and their findings highlight some serious concerns within the
Grand Junction Fire Department.
In the 35 page report concerns over communication breakdowns, training inadequacies and a lack of resources available to cover other emergencies during the fire were addressed. During that raging inferno inside the landmark building in downtown Grand Junction, a firefighter fell through the floor of the building while fighting it. Fire Chief Ken Watkins said his department, "got lucky" and vows to make sure their responses to large commercial structure fires are handled differently in the future by changing their policy.
"We wanted to put this out in the lights and let the public know what we need to work on and what we are doing well," Watkins said.
The report highlights the dispatch communication center's lack of knowledge on fire fighting operations, as well as protocols for "Mayday" situations (when a firefighter is down). Also, the report indicates dispatchers do not typically monitor tactical channels during emergency operations.
"A lot of these are cheap fixes and are already in the process of being made," Watkins added.
There were also several positive findings in the report that Chief Watkins said shows just how dedicated and professional his department is at the job they do everyday.
"I am very proud of my team, we just have a couple of things we need to focus on fixing so we can provide the best service to the community and keep our firefighters safer."
The report indicates a lack of resources and difficulties responding to incidents in the Grand valley due to geographical issues.
Chief Watkins told NewsChannel Five every finding and recommendation is being looked at and being seriously addressed.
In the 35 page report concerns over communication breakdowns, training inadequacies and a lack of resources available to cover other emergencies during the fire were addressed. During that raging inferno inside the landmark building in downtown Grand Junction, a firefighter fell through the floor of the building while fighting it. Fire Chief Ken Watkins said his department, "got lucky" and vows to make sure their responses to large commercial structure fires are handled differently in the future by changing their policy.
"We wanted to put this out in the lights and let the public know what we need to work on and what we are doing well," Watkins said.
The report highlights the dispatch communication center's lack of knowledge on fire fighting operations, as well as protocols for "Mayday" situations (when a firefighter is down). Also, the report indicates dispatchers do not typically monitor tactical channels during emergency operations.
"A lot of these are cheap fixes and are already in the process of being made," Watkins added.
There were also several positive findings in the report that Chief Watkins said shows just how dedicated and professional his department is at the job they do everyday.
"I am very proud of my team, we just have a couple of things we need to focus on fixing so we can provide the best service to the community and keep our firefighters safer."
The report indicates a lack of resources and difficulties responding to incidents in the Grand valley due to geographical issues.
Chief Watkins told NewsChannel Five every finding and recommendation is being looked at and being seriously addressed.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Religious Music In High School Choir Forces Student To Quit Singin
Islamic Prayer Song Being Sung By Grand Junction High School Choir
by
Matt Kroschel
Grand Junction-- A Grand Junction High School student
wants a song picked for the after-school men's choir group pulled,
because he says the Islamic piece is not appropriate for a public school
choir.
The song is called 'Zikr' and its composer says is not intended for a worship ceremony.
The song is called 'Zikr' and its composer says is not intended for a worship ceremony.
or senior James Harper, a Christian who is active in his local
church, the wording and meaning of the song is such that he feels it
should not be performed by students in a public school setting.
“I don’t want to come across as a bigot or a racist, but I really don’t feel it is appropriate for students in a public high school to be singing an Islamic worship song,” Harper told NewsChannel Five.
Harper sent an email to District 51 officials expressing his concerns with the song. He also contacted the KREX newsroom.
District officials said while they understand not everyone will agree with or appreciate songs due to the religious nature of the pieces, they completely stand behind both the music teacher and the song.
“This is about bringing diversity to the students and showing them other things that are out there,” spokesman Jeff Kirtland said. “The teacher was open with the parents and students do not have to participate in this voluntary club choir.”
The upbeat, rhythmic song combines dancing with drums. School officials said the teacher, knowing that there may be some questions about the song, asked her students to watch a Youtube video of the song and passed out the English translation to students.
GJHS choir instructor Marcia Wieland’s professional work as a conductor and teacher spans a wide variety of ages including experiences with high school, collegiate, and adult choirs. Ms. Wieland holds a Bachelor of Music in Choral Music Education from Oakland University.
To watch the entire song CLICK HERE
“I don’t want to come across as a bigot or a racist, but I really don’t feel it is appropriate for students in a public high school to be singing an Islamic worship song,” Harper told NewsChannel Five.
Harper sent an email to District 51 officials expressing his concerns with the song. He also contacted the KREX newsroom.
District officials said while they understand not everyone will agree with or appreciate songs due to the religious nature of the pieces, they completely stand behind both the music teacher and the song.
“This is about bringing diversity to the students and showing them other things that are out there,” spokesman Jeff Kirtland said. “The teacher was open with the parents and students do not have to participate in this voluntary club choir.”
The upbeat, rhythmic song combines dancing with drums. School officials said the teacher, knowing that there may be some questions about the song, asked her students to watch a Youtube video of the song and passed out the English translation to students.
GJHS choir instructor Marcia Wieland’s professional work as a conductor and teacher spans a wide variety of ages including experiences with high school, collegiate, and adult choirs. Ms. Wieland holds a Bachelor of Music in Choral Music Education from Oakland University.
To watch the entire song CLICK HERE
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Western Slope Community Fighting Energy Development in Its Backyard
By Matt Kroschel
Paonia, CO - There was a shortage of chairs in the Paonia Junior High School gymnasium Wednesday evening as hundreds of residents packed inside to learn more about the possibility of their rural community turning into an oil and gas drilling hub. The Bureau of Land Management is considering leasing 30,000 acres to oil and natural gas development. The proposal surrounds towns in the North Fork Valley.
Two separate local environmental groups have teamed up to get information about the proposal in Delta County. Their work seems to be paying off. At several meetings, there have been hundreds of people showing up, signing petitions and writing letters to the BLM asking them to deny the lease proposal.
Under regulations, the oil and natural gas company who nominated the area does not have be identified, and the BLM has extended the public comment period until February 9th.
“This could spell disaster for my organic farm. I am not going to let this happen. Our water comes from these hills, and that is exactly where they want to develop,” organic farmer Michael McCarthy told NewsChannel 5 from his farm Wednesday.
For Paonia mayor Neal Schwiterman, the concerns over water do not stop with local farmers. “One of the parcels comes right up next to city limits. Two of our drinking water wells are inside the area. We are concerned,” Schwiterman said.
For more information about specific parcels, click here.
To email your comments directly to the BLM at co_ufo_leasing@blm.gov.
There will be another community meeting Thursday evening Crawford Town Hall.
Paonia, CO - There was a shortage of chairs in the Paonia Junior High School gymnasium Wednesday evening as hundreds of residents packed inside to learn more about the possibility of their rural community turning into an oil and gas drilling hub. The Bureau of Land Management is considering leasing 30,000 acres to oil and natural gas development. The proposal surrounds towns in the North Fork Valley.
Two separate local environmental groups have teamed up to get information about the proposal in Delta County. Their work seems to be paying off. At several meetings, there have been hundreds of people showing up, signing petitions and writing letters to the BLM asking them to deny the lease proposal.
Under regulations, the oil and natural gas company who nominated the area does not have be identified, and the BLM has extended the public comment period until February 9th.
“This could spell disaster for my organic farm. I am not going to let this happen. Our water comes from these hills, and that is exactly where they want to develop,” organic farmer Michael McCarthy told NewsChannel 5 from his farm Wednesday.
For Paonia mayor Neal Schwiterman, the concerns over water do not stop with local farmers. “One of the parcels comes right up next to city limits. Two of our drinking water wells are inside the area. We are concerned,” Schwiterman said.
For more information about specific parcels, click here.
To email your comments directly to the BLM at co_ufo_leasing@blm.gov.
There will be another community meeting Thursday evening Crawford Town Hall.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Polygraph Business Booming, Grand Valley Company Cashing In
by Matt Kroschel
Grand Junction- Just how important is the truth in your relationship? Would you ever go as far as asking your spouse to take a polygraph test? For a growing number of couples the answer is yes.
Alby Albertson with Foremost Response said his business is seeing a spike in the number of couples coming in to request fidelity tests.
Albertson uses high tech equipment to find out what people are trying to hide.
If you would like more information about the company or the service Click Here
Alby Albertson with Foremost Response said his business is seeing a spike in the number of couples coming in to request fidelity tests.
Albertson uses high tech equipment to find out what people are trying to hide.
If you would like more information about the company or the service Click Here
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Occupy Grand Junction Protest Sets Up Camp, Prepare For Expected Arrests
By Matt Kroschel
Grand Junction-
UPDATE: I am told at least 3 protesters are ready to be arrested for camping on the lawn at the Old Mesa County Courthouse. they expect police to move in and kick everyone out around 10:00 PM Saturday. If and when that happens protesters tell me they will continue to rotate out members to keep their protest site until Sunday. They are planning more marches around downtown Sunday afternoon.
PREVIOUS STORY:
About 100 protesters with a variety of messages 'moved in' to the lawn at the Old Mesa County Courthouse despite a county officials banning camping on the property.
Following in the footsteps of protesters across the country, Occupy Grand Junction began the protest with several speeches and chanting. With a strong uniformed police presence, hundreds of people from across the Western Slope began what they call as an occupation of support and a message to Wall Street.
The diverse group of protesters said no matter what individual problems people have with the current government and big businesses system, they are all finding mutual ground as being one of the 99 percent.
Protester Kristine Hicken traveled from Meeker for this protest and said she is here because she wants to show support to the protesters at Wall Street.
"Things are not right, they are worse then ever before and the rich keep getting richer while the majority of us are being passed over," Hicken said.
Protest organizers say they are pursuing legal action against the county for the ban on camping and said they anticipate several arrests Saturday night because some protesters will not leave t he lawn area.
Grand Junction Police officials said they will not tolerate illegal activities, but they don't expect a problem with the crowd.
Watch NewsChannel Five for continuing coverage of the protest.
For a link to the Occupy Grand Junction Facebook Page Click here:
Following in the footsteps of protesters across the country, Occupy Grand Junction began the protest with several speeches and chanting. With a strong uniformed police presence, hundreds of people from across the Western Slope began what they call as an occupation of support and a message to Wall Street.
The diverse group of protesters said no matter what individual problems people have with the current government and big businesses system, they are all finding mutual ground as being one of the 99 percent.
Protester Kristine Hicken traveled from Meeker for this protest and said she is here because she wants to show support to the protesters at Wall Street.
"Things are not right, they are worse then ever before and the rich keep getting richer while the majority of us are being passed over," Hicken said.
Protest organizers say they are pursuing legal action against the county for the ban on camping and said they anticipate several arrests Saturday night because some protesters will not leave t he lawn area.
Grand Junction Police officials said they will not tolerate illegal activities, but they don't expect a problem with the crowd.
Watch NewsChannel Five for continuing coverage of the protest.
For a link to the Occupy Grand Junction Facebook Page Click here:
http://www.facebook.com/KREXTV#!/groups/289861931025748/
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Moms Fight Back after Strangers Try to Give Their Young Sons Booze
By Matt Kroschel
Clifton - Parents in one Clifton neighborhood are speaking out after they say two men offered their kids alcohol while they were playing in park. Mesa County Sheriff's deputies are now investigating the case and do not have more details on the suspects, but NewsChannel 5 has learned the two men allegedly ran out the back door of a home when sheriff's deputies came looking for them.
According to parents, Tuesday afternoon, two men drinking in a park near South Good Hope Circle tried to get a seven- and 10-year-old boy to drink alcohol.
Sheriff's officials are also looking into an allegation the same two men allowed a 4-year-old child to drink beer.
According to parents, Tuesday afternoon, two men drinking in a park near South Good Hope Circle tried to get a seven- and 10-year-old boy to drink alcohol.
Sheriff's officials are also looking into an allegation the same two men allowed a 4-year-old child to drink beer.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
A Solar Invention A Grand Junction Man Claims Came To Him In A Dream
By Matt Kroschel
For one Grand Junction inventor going green is something he hopes he can make a reality for the entire community.
Military veteran and Mesa State College graduate Randall Ohm said his solar powered street light design could change the way we see after the sun goes down. He envisions his light invention replacing the yellow and energy sucking street lights that dot Mesa County.
The totally solar powered light is in the process of getting a patent and his first prototype is up and running.
Local governments see green technology like this as the future and are eager to learn more about the invention.
For one Grand Junction inventor going green is something he hopes he can make a reality for the entire community.
Military veteran and Mesa State College graduate Randall Ohm said his solar powered street light design could change the way we see after the sun goes down. He envisions his light invention replacing the yellow and energy sucking street lights that dot Mesa County.
The totally solar powered light is in the process of getting a patent and his first prototype is up and running.
Local governments see green technology like this as the future and are eager to learn more about the invention.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Olathe Sweet Corn Festival Turns 20-Years-Old!
I Just got back to the newsroom from Olathe where farmers are working around the clock to get ready for the harvest of the world famous Olathe Sweet Corn. This year, a late spring cold snap has forced farmers to push back their harvest date. Last year they got their first harvest July 19, this year they are shooting for the 24th.
-Matt Kroschel
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Clifton SWAT Standoff with Armed Hostage-Taker Is Over
After a five hour standoff on Jackson Street in Clifton a man armed with a shot gun who had shot at police officers, was taken down without anyone harmed.
I got to the scene and had to duck for cover as bullets rang out. The SWAT team responded and then a standoff for over five hours went on.
I spoke to people who were inside the home when the man busted inside and held them at gunpoint before releasing them. They say he was "Tweeking" and that he held the gun to their head.
The whole incident began with a reported attempted armed car jacking at a gas station about a block away from the house.
At about 5:00 PM the suspect was taken into custody. Mesa County Sheriff, Grand Junction Police, Colorado State Patrol, Palisade PD and other emergency teams responded for the call.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
4 People Rescued from Colorado River Near Grand Junction
 |
| River rescue operation from the 29 road bridge in Grand Junction. Matt Kroschel Photo |
Water rescue teams were able to locate and rescue four people after they became stuck in some tree branches near the 29 Road Bridge Saturday afternoon. This was the second rescue operation in the river near Grand Junction Saturday afternoon. Officials say the river is still very dangerous right now and that if you do venture into the water, to make sure to have the proper gear.
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