Grand Junction Briefly News ... June 16 edition

Hite in custody

Morgan Hite, 22, 868 Grand Vista Way, GJ, was booked into MC jail Friday night on suspicion of murder, forgery and theft. She is suspected of giving birth in GJ, leaving the baby in a closet, and then flying to Alaska. At some point, the baby died. Stay tuned.

Cars vandalized

Someone vandalized two cars at 950 Hill Ave., Friday.

Hungry?

Someone took less than $500 in food from Denny’s restaurant on Horizon Drive Friday night.

Pee in public ... sexy

Todd Marconnett, 45, was detained late Friday by GJ cops on suspicion of public urination at 424 Pitkin. Marconnett was booked into MC jail on a warrant.

Jason Poirier, 34, was busted early Saturday morning for the same offense, and was booked into jail as a fugitive, wanted in Garfield Co.

Lifted laptop

A resident of the 400 block of Morning Dove Ct. reported a $1,200 computer taken from his house Friday night.

SAR

MC Search & Rescue helped the Palisade FD Saturday afternoon with an injured hiker on the Hoodoo Trail in the Little Bookcliffs wild horse area.

Axe me again

MC deputies responded Saturday night to St. Mary’s ER for an assault, where a Fruita man reported being hit in the head with an axe handle. Jake Gallegos, 60, was booked for assault.

Drugs for sale

Kevin Clay Smith, 27, 3248 Downey Ct., #1, GJ, & Alejandro Macias-Bravo, 19, 728 28 1/4 Rd., GJ, and were booked into MC jail on suspicion of using, distributing or selling drugs Saturday. Smith was further booked for possession. Katy Lee Christian, 22, Rangely, was booked for using or selling marijuana.

Dog days, pet parade

Sunday, June 23, is the WCO Animal Expo at MC fairgrounds, 10am - 6pm, $1. Info: 242-4646.

CCU moves to GV

CO Christian University is in GJ now, offering degree programs from its new campus at 2452 Patterson. Study business, nursing, ethics, education and more. Offering associate, bachelor and master degree programs. Info: 242-1811 or ccu.edu/wcc.

OHVehicles show off

Grand Mesa Jeep Club announces the off-road show at MC fairgrounds Saturday, June 21. Swap meet, show & tell, killer custom trophies. Cars, motorcycles, OHVs, something for all, 9-4. Info: 858-1394, 858-5169.

Be a derby-dude, dude

Who doesn’t like the sounds of a roaring engine followed by the sound of crushing metal? Be in the spotlight! If being in a head-to-head competition exhilarates you, then join the demolition derby at the MC Fair. Local drivers and cars needed for the derby, at MC fairgrounds Saturday, July 26, 7pm, $50 entry fee. Info: 256-1528.

Free books!

The School District 51 book giveaway runs Tuesday, June 17 - 20, 8am to 2:30pm at GJ High School.

Garry, Gary fest

Garry Brewer & Gary Parrott will give a talk on the growth of MC by Grand Army of the Republic and Confederate Army veterans who settled the area following the Civil War. Both men are members of the Sons of Union Veterans and spend lots of time researching the issue. Thursday, June 19, Whitman Center, 248 S. 4th St., noon. Bring lunch. Info: 242-0971 X209.

Monumental climb

The MC sheriff’s technical rescue team is gearing up to host its 19th annual climb to the top of Independence Monument on July 4, inside CO National Monument. You can go too, for $125, by calling Kris Hjelle 245-8513, Bob Smith, 640-0771.

Drive to support troops

Donate your unwanted car to Operation Interdependence through Vehicles For Charity. VFC will pick up your car, truck, jeep, ATV, snowmobile w/trailer, jet ski w/trailer, RV, motorcycle or boat. If it runs, VFC will pick it up, auction it and donate the proceeds to OI. All donations to OI go for packing expenses and postage to ship boxes to U.S. troops. Tax-deductible. Info: 523-4217 or to arrange a pick-up, 1-888-628-2277.

Brief acts of fun

Two Chairs Theater Co. presents its fifth annual Acts of Brevity short play festival Thursday-Saturday, through June 21, West Gate Inn, some matinees, $15. Info: 263-7920.

GJ film debuts Oct. 24

The movie filmed in GJ in June, “The Return,” is now called “The Lucky Ones” and will be released in movie theaters Oct. 24, said Lionsgate Ent. Mark your calendars.

Go back in time

GJ High Class of ‘68 will have its 40-year reunion July 18-19. Registration required. Info: Susan, 241-6815 or Beth, 255-7390 or gjhs1968.com.