Briefly News ... Dec. 4 edition

Free shredding day

MC Sheriff's Office is offering a free document shredding day, Wed., Dec. 9, 8 a.m.-noon, in the parking lot of MCSO, 215 Rice St. A big shredding truck will be parked out front.

Suggested documents for shredding might include: old tax documents, check stubs, paycheck documents, credit/debit card receipts, bank statements or anything that has your social security number, bank account number, or credit/debit card number on it.

Your comments, please

Reclamation's W. Colo. Area Office is preparing an environmental assessment to evaluate the impacts of a proposed system improvement project for Orchard Mesa Irrigation District, which includes construction of a 100-acre-foot reservoir on approximately 15 acres, construction of a recirc pump system at Duck Pond Park, etc. The plan is available at www.usbr.gov/uc/wcao/index.html under Current Focus.

Mail written comments to Terence Stroh, Bureau of Reclamation, 2764 Compass Dr., Suite 106, GJ, CO 81506, or e-mailed to tstroh@usbr.gov.

GJ liquor store sells $1.3M Lotto ticket

(AP) - The ticket that matched all six numbers in the Lotto drawing Wednesday for a $1.3 million jackpot was sold in GJ.

Colo. Lottery officials say Bookcliff Liquors, 3026 Patterson Road, will receive $5,000 for selling the lucky ticket.

The ticket holder has until May 31 to claim the prize. The winning numbers drawn Wednesday were 4, 7, 10, 15, 18 and 36.

Sticky fingers

Busy week for GJPD and shoplifters/thiefs alike. It must be a sign of the holidays and the pressure the season puts on gift giving. Just thinking out loud.

Here's the list of latest offenders, most of the activity taking place out at Mesa Mall: Kaycee MacDonald, 31; Pamela Castillo, 43; Barbra Canada, 20; Meredith Garrett, 28; Zachary Wells, 20; Jonathan Cagle, 21; Nestor Vasquez, 22; Antonio Schreiner, 23; Joseph Hill, 18; Randie Haack, 23; Omar Garcia, 31; Edwin Drake, 47.

Food, cash collection

Now until Dec. 22, The Art Center, 1803 N. Seventh St., will be collecting non-perishable food items and cash donations for the Food Bank of the Rockies. The barrel for the items is right inside the front door, and the donation box is in The Art Center gift shop.

Foiled robbery attempt

Axl Boynton, 20, was arrested Tues. for attempted robbery after investigation showed that he entered Crown Liquors, 2851 North Ave., wearing a mask and demanded money from the clerk. Boynton fled the area when the clerk refused.

Christmas Norwegian style

Sons of Norway, Vestafjell Lodge will enjoy traditional Christmas music with the Vestafjell Musikers at the meeting on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m., Covenant Presbyterian Church, 237 32 Road.

Members, bring a side dish for the holiday dinner, with meat furnished by the lodge. Guests who are interested in Scandinavian heritage and culture are welcome. Info: Barb, 245-5649 or Jen, 874-4604 or visit www.vestafjelllodge.org.

Quest for perfect gift ends here

The 2nd annual Holiday Extravaganza to benefit the Rotary Youth Exchange Program is happening Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 711 Independence Valley Drive, Redlands. There will be 25 vendors to help you in your creative quest for the perfect Christmas gifts. Come and enjoy our festive holiday atmosphere, silent auction, raffle, food, and drink -- even beer and sports in the theater for the fellas. All proceeds go to the Rotary Youth Exchange Program to help support exchange students from our community. Info: Tracy Miller at tracyamiller@bresnan.net.

Beginning oil painting class

An opportunity for beginning oil painters and to learn new techniques from a renown Instructor Tues., Dec. 22, 1-5:30 p.m. Class taught by David Cook. Cost $15-$45 (based on your needs and experience). What do you want to get out of your four hours? Let him know and reserve your spot. Call 464-4819 to register. The Blue Pig Gallery, 119 W. 3rd St., Palisade.

Public open house set

The City of Fruita invites the community to a public open house Wed., Dec. 9, 6 p.m. at Dinosaur Journey. The open house is intended to gather public input on a proposed park development at the Kings View Open Space. The proposed park at completion would include an 18-hole disc golf course and an educational mountain bike terrain course.

Kings View Open Space is approximately 24 acres of river bottom land located on the southern banks of the Colorado River, east of highway 340, and extends west to the Snooks Bottom Open Space.

Delinquency of minors

Benjamin Coates, 18, was arrested Tues. after he provided marijuana to two juvenile females at Sherwood Park. The females, ages 15 and 16, were issued tickets for use of marijuana. Coates was booked into Mesa County jail.

Count the birdies

The GJ Christmas Bird Count is set for Dec. 20. Birders of every experience level are invited Participation is $5. Day starts at 6 p.m. at Village Inn on Horizon Drive. RSVP by Dec. 18 at 242-8643.

Celebrate Chanukah on Ice

4th annual Chanukah on Ice event Dec. 13, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Glacier Ice Rink. Prizes for youngest and oldest skater, costumes, music, games and gelt (the original Chanukah candy). Cost $6. Info: Cynthia, 242-5540. Chanukah on Ice is a celebration for the whole family, plus get a free dreidle to play the dreidle game.

DUI diaries

From latest GJPD/MCSO reports:

• Edwin Drake, 47, was stopped Wed. at 5th Street and Chipeta Ave. Drake was booked into the MC Jail for aggravated driving under revocation as a Habitual Traffic Offender, DUI, and Failing to Drive in a Single Lane.

• Gina Hohmann, 36, was arrested for DUI on Tues.

• Sandra Files, 49, was arrested Wed. and released on a summons after she was contacted at 2545 Rimrock Ave. for DUI and found to be driving on a canceled license.

• Joseph Patterson, 31 was arrested Tues. and charged with DUI.

Youth Jazz Ensemble performance

GJ Youth Jazz Ensemble and Redlands Middle School 8th Grade Jazz Band performs Wed., Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m., Mesa State's Robinson Theater. Free, open to the public. Info: Darin, 248-1088. The audition-only ensemble is a big band featuring talented high school students from around the area.

Give blood in Dec.; get free cholesterol screen

St. Mary's Regional Blood Center again will be offering free cholesterol screenings in Dec. for all blood donors whether on the Bloodmobile or in the Blood Center in the Advanced Medicine Pavilion. The Blood Center hours are M-F from 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon. Info: 244-2555.