Colorado Department of Health statistics indicate that the cumulative number of reported COVID-19 cases in Montezuma County rose by 69 percent from Sept. 1 to Dec. 13. Sponsored by Big-O Tires and Downs, McDonough, Cowan and Foley, LLC
The total number of reported cases of COVID 19 in Montezuma county increased by 69% from September 1st through December 13th. This story and more on your Local News Network Roundup, brought to you by Big O Tires, and the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley. I'm Wendy Graham Settle, The Colorado Department of Health and Environment reports that Montezuma county saw a big increase in reported COVID cases and deaths this fall. The county saw the greatest increase during October with 750 new cases. November saw almost 500 new cases, and so far this month, 107 new cases have been reported. Montezuma county has had 4,098 reported cases since the pandemic began in March, 2020, that represents nearly 16% of the county's population. The number of COVID related deaths increased by 72% from a total of 29 fatalities on August 1st to 50, as of December 1st. Vaccinations are available for everyone ages five and older. Vaccinations are available at local pharmacies in Cortez. Mancos attorney, Beth Padilla has been sworn in as the new municipal judge for Cortez. Judge Padilla has more than 10 years of experience as an attorney and is licensed in Colorado and New Mexico. Judge Padilla is fluent in both Spanish and English. The municipal court rules on parking and traffic violations and misdemeanor charges that occur within the Cortez City limits. Court is convened at 9:00 AM on Mondays, and hears nearly a thousand cases annually. For more information on municipal court, visit cityofcortez.com. Invasive trees will soon be gone at Denny Lake, Geer Natural Area, and the Carpenter Natural Area. The Cortez Parks and Recreation department has received a $28,000 grant from Great Outdoors, Colorado in partnership with the Colorado Youth Corps Association. A saw crew from the youth Corps will abate the invasive trees. The San Juan National Forest has given preliminary approval to a draft environmental assessment that will allow Purgatory Ski Resort to build a new person detachable chairlift for new beginner ski trails and a snowmobile access route. The expansion is located in the Ice Creek area on what's known as Purgatories Backside. In the draft decision, the forest service noted that the Ice Creek project is nearly identical to the project analyzed in the ski areas 2008 improvement plan. The record of decision for the 2008 plan noted that the Ice Creek improvements are an approvable project. Purgatory is expected to begin work on the new area this spring as soon as the ski area closes. To learn more, visit fs.usda.gov/sanjuan then click on the land and resource management button. Thanks for watching the Local News Network's Roundup. I'm Wendy Graham Settle. See more of our stories at montezumalocal.news.
