Latest news with #KREX
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Mesa County Sheriff's Office highlights Mental Health Clinicians for EMS week
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — From May 21 to May 28, the Mesa County Sheriff's Office created a series of social media posts to highlight its Mental Health Clinicians of the Mesa County Sheriff's Office Co-Response Team for EMS week. In 2023, the Mesa County Co-Response was initiated to improve the response to mental health crises in the community by integrating clinicians into patrol teams. The Mental Health Clinicians respond to emergency calls and work together with a deputy to de-escalate situations that could lead to arrest or hospitalization, assess individuals and direct them to local resources. The highlighted Mental Health Clinicians include: Dr. Pamela Shannahan-Sturgon, who is the Mesa County Sheriff's Office Co-Response Team Clinical Supervisor and has a doctorate in behavioral health. Shannahan-Sturgon has over 20 years of clinical and supervisory experience, in which she has developed and led integrated health and behavioral health programs for underserved populations. Paul McGinnet, who started his professional mental health career at Mind Springs Health before he transitioned to the sheriff's office to serve in Co-Response. In the post, McGinnet said, 'I am deeply passionate about my work, as I thrive on helping individuals in crisis and connecting them with resources that can help them avoid unnecessary psychiatric admissions or incarceration.' Liz Elliot, a mental health professional who has been in the human services field since 2013 after graduating from Aurora University in Illinois. She has gained experience in interacting with different community members, helping with regulation and de-escalation and providing individualized resources. Justin Morgan, a Mental Health Clinician with experience in veterinary technology and mental health. Morgan has been a mental health worker and team lead at an inpatient facility, a crisis clinician for both mobile and walk-in clinics. He has been a co-responder since April 2024. Tara Butson, a mental health professional with licensed experience in addiction counseling and social work, has served in roles such as a jail-based behavioral health therapist for San Miguel and Archuleta counties and as an adolescent and family case manager. Michael LeFebre, a licensed clinical social worker who has worked as a mental health clinician for over 35 years. In the post, LeFebre said, 'It has been extremely gratifying to work in Mesa County supporting and promoting the wellness of our community.' The final post in the series from the Mesa County Sheriff's Office also mentions the two Co-Response Deputies in the program: Deputies Huisjen and Strauch, who have received specialized mental and behavioral health training. 'Co-Response addresses the unique mental health needs of the community, and we look forward to seeing the program flourish,' the Mesa County Sheriff's Office stated in the final post. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Governor visiting Grand Valley while signing bills, touring local businesses
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) – Gov. Jared Polis is spending time on the Western Slope Friday as he is signing bills and visiting a few local businesses. Polis' first stop is at Over Edge Sports in Fruita. He signed SB25-174 which supports the outdoor recreation economy. Co-sponsor state Rep. Matt Soper also attended the signing. Next, Polis will stop by Bonsai Designs, where he will sign HB25-1215 and HB25-1021. The bills invest in outdoor recreation opportunities and save residents money on taxes. Both measures were co-sponsor by state Rep. Rick Taggart. The governor will also visit the Grand Junction Small Business Development Center, demonstrating his support for small businesses. His last visit will be at Community Hospital where he will sign SB25-071 which reduces prescription drug costs. The bill was co-sponsor by state Sen. Janice Rich and Taggart. Polis will also stop in Glenwood Springs and Edwards as part of his visit to Western Colorado. WesternSlopeNow will have more Friday evening regarding the governor's visit. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
GJPD issues warning of fradulent emergency scam calls
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — On Thursday, the Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) alerted the public to various scams involving fraudulent phone calls and emails. These scams are designed to deceive individuals into sending money. For example, in one scam, the scam caller falsely claims that an individual's loved one has been involved in a car crash or has been arrested. They demand immediate payment to cover medical expenses or bail. Presenting as government agencies, another scam involves scammers conducting an audit and demanding that an individual pay in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. Last month, a Clifton man was scammed out of over $130,000 by a scammer pretending to be a government official from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The scammer threatened to arrest the man, alleging that he owed the FTC money. GJDP notes that these scams are alarming as the scammer knows the name of the victim's family member or other personal information to sound convincing. GJPD urges the community to take the following steps if they receive a suspicious call or email: Remain calm and resist the urge to respond. Verify the claim. Do not send money or provide financial information. Avoid sharing additional personal information. Report the incident to local law enforcement. Warn others who may be more vulnerable to scams. While acknowledging that these scams can be terrifying, GJPD reminds individuals to take a moment to assess the situation, verify the information and contact law enforcement immediately. Those who believe that they have been targeted or victimized by a scam are encouraged to contact non-emergency dispatch at 970-242-6707. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Cortez man sentenced for threats against Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold
DENVER, Colo. (KREX) — On Thursday, a Federal District Court Judge for the District of Colorado sentenced Teak Ty Brockbank to 37 months of confinement and three years of supervised release. Brockbank had sent threats to multiple public officials between September 2021 and August 2022, including Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold and former Arizona Secretary of State and current Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. Brockbank pleaded guilty to a count of transmitting interstate threats back in October 2024. He was found in unlawful possession of firearms at the time of his arrest. He was arrested in August 2024 in Cortez, Colorado. Brockbank argued through his counsel that he was influenced by online conspiracy theories and 'brainwashed' by the ecosystem on Gab and Rumble, which perpetuated unfounded conspiracy theories. He asked for leniency for his sentence, citing Trump's pardons of January 6 insurrectionists. Secretary Griswold issued the following statement: 'The far right has spread conspiracy theories to incite threats and violence against secretaries of state and election officials. I will not be intimidated and I will not back down in protecting our democracy and our freedoms.' At least three other individuals have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to making threats of violence toward Secretary Griswold. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Law enforcement seeking help identifying Ulta thieves
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) – Crime Stoppers of Mesa County is asking for the community's help in finding two suspects regarding a theft. The incident occurred around 5 p.m., Saturday, May 10, when a male and female couple entered Ulta Beauty, 632 Market St. While inside, the woman allegedly picked up several items from the shelves, concealing them inside a large black bag the man was carrying. Not long after, the couple allegedly walked past the checkout counters and left the store without trying to purchase the items in the bag. The suspect fled the scene in a small silver sedan, according to Crime Stoppers. The estimated property loss is over $4,300. Anyone who knows the suspects can submit a tip anonymously on the P3tips app, at or call 970-241-7867. Any information that leads to an arrest can result in a $1,000 reward. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
