On today’s extended KVNF Farm Friday feature, we hear from Libby Christensen, Statewide Food and Ag Specialist Colorado State University Office of Engagement and Extension, on the recent shortfall in funding for the Health School Meals for All program that’s affecting students, school food service workers and Colorado Ag Producers.In November of 2022, Colorado voters approved Proposition FF to increase the state budget by over $100 million dollars. The budget increase would come by increasing taxes on those making more than $300,000 annually and completely fund the Health School Meals for All program.KVNF previously reported that the program was slated to have a huge financial impact on ag producers for years to come. Producers statewide were encouraged to move forward with contacting schools or food hubs to provide produce or value added products for schools. Now, many financial losses and trust in the program.

The House Judiciary Committee voted down the impeachment resolution aimed at Colorado Secretary of State Jenna Griswold. The decision on Monday was voted down on an 8-3, party-line vote followed by over five hours of testimony and remarks.

Montrose Mayor Barbara Bynum has dropped out of Colorado’s Senate District 5 race. Bynum made the announcement on her Facebook Page.

A new traffic signal at the Montrose Regional Airport is in the works, reports the Montrose Daily Press. The signal will help control traffic coming onto and off of North Townsend Avenue. Currently, travelers heading south from the airport have to turn left across four lanes of traffic on U.S. 50 heading into Montrose.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed reports of wolf depredation in Grand County earlier this week. A landowner, whose name and property location are not being released by CPW, called wildlife officers to report a dead calf. Officers conducted a field investigation, and confirmed a wolf-livestock depredation had occurred.

Delta voters turned down retail marijuana while approving the need for a Charter Commission. In unofficial results released Tuesday night, retail marijuan failed by 42 votes. Voters approved a nine person Charter Commission by 50 votes.

The Town of Paonia recently addressed the need for more affordable housing including short-term rentals and accessory dwelling units, reports Tamie Meck of the High Country Spotlight. A joint workshop between the board of trustees and planning commission was held on March 19th where town officials reviewed proposed ordinances regulating accessory dwelling units and short term to be integrated into the draft Master Plan, expected to be adopted in June.

Today is election day for municipalities in our area including Delta and Montrose Counties. Polling places will be open until 7 pm tonight. Be sure and participate in our democracy and vote.

On today’s KVNF Farm Friday Brad Tonnensen from the Organic Agriculture Research Station at Rogers Mesa tells us about some upcoming events.

The death of a Delta County woman who vanished last November was ruled accidental, according to the autopsy report released March 13 reports the Delta County Independent.Delta County Sheriff Mark Taylor says 40 year old - Samantha Bartolo’s death was the result of drug intoxication and exposure to the elements. Although her death was ruled accidental, elements of the case remain suspicious, says Taylor, adding that “investigators continue to work diligently, trying to piece things together.”