MonTrosE MAnis sEnTEnCED To 48 YEArs

MONTROSE» A 20-year-old Colorado man has been sentenced to 48 years in prison for the 2017 shooting death of a woman.

The Daily Sentinel reported that Joseph A. Saur of Montrose was sentenced Monday by Montrose County District Judge Keri Yoder on a charge of second-degree murder in the shooting death of 27-year-old Patience R. Stewart of Olathe.

While under the influence of methamphetamine, Saur initially told police that he believed Stewart was his own father when he shot Stewart on Nov. 5, 2017.

District Attorney Dan Hotsenpiller said his office considered Saur’s youth, dysfunctional upbringing and evidence that he was using meth at the time of the murder in extending a plea agreement on a reduced charge.

Colorado Springs has new police chief after national search.

The Colorado Springs Police Department has a new chief after a national search.

The Gazette reported that Vince Niski, nominated to be the next Colorado Springs police chief, said Monday he will keep strengthening relationships with other city departments, much like his predecessor, Pete Carey.

Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers chose Niski after a national search drummed up 64 applicants.

Niski’s official appointment is pending confirmation by the City Council, but a majority of council members say they expect that he will be approved unanimously.

Niski joined the police department in 1989, and has served in the patrol, traffic and Metro Vice, Narcotics and Intelligence divisions.

Mother arrested after casting mail-in ballot for adult son.

GRAND JUNCTION»

Officials say a Grand Junction woman was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor voter fraud after she allegedly cast a mail-in ballot for her adult son.

The Mesa County District Attorney’s Office says 66-year-old Gail Arlene Gray allegedly cast the vote last fall after becoming frustrated that her adult children didn’t seem to be voting.

The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel reported that Gray was booked on a “quick book and release” at the Mesa County Jail and handed a $2,500 personal recognizance bond, meaning she could sign herself out of the jail.

Authorities learned of the situation after Gray’s 25-year-old son, who does not live at his mother’s address, voted in person Nov. 6 at Colorado Mesa University.

Snowmobiler dies after being buried by an avalanche.

SALT LAKE

Authorities say a central Utah man died after an avalanche buried him while he was snowmobiling about 45 miles northwest of Salt Lake City.

Summit County sheriff’s officials say the slide triggered Saturday afternoon near Coalville trapped the man in deep snow.

The Deseret News reported that two fellow riders were able to dig out the victim after about half an hour.

They administered lifesaving efforts for more than 40 minutes until emergency personnel arrived.