Area News in Brief

Branch blamed for power outage

OLATHE — Close to 1,000 regional residents lost power for nearly an hour Wednesday night, after a tree branch fell into a power line on 57.00 Road.

Delta-Montrose Electric Association's Olathe North circuit locked out, affecting the Olathe substation west to the end of the system and north into Delta County, as well as south to Holly Road, DMEA said.

Service was restored after linemen cleared the branch and closed the substation's breaker by remote control.

MMH receives national award

MONTROSE — Montrose Memorial Hospital was awarded Avatar International's Exceeding Patient Expectations award Wednesday.

This is the seventh year that MMH has received the award.

"Our patients will always be our primary focus and this award shows that we are succeeding and exceeding their expectation," Dave Hample, MMH CEO said.

Avatar International is an industry leader in healthcare quality improvement services, according to a news release.

MHS speech team returns from Nationals

MONTROSE — The Montrose High speech team national qualifiers had a successful trip to Alabama for the National Forensic tournament. Three thousand competitors vied for the top spots in the multiple events. Although not from Montrose, the sister school of Ouray had a member finish high. Jake Abel took second place out of 280 in drama.