Grand Valley Power, 845 22 Road, named Coy Sears the recipient of the 2021 Western Colorado Community College Electric Lineworker Scholarship.
The scholarship is awarded to a Mesa County resident pursuing a career as an electric lineworker and is attending WCCC.
Sears, a 2020 graduate of Fruita Monument High School, is a full-time student at WCCC and is certified in emergency medical response. He was a member of the National High School Rodeo Association and Tri-County Rodeo Team. He also volunteered for the Grand Junction Fire Department.
âProviding our community with opportunities to further their education is one of seven cooperative principles and it remains close to GVPâs heart,â said Christmas Wharton, communications manager of Grand Valley Power. âWe are proud to award exceptional students like Coy who aspire to further their education.â
The Grand Junction Fire Department and Grand Valley Power are partnering up to warn homeowners and renters of the importance of home electronics safety as heating and electrical fires are more common now than at any other point in the year.
GJFD spokesperson Ellis Thompson-Ellis said during this time home fires tend to be related to heating and electrical wiring.
There were 56 home fire deaths reported across the US from Jan. 3 to Jan. 9 this year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Thompson said that most of the fires are still under investigation but the ones fire officials do know about were related to heating.
Grand Valley Power, 845 22 Road, now have more time to get relief for their accounts.
The companyâs board of directors approved extending its bill relief fund through March 31, according to a news release.
Members who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are in a financially difficult situation can apply for a one-time $100 credit that will be applied directly to their accounts.
âOur Board of Directors recognize the need to continue this support into 2021. Weâve allocated $100,000 to help our members who are struggling financially and have issued almost half of these funds to date,â said
Christmas Wharton, Grand Valley Power spokesperson, in the release. âAs a locally-owned cooperative, right now our greatest concern is our membership and the hardships they have faced from the coronavirus pandemic.â