Local student default rate varies
The student loan burden has exploded nationally, and locally about two thirds of local students are taking out federal loans.
The student loan burden across the country has increased more than 70 percent since 2004, according to an Aug. report by the Vanguard Group. It passed the $1 trillion mark nationally last year.
At Fort Lewis College the three-year default rate of federal student loans is unofficially 7.3 percent, said Mitch Davis a spokesman for the college. About 64 percent of the student body took out federal, state or institutional loans during the 2013 fiscal year, he said.
While across the Pueblo Community College system the three-year default rate is about 29.7 percent, said Monica Hardwick the director of financial aid. About 60 percent of the PCC student body took out federal loans during the 2012-13 year.
The institutions also showed stark contrasts in the percentage of students qualifying for Pell Grants. These grants are for students from low income families.
During the 2012-13 school year, about 38 percent of Fort Lewis Students were eligible for Pell Grants. Throughout the PCC system, 54.6 percent were eligible for the grants.
Celebrate San Juan Skyway on Tuesday
A public meeting to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the San Juan Skyway is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the San Juan Public Lands Center, 15 Burnett Court.
The San Juan Skyway is a 236-mile loop of highways through the San Juan Mountains that goes through Durango, Mancos, Cortez, Dolores and Silverton.
The meeting Tuesday will explain the history the skyway and solicit ideas for development such as more interpretive signs or an app that calls the attention of travelers to interesting points along the way.
Further information is available from meeting facilitator Marsha Porter-Norton at 247-8306, mporternorton@gmail.com or phanty.mpn@gmail.com.
People can provide suggestions for the skyway projects at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SPSGNLQ.
Honda recalls 126,000 motorcycles again
Honda Motor Co. is recalling 126,000 motorcycles for a second time because their brakes can malfunction.
The recall covers Honda’s GL-1800 motorcycles for model years 2001-2010 and 2012. A problem with the secondary brake master cylinder can cause the rear brake to drag, potentially leading to a crash or fire.
Honda had received 533 complaints through July 24, including reports of eight small fires. There have been no reports of crashes or injuries as a result of the problem.
Honda originally recalled the motorcycles in December 2011 but continued to receive complaints. It says in documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the “root cause has not been determined” and it is continuing to investigate.
Honda will send a letter to each motorcycle owner explaining how to look for the problem. Motorcycles with the defect can be taken to the dealer for inspection. Owners will get a second letter when repairs and replacement parts are available.
The Cortez Journal
