Former McClave student Nolan Downey is out of intensive care and making progress toward recovery, his grandmother Margaret Beattie reported Tuesday.
    "He's doing great," said Beattie, Nolan's maternal grandmother who lives in Rocky Ford. The boy's paternal grandmother, Lillian Downey, also lives in Rocky Ford.
    Nolan suffered a gunshot wound that is under investigation by the Prowers County Sheriff's Office.
    "He's awake. He talks and he can move his extremities," Beattie said.
    She said cards could be sent to Nolan in care of Denver Health, 790 Delaware St., Denver, Colo., 80204.
    A helmet was to be fitted on his head Tuesday and in about five weeks a protective plate will be inserted. However, doctors will not remove the bullet that is in his brain to avoid further damage.
    When Downey woke up and was told he was in the hospital he replied that he could not stay because he had "two a days," referring to the football practice with Lamar High School, which he had transferred to from McClave over the summer.
    The Lamar football team sent him an autographed football.
    Nolan is the son of Sharon Downey of Lamar and Jess Downey of McClave. He is expected to remain at Denver Health about two more seeks.
    Beattie said the family does not know where he will be sent for further physical therapy.