Mesa County News

09/06/2026

Many Mesa County offices will close on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.

This one-day closure does not include the Coroner’s Office, Criminal Justice Services, or the Sheriff’s Office's emergency functions.

Animal Services will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Labor Day.

Residents can access many county services online at mesacounty.us.

09/05/2026

After a long, dry, and stressful summer, our plants and grass are tired. They’ve depleted their natural energy reserves just trying to survive the heat. There’s a way to help them out.

The secret to a beautiful yard and garden next spring actually starts in the fall. Applying compost before the cold weather sets in acts like a slow-release nutrient blanket for your soil over the winter.

Why fall compost application works:
⭐️Overwinter Breakdown: Throughout the late fall and winter, soil microbes slowly break down the compost, embedding vital nutrients deep into the ground.
⭐️Spring Readiness: When the ground warms up next spring, your plants will have immediate access to a rich bank of nutrients, giving them a head start.
⭐️Winter Protection: A top layer of compost insulates plant roots against harsh freeze-and-thaw cycles.

Give your yard the recovery period it deserves so it can bounce back stronger next year.

https://www.mesacounty.us/departments-and-services/solid-waste-management/organic-materials-composting-facility

🌱 Compost ⏰Open Wed. – Sat. from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Questions? Call 970-263-9319

09/04/2026

Review what the Mesa County Commissioners will vote on at the next administrative public hearing on Tuesday, September 8, 2026: https://onbaseep22.mesacounty.us/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=1958&doctype=1

09/04/2026

The Unaweep Trail on the Uncompahgre was damaged by last year’s Turner Gulch fire. This summer, the Mesa County Trail Crew cleared and rebuilt much of the trail.

Read more here: https://www.mesacounty.us/news/public-works/mesa-county-trail-crew-wraps-restoration-work-turner-gulch-burn-scar

09/03/2026

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions prohibit:
- Personal use of fireworks
- Campfires outside of designated fire pits or fire rings
- Agricultural open burning without a Sheriff’s issued burn permit
- Use of explosive targets
- Smoking outside near combustible materials
- Operating or using any internal combustion engine, such as chainsaws, without a spark-arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order.
- Welding or operating Acetylene or other torches with an open flame except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter, you MUST have a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher.

The Mesa County Sheriff, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Grand Junction Field Office, Colorado National Monument, and the Fire Chiefs representing municipalities and fire protection districts of Mesa County will reduce all Fire Restrictions...

09/03/2026

Collbran residents are invited to meet with Mesa County Commissioners and county leaders at an upcoming town hall meeting.

📍 Plateau Valley School, 56600 CO-330, Collbran
🗓 Tuesday, September 22
🕕 6 p.m.

Hear updates, ask questions and engage directly with county leadership about issues affecting the Collbran community.

09/02/2026

As Mesa County works on its draft 2027 budget, leaders are moving forward with organizational and financial changes.

There’s a projected $12.5 million gap based on preliminary 2027 budget requests, and these changes are intended to preserve essential services while dealing with the financial challenges.

Read more here: https://www.mesacounty.us/news/county-wide/county-provides-update-its-2027-budget-process

09/02/2026

Thanks for joining us for more “Trash Talk Tuesday”! Today is once again about mattresses as we get so many questions about it 🛏️

Q: “Why does recycling a mattress really matter?”

A: As mentioned earlier, the landfill has a limited amount of space we’re allowed to use. Every mattress we recycle helps conserve that space, extending the life of the landfill and delaying the need to site, permit, and construct a new landfill, a process that is both expensive and time-consuming.

Thank you for helping us recycle items whenever possible and for being good stewards of Mesa County's resources!

Have a question of your own? Drop it in the comments 👇and we’ll do our best to answer it.

09/01/2026

Drivers can travel on roads maintained by several government agencies during a single trip, often without realizing it.

Responsibility depends on the road’s location and classification. The Colorado Department of Transportation maintains Interstate 70 and state and federal highways. Mesa County maintains most local roads in unincorporated areas, including Clifton. Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade generally maintain local roads within their municipal boundaries.

Read more here: https://www.mesacounty.us/news/road-and-bridge/why-are-some-street-signs-green-and-others-blue

09/01/2026

THE DAILY SENTINEL

Celebrating in a challenging year

By Mesa County Commissioner JJ Fletcher

This past year has brought a series of challenges to Mesa County, ranging from drought and fire to broader economic uncertainty, stock market volatility, and inflation.

However, as we recognize our nation’s 250th anniversary and Colorado’s 150th year — this historic sesquicentennial — we have proven ourselves resilient. We are blessed with a community defined by true grit and a shared spirit of perseverance.

This year’s report on agriculture on the Western Slope from Colorado Mesa University says 71% of producers have been impacted by drought in the past three years. That means farmers and ranchers are dealing with reduced forage, higher feed costs, and have to keep smaller herds. The report also says 57% have diversified income streams, like agritourism and secondary crops.

Our agricultural roots remain strong, with a solid peach crop and vineyards that continue to earn national acclaim. Agriculture makes up 3.29% of employment in Mesa County.

The Palisade Peach Festival continues to be one of the area’s most famous events, bringing people from across Colorado who want to experience a unique festival that only the Western Slope can provide. According to the Palisade Chamber of Commerce, 7,920 people attended the festival, tripling the population of the town.

This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) and The Business Incubator Center (BIC), both of which are led by world-class teams. These organizations grew from the vision of leaders who saw opportunity even after the oil shale crash of the 1980s.

Beyond our economy, our greatest asset is our people and the breathtaking landscape we call home. From the desert floor to the striking Bookcliffs and the majestic Grand Mesa, outdoor recreation opportunities abound for everyone.

Our vibrant community is further enriched by incredible farmers markets, a thriving art scene, the growth of Colorado Mesa University, and the convenience of the Grand Junction Regional Airport. Mesa County serves as a pass-through agency for FAA grants, and recently administered $19 million in funding for the major runway replacement project at the airport.

With fall just around the corner, there is no better time to continue to celebrate Mesa County. If the peach festival wasn’t enough, September is packed with events like the Tour of The Moon bike ride and the Fruita Fall Festival. At these events, at a local football game, or just on a walk down Main Street, take a moment to appreciate everything this resilient community has to offer.

JJ Fletcher is a Mesa County commissioner.

https://www.gjsentinel.com/opinion/columns/celebrating-in-a-challenging-year/article_2999c791-96d3-430a-ac9d-bdc3c3793204.html