Western Slope Trellis

Sign In Sign Up

A $130 Million Sweep Threatens Western Colorado’s Housing Boom and Sends the Fight to the Ballot Box

Civic

A $130 Million Sweep Threatens Western Colorado’s Housing Boom and Sends the Fight to the Ballot Box

Grand Junction has exceeded its Proposition 123 housing commitment, with projects advancing across the Grand Valley. But Colorado’s $130 million housing-fund transfer raises questions about financing the next round of affordable homes.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 5 min read

Mesa County Weighs Health Cuts as Garfield Looks to Limit Hogback Funding: Western Slope Civic Week Ahead: Sep 7–13

Civic

Mesa County Weighs Health Cuts as Garfield Looks to Limit Hogback Funding: Western Slope Civic Week Ahead: Sep 7–13

Mesa County reviews proposed public health staffing cuts, while Garfield County considers $200,000 for Hogback bus service with conditions for future funding. Your guide to local government meetings for September 7–13, 2026.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 5 min read

Pride, Pints & Pine Needles: Your Ultimate Western Slope Labor Day Weekend Guide

Events

Pride, Pints & Pine Needles: Your Ultimate Western Slope Labor Day Weekend Guide

Pride, live music, art shows, farmers markets and mountain events fill Labor Day weekend across Colorado’s Western Slope. Here’s what’s happening Sept. 4–6 in Mesa, Montrose, Garfield and Delta counties.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read

Colorado Hunting Season Is Here: What Hunters and Hikers Need to Know — Two bull elk use their antlers to battle for mates during their annual breeding season called 'the rut'. Photo courtesty of Wayne D. Lewis/CPW

Colorado

Colorado Hunting Season Is Here: What Hunters and Hikers Need to Know

Colorado’s 2026 hunting seasons are underway. Here are the key dates, safety tips for hunters and other outdoor users, and new rules for furbearers, beavers, wolves and CWD testing.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Latest Articles

A $130 Million Sweep Threatens Western Colorado’s Housing Boom and Sends the Fight to the Ballot Box

Civic

A $130 Million Sweep Threatens Western Colorado’s Housing Boom and Sends the Fight to the Ballot Box

Grand Junction has exceeded its Proposition 123 housing commitment, with projects advancing across the Grand Valley. But Colorado’s $130 million housing-fund transfer raises questions about financing the next round of affordable homes.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 5 min read

Mesa County Weighs Health Cuts as Garfield Looks to Limit Hogback Funding: Western Slope Civic Week Ahead: Sep 7–13

Civic

Mesa County Weighs Health Cuts as Garfield Looks to Limit Hogback Funding: Western Slope Civic Week Ahead: Sep 7–13

Mesa County reviews proposed public health staffing cuts, while Garfield County considers $200,000 for Hogback bus service with conditions for future funding. Your guide to local government meetings for September 7–13, 2026.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 5 min read

Pride, Pints & Pine Needles: Your Ultimate Western Slope Labor Day Weekend Guide

Events

Pride, Pints & Pine Needles: Your Ultimate Western Slope Labor Day Weekend Guide

Pride, live music, art shows, farmers markets and mountain events fill Labor Day weekend across Colorado’s Western Slope. Here’s what’s happening Sept. 4–6 in Mesa, Montrose, Garfield and Delta counties.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read

Grand Junction Traffic Alert: Major Road Closures Continue the Week of Sept. 7

Grand Junction

Grand Junction Traffic Alert: Major Road Closures Continue the Week of Sept. 7

Grand Junction drivers should expect continued closures on Crosby Avenue, 25 Road and D ½ Road, plus lane restrictions downtown and construction at the 23 Road and Broadway roundabout during the week of Sept. 7.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read

Colorado Hunting Season Is Here: What Hunters and Hikers Need to Know — Two bull elk use their antlers to battle for mates during their annual breeding season called 'the rut'. Photo courtesty of Wayne D. Lewis/CPW

Colorado

Colorado Hunting Season Is Here: What Hunters and Hikers Need to Know

Colorado’s 2026 hunting seasons are underway. Here are the key dates, safety tips for hunters and other outdoor users, and new rules for furbearers, beavers, wolves and CWD testing.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Montrose City Council Backs 2026 Election Results, Calls for Changes to Election Process

Montrose

Montrose City Council Backs 2026 Election Results, Calls for Changes to Election Process

Montrose City Council says it is confident in the results of the 2026 municipal election while calling for changes to future election procedures, including clearer roles, formal election judge selection and a designated election-night gathering space.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read

Festivals, Farmers Markets, and Film: Your Western Slope Guide for Aug 28–30

Events

Festivals, Farmers Markets, and Film: Your Western Slope Guide for Aug 28–30

Montrose debuts the 3-day Common Ground festival, Ty Myers rocks Grand Junction, and Tombstone hits the big screen. Your ultimate weekend guide!

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 5 min read

Grand Junction Traffic Alert: New West Lake Closure, Downtown Lane Restrictions Begin Aug. 31

Grand Junction

Grand Junction Traffic Alert: New West Lake Closure, Downtown Lane Restrictions Begin Aug. 31

Grand Junction drivers face new and ongoing traffic impacts the week of Aug. 31, including a West Lake parking lot closure, downtown lane restrictions, CO 340 overnight work and continued Four Canyons Parkway closures.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Events

Every Thursday, the weekend roundup: festivals, markets, live music, film and family events across Mesa, Montrose and Garfield counties, organized by town. Every listing is checked against the organizer before it runs, so if it's here, it's happening.

Festivals, Farmers Markets, and Film: Your Western Slope Guide for Aug 28–30

Festivals, Farmers Markets, and Film: Your Western Slope Guide for Aug 28–30

Montrose debuts the 3-day Common Ground festival, Ty Myers rocks Grand Junction, and Tombstone hits the big screen. Your ultimate weekend guide!

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 5 min read

Things to Do in Grand Junction, Montrose & Rifle Aug. 7–9

Things to Do in Grand Junction, Montrose & Rifle Aug. 7–9

Looking for events on the Colorado Western Slope this weekend? Top highlights for August 7–9, 2026, include the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Grand Junction, FUNC Fest water competitions in Montrose, and the demolition derby at the Garfield County Fair in Rifle.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read

Things to Do This Weekend on the Western Slope: Colorado Day Edition (July 31–August 2, 2026)

Things to Do This Weekend on the Western Slope: Colorado Day Edition (July 31–August 2, 2026)

Colorado turns 150 this Saturday and the Western Slope is celebrating — Fruita's 9:30 p.m. drone show, the Garfield County Fair parade in Rifle, free bluegrass in Cedaredge, and Palisade winery concerts all weekend. Your county-by-county guide to July 31–August 2, from GJ to Glenwood.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read

Celebrate Colorado's 150th Birthday at Fort Uncompahgre's Free Colorado Day Open House

Celebrate Colorado's 150th Birthday at Fort Uncompahgre's Free Colorado Day Open House

Celebrate Colorado's 150th birthday with a free Colorado Day Open House at Fort Uncompahgre in Delta on Aug. 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tour the reconstructed 1830s trading fort, meet historical interpreters, and explore the stories that shaped Colorado's Western Slope.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read

Western Slope Wildfire Emergency Resource Guide

Support

Western Slope Wildfire Emergency Resource Guide

Find official wildfire resources for Mesa and Ouray counties, including emergency alerts, shelter locations, animal support, road closures, air quality links, and go-bag steps for residents preparing for changing fire conditions.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read

Latest Articles

A $130 Million Sweep Threatens Western Colorado’s Housing Boom and Sends the Fight to the Ballot Box

Civic

A $130 Million Sweep Threatens Western Colorado’s Housing Boom and Sends the Fight to the Ballot Box

Grand Junction has exceeded its Proposition 123 housing commitment, with projects advancing across the Grand Valley. But Colorado’s $130 million housing-fund transfer raises questions about financing the next round of affordable homes.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 5 min read

Mesa County Weighs Health Cuts as Garfield Looks to Limit Hogback Funding: Western Slope Civic Week Ahead: Sep 7–13

Civic

Mesa County Weighs Health Cuts as Garfield Looks to Limit Hogback Funding: Western Slope Civic Week Ahead: Sep 7–13

Mesa County reviews proposed public health staffing cuts, while Garfield County considers $200,000 for Hogback bus service with conditions for future funding. Your guide to local government meetings for September 7–13, 2026.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 5 min read

Pride, Pints & Pine Needles: Your Ultimate Western Slope Labor Day Weekend Guide

Events

Pride, Pints & Pine Needles: Your Ultimate Western Slope Labor Day Weekend Guide

Pride, live music, art shows, farmers markets and mountain events fill Labor Day weekend across Colorado’s Western Slope. Here’s what’s happening Sept. 4–6 in Mesa, Montrose, Garfield and Delta counties.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read

Grand Junction Traffic Alert: Major Road Closures Continue the Week of Sept. 7

Grand Junction

Grand Junction Traffic Alert: Major Road Closures Continue the Week of Sept. 7

Grand Junction drivers should expect continued closures on Crosby Avenue, 25 Road and D ½ Road, plus lane restrictions downtown and construction at the 23 Road and Broadway roundabout during the week of Sept. 7.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read

Colorado Hunting Season Is Here: What Hunters and Hikers Need to Know — Two bull elk use their antlers to battle for mates during their annual breeding season called 'the rut'. Photo courtesty of Wayne D. Lewis/CPW

Colorado

Colorado Hunting Season Is Here: What Hunters and Hikers Need to Know

Colorado’s 2026 hunting seasons are underway. Here are the key dates, safety tips for hunters and other outdoor users, and new rules for furbearers, beavers, wolves and CWD testing.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Montrose City Council Backs 2026 Election Results, Calls for Changes to Election Process

Montrose

Montrose City Council Backs 2026 Election Results, Calls for Changes to Election Process

Montrose City Council says it is confident in the results of the 2026 municipal election while calling for changes to future election procedures, including clearer roles, formal election judge selection and a designated election-night gathering space.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read

Festivals, Farmers Markets, and Film: Your Western Slope Guide for Aug 28–30

Events

Festivals, Farmers Markets, and Film: Your Western Slope Guide for Aug 28–30

Montrose debuts the 3-day Common Ground festival, Ty Myers rocks Grand Junction, and Tombstone hits the big screen. Your ultimate weekend guide!

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 5 min read

Grand Junction Traffic Alert: New West Lake Closure, Downtown Lane Restrictions Begin Aug. 31

Grand Junction

Grand Junction Traffic Alert: New West Lake Closure, Downtown Lane Restrictions Begin Aug. 31

Grand Junction drivers face new and ongoing traffic impacts the week of Aug. 31, including a West Lake parking lot closure, downtown lane restrictions, CO 340 overnight work and continued Four Canyons Parkway closures.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Read More

Explore our archive of articles, interviews, and creative projects

Montrose County Confirms Three Cases of West Nile Virus, Urges Community Precautions — Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases / Unsplash

Montrose County

Montrose County Confirms Three Cases of West Nile Virus, Urges Community Precautions

With three confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Montrose County this season, public health officials are urging residents to take simple precautions—like eliminating standing water and using insect repellent—to protect themselves during peak mosquito months.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read

As litigation looms and drought takes its toll, state officials defiant over Colorado River’s future — Water levels in the Wolford Mountain Reservoir in Grand County, which dams a tributary of the Colorado River, have dropped by more than 30 feet during extreme drought conditions in 2026. (Photo by Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline)

As litigation looms and drought takes its toll, state officials defiant over Colorado River’s future

by Chase Woodruff, Colorado Newsline Routt County rancher Philip Rossi knew as early as January of this year — as the Flat Tops range above the Yampa River basin sat largely bare of snow — that 2026 would be a difficult water year. “You can just feel it,” said Rossi, whose family

By Colorado Newsline • 8 min read

Mesa County Takes the Spotlight During a Quiet Week for Local Government

Civic

Mesa County Takes the Spotlight During a Quiet Week for Local Government

While most regional government bodies across Mesa, Montrose, and Garfield counties are off-cycle this week, Mesa County commissioners are set to review over $19.1 million in FAA airport grants, a $549,900 property sale, and flood mitigation funding at their Tuesday, August 25 hearing.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read

Grand Junction Traffic Alert: Road Closures and Construction for the Week of Aug. 24

Grand Junction

Grand Junction Traffic Alert: Road Closures and Construction for the Week of Aug. 24

Grand Junction drivers should expect road closures, lane reductions and overnight construction the week of Aug. 24, including work on 25 Road, D 1/2 Road, Ute and Pitkin avenues, Highway 340 and Industrial Boulevard.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read

Western Slope Civic Wrap-up: Aug. 15–21

Civic

Western Slope Civic Wrap-up: Aug. 15–21

November ballot questions took center stage across the Western Slope this week, with Montrose advancing four charter amendments, Grand Junction referring an Orchard Mesa Pool tax measure, Garfield County sending a library mill levy to voters, and Mesa County reviewing license plate reader use.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 5 min read

Peaches, Sweet Corn, and the Grateful Dead: This Weekend on the Western Slope

Events

Peaches, Sweet Corn, and the Grateful Dead: This Weekend on the Western Slope

Peach Festival weekend takes over Palisade, the Grand Junction Symphony plays under the stars, Olathe celebrates sweet corn, and the Terrapin Roadshow lands in Glenwood Springs. Here’s what’s happening across the Western Slope Aug. 21–23.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 6 min read

Grand Junction Voters Will Decide Orchard Mesa Pool Funding in November

Grand Junction

Grand Junction Voters Will Decide Orchard Mesa Pool Funding in November

Grand Junction voters will decide in November whether to raise the city sales and use tax to help fund the Orchard Mesa Pool. The measure would increase the rate from 3.39% to 3.46%, with a partial reduction after repayment.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read

Mutual Aid Partners turns six. Here's what $500 can do.

Support

Mutual Aid Partners turns six. Here's what $500 can do.

Mutual Aid Partners has helped Grand Junction families stay housed, access food and connect with local services since 2020. As the nonprofit turns six, its newest housing program is showing how far a small amount of direct help can go.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 6 min read

CPW Lifts Roaring Fork River Fishing Closure as Flows and Temperatures Improve

Colorado

CPW Lifts Roaring Fork River Fishing Closure as Flows and Temperatures Improve

Colorado Parks and Wildlife will lift the voluntary fishing closure on the Roaring Fork River Aug. 20 after increased flows from Ruedi Reservoir helped cool water temperatures. Closures remain on the Colorado, Eagle and Crystal rivers.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read

Parents are being held responsible for their kids’ crimes under new laws — A mother and her son hold hands on a swing set. This year, more state and local leaders are pushing to hold parents accountable for their children’s behavior, particularly when it involves serious criminal offenses. (Photo by Troy Bennett/Maine Morning Star)

Colorado

Parents are being held responsible for their kids’ crimes under new laws

New laws are holding some parents legally and financially responsible for crimes committed by their children, but researchers say there is little evidence these policies reduce youth crime.

By Colorado Newsline • 6 min read

Western Slope Health Care Costs Put Colorado’s Universal Coverage Debate in Focus

Colorado

Western Slope Health Care Costs Put Colorado’s Universal Coverage Debate in Focus

A new Yale study projects that a national single-payer system could save $1 trillion a year. With local hospitals squeezed by Medicaid bureaucracy and residents skipping care over cost, here is how the debate lands in Mesa, Montrose, and Garfield counties.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 6 min read

Heat-related illnesses spike in Colorado as climate change fuels record temperatures — Crowds gathered in downtown Denver for Colorado Day celebrations commemorating the 150th anniversary of statehood on Aug. 1, 2026. (Photo by Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline)

Colorado

Heat-related illnesses spike in Colorado as climate change fuels record temperatures

Heat-related illnesses are surging across Colorado during a summer of record temperatures, with state data showing more than 1,100 heat-related medical visits as climate change drives more frequent and intense heat waves.

By Colorado Newsline • 5 min read

Colorado issues public health order over tuberculosis case at Aurora ICE facility — The Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Aurora, operated by private prison firm GEO Group, is pictured on Jan. 30, 2025. (Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline)

Colorado

Colorado issues public health order over tuberculosis case at Aurora ICE facility

Colorado health officials ordered GEO Group to provide records tied to a tuberculosis case at Aurora’s ICE detention facility after earlier requests and a county health order went unanswered.

By Colorado Newsline • 2 min read

Bluegrass Royalty, a Rock Legend’s Farewell, and Palisade Peaches: The Ultimate Western Slope Weekend Guide

Events

Bluegrass Royalty, a Rock Legend’s Farewell, and Palisade Peaches: The Ultimate Western Slope Weekend Guide

From Alison Krauss and Little Feat in Grand Junction to community fiestas, winery events, local film, art and adoption events, the Western Slope is packed with things to do Aug. 14–16.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Grand Junction Traffic Alert: Road Closures and Construction for the Week of August 17

Grand Junction

Grand Junction Traffic Alert: Road Closures and Construction for the Week of August 17

Grand Junction drivers should expect road closures, lane restrictions and overnight construction the week of Aug. 17, including work on 25 Road, D 1/2 Road, Highway 340, Ute and Pitkin avenues.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Glenwood Springs Community Arts Center Reopens After Major Remodel with August 15 Open House

Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs Community Arts Center Reopens After Major Remodel with August 15 Open House

Glenwood Springs’ newly remodeled Community Arts Center will celebrate its reopening Aug. 15 with live art demonstrations, mini concerts, giveaways and 20% off class registrations.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read