Civic Western Slope Schools Put Teacher Pay on the Ballot Alongside Proposition NN Three Western Slope school districts are asking voters to fund staff raises this November. Proposition NN would also add school funding by reducing TABOR refunds. Here’s what District 51, Roaring Fork and Garfield Re-2 are requesting, what it could cost and how the separate ballot decisions compare. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read
Grand Junction Grand Junction Traffic: Lincoln Park Entrance Closure and Detours for Sept. 21–27 Grand Junction drivers face detours on Crosby Avenue, 25 Road, D ½ Road and Crossroads Boulevard the week of Sept. 21. Lincoln Park's 12th Street entrance is expected to close Monday through Wednesday, while downtown lane restrictions continue. Here's where to go and what access remains open. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read
Grand Junction Shakespeare Meets Dr. Seuss at Grand Junction’s Free Theatre in the Park Shakespeare meets Dr. Seuss at Grand Junction’s free Theatre in the Park on September 19. Bring a blanket or low-back chair to Watson Island Amphitheater for family activities at noon and The Theatre Project’s performance of Seusspeare: Much Ado About Everything at 1 p.m. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read
Events Winefest in Palisade, Ranch Rodeo in Montrose: Your Western Slope Weekend, Sept. 18–20 Winefest returns to Palisade, Montrose hosts ranch rodeo finals and a free punk festival, and Glenwood Springs welcomes Octoberfest. Find concerts, community gatherings and outdoor events across the Western Slope for September 18–20. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read
Civic Amendment 87 vs. Proposition 136: What Colorado’s Tax Measures Mean for Western Slope Residents Colorado voters face competing income tax measures this November. Amendment 87 would introduce graduated rates; Proposition 136 would cap rates at 4.4%. Here’s how they compare, what taxpayers could pay and why the outcome matters on the Western Slope. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read
Montrose Montrose Opens Applications for Vacant Council Seat, With Sept. 23 Deadline Montrose is accepting applications for the District IV City Council seat following Dave Frank’s resignation. Eligible residents must apply by 6 p.m. Sept. 23. Council will interview candidates Oct. 5 and appoint a replacement Oct. 6. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read
Rendering of Salt Flats Development Grand Junction Grand Junction’s Homes Starting at $279,000 Come With 40-Year Affordability Rules Juniper Grove advertises Grand Junction homes starting at $279,000, with income qualifications and resale limits lasting 40 years. Council will consider a no-cost land transfer and nearly $750,000 in support. Here’s what the proposal means for buyers and the city. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read
Montrose Montrose Council to Consider Nine-Month Separation Package for Bell and Interim Pay for Morgenthaler Montrose council will consider nine months of salary and specified benefits for former City Manager Bill Bell, plus interim pay for Ann Morgenthaler. Councilors also face a deadline to fill Dave Frank’s vacant seat. Here’s what the agreements and appointment process involve. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read
Civic Western Slope Week Ahead: Housing Votes in Grand Junction, Leadership Changes in Montrose Grand Junction weighs agreements for 48 homes at the Salt Flats, Montrose formalizes its city manager transition, and Mesa County considers a $4.6 million road contract. Your guide to Western Slope government meetings September 14–17, with key decisions and ways to participate. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 7 min read
Civic Montrose Details Manager’s Exit, Grand Junction Faces Budget Gap and Votes to Repeal Tree Rules: Civic Wrap-up, Sept. 4–11 Montrose details its city manager’s exit as a council seat opens. Grand Junction faces a $6 million budget gap and votes to repeal tree-preservation rules. Mesa County advances drainage plans, while Palisade weighs a tax increase and Glenwood Springs revisits bear-related trash enforcement. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 6 min read
Grand Junction Grand Junction Traffic: Closures and Downtown Lane Restrictions for Sept. 14–20 Grand Junction drivers face closures on 25 Road, Crosby Avenue and D ½ Road, plus downtown lane reductions and a detour at Alcove Drive. Here’s where to expect delays and how to reach affected streets during the week of Sept. 14. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read
Events Bikes, Barks, and the Calm Before Winefest: Your Western Slope Weekend Sep 11-13 Ride the Monument, catch Montrose’s free concert finale or let your dog take the last swim of summer. Your Sept. 11–13 Western Slope guide covers live music, wine country, a Cedaredge writers’ gathering and more across Mesa, Montrose, Garfield and Delta counties. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 6 min read
Visit The North Fork Valley Closes November 1. Here's the Window. Paonia and Hotchkiss hold Colorado's organic farming heart and the West Elks AVA. Almost every tasting room shuts for the season on the same date. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read
Visit The Grand Mesa: 300 Lakes, an Hour From the Desert A basalt plateau the size of a small county sits 6,000 feet above Grand Junction. Here is what to do up there, and when the road is worth it. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 5 min read
Photo: Colorado Mountain Winefest Visit Palisade Wine Country for People Who Don't Know Colorado Wine More than thirty tasting rooms sit within a few miles of each other. Three in an afternoon is the honest number, and here is how to pick them. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read
Lifestyle After Labor Day, the Western Slope’s Labor Story Is Still Being Written From Telluride’s ski patrol strike to Roaring Fork Valley bus contracts, unions remain consequential on Colorado’s Western Slope. After Labor Day, a look at local bargaining, statewide membership trends and new workplace protections reveals both gains and limits. By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read
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
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
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 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
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 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
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 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
