Western Slope Trellis Staff

Lifestyle

Colorado Fishing Licenses Now Available for 2026–2027 Season

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has opened sales for 2026–2027 fishing licenses. Anglers can fish more than 6,000 miles of streams and 1,300 lakes statewide. License fees support hatcheries, search and rescue teams, and aquatic conservation efforts.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Government

Montrose Sets Course for 2026 With Major Infrastructure, Housing, and Public Safety Investments

Montrose leaders are advancing a $168.9 million 2026 budget focused on infrastructure upgrades, housing expansion, a new Public Works facility, wastewater plant improvements, and police staffing goals as the city manages continued growth.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read

Glenwood Springs

Downtown Glenwood Springs Sees Winter Growth, North Landing Progress, and Market on 7th Momentum

Downtown Glenwood Springs is seeing winter momentum with progress at North Landing, record growth for Market on 7th, and a 14% jump in January tourism. Vendor applications are now open as the city prepares for a busy 2026 season.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read

Grand Junction

Road Closures and Lane Reductions Planned Across Grand Junction: March 2–8

Drivers in Grand Junction should plan for multiple road closures and lane reductions during the week of March 2 as city and state construction projects continue across key corridors. Here’s what to expect. Four Canyons Parkway Project Full Closure: 25 Road will be closed from F ½ Road to Waite

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read

News

The Bus Stops Here? Why the "Books vs. Buses" Debate Misses the Point

The Hogback bus line serving Rifle and Silt could shut down in November as funding runs out. A proposal to shift millions from Garfield County Libraries to keep transit running has sparked backlash. Is this really a books vs. buses choice, or is there another path forward?

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Government

Leading Colorado governor candidates spar over best affordable housing approach

At a Denver forum, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser agreed Colorado must accelerate housing construction, but clashed on how to deliver results. Both backed faster permitting and more starter homes, while debating renter protections and local compliance.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 6 min read

Government

Montrose County Invites Students to Design “I Voted” Stickers for 2026 Elections

Montrose County is inviting students in grades 3 through 12 to design official “I Voted” stickers for the 2026 primary and general elections. Winning artwork will be printed and distributed at polling centers, encouraging youth creativity and civic engagement.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read

Mesa County

Mesa County Public Health Reports Strong 2025 Impact in Disease Prevention, Emergency Response, and Family Services

Mesa County Public Health responded to measles cases, expanded naloxone access, supported 3,200 WIC families, and strengthened emergency preparedness in 2025. New data highlights the impact of prevention, disease control, and family services across the Western Slope.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read

Grand Junction

Grand Junction to Launch Single-Stream Recycling as Part of Major Regional Upgrade

Grand Junction will transition 3,800 residents to single-stream recycling starting in March 2026, ahead of a new regional Materials Recovery Facility set to open in late 2026. The move simplifies recycling and supports expanded Western Slope processing capacity.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read

Government

Traffic Alert: Lane Closures and Road Work Across Grand Junction Week of Feb 23

Drivers across Grand Junction should plan for multiple construction impacts in the coming days, including full closures, lane reductions, and flagger-controlled traffic. Here’s what to expect: 🚧 Four Canyons Parkway Project 25 Road Closure 25 Rd. is closed between F ½ Rd. and Waite Ave. A temporary roadway is in place.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read

Government

Juniata Reservoir to Be Drained for Dam Repairs; Public Fish Salvage Expands Fishing Access

Juniata Reservoir will be fully drained for multi-year dam repairs after a leak was discovered during inspection. A public fish salvage begins Feb. 23, with bag limits lifted and expanded fishing access. Repairs are expected to wrap in late 2027, with refilling starting in 2028.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read

Events

Where to Show Up This Month: Forums, Workshops, and Volunteer Opportunities Across the Western Slope

From food drives and city forums to craft shows, film nights, and business workshops, communities across the Western Slope are offering real ways to connect this month. Here’s where to volunteer, learn something new, and show up locally.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read

Government

54 Colorado Organizations Urge Lawmakers to Hold Big Tech Accountable for Data Center Impacts

A coalition of 54 Colorado organizations is urging state lawmakers to adopt guardrails on large data centers, warning of rising electric bills, water strain, and long-term tax impacts if Big Tech expansion continues without stronger consumer and environmental protections.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Government

Water, Power, and Public Costs at Stake as Data Center Debate Heats Up in Colorado

As large data centers expand across Colorado, more than 50 organizations are urging lawmakers to adopt stronger guardrails. Supporters of SB26-102 warn that unchecked growth could strain water supplies, raise electricity bills, and shift long-term costs onto families and small businesses.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read

Government

Feb 17 Mesa County Board of Commissioners to Weigh Airport Grants, Child Welfare Contracts, and Road Expansions

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, Mesa County Commissioners will vote on a $1.3M FAA grant for the airport tower, expanded child welfare contracts, and land purchases for the 32 1/2 Road widening. The Board will also consider support for a new Clifton fire station design and the historic Loma School.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Lifestyle

February Events Calendar: Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade

February in the Grand Valley is packed with community conversations, workshops, film and cultural events, family fun, and ways to volunteer. Here are highlights across Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, and the surrounding area.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read

Government

Grand Junction City Council Reviews Orchard Mesa Pool Options and CMU Football Facility Proposal

Grand Junction City Council reviewed options for the Orchard Mesa Pool and next steps for the CMU football facility at Lincoln Park. Council directed staff to explore an RFP for a public-private partnership, gather information on a Title 32 district option, and continue developing the CMU proposal.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Government

City of Montrose to Host State of the City Address and Community Open House on February 23

Montrose residents will have an opportunity to hear directly from city leadership and connect with local departments during the City of Montrose’s third annual State of the City presentation and open house on Monday, February 23, at the Montrose Pavilion. The event is designed to provide a current assessment

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 2 min read

Grand Junction

Grand Junction Traffic Impacts: Week of February 9th

Grand Junction residents and travelers should plan for several active and upcoming projects that will affect traffic flow in the coming weeks and months. The City of Grand Junction is continuing work on key roadway improvements, and the Colorado Department of Transportation is preparing to begin a multi-phase construction project

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 1 min read

Grand Junction Parks and Recreation February Newsletter: Scholarships, Extended Skate Park Hours, Hiring Events, and Community Updates

Emerson Skate Park hours extended Following a formal request from the local skate alliance and in response to strong evening use, Parks and Recreation approved extended hours at Emerson Skate Park. The park is now open until 10:00 p.m. during winter. Beginning March 2, summer hours take effect

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 4 min read

Lifestyle

Spring into Action: Grand Junction Parks & Rec 2026 Guide

Spring 2026 is packed with City of Grand Junction Parks & Rec programs for all ages, from Wacky Wednesday and youth sports to adult flag football, pickleball clinics, drop-in games, and aquatics. Plus, the City is hiring lifeguards with paid training.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Government

Grand Junction and Mesa County Launch Housing Needs Assessment, Invite Public Input

Grand Junction and Mesa County are launching a Housing Needs Assessment to map local housing gaps and shape future Housing Action Plans. Share your input through the community survey, open house, and focus groups to help guide priorities for the Grand Valley.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read

Events

January Groups and Gatherings

Start the new year by showing up for community. This week by week guide highlights January groups and gatherings around Grand Junction, including socials, book clubs, maker nights, outdoor meetups, wellness events, and more.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 5 min read

Glenwood Springs

January Highlights from Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation

From Noon Year’s Eve and the 2026 State of the City to arts classes, youth programs, wellness activities, and winter sports, Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation is launching the new year with events and programs for all ages.

By Western Slope Trellis Staff • 3 min read