Mesa County News

05/29/2026

Mesa County Commissioners recently toured road improvement projects across the county to view ongoing and upcoming infrastructure work firsthand.

The tour was led by Mesa County Public Works staff, who provided updates on current construction, planned improvements and transportation needs across the county.

Projects highlighted during the tour included roadway rehabilitation, bridge work, surface treatments, intersection improvements and multimodal transportation projects in several road districts throughout Mesa County.

From daily commutes to school routes and emergency access, these projects help improve how residents move throughout Mesa County while protecting critical infrastructure investments and supporting future transportation needs.

The tour also gave commissioners an opportunity to see project progress and discuss infrastructure priorities across the community.

Residents interested in learning more about Mesa County infrastructure and transportation projects can visit the Public Works Capital Improvement Projects page:
https://www.mesacounty.us/departments-and-services/public-works/engineering/capital-improvement-projects.

05/29/2026

Ever wonder what’s actually in your compost? We don't leave it to guesswork. Mesa Magic is proud to be STA-Certified by the US Composting Council. This certification means our compost has passed rigorous, standardized lab tests to ensure it’s safe, consistent, and ready to feed your garden. When you see that seal, you know you're getting a premium product that has been tested for:

✅ Growth Power: pH + nutrient levels (N-P-K) are measured so you know exactly how you’re feeding your plants.
✅ Organic Matter: High organic content (50-70%) helps improve soil structure and boosts water retention. Helping your garden stay hydrated in our dry climate.
✅ Safety First: Screened for heavy metals and pathogens like Salmonella and f***l coliform, so it’s safe for your family and food crops.
✅ Maturity: Stable compost won't steal nitrogen from your delicate seedlings.

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

05/28/2026

Road surface treatments begin June 1 in several Mesa County neighborhoods.

Mesa County crews and contractors will complete cape seal and slurry seal work on residential streets that were crack sealed earlier this year. The work helps extend the life of existing roads and reduce the need for more costly repairs later.

Most impacts will be temporary, with residents affected for about one day during each treatment phase.

Residents should:
• Move vehicles off the street during posted work hours
• Watch for temporary “No Parking” signs
• Use caution around work crews and loose material
• Turn off sprinklers near the roadway during construction

Work will take place in neighborhoods near 30 Road, Patterson Road, Orchard Avenue, Bookcliff Avenue and 29 1/2 Road.

Construction schedules may change based on weather or operational needs.

https://www.mesacounty.us/news/public-works/road-surface-treatments-begin-june-1-mesa-county-neighborhoods

05/27/2026

“This is truly an answered prayer for the Western Slope,” Mesa County Commissioner Bobbie Daniel said. “For our farmers, our ranchers, our small communities, and every family that depends on the Colorado River, (Friday’s) release of federal funding for the Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Project is historic.”

U.S. House Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-Grand Junction) announced Friday that the federal government will release the long-frozen $40 million award to the Colorado River District for its purchase of the

05/27/2026

Mesa County has released its 2026 State of the County video, highlighting the projects, priorities and services shaping the community.

The address covers transportation improvements, behavioral health support, protection of western Colorado water, infrastructure, agriculture and other issues affecting Mesa County residents.

Watch the video and read more: https://www.mesacounty.us/news/commissioners/county-releases-2026-state-county-video

05/27/2026

Construction begins June 8 on Orchard Avenue safety improvements.

Mesa County is starting Phase 1 of the Orchard Avenue Safety and Connectivity Project, a major infrastructure effort focused on improving safety, traffic flow and pedestrian access.
The project includes:
• Roadway reconstruction
• A new roundabout at 31 Road
• Culvert and pedestrian bridge replacement over Lewis Wash
• Drainage and pedestrian infrastructure upgrades

Orchard Avenue will be closed during construction to allow crews to complete the work more safely and efficiently.

A pedestrian path will remain open, and drivers should expect detours and changing traffic patterns throughout construction.

Work is expected to continue through late December 2026.

Learn more: https://www.mesacounty.us/news/public-works/construction-begins-june-8-orchard-avenue-safety-improvements

05/22/2026

05/22/2026

The Mesa County Department of Human Services (MCDHS) staff gathered outside the Mesa County Workforce Center this morning for a Memorial Day flag planting ceremony led by Mesa County Veterans Service Officer Tony Lee and Laura Stanley. Together, staff placed American flags in remembrance of the men and women who gave their lives in military service to our country.

This ceremony serves as a moment of reflection, gratitude and unity as our department honors the sacrifices made by generations of service members and their families. Every year, we pause from our daily work to recognize the true meaning of Memorial Day and pay tribute to those who never made it home.

“The Mesa County Veteran Services Officers salute all our active duty military members, as well as our local Veterans,” says Lee. “Memorial Day gives us a chance to stop and honor those who have passed in the line of duty or after their service from all eras. We honor our fallen by lowering the flag at sunrise, then raise briskly to the top at noon for the remainder of the day to remember our fight for liberty and keep the memory of the fallen alive.”

As Memorial Day approaches, community members are also invited to participate in several upcoming events at the Western Colorado Veterans Cemetery in Grand Junction:

Friday, May 22nd: Flag Placement

Flag placement begins at 3 p.m. Volunteers are requested to assist with placing flags in preparation for Memorial Day observances. Participants should arrive no later than 2:45 p.m. for parking instructions and guidance on proper flag placement procedures.

Saturday, May 24th: Flag Retreat & Retirement Ceremony

The Flag Retreat and Retirement Ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. This brief service, hosted by the Grand Valley Combined Honor Guard, includes the ceremonial retreat of the flag ahead of Memorial Day, as well as a respectful flag retirement ceremony. The event typically lasts about 30 minutes, and members of the public are welcome to attend.

Monday, May 25th: Memorial Day Services

Memorial Day services begin at 10 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating. Due to limited parking, carpooling and early arrival are recommended.

MCDHS is proud to stand alongside our veterans, service members and community partners in honoring the lives and sacrifices remembered this Memorial Day.

For more information about Veteran Services at the Workforce Center, please visit us online at https://www.mesacounty.us/departments-and-services/wfc/services/veterans

05/22/2026

Kitten season is here, and Mesa County Animal Services needs help.

Before picking up kittens:
• Watch from a distance for four to six hours
• Keep people and pets away
• Mom is often nearby and will return

If she doesn’t return, contact law enforcement before stepping in.

Right now, the biggest need is foster volunteers for kittens, especially bottle babies. The shelter provides support and supplies.

Want to help or learn more?
[email protected]
970-255-5019

More information at https://www.mesacounty.us/news/animal-services/kitten-season-brings-urgent-need-foster-volunteers-mesa-county

05/22/2026

Review what the Mesa County Commissioners will vote on at the next administrative public hearing on Tuesday, May 26, 2026: https://onbaseep22.mesacounty.us/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=1918&doctype=1