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End of Summer Fun
Back to School for many kiddos
The Slope Scoop
August 22, 2025
Photo of the Week
Grand Mesa at the Land O Lakes Overlook - Sarah Caskie
Please continue submitting photos of yourself/ the Western Slope. I have gotten so much good feedback about this section. Let’s see those beautiful Summer pics!
In this edition:
Homeowner Tip of the Week - Back to School!
Big Peaches
Hiring Freezes
Full Farmer’s Market List
Things to do around town
Housing
🏡 Homeowner Tip of the Week
Homeowner Tip of the Week: Back-to-School “Drop Zone” Reset (15-Minute Project)
Give backpacks, shoes, and lunch gear a dedicated landing spot to cut clutter, keep pests away, and speed up mornings.
Do this:
Create a Drop Zone: Place a mat or boot tray by the main entry, plus a hook for each kid and a bin for sports gear.
Crumb Control: Add a small trash can and sanitizer wipes; empty lunchboxes here so crumbs don’t track through the house (crumbs = ants).
Lunch-Prep Shelf: Clear one shelf/drawer for lunch items; keep snacks in clear bins and label with “Grab & Go.”
Shoe Strategy: Shoes off at the door—less dirt means fewer allergens.
Weekly 2-Minute Sweep: Every Friday, shake the mat, wipe hooks, and vacuum the entry.
Bonus: Swap your HVAC filter and set a recurring phone reminder—fall allergens ramp up as school starts.
Market Stats
Average Sales Price:
T12 (last 12 months): $470,000 (no change from last week)
YTD (since Jan 1st 2025): $472,000 (-$1k from last week)
Median Sales Price:
T12 (last 12 months): $407,000 (+$1k from last week)
YTD (since Jan 1st 2025): $409,000 (no change from last week)
Inventory Levels:
Number of New Listings: 67 (-17 from last week)
Average Days on Market: 77 (+1 from last week)
Total Active Listings: 776 (-2 from last week)
Source: Skyler Kraai with Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties
NewsLocal News
Nearly 2-pound peach grown in Palisade
On August 19, a local Palisade peach orchard, Noland Orchards, grew a peach that weighed almost two pounds.
The peach weighed in at 1.74 lbs., breaking their own record from 2011 when they had a peach that weighed at 1.5 lbs.
“My dad, Brian Noland, was picking peaches yesterday. We were getting ready to pack them and he had noticed that there was an extremely large peach compared to our normal sized peaches. We’re known for usually growing pretty decently sized peaches, but this one was a lot larger than the rest,” said Ashley Shearer, Noland Orchards.
Shearer said that typically their peaches are usually around half a pound.
“The pictures didn’t do it justice; that was my initial reaction because when you take a picture of it, it just doesn’t look as big as it actually is,” added Shearer.
She said the peach could be compared to about the size of a really large grapefruit.
Business Highlight
Kooler Garage Doors
We exist to help make homeownership a little easier with our premium garage door service, repair and replacement. And we consult on storage for garage spaces as well -- we're all about serving!
Local Community
Mesa County announces temporary hiring freeze
Mesa County announced a temporary hiring freeze. It officially went into effect on August 12.
They’re putting a pause on any promotions or any new positions being posted. County officials said exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The move is based on some of the uncertainties that they’re facing with federal and state funding and budget shortfalls. Matt Lewis, the Deputy County Administrator, said it’s about keeping and protecting the employees they have now, as well as protecting essential services and trying to avoid any future issues that may come up due to the uncertain funding.
“We don’t want to be in a position where we can’t protect our employees or where our lack of planning for the future puts them in some sort of jeopardy. And so, it necessitated us taking some steps while we work through this uncertainty,” said Lewis.
Western Slope Sports!
CDA’s first annual “Ability Open” golf tournament is a success
Colorado Discover Ability hosted its first annual golf tournament, “Ability Open,” at Adobe Creek Golf Course in Fruita Friday.
It was an absolute blast.
“We’ve decided to try something new this year… something exciting,” said CDA executive director Kady Ostowick. “We’ve decided to do a golf tournament. It has been extremely successful. We’re excited to see everyone out there, smiling faces.”
Adding to the fun and excitement, players from the Grand Junction Jackalopes were out on the course helping the adaptive golfers.
Farmer’s Markets!
I am trying to compile a full list but many markets are advertised poorly and hard to find. Please send in your towns market with dates and times and I will update the list!
101 South 3rd Street, Suite 100 Grand Junction, CO 81501
Thursdays beginning July 10 through September 25 from 6:00-9:00 pm
Main and E 3rd St Palisade, CO 81526
Every Sunday from 09:00 am to 01:00 pm from June 1 through October 5, 2025
325 East Aspen Avenue, Fruita, CO, 81521
Saturdays 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Centennial Plaza, Montrose, CO, United States, Colorado
Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm
Cross Orchards Farmers Market 3073 Patterson RoadGrand Junction
Saturdays 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Family Fun!!
Yoga in the Park
310 N. 7th St.Grand Junction, CO 81501
Price: $22
Time: 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Thursday
Keep 'Em Flying - 1940's Hangar Dance
Commemorative Air Force Rocky Mountain Wing 5th Annual Keep 'Em Flying Hangar Dance
August 23, 2025 - 6 to 10 PM, gates at 5:00 PM
Gate 10 Navigators Way. GJ Regional AirportGrand Junction, CO 81506
Swing Dance Lessons from 6 - 7 pm
Live Music (Clark Gault's Swing City Express Orchestra) and Dancing at the Grand Junction Airport Gate 10 (see map)
Featuring WWII-era Planes. Cars, Dress, and Attitude!
And of course, 1940s Swing Music! Food Trucks too.
40's Dance and Dress Up Contest
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