Photo of the Week

In this edition:

• New! Homeowner Tip of the Week

• Water Fees in Palisade

• New CMU Mascot

• Business owners - read until the very end!

Housing

🏡 Homeowner Tip of the Week: Starting Up Your Swamp Cooler Safely

With the last overnight freeze behind us, it's time to fire up those swamp coolers and welcome the warm weather! Before you flip the switch, follow these quick tips to make sure your cooler is running efficiently—and safely:

1. Inspect for Damage
Look for cracks, rust, or worn parts—especially around the water line and float valve. Winter weather can be tough on those components.

2. Clean It Out
Remove any leaves, dust, or debris that may have settled in the unit. Swap in fresh cooling pads to help your system run better and improve air quality.

3. Check the Motor & Belt
Make sure the motor runs smoothly and the belt isn't cracked or loose. A little maintenance now prevents headaches when it really heats up.

4. Prime the Pump
Add water and run the pump for a few minutes to fully saturate the pads before turning on the fan. This keeps you from blowing warm, dry air into your home.

5. Test the System
Once everything looks good, turn it on and make sure cool air is flowing and the water’s circulating properly.

🐜 Bonus Tip: Watch for Pests!
Swamp coolers can be a cozy hideout for insects and even small rodents during the off-season. As you inspect and clean, keep an eye out for any signs of pests—and if you spot something suspicious, give King Pest Solutions a call. We’ll make sure nothing unwanted tags along with that cool breeze!

Stay cool, stay pest-free, and we’ll see you next week with another homeowner tip.

Market Stats:

Average Sales Price: $459,172 (-$1k from last week)

Median Sales Price: $400,000 (no change from last week)

Inventory Levels:

Number of New Listings: 99 (+18 from last week) 

Average Days on Market: 80 (- 2 from last week)

Total Active Listings: 577 (+9 from last week)

_{Source: Skyler Kraai with Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties}

News

Palisade increases residents’ water fees

The current rate is $44 for up to 5,000 gallons, but in June, the town will increase that rate to $55. Rates will then increase 8% per year starting in January of 2026.

Palisade claimed this increase is due to a few reasons, one being that the town has infrastructure bills to pay off, and with fewer residents using water, there are fewer customers to divide that cost. “I feel like Palisade could invest in a bigger picture here, bringing families in, bringing more people in, that would help disperse those costs in the long term,” said Tim Dacosta, a Palisade resident.

Palisade said in their announcement that outside experts agreed with this rate increase. Rural Community Assistance Corporation conducted an independent study in 2023 that confirmed the rates needed to increase to pay off loans from past infrastructure loans.

Moo-ving into the spotlight: CMU welcomes a new live mascot to the herd

The CMU Rowdy Wranglers got four calves at the beginning of the school year to start training. The Wranglers worked with the calves throughout the year and trained them to lead with a halter. The calves have been hauled and attended many events throughout the year. 

The Wranglers opened a vote to all CMU students to pick which calf would become the new live mascot. On Thursday, the results were revealed, and the next Rowdy was introduced to the community.  

The new Rowdy is longhorn and angus cross. The steer is expected to have very long horns. The mascot will be taking on some new responsibilities.  

Business Highlight

Residential and Commercial Garage Door Installation, Repair and New Doors Available

4342 N Townsend Ave

Montrose, Colorado 81401-8166

970-249-8768

[email protected]

Local Community

De Beque continuing call for federal funding for secondary water source

The Town of De Beque is calling on the federal government for funding to secure a secondary water source.

“We have not, thankfully, had to shut our plant down for a period of time that we did not have some storage,” said Town Manager Caré McInnis. Mcinnis says a secondary water source would be proactive for the community.

“This request for a secondary water source is being proactive for those acts of God… could be a fire, could be an electrical outage.”

Western Slope Sports!

CMU Baseball wins 13th straight RMAC title on Firework Night

It was a celebration at Suplizio Field as the Colorado Mesa Mavericks sat back and enjoyed a postgame firework show.

With the 14-7 win over MSU Denver, the Mavericks have clinched a 13th consecutive RMAC regular season championship. They will host the RMAC tournament next week beginning Wednesday.

CMU jumped out to an early 4-0 lead and looked like they’d be on cruise control en route to a title. But the Roadrunners said “not so fast, my friend,” using timely hitting and elite plate vision to score four runs in the 4th, tying it up. But when Colorado Mesa needs a big hit and a big response, the guys to look for are Paul Schoenfeld and Cameron Cartwright. Following good at bats from Ethan Ezor and Kennedy Hara, two huge base hits from Schoenfeld and Cartwright lifted the Mavericks to a 7-4 advantage. They wouldn’t look back from there, downing MSU Denver 14-7.

Exciting Events!

This section only includes local upcoming events. Feel free to submit yours!

Sports

Skate the Ages

Opening day for Caton Splash Pad at Dos Rios Park

• The newest addition to Dos Rios Park is officially open for the season. Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Director Ken Sherbenou hopes that the Caton Splash Pad will attract more people to the water.

  “It will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. every day through Labor Day,” said Sherbenou. “I think that we’re just going to see a lot more people going down to enjoy the riverfront this summer.”

  The splash pad just adds on to an already award-winning park.

Date Night 🎆

• Line Dancing at Mama Ree’s

  • 664 North Ave, 2310 West Ridges BlvdGrand Junction, CO 81501

  • (970) 200-1234

  • Price: FREE

  • Time: 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM

  • Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Saturday

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