Photo of the Week

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:

• New! Homeowner Tip of the Week

• Colorado Teacher of the Year

• DMV Scam!

• Service Opportunity

Housing

🏠 Homeowner Tip of the Week:
🌿 Vacuum Smarter for a Cleaner, Healthier Home

Vacuuming regularly—especially along baseboards, under furniture, and in corners—does more than just pick up dirt. It helps improve air quality by removing dust, allergens, pet dander, and debris that can build up in overlooked areas.

Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter for best results, and don’t forget to empty the canister or replace the bag frequently to keep suction strong and reduce odors.

Market Stats:

Average Sales Price: 

T12 (last 12 months): $459,903 (no change from last week)

YTD (since Jan 1st 2025): $458,263 (+$2k from last week)

Median Sales Price:

T12 (last 12 months): $400,000 (no change from last week)

YTD (since Jan 1st 2025): $400,000 (+$2k from last week)

Inventory Levels:

Number of New Listings: 93 (-9 from last week) 

Average Days on Market: 70 (no change from last week)

Total Active Listings: 668 (+12 from last week)

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

News

Two D51 teachers named semifinalists for Colorado Teacher of the Year

On Thursday, the Colorado Department of Education announced the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year. Out of the 22 educators named as semifinalists, two are educators from District 51: Liz Fitzgerald from Mesa View Elementary School and Stephanie LaCount from Grand Junction High School.

Fitzgerald is a first-grade teacher at Mesa View Elementary School in Grand Junction. She has been an educator for 17 years, and her honors include FIRST Inspire the Future Honoree and Outstanding Coach Award from the National FIRST Lego League. According to her semifinalist bio, she “wants to create a safe place for students like her teachers did for her.”

LaCount is an English Language Arts teacher at Grand Junction High School and has been an educator for 19 years. She has won awards such as the City of Fruita Teacher Appreciation award in 2020 and the KREX Golden Apple Award in 2018. According to her semifinalist bio, “one of her goals as a teacher is to give students the power of self-acceptance.”

DMV warns of a scam!

On Wednesday, the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) warned Coloradans about fraudulent text messages that impersonate the DMV. These scam texts claim that individuals have unpaid tickets and threaten consequences for not paying them, such as suspension of a vehicle registration.

These scam texts typically:

• State that they are from the Colorado DMV or another government agency.

• Allege that there are outstanding unpaid tickets or violations.

• Threaten with immediate legal action, like prosecution.

• Warn of the pending suspension of vehicle registration or driving privileges.

• Contain a link to a fake website to resolve the issue or make a payment.

The Colorado DMV reminds Coloradans that these messages are not from the entity. The DMV does not contact individuals through unsolicited text messages to demand payment or threaten prosecution.

If an individual receives a suspicious text message from the DMV:

• Do not click on any links, as they often lead to fake websites.

• Do not share any personal or financial information, like a driver’s license number or banking information.

• Do not reply to the text message.

If an individual is concerned about the status of their driver’s license, vehicle registration, or tickets, they should contact the Colorado DMV through its official website at dmv.colorado.gov or by phone at 303-205-5600.

This warning follows a trend of rising scam activity. Last week, the Grand Junction Police Department issued a warning to Grand Junction residents about fraudulent phone calls and emails from scammers impersonating government agencies or falsely alleging that an individual’s loved one is hurt.

Anyone who receives a scam text is encouraged to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Business Highlight

Plumbers resolving drainage and sewer problems, including clogged sinks and flooded yards.

Local Community

Night Lights - Service Opportunity

Night Lights is a Colorado non-profit that was established 13 years ago. Night Lights provides FREE respite care to families with children with special needs. They care for the child with special needs and ALL of the siblings ages 1month to 13 years.

13 Jun | 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Fruita, Colorado, 81521

Point of Contact

Dawn Courtney

720-819-6657

[email protected]

Western Slope Sports!

GJ Jackalopes trounced in home opener as new amenities, entertainment shine

It’s a new vibe in and around Suplizio Field for Jackalopes baseball.

With new dining options, candy stands, concourse entertainment, and on-field mid-game entertainment, the overall experience at Jackalopes games appears improved from years past.

The only problem, the on-field product remains a work in progress.

Under the leadership of new manager Frank Gonzales (formerly with Northern Colorado Owlz, coached GJ Rockies in 2017 and 2018), the Jackalopes, featuring 25+ new players, have struggled to begin the season.

After dropping nine of their first 12 games in California against the Oakland Ballers and Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers to start the year, the team appeared ready and excited for a fresh start at home.

Unfortunately, Tuesday night, the Jacks’ first home game of 2025, was not their night.

Exciting Events!

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

Date Night 🎆

Phantom Ink Fest

• 159 Main St Grand Junction, CO 81501

• (682) 402-0728

• Price:

• $25 or $55 for all three days

• Time:

• 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM

We are putting on an event gathering up to 140 award winning tattoo artists with freakshow entertainment by legendary sideshow performer Enigma and others, vendors, and top notch tattoo competitions main stage. We are looking forward to seeing potentially thousands of people enter our doors at the Grand Junction Convention Center to enjoy the show. For the curious weekender to the hardcore tattoo enthusiast we welcome anyone wanting to see what we have in store!

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

Family Fun!!

RIVER FEST

Rocky Mountain Off Road Expo

• 2070 Highway 6 and 50 Fruita, CO 81521

• (970) 858-1394

• Price: Free

• Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

• Off-road car show, for everything 4x4 related, as well as buggies, racers, unique vehicles, and OHVs.

  Swap meet space, for anything car related, 4x4s, race, tools, and any other parts, (no household stuff) 

  Vendor Show, with the top vendors from around the nation, with the latest new parts available for whatever you drive.

  Rock crawl course, and obstacle course.  Bring your Jeep, 4x4, or buggy and have some fun.

  RTI ramp, test your rig for a score.

  Baja Jump course, made for the more hardcore racers, but it is a good starter, too. Must have seat belts, helmet, full harness and collar, and only open at certain times during the day. Check in at the car show registration.

  RC course,  bring your mini 4x4s to the challenging and fun play area next to the registration tent. 

  Food vendors, snacks, and lunch is available.  Bring sunscreen, and dress for a warm sunshiny day! 

PALISADE BLUEGRASS AND ROOTS FESTIVAL

• RIVERBEND PARK, 451 Pendleton StPalisade, CO 81526

• (970) 618-8032

• Price: $60 - $210

• Time: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM

• Recurrence: Recurring daily 6/6-6/8

The Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival is an annual celebration of bluegrass music set against the picturesque backdrop of Riverbend Park in Palisade, Colorado. Scheduled for June 6–8, 2025, this three-day event marks its 16th year of bringing together top bluegrass artists and emerging talents for a weekend filled with music and community.
PALISADEMUSIC.COM

Festival Lineup:

The 2025 lineup features a diverse array of artists, including:

Friday, June 6:

Kitchen Dwellers – Progressive jamgrass ensemble
LowDown Brass Band – Brass band with a unique sound
The Faux Paws – Genre-spanning musical trio
Still House String Band – Colorado-native Americana ensemble
Sweet Jessup & The Dirty Buckets – Performing on the second stage

Saturday, June 7:

The California Honeydrops – Retro-soul outfit
Po' Ramblin Boys
Sicard Hollow – Jam-heavy progressive bluegrass outfit
The Cody Sisters – Family-founded bluegrass trio
Cousin Curtiss – High-energy Americana singer-songwriter
Feed the Dog – Performing on the second stage

Sunday, June 8:

The Brothers Comatose – California-native string group
Yarn – Americana band
Pressing Strings – Genre-blending band
Natalie Spears – Singer-songwriter
Magoo – Performing on the second stage
RELIX.COM

Festival Activities:

Beyond the musical performances, attendees can enjoy a variety of activities:

Artisan vendors offering unique crafts
On-site camping options
Paddleboarding on the Colorado River
Local wine and distillery tastings
Lavender farm tours
Painting workshops
PALISADEMUSIC.COM

Tickets:

Tickets for the festival are currently on sale. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official festival website.
PALISADEMUSIC.COM

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