Life + Culture

Looking to the Future

Fruita Chamber Scholarship Recepients Article by Scott Fairbanks - Publisher | Photography by Fruita Chamber of Commerce Fruita Chamber Foundation Awards 2025 Scholarships to Outstanding Local Students Announcing the 2025 recipients of this annual scholarship program, which supports local youth in pursuing advanced education.  2025 Scholarship Recipients: Hunter Gillilan – Trade Industry Scholarship Hunter plans to pursue diesel technology, inspired by his passion for mechanics and...

May 2025

Sports + Recreation

Golf: A Great Life Application

Article by Tiffinie Storm You might wonder, as I do, what the allure of chasing a little ball around and hitting it with a bunch of different sticks as hard, or soft, as you possibly can, to get it to a tiny hole in the least number of strokes is all about. I decided maybe I should try and understand, especially since my husband is a golfer. We have had many discussions of him trying to explain what is so great about golf and to his credit, he makes it sound fun, but I have yet to give in and...

May 2025

Food + Beverage

Dutch Oven Deliciousness

Award Winning Hot Fudge Cake Article by Amanda Avery Mix in 12" Dutch Oven: 1/2 cup Baking Soda 1 cup Brown Sugar 2 cups of Water Sprinkle 1 package mini marshmallows evenly on top of coca mixture. In a separate bowl, mix 1 Chocolate Fudge Cake mix according to package instructions. Pour mix over marshmallows and spread to cover completely. Sprinkle 1 cup chopped Pecans on top and add chocolate chips if you want a richer tasting cake. Put on lid. Place 7 coals on the bottom and 15 coals...

May 2025

Food + Beverage

Smokin' It

The Best Smoked Brisket Recipe Article and Photography by Ingredients: 16-pound Beef Brisket Mustard Brisket Dry Rub: 50/50 mixture of Kosher salt and Coarse black pepper Onion Powder Garlic Powder Paprika Applewood Seasoning Instructions: Prepare Smoker: 1. Clean the grating on the offset smoker. 2. Start your fire or turn on your smoker 3. Get the internal temperature of the smoker to 250 degrees. 4. Add in water pan to the blocking direct heat. 5. Close the smoker...

May 2025

Food + Beverage

Grilled to Perfection

Grilled Vegetables with Chimichurri Sauce Article and Photography by For the Chimichurri Sauce: 1. 1 cup fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley leaves only, stems removed 2. 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves only 3. 1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves only 4. 1/3 cup roughly chopped red onions or shallots 5. 3 cloves of garlic 6. 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 7. 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 8. 1/4 cup red wine vinegar  9. 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 10. 1 teaspoon kosher salt For the...

May 2025

Food + Beverage

Leveling Up Your Cooking

Smoking, Grilling and Dutch Oven Cooking Article by Tiffinie Storm and Amanda Avery Smoking, grilling, and Dutch Oven cooking provide a variety of methods for preparing food. Each has their own unique techniques and offer a plethora of culinary experiences. Smoking:   Smoking meat creates incredible flavor and infuses food with smoky undertones. As the wood slowly smolders, the aroma and flavors of the smoke permeate the meat adding more flavor to it. Different kinds of woods provide...

May 2025

Life + Culture

CSU Master Gardener

Other Extension Service Programs Highlighted Article by Millie Freilicher and Vanessa Brines What is eating my broccoli plants? Why are the leaves on my maple tree turning yellow? What is that grotesque-looking green caterpillar on my tomato plants? How do I get rid of weeds in my lawn? Every year, these and thousands of other questions are asked with folks getting answers from people known as Master Gardeners. Who are Master Gardeners, you may ask? Well, they are people who have a passion for...

April 2025

Local Services

Junior Service League

Article by Stephanie Plieness The Heart of Service: How the Junior Service League of Grand Junction is Uplifting the Community, One Grant at a Time For more than four decades, the Junior Service League of Grand Junction (JSL) has been a quiet but powerful force in Mesa County, channeling the passion and energy of local women into meaningful change. Since its founding in 1983, JSL has awarded over  $1.1 million in grants  and contributed more than  750,000 volunteer hours , touching lives in...

April 2025

Education

ADUs - What and Why

Article by Roger Lake What is an ADU and why should I consider it? Currently Mesa County has a shortage of affordable housing approximately 4,000 units over the available rentals and under construction or approved permit locations.  Reports from the Grand Junction Housing Authority indicate that even with the many hundreds of units approved or already in construction there are nowhere near enough units that can be rented for a rate that meets the requirements to be considered "Affordable." ...

March 2025

Life + Culture

Bus Bergman - Local Legend

“Now, That Man’s a Coach!” Article by Scott Fairbanks | Photography by Lily Caldwell Walter Bergman Senior, “Bus” to most, was a natural leader. From remarkable high school and college athletic performances to team leadership roles, coaching and distinguished military service, the man lived a legendary life but always said someone else was the hero. His mentors? Coaches like Skinner Jr. High basketball coach, North Denver High football coach, Harry Hughes  - (Hughes Stadium at CSU campus) ...

March 2025