Good morning, Grand Junction.

In Mesa County, hunger relief programs are shifting tactics as rising food and fuel prices and reduced government funding force them to rely on more local donations—Meals on Wheels has cut its waitlist to fewer than 50 and the Food Bank of the Rockies is using new routing technology to manage costs.

A market study by the Grand Junction Economic Partnership found Mesa County lacks the resources for semiconductor manufacturing but shows promise for aerospace and wind energy.

Higher living costs could challenge future industrial growth.

Mesa County Valley School District 51 kept school meals free even as food prices went up by switching to in-house vendors and tracking costs closely; a voter-approved supplement (over $23 million, including a $400,000 award to D51) will fund more local food and scratch cooking this year.

Extreme drought and heat may cause fall leaf changes to occur up to one week earlier in western Colorado from mid-September to mid-October (experts advise visiting soon to catch the display).

The stressed trees will enter dormancy more quickly, so plan visits to view the colors as soon as possible.

Mesa County Public Health has delayed the fall burn season due to ongoing fire restrictions and unsafe weather conditions (updates on safe burning dates will be posted on its website and social media).

Cedaredge offers top local spots such as Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop, LaLa’s Local restaurant, Snow Capped Cider Taproom and Honey Rock Landing Inn (cave suites lodging) where visitors enjoy fresh pastries, award-winning ciders and creative dining experiences.