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| On Saturday, many Mesa County departments participated in a mock evacuation drill organized by the Grand Junction Fire Department and the Deer Park Subdivision Homeowners Association. Residents received a notification of a wildfire in the area and were given directions to evacuate to a specific area. The drill was an opportunity for Deer Park residents to talk to the fire department about creating defensible space on their property and what to expect should there be a wildfire near their neighborhood. |
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| The Red Cross provided information on the importance of having an evacuation kit and plan ready. The fire departments (Grand Junction Fire Department, Grand Junction Regional Communications Center Incident Dispatch Team, Lower Valley Fire Department and Bureau of Land Management Fire) used the event as a drill to identify strengths and weaknesses in their response to the mock call. |
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| Mesa County Health Department, Mesa County Emergency Services, Mesa County Sheriff's Office, and members of Mesa County Public Works are a part of the Two Rivers Wildfire Coalition and participated in the mock evacuation drill on Saturday. The Coalition's mission is: “To reduce wildfire risk in our community through collaboration, education, mitigation and outreach.” |
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| The Grand Junction Fire Department (GJFD) did a demonstration of fire movement through a "neighborhood." The houses with no defensible space and on the hillsides quickly succumbed to the fire while the house with a wide defensible space was spared. The Grand Junction Regional Communications Center Incident Dispatch Team also registered 10 people for emergency notifications. Thank you, GJFD for organizing the drill! |
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| Mesa County Commissioner Scott McInnis talks to KREX News Channel 5 Reporter Star Harvey about the potential consideration of possibly asking taxpayers to allow Mesa County to keep excess funds from TABOR to use toward the Mesa County Jail expansion. Watch the interview at https://bit.ly/2VmXJ7q. |
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| On Monday, the Board of Mesa County Commissioners proclaimed May 6-12, 2019, as Correctional Officers Week in Mesa County, and recognized the importance of the service of detention deputies in our community and in communities across the nation. Read more at https://bit.ly/2VT0fBZ. Pictured here: Mesa County Sheriff Matt Lewis stands alongside The Joint Color Guard of the Grand Junction Police Department and Mesa County Sheriff's Office. |
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| Sheriff Matt Lewis (second to the left) and Detention Deputy Michael Hand (second to the right) accept the Correctional Officers Week proclamation on behalf of the men and women who work in the Mesa County Jail. Correctional officers are trained law enforcement professionals dedicated to maintaining secure correctional facilities and ensuring the public’s safety. |
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| Mesa County Commissioners on Monday at their administrative public hearing, proclaimed May 6-11, 2019, as Economic Development Week and recognized the efforts of the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce and local economic development partners, to reaffirm the importance of business development in Mesa County. Read more at https://bit.ly/2JmNQQ8. |
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| Foster parents are being recognized for their effort in providing children with a safe, loving home this month. The Mesa County Commissioners proclaimed May 2019, as Foster Parent Appreciation Month. From left: Commissioner Scott McInnis, Mesa County Department of Human Services Manager Joni Johnson, Commissioner Rose Pugliese, Foster Parents Alana and Cody Davis, and Commissioner John Justman. Read more at https://bit.ly/2J5sHul. |
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| It's Teacher Appreciation Week! The Board of Mesa County Commissioners proclaimed May 6-10, 2019, as Teacher Appreciation Week. From left: Commissioner Scott McInnis, Mesa Valley Education Association President Heather O’Brien, Commissioner John Justman, School District 51 Superintendent Diana Sirko, School District 51 Foundation Executive Director Angela Christensen, and Commissioner Rose Pugliese. Read more at https://bit.ly/302cdbN. |
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| Mesa County Animal Services Manager Doug Frye and Officer Kevin Bozarth accept a generous donation from the Loma Stars for $425 for the animals in the facility Monday afternoon. The funds will be used for food and treats for the animals in the facility. Thank you so much for your leadership and generous donation, Loma Stars! We appreciate your hard work and dedication. |
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| The Loma Stars, a 4-H Club out of Loma, Colorado, hosted a bake sale during the 11th Annual Farm & Ranch Day at the Fruita Co-Op Country/Ace Hardware, 1650 U.S. Hwy 6 & 50, in March and raised $425 to donate to the Mesa County Animal Services. |
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| The Loma Stars had the opportunity to take a tour of the Animal Services Facility and visit with some of the animals. |
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| Animal Services Officer Kevin Bozarth lead the Loma Stars on a tour of the Animal Services facility and shared the duties and responsibilities of the agency. |
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| Wednesday morning, bicyclists arrive at the old Mesa County Courthouse, 544 Road Ave., to take a group picture before heading next door to Grand Junction City Hall for breakfast on Bike to Work Day. The Mesa County Commissioners proclaimed May as Grand Valley Bike Month to celebrate bicycling for transportation, fun, and health. |
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| Many Mesa County employees rode their bikes from the Community Services Building, 510 29 1/2 Road, to the Old Courthouse at 544 Rood Ave. on Bike to Work and School Day —Wednesday, May 8, 2019. |
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| Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) Health Promotions Specialist Kelsey Fife, right, biked to work with her father, Keith Fife, former Mesa County Natural Resource Liaison. |
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| Wednesday morning MCPH Community Network Coordinator Sarah Johnson biked from the Community Services Building to the Old Courthouse alongside several of her coworkers. |
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| Mesa County Information Technology Network Administrator Andrew Wetzel and Senior Transportation Engineer Dean Bressler pause for a picture in front of Grand Junction City Hall, 250 N 5th St., after riding their bikes to work. |
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| Bicyclists arrive at Grand Junction City Hall for breakfast. Learn more about the event at https://bit.ly/304Kgjz. |
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| Several Mesa County employees biked to work on a cloudy, windy Wednesday morning. |
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| MCPH staff members take a break for a picture at the Bike to Work Day breakfast on Wednesday. |
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| All sorts of bikes! |
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| Regional Transportation Planning Office staff participated in the event. From left to right: Dean Bressler, Sarah Brooks, Andy Gingerich. |
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| Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) put on an employee appreciation lunch for staff members Wednesday afternoon. |
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| MCPH and DHS staff members were all very hungry after Bike to Work Day and enjoyed each other's company, some great food, and fun! |
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| Mesa County Commissioner Scott McInnis speaks at the 2019 State of the Valley, hosted by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. The event featured a valley-wide conversation with elected leaders and key managers from across the Grand Valley regarding the future of the economy and the impacts it will have on the community. |
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| Mesa County Commissioner Scott McInnis gives an update on various economic indicators in Mesa County, including the effects of local regulation and workforce development. |
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| Mesa County Administrator Frank Whidden talks about what is on the horizon that will impact the overall business climate in Mesa County at the 2019 State of the Valley Wednesday afternoon. |