Mesa County tax collections trend upward

Tax collections, a key measure of sales activity, continue to increase on a year-over-year basis in Mesa County. The county collected more than $4.4 million in sales taxes in July, an 8.4 percent increase over what was collected during the same month last year. The county also collected nearly $340,000 in use taxes in July […]

Couple brings Kona Ice franchise to Grand Valley

Kona Ice, a franchise combining shaved ice with entertainment and fund-raising, has come to the Grand Valley. Felix and Synde Villarreal operate the local franchise along with a truck and self-service dispensing system. Felix Villarreal said the couple bring to their venture his military background and her experience in the food industry. “Together we have […]

Listening session planned for Palisade highway plans

An upcoming event will offer business owners, residents and others an opportunity to discuss proposed changes to a section of U.S. Highway 6 in Palisade. The listening session is scheduled for 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 25 in the event hall of the Palisade Community Center, 120 W. Eighth St. The Colorado Department of Transportation […]

Grant to bolster small business financing

Colorado has received a federal grant that could provide more than $100 million over the next five years to help small businesses access financing. The U.S. Treasury Department awarded the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) grant. The program was created as part of the American Rescue Plan Act to fund venture capital and loan […]

Transit grant to fund bus facility and buses

A $3.9 million grant will help fund the construction of a bus maintenance facility and the purchase of four transit buses in Mesa County. The grant is part of $51 million in federal funds awarded to low- and zero-emission transit projects across Colorado. In Mesa County, the award will include the purchase of four cutaway […]

Organizations join in hunger relief efforts

Two organizations have once again joined to harvest and distribute fresh apples and peaches and help relieve hunger in western Colorado. The Community Alliance for Education and Hunger Relief works with Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope on the effort, continuing a partnership that began in 2016. The Community Alliance for Education and Hunger […]

Leading index signals increasing risk of recession

An index forecasting economic conditions in the United States continues to decline, signaling slowing conditions and the increasing possibility of a recession. The Conference Board reported its Leading Economic Index retreated four-tenths of a percent to 116.6 in July. Separate measures of current and past economic conditions both increased. With declines in each of the […]

Applications sought for mineral lease district grants

Applications will be accepted through 3 p.m. Sept. 2 for the latest cycle of grants awarded by the Mesa County Federal Mineral Lease District. The district has about $350,000 available for its fall cycle. Grant application presentations are scheduled for a board meeting set for Sept. 21 in Grand Junction. Awards will be announced as […]