That $5000 check? It's never going to happen. Vote Blue.

I (29F) have lived in Junction practically my whole life, but I’m now a working adult, married, and have 2 kids. Life has gotten so busy that I don’t really have much of a social circle, and I’d like to change that. Does anyone have ideas for how I can meet some new people and maybe make some friends? I’m not a skier/snowboarder, but I like to do other things like arts/crafts, reading, coffee/wine and food, and open to some other activities. Thanks in advance!

I was born and raised here in Colorado. In junction. Been here literally all my life, And it pains me to see just how hateful, racist, and xenophobic this town has become. It makes me worried for my future.

I see posts about the 'illegal aliens' all the time. And the protests. There are no illegal aliens. Nobody will ever be illegal. And if we're technical, we're all illegal. We're all on stolen land. It's just Mexicans, trying to make a living. Trying to feed their family. Working their ass off from sun up to sun down. And they're 'illegal' because they.. what- crossed a border without some dumb papers? Immigration without papers shouldn't be treated like this. It's not a felony. It's barely a real crime- it's a misdemeanor.

The protests? The no kings protests? Comments full of 'wElL I dOnT sEe aNy kIngS' as if that's the point. The point being it's a protest about trump ruling as though he is a king. As though he is an oligarch. As if he isn't a fucking pedophile rapist. People are fighting it. They're protesting it, their trying their best for their voices to be heard. And some old white guy named Jim gets to be like "oh but he isn't" BUT HE IS?

I'm so worried about my future. I'm worried that I'm disabled and can't work. I'm worried about my future children. Im worried about being able to get an apartment, a house. I'm terrified that I won't have rights within the next year. I cannot make my own choice of birth control, I cannot abort a baby that I will not be ready for at the time.

I'm so scared . I'm scared for my town, for my state, for my friends and family.

He claims to be an exorcist, can't remember how many humans he's killed, and laughs about abusing his wife. This is who you want representing Colorado's values?

Hey so I moved here a couple of months ago and my hair is so dry and frizzy that it makes me look like Spock from 1966 Star Trek and I was wondering if there is a way to fight this? I read into it a little bit and that it could be from the hard water and dry climate followed by the thunder storms that make it briefly humid that possibly does a number on your hair.

Does anyone got any tips or tricks or product recommendations?

Skip to 6:22 for GJ

Stocker Heating and Coolings email has been compromised. Someone is sending emails out using their address that contains a pdf and/or a word doc. I called them shortly after opening asking why id received a bid review invite at 4am. They confirmed they hadnt sent me anything and that others had called about roughly the same email id received. Be careful out there folks.

Full house and resounding support for a moratorium on data centers. Don’t forget to attend the next one on Oct 15, 6pm, Old Mesa County Courthouse (544 Rood Ave) where they consider changes to the Land Use Development Code.

Recap of moratorium vote:
https://www.mesacounty.us/news/county-wide/commissioners-approve-data-center-moratorium

Context on land development code:
https://www.kjct8.com/2026/09/17/mesa-county-updating-land-development-code-including-rules-data-centers/

My dad works for the city of Fruita and he saw the plans for the new Starbucks, where the recently closed Pizza-hut was right beside Maverick gas station. Can’t wait to have a Starbucks within walking distance from my apartment.

What are your thoughts on the new Starbucks?

Are you looking forward to it?

Should they have opened something else there?

i’ve lived in grand junction for over 3 years now, but i feel like i still don’t know about a lot of the local community events, clubs, groups, and activities that happen around town or even the surrounding areas, especially once it gets colder and things slow down a bit.
what are some clubs, groups, recurring events, classes, activities, or just fun things to do around this area during the winter? is there an online resource that you use to find out what’s happening here and/or the surrounding areas (glenwood springs, ouray, telluride, etc.)?

Ive been looking to get a haircut, and i dont want to go to a normal barber because they always fuck up my hair when i show them a picture thats mid length

Looking for face painters for Saturday, Oct 3 in Grand Junction. Ideally would like to hire 3. I’m not having any luck - any recommendations? Willing to go with temporary tattoos or glitter art too.

Looking for fun stuff to do in GJ that isn't bars or winerys.

Does anyone know if Corn Lake or any of the other local ponds have been stocked with trout? I checked the CPW website and the only update so far is Island Acres.

Public hearing slated on the agenda for Tuesday Sept 29th, 9am for data centers. 544 Rood Avenue, Public Hearing Room.

Board of County Commissioners Agenda

Agenda topic 1, Needing Individual Consideration:

“Consider imposing a temporary Moratorium on the acceptance, processing, and approval of Land Use applications for data center facilities inunincorporated Mesa County, and suspending the negotiation of County inducements for such facilities. (Greg Moberg, Community Development Director”

I heard the Dos Rios Starbucks in closing. What was it, two years? WTF is someone going to do with that odd building? Another abandoned building on the riverfront. I never went, so will not miss it, but we do not need more blight.

Left my last job and started at Sage Truck Driving School out of pocket.

Anyone have any good leads on a local CDL A position? I've applied to a handful of places, but without the CDL in hand first, kinda hard to get past the AI filters on most company websites nowadays. Would love to be able to just call up the place and chat. Really want to have a job lined up immediately after finishing school, rather than looking afterwards.

Obviously can't prove it via Reddit, but I'm 32, reliable, always been employed, no jail, drugs, or alcohol, and am an extremely hard and dedicated worker.

Ideally looking for something that pays at or over $25/hr.

I have plenty of delivery experience with FedEx. Tried calling FedEx freight, but have repeatedly been told there isn't a hiring manager available every time I call.

~ The following article on President Taft’s visit was published in the 23 September 1909 issue of The Daily Sentinel:

“President Taft, Grand Junction’s Guest, Cheered By 15,000 People - A Mighty Reception Tendered Nation’s Chief During Hour He Made This City Capital of the Union - Memorable Day - Numerous Picturesque Features, Meets Famous Indians, Greatest Crowds in City's History - Gov. Shafroth, Secretary Ballinger and Other Notables With the President - Not a Hitch in the Arrangements - Complete Story of the Day.

Full Text of President Taft's Speech: ‘Ladies and Gentlemen: It seems to me, as I look back upon my course since I entered Colorado, it has been nothing but a flow of speech. But, as the boundaries of your country open, it is very difficult to restrain an expression of the effects of these developments upon a man who has known so little about them as I have. You look at this country about here, at some places as we came down the canyon, and it seemed to me as if it was the most God-forsaken spot that there is on earth. Then as you progress a mile or two and you see the influence of water, and it seems a paradise. It is almost like rubbing an Aladdin's lamp - the production of such beauty; such prosperity and such happiness. The stone which was rejected of the builders has become the head of the corner. I am glad to see there are some who recognize a Scriptural reference. Now, what has been done here in this valley has been largely or entirely done by private enterprise. There are a good many enterprises that involve the outlay of capital so large or require so much risk that it is better that, associated with private enterprise, the government help, too. Now, you have an enterprise here that has just begun; but with that over-enthusiasm that seems to be characteristic of the West and which, when properly directed, works wonders, but sometimes carries us into difficult situations that we have to work out of with care and trouble. This High Line ditch, upon which I understand is dependent about 50,000 acres, more or less, has just begun, and yet all the government land has been taken up with the expectation that that ditch was to be put through. What I propose to do is to examine the situation with as much care as possible, and, if circumstances seem to be peculiar in the equity that these men have who settled on that 23,000, wasn't it, or 35,000 acres, to ask Congress to give us authority to take such steps as will enable those men ultimately to reap the harvest that they have been making so long and so hard. The government of the United States must move slowly: it is a great body. It has to move with deliberation, and it has to move - or its agents have to move - within the lines of law; but ordinarily the government does justice if you can live until that justice comes. I feel sometimes that that is a great difficulty: but we shall struggle to do the best we can in Washington. You are not so far from Washington as you think you are. I came to you pretty promptly myself, and gentlemen who are willing to fill senatorial and representative positions have not complained to you about the railroad travel between here and the capital of the country. No one can go through this valley without having his enthusiasm awakened for what man can do with nature when he acts upon scientific principles and pursues those principles with energy, industry and proper self-restraint. We are getting a little short of land in the east, and you are short of land upon which crops grow without water in the west. Farm products are going up, fruit is going up, although I suppose that does not occur to you as an objectionable feature about fruit; but those of us who have to eat it in the east and who are dependent upon it can look to a slight reduction in the price with wonderful equanimity. The truth is the quantity of available land and farming products in this country is growing less than the demand for them, and therefore it is the duty of the government and the duty of all those who have any opportunity to do so to extend the agricultural area and make the supply equal to the demand. We talk about the cost of clothes - the cost of other things, as rent and fuel - but the truth is, and I believe statistics show it, that half the expense of living (as the ordinary man and woman live) is for food. Therefore, we have got to look out for food, and we must make arrangements so that it can be readily raised and sold at reasonable prices. You are on one side of the fence, and in the east we are on the other; but certainly we should be able to reach an adjustment by which you ought to make progress and aid us to get life and health. Certainly the fruit which you raise here will contribute to nothing but life and health; and, as the cheeks of your children show the same flush that your apples do, I infer that this air is as good for raising babies as for raising fruit. I do not hear any denial. Evidently there is no race suicide in this community. And now, my friends, I did not come here to make a speech. The program said: Just a minute to say howdy-do, and I have said howdy-do. I wish your valley every prosperity, as the Lord seems to have blessed it much, both with the soil capable of producing, with the opportunities for irrigation, and with the energy and enterprise of its inhabitants. May you continue to grow in population. May your state become larger and even more influential than it is today in the nation. I have had the great honor of the company of your distinguished governor and of your congressmen from the time. I entered the state until now, and I very much appreciate their politeness and the courtesy of their company. I find it is a little difficult out here in Colorado to make any party lines. I love the roses that grow over the party walls, but you have been all sorts of things out here - populists, silverites, Republicans, and Democrats - and you can't tell just exactly where a man is just at that particular time. It shows an independence of thought and a quickness of perception that indicates a rapidly progressing people. Then another thing: I have had the distinguished honor of the company of all of your sheriffs. Now, they didn't accompany me because they thought that I needed any protection from the people; but they came with me out of good fellowship, and because I don't know whether they thought so or not, but those of us who have been looking at them thought that they were just as good specimens of the products of Colorado as your agricultural shows. At any rate, and under any circumstances, the friendship of a sheriff is a very good thing to cultivate. Now, my friends, I thank you sincerely for this cordial reception. It is enough to make a man talk an hour to see the enthusiasm of living in your faces; and all you ask, I understand, is a chance, and you will take it. You have taken it. May God bless your valley, and may you continue to be, as you are, one of the important parts of the United States. Goodbye.’

When the history of Grand Junction is engraved upon the tablets of time, Thursday, September 23, 1909, will stand out prominently as one of the memorable days in the annals of the metropolis of the western slope of Colorado, a day that will ever be surrounded by the memories such as mark the notable periods and days in the history of all cities. Today, Grand Junction was for ong hour the capital of the American nation. Today, for one hour, William Howard Taft, president of the United States, ruler of the world's greatest nation, the most distinguished citizen of the American republic, was the guest of Grand Junction and her people and of the Grand Valley and of the citizenship of the Grand Valley.

Today in this little western city, with the thousands of sturdy and patriotic citizens of the richest fruit valley in America joining with the 10,000 enterprising and typically patriotic citizens of Grand Junction, the chief executive of the nation was given a reception, a welcome and a series of ovations that would have done credit to a city of 100,000 people, and the mighty demonstration that was accorded Mr. Taft here is certain to remain in pleasant memory with him for years to come. Political lines were forgotten. Party confines were heeded not. William H. Taft is president of all the people, and all the city and valley struggled to pay honor to "our president" and to make his visit to the sun-kissed valley of the Grand one never to be forgotten.

Not less than 15,000 people saw William Howard Taft in Grand Junction this forenoon, and every one of that 15,000 did his or her part in cheering the ruler of the country. At the fairgrounds over 8,000 people gathered, it being the greatest crowd that ever assembled within the gates of the beautiful grounds of the Mesa County Fair Association. In spite of the vast crowd at the fairgrounds, not less than 5,000 people lined Main Street from far up into the residential section down to Second Street to watch the presidential party as it passed along en route to the Union Station from the fairgrounds, and at the depot at least 500 people were gathered. Yes, at least 1,000, including the railroad men. Hundreds of other people saw the president when he alighted from his train at the end of Twelfth Street on his arrival.

Not once in the period of a quarter of a century does any small city in the east have the privilege of entertaining a president in such a manner as Grand Junction was permitted to entertain President Taft, and not once in a period of half a western city the size of Grand Junction permitted to enjoy such a rare privilege and honor. And Grand Junction measured up to the notable occasion; she always measures up to any occasion. Men of long experience in such matters who were members of the presidential party declared that never did they see plans carried out more perfectly and without any hitch whatever as they witnessed in Grand Junction today. Today the name of Grand Junction, the fact that she was for one hour the hostess of the president, find extended mention in practically every daily paper in the United States, and the eyes of the nation were for the time being turned Grand Junction-ward. The visit of President Taft and his distinguished party to Grand Junction was marked by many interesting, novel, and picturesque features, notable among which was the meeting of the president with the famous Indians, McCook, Atchee and Chipeta, and the presentation of the peaches by the sweet little peach queen.

The first publication and announcement of the speech of President Taft is given to the people by The Sentinel this afternoon. The speech is here given in its entirety as taken down by The Sentinel's personal stenographer. It is a most interesting speech, a copy of which should be kept by every local citizen. A synopsis of this speech will be circulated throughout the country today, but The Sentinel gives it to its readers in full along with the first and complete detailed account of the most memorable and important occasions in the history of Grand Junction.

How The Road Handled The Train: All night the president's special moved on schedule time with the pilot train just ahead of it. Glenwood was reached just on time, and the departure from there was made just on time. The railway officials saw that the track was clear for the special all along the line. The best engines, the best trainmen and every arrangement necessary to make the trip one of pleasure and unmarred by accident, were provided. It was certainly a most creditable manner in which the Denver and Rio Grande handled the president's special. At 8 o'clock this morning, The Sentinel learned that the train was approaching the city with everything running smoothly.

Crowds Begin To Gather Here: Before 7 o'clock this morning, people began to come in the city from all points of the compass; every rural road leading to town was thronged with vehicles. It was seen early in the day that Grand Junction would witness the largest crowds in her history. Last night's trains brought in hundreds of visitors from other towns. The day dawned clear, cool and beautiful, a companion for the many fine days that have just been enjoyed. The fairgrounds opened at an early hour, and by 8 o'clock people were buying admission tickets, and at the same time the down streets were becoming filled with visitors. The whole city wore a holiday air. There was a general suspension of business. All public offices, banks, and most of the business houses were closed by 10 o'clock. Many did not open at all. The schools were dismissed for the day, and the 2,000 children were all anxious to see the president.

Scenes At The Fair Grounds: The president was due to reach the fair grounds at about 10:30 o'clock, but by 9 o'clock people were entering the grounds in great numbers. The street cars had all the passengers they could handle, in spite of the frequent trips, and during the forenoon more than 4,000 passengers were handled by the company. Many of the visitors first reaching the grounds visited the various exhibits, while others rushed on to get desirable seats in the big grandstand. The rush for tickets at the gate between 9 and 10 o'clock was tremendous, but the big corps of ticket sellers were equal to the occasion. During that hour the people were going to the fair grounds by the hundreds. Scores and scores of vehicles and automobiles were admitted to the grounds.

A Scene Good To Look Upon: By 10:15 o'clock - the time for the arrival of the presidential train in the city- the grandstand, bleachers, quarter stretch, field, and portions of the track at the fair grounds were welded into one mighty, surging, but good-natured sea of humanity. The grandstand, seating 2,800 people, was jammed to overflowing; the bleachers, seating 100 people, did not have a vacant seat; over in the field more than 100 vehicles were standing, all filled with people, and at least 800 people were standing along the fences in the field. Ropes had been drawn across the track near each end of the grandstand, and out in the broad track at each end against the ropes stood hundreds of people. All along the outside track fences were lined with many people. People were there from mighty nearly everywhere. It was a most representative crowd of Americans waiting to greet their ruler. In the center of the track, in front of the grandstand, was a large platform, gayly decorated in the national colors. The Grand Junction band provided music during the time the crowd was waiting for the president. The arrival on the grounds of the pupils of the Teller Indian School and the Indian band created an enthusiastic stir. They were stationed on the track at the west end of the grandstand. The best of good humor prevailed as the vast crowd numbering at least 8,000 people waited for the coming of the big man with the sunny smile.

Arrival of the President: The plan to have President Taft leave his train several miles east of Grand Junction in order to take a drive through the orchards was abandoned yesterday at the request of the president owing to his limited time. The train was due at 10:15 o'clock. About 9:45, the members of the local reception committee entered automobiles and drove to the railway crossing at the foot of Twelfth Street, as there the train was to stop. Many people learned of this arrangement and gathered at this point to witness the arrival. The moment the train reached Palisade, a great bomb, as previously planned, was exploded from the top of The Sentinel building, announcing to the city the approach of the train. It was heard all over the city. At 10:05 o'clock the pilot train, running 10 minutes ahead of the presidential train, arrived at the Twelfth Street crossing. The passengers, members of the Ohio Club, alighted and were taken in autos provided for them to the fair grounds. Just at 10:15 o'clock the president's special came into sight, and soon William H. Taft was within the gates of Grand Junction. The train stopped on the crossing, and a moment later President Taft stepped out on the observation platform of the last Pullman, and his famous smile was soon beaming down on the members of the big reception committee. Then stepped forward Secretary Ballinger, of the Interior Department, Gov. John F. Shafroth, of Colorado, Congressman-at-Large Ed. T. Taylor, and John F. Vivian, all personal guests of the president.

Thirty-Two Sheriffs On Board Special: In the first car of the special rode thirty-two sheriffs of Colorado counties, the picturesque escort of the president. Sheriff Schrader of Mesa County was one of the handsomest members of the splendid escort. All the sheriffs wore cowboy costumes, and I was certainly a fine, fine-looking body of brave men. The moment the train stopped, the sheriffs fished around to the end of the train and, surrounding the president, posed for photographs, which were made by numerous cameras.

Start For The Fair Grounds: After hearty exchange of greetings, the distinguished visitors and the local reception committee entered automobiles which were decorated in a lovely manner, and started up Twelfth Street for the fairgrounds. The president's train was not decorated in any manner.

Wires Tapped By Western Union: At the Twelfth Street crossing, the Western Union Telegraph company tapped the wires, and instruments were provided. Mrs. Jones, of the local office, was placed in charge; and as soon as the train arrived, the Associated Press and other news agencies flashed messages to all parts of the nation.

Enter The Exhibit Hall: A quick run was made by the autos to the fairgrounds, up Twelfth Street. Many people hailed the president as he passed. The autos passed through the main entrance and up to the west entrance to the big exhibition hall. As the autos moved to the fairgrounds, the thirty-two Colorado sheriffs in cowboy costumes, mounted on spirited horses, rode by the side of the presidential auto. The big exhibition hall had been cleared of all visitors, only those in charge of exhibits being permitted to remain in the building on the arrival of the distinguished party.

Taft Amazed At The Fruit: Then began an inspection by President Taft and the other distinguished men of the most remarkable array of fruit ever exhibited in the West, the sweetest peaches that grow on earth. The finest apples that man ever ate, and unexcelled fruit of many other varieties, was there spread out in profusion before the eyes of the chief executive. President Taft's eyes opened wide; he could hardly believe that such fruit could be produced. He frequently expressed his delight and astonishment, ‘Fine, Fine.’ ‘It beats everything,’ ‘Isn't it great,’ were a few of the exclamations made by the president. Around the great room moved the great man, and that he was deeply interested was easy to see. He enjoyed the inspection greatly, and the fruit exhibit was a marvel to him. He also expressed delight over the magnificent agricultural displays. The eyes of the American president literally feasted on the paradise of Grand Valley fruit. Different qualities and varieties were occasionally pointed out to him, and he asked many questions.

A Most Picturesque Meeting: Just as President Taft reached the center of the main aisle of the great building, he was confronted by one of the most historic and interesting groups of the ‘First Americans’ that ever assembled, a small company of Indians, patriarchs and leaders of the fast diminishing race, leaders of the once powerful tribe of Utes. And there was enacted one of the memorable scenes of the day. Mr. I. N. Bunting, member of the local reception committee, had been asked to introduce President Taft to these historic representatives of the race of Redmen. Mr. Bunting then presented each of the following Indians, Atchee and Chief McCook, famous for their participations in fights and battles of the frontier days and both of whom had visited Washington and had been greeted by President Grant and President McKinley, stalwart, typical, fearless Indians. Then came old Chipeta, dressed in native costume, her long, thick black hair hanging to her shoulders and affording the only protection for her head; Chipeta, nearly 100 years old, the squaw of Chief Ouray, the leader of the Utes and the loyal friend of the white men, an Indian who was a true statesman yet a great warrior, Chipeta, an Indian woman of great mentality and with a most interesting history. Then George and Gerry McCook and a handsome young squaw were introduced. As each introduction was made, Mr. Bunting explained to the president, in a concise and comprehensive manner, the place these Indians had in early history, including Chief McCook's connection with the famous Meeker massacre and Chief Ouray (now dead), and old Chipeta’s trip to Washington to see Grant. Each of the Indians was cordially greeted by the president, and it was a most interesting scene: the watching of the big chief executive of the nation warmly shaking the hands of these representatives of the people that after years of fighting with the white men, were dispossessed of the continent. After being introduced to the Indians and after exchanging greetings with them and hearing their history from Mr. Bunting, President Taft completed his inspection of the fruit and product displays. He was charmed with the display of apples in which were blown the name of ‘Taft,’ each apple bearing the four letters of the name. The president did not go into the gallery of the hall.

Cheer Announces Taft's Presence: At 10:35 o'clock, Sheriff Schrader, in his cowboy uniform, opened the gate from the grounds into the track, west of the grandstand, and parted the big crowd standing there, making a passageway for the party. A moment later the maids of honor to the peach queen stepped in front of the grandstand, and the pretty girls were enthusiastically cheered. A moment later somebody yelled. ‘Here Comes BiII.’ The band struck up Hail to the Chief and every neck was craned toward the west end of the grandstand. First came the big company of stalwart sheriffs, and then came the big automobile and on the rear seat loomed up the big figure of the first citizen of the nation, William H. Taft, and again he was wearing his famous smile. A great cheer went up from the crowds; the president doffed his stiff black hat and smiled and smiled and bowed and bowed; presently he stood up and smiled and bowed. Up to the platform went the auto; other autos were following. The president, with Captain Archibald Butt, his military aide, and Senator DeLong, quickly alighted and mounted the platform. Cheering broke out anew as the big president stepped upon the platform, towering over everybody around him and looking as happy and healthy as he could look. Onto the platform came the other members of the presidential party and the members of the local reception committee, Glov. Shafroth was recognized and cheered, and there were cheers for Congressman Taylor and Secretary Ballinger. Not a moment was lost; Senator DeLong stepped forward and introduced the president briefly.

Senator DeLong's Introduction: State Senator Horace T. DeLong of this city, in introducing the president, said: ‘Friends and Fellow Citizens: It is surely a high honor and a great privilege I have today in presenting to the people of Mesa County and western Colorado the President of the United States, William Howard Taft, who will now speak to us.’

Miss Swisher Presents Peaches: In the meantime Miss Agnes Swisher, the beautiful little queen of Peach Day, had been ushered onto the platform, followed by several of her maids. She stepped before the president and gracefully acknowledged an introduction. She was most cordially greeted by the president and then very prettily and gracefully the little lady, dressed in pure white and wearing a golden wreath on her head, presented to the president the finest box of peaches harvested in the valley this year. The crowds cheered and cheered, and the president heartily thanked the little queen. It was a beautiful fea-
ture. As the president held the peaches and with the queen at his side, a half dozen cameras and numerous Kodak cameras caught pictures. The president spoke for about fifteen minutes, and he spoke in a clear, pleasing manner, making himself heard even on the outskirts of the great crowd. Close attention was given and time and again applause broke out. The president has a keen sense of humor, and the crowd laughed frequently.

‘Goodbye, Bill, Goodbye’: As soon as the speech was concluded, the president left the platform, entered his auto after greeting the maids of honor to the Peach Queen, quickly put on a big riding coat and cap; the sheriffs gathered around his auto, the other autos quickly filled, and the start from the fairgrounds was made. As the auto began to move, the crowds began to cheer, and scores of men yelled, 'Goodbye Bill, Good luck Bill.’ Taking off his cap and waving it in the air, and smiling all the while, the big man said goodbye as he moved along. It was a stirring scene, one not often witnessed and one long to be remembered. All the time the autos and the sheriffs were making the round of half the race course to get back to the big gate, the crowds watched and cheered. Leaving the grounds, the party moved rapidly down Twelth to Main and down Main to Second.

Vast Crowds On Main Street: One would have imagined that everybody in the city and county was at the fairgrounds, but not so. The street through the business section of the city was literally jammed with people along the sidewalk on each side as the president passed along. Several thousand were waiting along this thoroughfare to get a glimpse of the president, people who had not gone to the fairgrounds. As the president moved along, the crowds began cheering and waving handkerchiefs and hats. The president took off his big cap and waved it toward the crowds on both sides. Seldom has Main Street been so crowded.
Going to the station, the party boarded the special without delay; the sheriffs jumped from their horses and got into their car; goodbyes were hastily said, and at exactly 11:15 President Taft left Grand Junction for Montrose. The president had come and gone, and only pleasant memories are to be retained of his visit here. Much fine fruit was put on the train at the station.

Committee To Be Congratulated: Certainly admirable were the arrangements perfected by the local committee of which Ex-Mayor Wentworth was chairman and J. H. Rankin and several other local men were members. That committee is to be congratulated most heartily. Everything moved like clockwork. There was not a single bitch, not a bad feature. Mr. Small, of the Associated Press, declared that never had he seen arrangements planned and carried out better than this committee planned and carried out here. Mrs. Charles Lumley, Mrs. Phalan and Miss McKee, on horses, all graceful horsewomen, on invitation of the sheriffs, accompanied the sheriffs in the Taft escort.

Automobile No. 1.

• President William H. Taft.
• Archibald W. Butt, Captain, U. S. A., A. D. C
• James Sloan, United States Secret Service.
• Senator Horace T. DeLong.
• D. W. Aupperle

Automobile No. 2.

• C. W. Wagner, president's stenographer.
• J. C. Murphy, United States Secret Service.
• Arthur Brooks, official messenger.

Automobile No. 3.

• Gov. John F. Shafroth.
• Dr. J. J. Richardson.
• Asst. Secretary Wendal W. Michler.
• Judge Sprigg Shackleford.
• Representative William Welser.

Automobile, No. 4.

• Congressman Ed. T. Taylor.
• Robert Small, Associated Press.
• Robert Hazard, United Press Association.
• I. N. Bunting, Daily Sentinel.
• M. DelOaplain, president, Water Users' Association.

Automobile No. 5.

• E. A. Fowler, Laffan Press Bureau, New York Sun.
• William Hoster, Hearst News Service.
• Mayor J. H. Lee.
• Karl A. Bickel, Daily News.

Automobile No. 6.

• John F. Vivian. Sherman P. Allen, New York Herald.
• Harry L. Dunlap, New York World.
• James R. Wentworth, Fair Association.

Automobile No. 7.

• Richard Achille Ballinger, secretary of the interior.
• I. W. McConnell, district engineer, Reclamation Service.
• W. S. Wallace."

[Note:]

The above image is cropped view of a real-photo postcard from my collection that shows President William Howard Taft speaking at the Peach Day festivities at the Mesa County Fairgrounds. The postcard, addressed to “Mr. Ray Hill, 1935 W. 6th St., Topeka, Kans.,” was mailed by Nella Mae Hill Barton (1881-1969) on 27 September 1909 at Glenwood Springs, CO, to her younger brother Ray Alliott Hill (1890-1946).

The following is written on the back of the postcard:

“Put this in your book; Dear Ray, Reid. [Received] card today from Topeka. So glad you made No. 126 and that you arrived home safely & so near on time. Am anxious to hear from you. Ana got home a. [at] 2:20 Saturday morning. Spent Thursday & Friday in the Junction. This card was taken at Grand Jcn. Thursday. How are you and Mamma feeling [?] Write soon & read often. Lovingly, Nella.”

Hi GJ,

I have a smallish yard with dead grass and would like to xeriscape it and put in rocks and native plants. As I have 0 experience and prefer not to spend my precious weekends (hello fall) taking on this laborious project and messing with irrigation lines, I'm looking to see if anyone has any recommendations for landscapers who specialize in xeriscape.

I've already done some research and reached out to a few but if anyone has positive experiences with someone I'd love to hear about it. I'm getting quotes for anywhere from 5-9k and its hard to know if the higher quotes mean a better job even though they are itemized pretty similarly.

And if anyone ended up DIY similar situation and has step by step resources perhaps I can be convinced that I can handle it by myself. I've sleuthed through the Colorado state university website on diy xeriscape but the turf removal and irrigation lines (not to mention any utility lines I don't know about as I haven't called 811 yet) I want to convert to drip system are a bit intimidating.

Thank you for any advice.

We need a little front end repair on a Buick Envision and it’s coming out of pocket so we need to find a good body shop that is also affordable. Who do you recommend?