October 'People You Can Count On' Awarded To Starlene Collins

Going Above And Beyond To Get Food On The Tables Of Those In Need

By Matt Kroschel



Grand Junction- Every month thanks to your nominations we go out and find people on the Western Slope that are making a difference, helping this community to be a better place. October NewsChannel Five awarded Starlene Collins.

Over the past 12 years with the Western Slope Food Bank of the Rockies, Collins has gone above and beyond to make sure food gets to the people who need it the most in the Grand Valley.

Her dedication to her job and the entire community caught not only our attention, but our partners with the Sky Ute Casino. We are honored to award Collins 'People You Can Count On' For the month of October.

If you would like to nominate someone you know for this award, fill out the nomination form on the main page of krextv.com.         

Horizon Drive Thrives in Recession

By Matt Kroschel
Grand Junction - When you think about Horizon Drive in Grand Junction, hotels and gas stations may be what comes to mind, but a new study may shed some light on just how important the area is to Mesa County's overall economy.

Colorado Mesa University researchers released a new study that shows despite the economic recession, businesses along horizon drive have been able to weather the storm.

In fact, businesses report 30% growth over the last few years. $60 million in taxable retail sales come directly from the district, which has 277 individual businesses.

Plans for the future include working to improve safety and deal with a huge increase in traffic along horizon drive.

“We want to improve safety and make it better for foot traffic,” said Lynne Sorlye, a Horizon Drive District board member.

The district was created back in 2004.

Occupy Grand Junction Protest Sets Up Camp, Prepare For Expected Arrests

By Matt Kroschel

Grand Junction-

UPDATE: I am told at least 3 protesters are ready to be arrested for camping on the lawn at the Old Mesa County Courthouse. they expect police to move in and kick everyone out around 10:00 PM Saturday. If and when that happens protesters tell me they will continue to rotate out members to keep their protest site until Sunday. They are planning more marches around downtown Sunday afternoon.

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About 100 protesters with a variety of messages 'moved in' to the lawn at the Old Mesa County Courthouse despite a county officials banning camping on the property.

Following in the footsteps of protesters across the country, Occupy Grand Junction began the protest with several speeches and chanting. With a strong uniformed police presence, hundreds of people from across the Western Slope began what they call as an occupation of support and a message to Wall Street.

The diverse group of protesters said no matter what individual problems people have with the current government and big businesses system, they are all finding mutual ground as being one of the 99 percent.

Protester Kristine Hicken traveled from Meeker for this protest and said she is here because she wants to show support to the protesters at Wall Street.

"Things are not right, they are worse then ever before and the rich keep getting richer while the majority of us are being passed over," Hicken said.

Protest organizers say they are pursuing legal action against the county for the ban on camping and said they anticipate several arrests Saturday night because some protesters will not leave t he lawn area.

Grand Junction Police officials said they will not tolerate illegal activities, but they don't expect a problem with the crowd.

Watch NewsChannel Five for continuing coverage of the protest.


For a link to the Occupy Grand Junction Facebook Page Click here:

http://www.facebook.com/KREXTV#!/groups/289861931025748/

Palisade Peach Harvest "Best in Years"

By Matt Kroschel

Palisade - Peach farmers in Palisade are wrapping up another year, so how did they do this season? Mesa County farmers tell NewsChannel 5 that problems in other counties helped make their crops more successful.

Overall, the harvest was good for peach farmers in Palisade. In the fields, just about everyone is done picking peaches, but workers at Kokopelli Farm still has work to do. The owners tell us they drew a good straw this year. That is because Mother Nature gave them a break with good weather and no late freezes. The news was not as good down south in Delta and Montrose Counties though. Peach farmers there were plagued with late spring freezes.

"Last year, we had a winter freeze that took quite a bit of our crop. This year, we actually had a very good crop. The price was good because some of the other growers, unfortunately, were short, especially in the Paonia, Cedaredge, Hotchkiss area," said Brant Harrison, the owner of Kokopelli Farm in Palisade.

At Kokopelli Farm, they say next year, they are planning on expanding their operation, in part thanks to the good harvest this season.         

EXCLUSIVE: The Family of a Woman Killed While Walking Her Dogs Speak Out

By Matt Kroschel

CLIFTON- The woman who was struck by a driver as she walked her dog Sunday in Clifton has died in the hospital. Family members told NewsChannel 5 50-year-old Darinda Brown died of her injuries in Saint Mary's Hospital Thursday afternoon.

According to CSP, Brown was taking a walk with her granddaughter and dog when the accident happened.

21-year-old Joseph Weixel was driving the GMC Suburban SUV when he turned the corner, driving partially on the sidewalk. Brown's granddaughter jumped out of the way, but Brown herself was hit by the truck's left rear tire. The dog was killed and Brown was taken to St. Mary's Hospital with serious injuries.

Officials say there is reason to believe alcohol or drugs, and possibly speed, were factors in the crash. Weixel was arrested and could face some pretty serious charges. Neighbors who saw the accident say it's not the first time they've seen out-of-control drivers in their neighborhood

"He was going fast and I don't go for that. There's a lot of cars that go by fast. He's not the only one," explained Lora Tineo, who lives right near where the accident happened.         

Postal Workers Rally To Save Their Industry

by Matt Kroschel



Grand Junction - Postal Service employees plan to rally in Colorado to warn about the impact of proposed cuts. The Communications Workers of America Union's Denver chapter says the rally on Tuesday is part of a national effort seeking support for Congressional action to shore up the struggling agency.


Union officials say cuts in service are not necessary, and the postal service isn't broke. They also said warnings of a possible taxpayer bailout are unfounded.

Final Western Slope Honor Flight Touches Down in Grand Junction

Hundreds of People Pack Airport for Hero's Welcome Home Rally

Grand Junction - It is a hero's welcome home at Grand Junction Regional Airport Thursday night as more than 90 World War II veterans come home from their trip to Washington, D.C. It's all part of the fifth and final Western Slope Honor Flight.

The Honor Flight touched down a few minutes ahead of schedule Thursday night and what was there to greet the veterans can only be described as a hero's welcome home.

This was the final flight, the final mission for the Western Slope Honor Flight organization. Over the years the group has sponsored five flights and made trips to the memorial possible for hundreds of veterans.

This trip was a 36-hour whirlwind tour of the capital, but it was the welcome home that left these veterans speechless, and as they walked through the hundreds of cheering people, one message was very clear.

"They are true heroes, and we are so honored to be here and to honor them," a member of the Western Slope Boy Scouts of America said as he cheered on the passing veterans.

Organizers say this flight was bittersweet because it is the last one they are organizing from here. Congressman Scott Tipton presented Kevin Wodlinger with a special honor during the trip. He is the person who founded the Western Slope Honor Flight.