Rodeo, July 28, 2009

What began as a very sticky, hot evening at Rim Rock, ended up being a pleasant evening . It just took a little rain to drop the temperature as humans and animals alike, breathed relief.

Josey Varley placed first in saddle bronc. 

The bulls had a hey day as they dumped nearly everyone.Cody Tesch scored a  89 to take first, Jesse Fortenberry placed second. Junior Bulls saw only one rider make the time, Justin Richardson.

Calf Roping saw Clay Norell place first and Jace Hutton take second.

In Ribbon Roping Pate Younger and Katie Jones took first. James Hutton and Clayton Muller ended up with second.

In Breakaway competition, Jesse Smith was number one and Monica Smith number two.

Barrels 1 D first went to Loni Wolfe, second, Sammy Bessert.

Barrels 2D first, Bailee MacNamara, second, Laurie Carlson.

Barrels 3 D first Jesse Nichols; second, Janie Cooper.

Team roping always seems to have a surplus of  competitors.

Roping # 8 first place was taken by Tony Tonozzi and Bryce Simmons. Second place, Waley Clarke and John Hart.

Roping # 11 saw Brennen Seely and Kent Jones place first. Dale Branden and Bo Simmon placed second.

Thursday, July 30 will mark the installation of Harlan Mosher's sculptures in the roundabout at Canyon View

Harlan Mosher,   gifted artist and engineer, has created another wonderful artwork to be installed as a public work of art. Watch for this event to be published on this news site.

The photos in this article, showing  the maquettes created by Mosher, in the planning the final pieces for the installation, give an idea of what the art work will look when placed.  Travelers on I-70 will be treated to this monumental work of art as they approach from east or west and pass under the overpass which is the site of the work.

According to Allison Sarmo, Arts and Culture Comission Director, Loma sculptor, Mosher will install two new 30 foot tall stained aluminum sculptures in the roundabouts at I-70 and 24 Road on Tuesday, July 28 starting at 7:00 a.m.  The City of Grand Junction commissioned Mosher to create the artwork through a competitive process, having looked at several proposals for monumental artat that location.  The 24 Road interchange is a major entrance to Grand Junction and the city's aim is to create a distinctive and unique entry feature as a gateway to the community.

 

Mosher's new sculptures were inspired by the topography surrounding Grand Junction and reflect the scenic characteristics of the Colorado National Monument, but are done in stained metal geometric forms.

 Mosher began his artistic career as a professional potter, exhibiting and selling work throughout Colorado and Utah.  After learning welding and fabrication, he has spent almost 30 years concentrating his creative energy on architectural metals and large sculpture. He was one of the original Art on the Corner artists when the exhibit was first organized in 1984.

In 1985 Mosher was commissioned by the Downtown Development Authority to design andbuild a sculptural water feature for downtown.  His stainless steel fountain entitled"Mesa, Monoliths, and Monuments" is in front of the Dalby Wendland Buildingat 5th and Main.  His 1990 Art on the Corner piece "Arches" was purchased by Richard and Patrene Rice and is on permanent loan to the Art on the Corner collection and located in front of City Hall.  He also did a sculpture for the Western Colorado Community College, and has pieces in Lawrence, Kansas; Naples, Florida; and Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Mosher has sculptures currently displayed in Florida, New Mexico

Thursday night concerts are free and fun in Fruita

Pineapple Crackers entertained a big crowd at last week's free Thursday night concert hosted by Fruita Parks and Recreation Department at the Civic Center. Another near record crowd enjoyed the relaxing tunes and delivery of this group. See you this Thursday at another concert.

July is proving to be a "hot" time in Western Colorado

These are some photos of the Mesa County Sheriff's Wildland Fire Team and the Juniper Valley Fire Team out of Rifle assisting with the flare up of that major brush fire along I-70 near Fruita on Monday, July 20th.

 

Juniper Valley is one of three state DOC  S.W.I.F.T. units stationed around the state to assist with wildfires and forest mitigation projects. S.W.I.F.T. stands for State Wildland Inmate Fire Team. Juniper Valley is based at the Rifle Correctional Center. The other two teams are based at prisons in Buena Vista and Canon City.

 

Photos and story by Charles Broshous

Dolphins have great weekend.

Fruita-Monument High School graduate Tim Leonhart had an eventful weekend which helped the Grand Junction Dolphins take third place in the the Western Slope Swimming Championships at the Lincoln Park Pool on July 17th, 18th and 19th.

 

Leonhart won the 50 Meter Freestyle, 200 Meter Butterfly and 200 Meter Breaststroke. He took second in the 400 Meter Individual Medley and the 100 Meter Breaststroke.

 

Leonhart, who swims for the University of Utah, is home for summer break. Swimming with the Dolphins allows him to compete in the off season and stay in shape for his upcoming junior year with the Utes.

 

The Dolphins head to the Colorado State Championships in Fort Collins on July 24th, 25th and 26th

teams are based at prisons in Buena Vista and Canon City.

 

Photos and story by Charles Broshous

Peggy Malone is a "dyno-mite" inspiration.

Performing at a Fruita Farmer's Market on July 4 this year, Peggy Malone made the day fun and entertaining.  If you need some top quality entertainment for some special event you can find her in the phone book. With a smile and genuine graciousness, she will fill the bill. This photo taken by Judy Harer of Fruita.

Events for this week July 27 to Aug.1

Number one on the list of events is the Fruita Relay for Life which takes place starting at 6 p.m. at the Fruita 8/9 parking lot. The public is invited the next morning to the Fruita Lions breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. The Lions will be donating their proceeds to the Relay for Life.

Suzie Potraz has done a great job of organizing this event. Cancer is something that affects each of us whether it be in the loss of a loved one, or a friend may suffer from it. Please help by donating what you can. During the night time activities there will be entertainment and all sorts of activities to make the event fun.

The Colorado National Monument Ranger Programs, Porch talks and Walks at the Visitors center start at 9:30 daily this week.

Ultimate Frisbee pick-up is at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday at Canyon View. Go, learn to play.

The Thunder Mountain Camera Club meets 7-9 at the River of Alliance Church, 701, 24 1/2 Road.

The Thursday night FREE concert at Fruita Civic Center features DESERT MOON. With a packed audience last week for Pineapple Crackers, get there early for a good seat.

Don't forget to listen to KEKB, 99.9 for Dodge McKenzie's breakfast Club.

Example of great hand work shown at the County Fair. Photo by Judy Harer

County fair winners photographed by Judy Harer, Fruita

Candids from the Fair

Enjoy the following photographs which were taken at random at the Fair.  Subjects range from the mid-way, dancers, prizes, livestock and people. Enjoy.

Of course, you do not go to a Fair for healthy food. From funnel cakes, to every other calorie ridden treat, a fair is a time to get that soul food.

There are shows to watch, demonstrations to take in,  prizes to check out and just plainly enjoy everything. See you there next year.