The Kokopelli Connection

In this episode of the Kokopelli Connection, we sit down with the Grand Junction Sports Commission to talk about the incredible lineup of events happening across the Grand Valley. From family fun runs like the Peachy 5k, major mountain bikeevents such as Rides and Vibes and their signature event, the Junior College World Series AKA JUCO, the Sports Commission plays a major role in driving activity, tourism, and economic growth in Grand Junction.We dive into how these events are organized, the impact they have on the local community, and why Grand Junction continues to be a premier destination for athletes, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you're a local looking to get involved or someone considering a move to the area, this episode highlights just how active and opportunity rich the Grand Valley really is.Learn more about the Sports Commission: https://www.grandjunctionsports.org/

Welcome back to the Kokopelli Connection Podcast. Today, we’re joined by Greg Haitz, a candidate for Mesa County Treasurer. We dive into his campaign, his experience leading and managing teams, and his vision for improving how county funds are handled—including strategies aimed at generating stronger returns for taxpayers. If you’re interested in local leadership and the future of Mesa County’s finances, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.See more about Greg and his campaign-https://www.gregfortreasurer.com/

In this episode of the Kokopelli Connection Podcast, we sit down with Grand Valley Youth Cycling to talk about the powerful impact of youth mountain biking in Grand Junction and across the Western Slope.We discuss how their programs help kids build confidence, leadership skills, and resilience through outdoor recreation — and why access to trails, cycling culture, and youth sports make Grand Junction one of the best places to raise a family in Western Colorado.Topics include:• Youth mountain biking programs in Mesa County• The growth of cycling culture in Grand Junction• Outdoor recreation and family lifestyle• Life skills kids learn through mountain biking and racing in Grand JunctionLearn more about Grand Valley Youth Cycling:https://grandvalleymtb.org/If you're considering moving to Grand Junction or want to learn more about the lifestyle that drives our real estate market, this episode gives you a local, boots-on-the-ground perspective.

The Downtown Cat is Grand Junction’s newest coffee shop—but it’s not quite what you’d expect. Yes, they serve coffee, pastries, and all your café favorites, but this spot also has cats. A lot of cats! As a unique twist, The Downtown Cat is home to several resident felines you can relax with while enjoying your drink.In this episode, we talk with owner Tasha about this one-of-a-kind business and her work with pets and pet care throughout the Grand Valley.https://thedowntowncatcompany.com/https://www.dogdynastygj.com/

On this episode of the Kokopelli Connection, we spoke with Mesa County School Board Candidate, Vicki Woods.  Vicki told us about her long career as a teacher, administrator and principal in School District 51 and why she now wants to run for school board.  Vicki discussed problems facing the district, including declining enrollment, behavioral issues in classrooms and how the district needs to build a stronger academic foundation for students.  Learn more about Vicki Woods and her campaign for schoolboard:https://www.vickiwoodsd51.com/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578862955541

This fall in Grand Junction the District 51 School Boardelections are taking place for 3 separate seats.  Today on the Kokopelli Connection, we sit down with Andrea Haitz.  Andrea is the incumbent in District C, running again Mike Rathbone.  Andrea discusses her last four years on the school board and what they have accomplished, as well as the many challenges this board has face.  Andrea tells us what prompted the school closures and why the board decided to close Scenic Elementary, Nisly Elementary, andClifton Elementary.  We also talk about the state of the schools in Mesa Country and what Andrea hopes to achieve ifshe is re-elected.  Learn more about Andrea and her bid for re-election:https://www.facebook.com/Andrea4Kids/https://www.andrea4kids.com/

On this Episode of the Kokopelli Connection, we are joined again by Grand Junction Mayor, Cody Kennedy.Since Cody's last appearance on the Kokopelli Connection, he has won his bid for re-election and was appointed by the new City Council as Mayor of Grand Junction.  Cody discusses what the new Grand Junction City Council has been working on, including the status of the 4th and 5th street bike lanes, the closing of the resource center on Ute, and he addresses the budget overage on the new recreation center.  We also talked about upcoming housing developments in the city and council’s new focus on improving home affordability in the Grand Valley.  Rach out to Cody @ https://codyforgj.com/ and join him weekly at coffee with Cody.

On today’s episode, we sat down with Malachi Yeager, his wife Angela and Cameron Cunningham to talk about mission trips.   They have traveled the world helping others and following their faith.  They shared stories of experiences and heartwarming encounters that make them appreciate the life they have here in America.  We discussed ways your family can become involved in a mission trip and help those in need. Learn more at Reverent Rhythms (https://www.reverentrhythms.com/) and CC Coaching (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-cunningham-06b215117), or Father of the Fatherless (https://www.taata.org/)Catchup on all the episode of the Kokopelli Connectionhttps://thekokopelliconnection.com/

On this episode of the Kokopelli Connection, we sit down with Shayana Heiney from the Housing and Building Association of Western Colorado. Shayana tells us about what the HBA does for builders and home owners here in the Grand Valley. She also talks about the collaboration between the HBA and D51 called Careers in construction. This program helps high school students get started in the construction industry. Finally, Shanya spills some details about this year’s Parade of Homes that is happening September 26th to October 5th 2025! Listen in to find out more!Check out the HBA for more info https://www.hbawesternco.com/

Ethan Ball, the director of Funny Business (AKA Marketing) atThe Gear Junction tells us about the shop’s history and how a few college friends started one of the more iconic stores in Grand Junction. The founders are all passionate about the rivers of western Colorado and rafting.  The Gear Junction, along with Rivers Edge West, is working every year to keep these waterways clean with the annual river clean up.  You will not believe what kinds of trash is pulled out of the river every year! Rivers Edge West and the River Cleanup.  https://www.riversedgewest.org/The Gear Junction.  https://www.thegearjunction.com/

Dixie Burmeister is an iconic figure in the Grand Valley who has been an integral part of the Palisade Peach Festival and the local food scene.Dixie tells us how peaches and Palisade have influenced her life and what exciting events she has planned for this years Palisade Peach Festival. From chef cook offs, music, drinks, food and of course peaches, this years Peach Festival will be the best yet!For more information on the 2025 Palisade Peach Festival, https://palisadecoc.com/events/palisadepeachfest/August 16-17, 2025 in Palisade, Colorado.

Welcome to this episode of The Kokopelli Connection.Today, we're joined by Hogan Peterson, Government Affairs Director for the Grand Junction Association of Realtors. As a lobbyist, Hogan works closely with government agencies and elected officials throughout the Grand Valley to advocate for property owners' rights and to help keep housing affordable.In this episode, Hogan shares his insights on the potential impact of the newly elected Grand Junction City Council members—and what it could mean for the local housing landscape.https://www.gjrealtors.org/

On this episode of the Kokopelli Connection, Don Potter with COPMOBA discusses mountain biking in the Grand Valley and what COPMOBA does to build and maintain trails.  If you moved to the Grand Valley because of the mountain biking, this is a unique look behind the scenes at our trail systems. Don tells us his favorite place to ride, (and I’m betting most of you haven’t ridden it).  We also discussed the lengthy processrequired to build new trails and who governs and maintains existing mountain bike trails.  Checkout COPMOBA. https://www.copmoba.org/

On this episode of the Kokopelli Connection, we are at Talbott Farms in Palisade, Colorado, talking with Charles Talbott and his Fiancé Taylor Ramsey.  Talbott Farms is an iconic local winery, cider company and farm that was started by Charles’s family 6 generations ago, and has been run by the Talbott family ever since.  Charles and Taylor are both military veterans from the Marine Corp and Army.  They talk with us about life on the farm, working at 3am to keep fruit trees from freezing and how Charles turned military homebrew into the Talbot Cider Company.  We also hear about the Palisade Bluegrass Bash that is happening April 17th to the 20th, 2025.  This local music festival in Palisade features multiple bands at several great locations throughout the town.  https://palisadebluegrass.com/https://talbottsciderco.com/https://www.talbottfarms.com/

Morgan Murri joins us on this Episode of the Kokopelli Connection.  Morgan is a local endurance athlete, adventure seeker and founder of the Desert Gravel Race Series.  Morgan talks about the importance of mental resolve in endurance sports and how he ran the Leadville 100 after breaking his foot just one month prior.  We also discuss gravel riding in the Grand Valley and what Morgan did to develop the very popular Co2Ut gravel race that is occurring this year on May 3, 2025, in Fruita, Colorado.https://www.desertgravel.com/

In this episode we have the pleasure of talking with Dave Fishell, a local historian and expert on Western Colorado and Grand Junction. We discuss the little known history of Grand Junction and Western Colorado from the Native Americans, to old west shootouts and the uranium era in Colorado. Dave even tell us about how a nuclear bomb was detonated near Rifle Colorado!

On this episode of the Kokopelli Connection, we talk with Grand Junction City Councilman Cody Kennedy. Cody tells us about his bid for re-election, the safety issues surrounding 4th and 5th streets, the City's plan to add a similar bike lane to 7th street and decrease the the road to a one lane, and the controversy over the resource center.

In this episode of the Kokopelli Connection, we sit down with Ken Scissors who is running for the 2025 at large seat for the Grand Junction City Council. Ken discusses many hot topics in the City including increased development fees, the housing issues, and the controversy surround 4th and 5th streets.