In the late 1890’s and early 1900’s mining was an important part of the economy of the western United States. Several coal mines operated in the Grand Valley and western Colorado’s role in the mining industry was just beginning to emerge. During this time in Eastern Utah a rare mineral called Gilsonite was being mined. […]
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No one will accuse early Grand Junction of being Tombstone or Dodge City, but early issues of the Grand Junction News reveal that the Grand Valley had its share of Old West crime. On November 25, 1882, the News reported that William Wencel of Grand Junction was robbed and shot to death in […]
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On Saturday night, Kitchens of the Great Midwest author J. Ryan Stradal entertained a large audience at the conclusion of One Book, One Mesa County. A native Midwesterner, J. Ryan discussed his upbringing, touching on his early love of books and reading, as well as things he ate and enjoyed (or didn’t.) He shared an […]
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The Gateway area is home to a variety of historical and archaeological sites. If you travel through the region you’ll probably notice a variety of structures related to mining, ranching, and homesteading. Divide Road will take you up above Unaweep Canyon and through the Uncompahgre National Forest. If you look off to the side of Divide […]
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Are you safe on the internet? Could you be safer? Attend an upcoming class at the Central Library to increase your awareness of the most common risks, get fluent in the lingo of internet security (e.g., phishing, malware), be able to identify online scams and frauds, and learn common-sense techniques to protect yourself and your computer. Although this […]
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Traditionally known for his Scottish mystery series, award-winning Peter May’s latest, Runaway, is a standalone, a superbly executed story of five friends who have to relive the past in order to resolve their regrets and guilt. In 1965, Jack Mackay is a headstrong 17-year-old, ready to leave his unhappy life in Glasgow, Scotland, with his […]
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We have so enjoyed all of the participation from our readers over the past month of One Book, and we’re greatly anticipating J Ryan’s talk at the end of the week. J Ryan will speak at the Avalon Theatre (645 Main St.) on Saturday, March 5th at 7pm. The doors will open at 6 pm, […]
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Grown ups are always wondering what the moral of the story is. I didn’t even know what “moral of the story” meant until I asked a librarian the other day. It means the lesson that you learn from a story. Since I love Mo Willems’ Elephant & Piggie books, I thought I would share with you some […]
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Kitchens of the Great Midwest’s Pat Prager lovingly crafts her Peanut Butter Bars to compete at her local fair. After some success, friends convince her to apply for a more elite competition. When she arrives, she is greeted by perhaps the most negative stereotype of the foodie snob and uber locavores. Her competition seems obsessed […]
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One of the enjoyable factors to Kitchens of the Great Midwest is the change in perspective and narrator that each chapter brings. In the only chapter that is from Eva’s point of view, she is a young girl, experimenting in the growth of chili peppers and breeding for the hottest possible. In her bedroom closet. […]
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