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...

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 fi...

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 Junc...

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 h...

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 bui...

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...

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...

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 th...

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 constructi...

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 r...

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...

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 ins...

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 discus...

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....

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 develo...

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.