Japanese Beetle

Over the summer, the invasive Japanese Beetle was detected in Grand Junction. The adult beetle feeds on more than 300 species of plants including those that are a major part of Western Slope's agricultural economy such as sweet corn, peaches, and grapes. The invasive insect already plagues some communities on the Front Range. For KVNF, Laura Palmisano interviews Rich Guggenheim, Plant Health Certification Program Manager for the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

Wildfire mitigation will be coming to Grand Mesa, thanks to new federal funding. The Daily Sentinel reports that the critical mitigation work will be a joint effort with GMUG's Valley Ranger District, Colorado State Forest and Mesa and Delta counties. The Denver Post reports that Winter Park will see its earliest opening day… in its 82-year history.The price of health insurance in Colorado is expected to rise next year, the “cost hike” contradicts a promise made by the Polis Administration. The invasive Japanese Beetle was discovered in Grand Junction, over the summer. Adult beetles feed on more than 300 species of plants impacting the Western Slope's agricultural economy.