Health Board Narrows CEO Search as Fall Coat Drive Begins
Austin, CO · August 23, 2026
Sunday clouds are gathering over the mesa early today, bringing a cooler, rainy setup for the afternoon.
The Lead
The search for Delta Health’s next chief executive officer is entering its final stretch after board members and a dedicated search committee narrowed a national pool down to three finalists. The leadership choice comes at a pivotal moment for healthcare across the valley as the hospital system adapts to shifting rural medicine demands, including an upcoming October transition that shifts its home health program to Volunteers of America. Interim leadership has guided operations through recent emergency department provider updates and regional care realignments, maintaining steady operations for local patients. The board plans to host candidate evaluations and complete formal interviews over the coming weeks, with a final selection expected shortly after.
Local Pulse
Home Health Transition Begins October First Volunteers of America will absorb hospital home health operations while keeping local staff and location unchanged.
Stage Two Fire Restrictions Remain Active Dry conditions keep open wood fires, charcoal burning, and off-road driving prohibited across the entire county.
Paonia Enacts Mandatory Water Restrictions Town officials limited outdoor watering to essential hours after spring yields dropped below community demand.
Today's Outlook
- High 94°F · Low 66°F — Rain
- Keep an umbrella handy today as afternoon rain moves across the area.
What's On Around Town
Cedaredge: Community Coat Drive Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (195 W Main St), 9:00 AM–4:00 PM Drop off gently used winter coats to assist local families.
Paonia: Live Music at Big B’s Big B's Delicious Orchards (39126 Hwy 133), 12:00–4:00 PM Enjoy fresh orchard cider and acoustic tunes on the lawn.
Hotchkiss: Evening Gathering at Three20 Three20 Bar & Grill (320 Bridge St), 5:00–8:00 PM Grab local comfort food and cold drinks before the workweek begins.
Spotlight & Story
- The Austin Icehouse
- In 1910, workers harvested winter ice from the Gunnison River and packed it in sawdust here to cool rail cars loaded with fresh peaches. Today, quiet county lanes replace the rail bustle, leaving faint foundation stones where fruit packing once drove the valley's economy.
Austin Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
Sent with care by MailerDot — your city, every morning.