Local High Schoolers Beat Regional SAT Average
Austin, CO · October 27, 2026
Crisp morning chill is giving way to clear skies across the valley today, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the low sixties. Keep an extra layer handy by the front door until the midday sun gets to work.
The Lead
Juniors across the Delta County School District delivered strong academic marks this fall, posting an average composite SAT score of 967. The results put the local district ahead of six out of eight Western Colorado comparison districts, trailing the statewide average of 982 by just 15 points. For a consolidated rural system balancing high schools across Cedaredge, Delta, Hotchkiss, Crawford, and Paonia, the data reflects steady post-pandemic ground gained in reading, writing, and mathematics.
The state also reaffirmed the district’s fully accredited rating, citing consistent participation rates and sustained year-over-year growth across rural campuses. District curriculum teams now turn their attention to mid-year benchmark assessments, analyzing math sub-scores to tailor spring test preparation.
Local Pulse
City Approves Mobile Emergency Backup Generator Safety Delta City Council authorized a $205,000 generator to guarantee emergency power for local shelters and wastewater treatment facilities.
Ballot Return Deadline Shifts to Drop Boxes Community Election officials advise dropping mail-in ballots directly into secure county boxes rather than postal mail to guarantee on-time delivery.
Today's Outlook
- High 63°F · Low 38°F — Clear
- Grab a light sweater this morning before the afternoon sun takes over.
What's On Around Town
Today
Quilt Club Maloney House, Hotchkiss, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM · Free Work alongside fellow quilters and crafters on personal stitching projects.
Young Filmmakers Workshop GMAEC Art Garage (120 S Grand Mesa Dr), Cedaredge, 3:30–5:00 PM Hands-on screenwriting and camera practice designed for creative local youth.
Medicare in a Nutshell Delta Health (1501 E 3rd St), Delta, 5:30–7:00 PM · Free Get straightforward answers on supplemental policies and open enrollment guidelines.
Tomorrow
- Delta Farmers Market & Bazaar Haven House Thrift Store (2195 Southgate Ln), Delta, 8:30 AM–1:00 PM · Free
Thursday
- Little Rhythms GMAEC Art Garage (120 S Grand Mesa Dr), Cedaredge, 10:00 AM
- Día de Muertos Community Altar Display Arts on Main (301 Main St), Delta, All day · Free
Spotlight & Story
- The Gunnison River Ice Harvest
- Long before upstream dams stabilized the Gunnison, winter river freezes powered local packing sheds. Ranchers cut thick blocks from the ice sheets, packing them into sawdust-insulated storehouses to refrigerate fruit-laden railcars heading east through the Rockies each summer.
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