Winter Heating Applications Open for Valley Households
Austin, CO · November 4, 2026
A steady drizzle is dampening the orchard lanes this morning, making that first mug of coffee work double time. Keep an umbrella by the door before heading out across the valley.
The Lead
Delta County Human Services opened winter intake this week for Colorado’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, offering valley households direct financial relief as cold weather settles across the Western Slope. The federally funded program provides a one-time subsidy toward home heating bills—covering propane, electric, natural gas, wood, and coal—paid straight to local utility providers or fuel suppliers. Both homeowners and renters qualify if their gross monthly income meets state limits, set this season at $3,774 for an individual and $4,936 for a two-person household. Beyond routine bill support, the program also maintains emergency funding to repair or replace nonworking primary heating equipment before deep freezes arrive. Staff at the county office on West 5th Street in Delta are processing paperwork now through the April 30 deadline.
Local Pulse
Highway 92 Section Named for Area Educators Schools New state markers along the four-mile Read corridor honor generations of valley teachers and dedicated classroom staff.
Holiday Refuse Schedules Announced for November City Hall Residential routes shift forward one business day next week to accommodate the upcoming Veterans Day municipal observance.
Today's Outlook
- High 58°F · Low 36°F — Drizzle (71% chance of precipitation)
- Grab a waterproof coat this morning, as damp drizzle lingers across the lower valley.
What's On Around Town
Today
Pioneer Town Exercise Class The Stolte Shed (338 S Grand Mesa Dr), Cedaredge, 9:00 AM Gentle morning movement class open to all community members.
Holiday Crafting The Stolte Shed (338 S Grand Mesa Dr), Cedaredge, 12:30 PM Make handmade seasonal decor and connect with neighbors at the shed.
Delta Book Club Delta Library (124 E 6th St), Delta, 1:00–2:00 PM · Free Join fellow valley readers for casual conversation about this month's selection.
Tomorrow
Taiji & Qi Gong Yoga Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (195 W Main St), Cedaredge, 8:30 AM
Art from the Heart Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (195 W Main St), Cedaredge, 3:30 PM
Trout Fishing in America Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (195 W Main St), Cedaredge, 7:00–9:00 PM · Paid
Friday
Pioneer Town Exercise Class The Stolte Shed (338 S Grand Mesa Dr), Cedaredge, 9:00 AM
Jean Munro: Scenes in Stillness Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center (195 W Main St), Cedaredge, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM · Free
Spotlight & Story
- First Presbyterian Church of Eckert
- Completed in 1921 along Highway 65, this Craftsman structure was hand-built from native basalt fieldstones hauled off the slopes of Grand Mesa. Its early pastor, who doubled as the local high school principal, routinely hosted community basketball games inside the sanctuary.
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