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The Grand Junction Police Department issues annual reports on its multiple activities. The small force of a hundred years ago has grown to over 200 officers and support staff. Insignias shown here signify different ranks. The baton and badges are from Lt. Bob Knight.
The 1990s |
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During the 1990s,
Grand Junction continued a steady recovery after the oil shale shock. A
variety of new industries, tourism and retirees all contributed to an
eventual comeback. The population through the 1980s had crept up to 29,034,
which was only a 3.2 percent growth. |
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PEOPLE
Dr. Geno Saccomanno arrived in 1947
to start the pathology departments at St. Mary's Hospital, and at the V.A. Medical
Center. The Saccomanno techniques and the equipment he
developed, which detected links between uranium radiation and lung cancer,
were innovative and profound. They brought Dr. Saccomanno international
acclaim and honors. In the 1990s especially, he and his family were generous
as philanthropists. |
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COMMUNITY
St. Mary�s Hospital and Medical
Center was founded in 1896. It has grown to be a major Colorado hospital
which serves a wide area of Western Colorado
and Eastern Utah.
Air transport
ambulances are on call. There is comprehensive medical care, all the way to
complex surgeries. Other modern facilities here are the Veterans�
Administration and the Community hospitals. |
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BUSINESS
A local business with customers near
and far is Reynolds Polymer Technology, Inc., which moved to Grand Junction in 1993. Reynold�s huge sheets of clear, strong polymer are
supplied to major aquariums worldwide, including Denver, Chicago, and
London. Reynolds is an example of the many businesses which are part of
Grand Junction�s rebounding economy. |
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EDUCATION
The Tilman Bishop Unified Technical
Education Center (UTEC), dedicated in 1992, was enlarged in 1996. The
school, affiliated with Mesa State College and the Mesa County School
District, offers vocational education in many fields. Computers, auto
mechanics, hotel and restaurant management are some of the majors. Culinary
students even operate a quality restaurant, open to the public at noon.
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AGRICULTURE The arid Grand Valley depends on irrigation. In the late 1800s the newly watered desert developed high water table and alkali problems. Drainage ditches were the solution. A century later, alkaline salts which leached from the soil and entered the Colorado River were another problem to be addressed. Lining ditches with concrete to control seepage began in earnest in the 1990s. (Carol McManus Photo) |
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TRANSPORTATION
The Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad was
a mainstay for our passenger and freight traffic, from 1882. Its long
corporate life as a regional carrier was altered, as railroads nationwide
were incorporated into conglomerates. The D.& R.G., and the Southern
Pacific, were merged into the Union Pacific. Burlington Northern Santa Fe also has
service through here. |
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CULTURE
The ethnic
heritage of citizens began to be more widely appreciated. The downtown
shopping park is the setting for the Latino Cinco de Mayo celebration, and
the German Oktoberfest. Music, arts, crafts, dancing and ethnic foods are
there in abundance for the crowds. Italians, Blacks, Basques, Scandinavians,
and the many Celtic groups also have organizations and festivals.
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RECREATION
Golfing was at the Lincoln Park and
Bookcliff Country Club courses. Growing population and wider enthusiasm
called for more ranges. On the Redlands the Elks Club developed Tiara Rado,
shown here, which the city bought in 1995. Fine new courses since then
include Adobe Creek near Fruita, Chipeta on Orchard Mesa, and now the
nationally acclaimed Redlands Mesa course. |
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