Jace DiCola serves as a dedicated journalist covering Western Colorado, focusing on local government, public health, and community affairs across Mesa County and surrounding areas. His reporting spans from routine municipal matters to significant public health concerns affecting residents throughout the region.
DiCola's recent coverage includes comprehensive restaurant inspection reports conducted by the Mesa County Public Health Department. These routine and complaint-based inspections cover establishments from Mack to De Beque, providing transparency about food safety standards across the county. His September 18, 2025 restaurant inspection blotter required 14 minutes to read, indicating thorough coverage of multiple establishments and their compliance status.
The journalist has also been tracking controversial local issues, including a contentious debate over public art in Fruita. One of five sculptures installed across the city became the subject of heated community discussion, ultimately resulting in an agreement to relocate the controversial piece. This story highlights the ongoing tensions between artistic expression and community standards in smaller Colorado municipalities.
DiCola's health reporting extends beyond restaurant inspections to cover significant public health emergencies. He reported on five new measles cases confirmed in Mesa County, with additional potential infections under investigation by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This coverage demonstrates the critical role of local journalism in keeping communities informed about health threats.
Additionally, his reporting encompasses community fundraising efforts, including the Grand Valley Gives campaign and the Walk to End Alzheimer's events scheduled for Delta, Montrose, and Olathe. The Alzheimer's Association of Colorado aims to raise over $28,000 to support ongoing research efforts. DiCola also covers childcare accessibility issues in Mesa County, examining both positive developments and ongoing challenges that affect working families and economic development in the region.
Through his comprehensive local coverage, DiCola provides Western Colorado residents with essential information about public safety, community development, and civic engagement, serving as a vital link between local government agencies and the communities they serve.
