Good morning, Grand Junction.

Mesa County’s volunteer Victim Advocacy Program (VAP) works with the sheriff’s office to help trauma victims and is seeking more volunteers to cover 24/7 shifts.

Interested community members can receive training with no prior experience required.

Mesa County welcomed its first baby of 2026, Oaklynn Martindale, at Intermountain Health St. Mary's Regional Hospital at 12:30 p.m. on Jan.

1 + she weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces.

Spirit Engineering debuts its SE-1 airplane after a decade of secret development near Grand Junction.

CEO Steve Wood flew the plane to the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in July; its design is priced below $70,000 and appeals to hobbyist pilots, though few have purchased due to financing + production limits.

Mesa County Workforce Center is offering free workshops (job search strategies on Jan.

16 at 10 a.m., résumé tips on Jan. 21 at 10 a.m., and interview preparation on Jan. 29 at 1 p.m.) to guide local job seekers.

Samantha Martindale and Phillip Carver had an emergency C-section on Jan.

1 at Intermountain Health St. Mary's Regional Hospital, where they welcomed their daughter Oaklynn as the hospital's first baby of 2026 (she is now in the NICU). The hospital provided a gift basket for the new arrival.

Intermountain Health St. Mary's Regional Hospital welcomed Mesa County's first baby of 2026 when baby Oaklynn Martindale was born past 12:30 p.m. on Jan.

1; she weighed 7 lb, 11 oz and her parents (Samantha Martindale and Philip Carver) celebrated the milestone birth.

Colorado health officials and the Department of Revenue warned that CC Brands vaporizer devices and pre-rolled marijuana sold at nearly 300 Western Slope stores from Feb.

27 to Dec. 11 contained unsafe pesticide levels. Consumers are urged to return or destroy the items and seek medical help if symptoms occur.

Colorado health officials warn consumers about CC Brands (Stash House Co) marijuana products found with unsafe pesticide levels.

The recalled vaporizer devices and infused pre-rolled marijuana sold from Feb. 27 to Dec. 11, 2025 at Western Slope stores must be returned or destroyed, and those with symptoms need medical care.

Colorado health officials reported that nearly 800 people were hospitalized with the flu last week—a record high since 2004—as a new Subclade K strain spread and experts advised residents to get vaccinated (and follow preventive measures).

Connect for Health Colorado reported 370 new enrollments by Dec.

15 as officials note that rising premiums — especially in Mesa County — may impact future sign-ups. Residents must apply by Jan. 15 to qualify for 2026 financial help.

A review of 2025's best bites and sips highlights local flavors as residents enjoyed Stella's at 811 S.

Seventh St. and Bin 707 on Main St. in Grand Junction, plus Melrose Spirit Co. on Colorado Ave. and cherished Palisade peaches from the Grand Valley.

Cyclists gathered outside Brown Cycles Bike Shop at 11 a.m. on New Year's Day in downtown Grand Junction to kick off its third annual First Ride event.

Despite chilly weather (mid-30s with light snow), riders enjoyed short loops and longer trips to Fruita as part of a local tradition.

About 80 cyclists gathered at Brown Cycles Bike Shop on New Year's Day at 11 a.m. for the shop's third annual first ride, enduring chilly temperatures and light snow to ride local trails + Christopher Brown said the event helped riders begin 2026 with a burst of local energy.

The She Gees Tribute Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Ticket prices will be available soon — Dance and sing along to the electrifying female-led tribute to the Bee Gees' greatest hits.