Good morning, Grand Junction.

Alex Aley, a local anchor, completed nearly two years at a TV station and is set to begin a morning anchor role in Columbia.

She cherishes covering local stories such as Bloomin’ Babies’ closure and plans to explore new news markets with hopes of returning to Colorado.

District 51 is offering free classes to help families use the Parent Square app.

A session was held (yesterday) at Palisade High while further classes are scheduled at Fruita Monument High on Jan. 28, Central High on Feb. 3, and Grand Junction High on Feb. 5.

Mesa County Libraries announced it will discontinue its Hoopla digital service by March 31 due to rising costs — funds will be reallocated to Libby and Kanopy for e-books, audiobooks and films.

A weekend storm that brought 1 to 2 feet of snow raised avalanche risks on Grand Mesa to moderate and near Aspen to considerable, with experts urging backcountry users to check forecasts (CAIC) and carry rescue gear.

West Slope Outdoor Alliance is launching early wins in 2026 to improve wildlife habitat and reduce recreation impacts by repairing wildlife guzzlers in the North Fruita Desert, assessing Mesa County trails for adaptive users, and hosting a youth film contest (which offers a river rafting trip prize).

The airport hired Otis Elevator Company on Jan.

20 to repair its long-out-of-service escalator, with repairs expected early Feb and a three-year contract costing $42,000 per year — the move replaces Thyssenkrupp’s maintenance amid planned terminal renovations.

Grand Junction and Mesa County are partnering on a housing needs assessment required by a new state bill, with separate local action plans due by early 2028.

Officials invite community input at a public open house (Feb. 12) to gather data on housing challenges.

Connect for Health Colorado reported that statewide health insurance cancellations surged 83% as overall enrollment dipped 2% compared to last year, with Mesa County showing an 8% drop.

The agency is monitoring federal premium tax credit measures and supports residents with the Colorado Premium Assistance program (for lower-cost coverage).

Mushers and their dogs competed in the 2026 Grand Mesa Summit Challenge over the weekend on the high mesa—35 teams raced in freezing temperatures for a chance at the World Championships.

The Rocky Mountain Sled Dog Club will hold another race in Silverton on Feb. 7.

Colorado skier Charlie Mickel, raised on slopes and trained with Durango Winter Sports Club, made the U.S. Olympic moguls team for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

He will compete Feb. 10-12 and Feb. 15 and fly to Finland on Sunday for six days of training before heading to Milan-Cortina.

Two-time state champion Dawson Collins started Colorado Hammers Wrestling to offer youth aged 5 to 14 an after-school program in Grand Junction, training from a local garage as they plan to move to a new 6,000 sqft facility and add a summer program soon.

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.

Valentine's Day Wine & Chocolate Pairing

10 a.m.–5 p.m. — Whitewater Hill Vineyards — $50 per person — Indulge in a delightful combination of fine wines and decadent chocolates for a romantic experience.

Western Regional Basketball Tournament

8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. — Colorado Mesa University — Free entry — Compete and cheer for athletes in a thrilling day of basketball and health promotion.

Western Slope Hospice & Palliative Care Conference

8 AM – 12:30 PM — Community Hospital — Free entry — Attend a conference focused on hospice and palliative care in western Colorado.

Princess Festival

10 AM – 12 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Grand Junction — Entry fee may apply — Dive into a fairytale adventure with princesses, makeovers, and magical experiences.

Pop Evil Live Concert

8-11 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying sounds of Pop Evil in an intimate setting.