Good morning, Grand Junction.

Kyle Freud, known as PlaidWagon on social media, was hospitalized on Sunday after his vehicle rolled near Fruita when a horse wandered onto I-70, and friends + family have raised over $17,000 to help cover his upcoming hand surgery on Feb.

12.

The Clifton Community Center at 3270 D 1/2 Road was featured on the cover of Metal Architecture’s December issue + a design praised for its durable metal exterior and flexible layout for local gatherings + which placed the facility alongside notable national projects.

English bulldog Lucy, age 6 and calm on car rides (she does well with children), seeks a quiet home at the Roice-Hurst Humane Society.

The shelter is offering a Valentine’s Day adoption special with fees reduced to $50 until Feb. 15.

Christi Reece Group’s Circle Fund surpassed $500,000 when it donated $16,000 to three local nonprofits, including Kids Aid (The Backpack Program), RiversEdge West, and Thunder Mountain United Soccer Club.

The fund donates 2 percent of quarterly earnings since 2019 based on client votes from social media nominations.

Atlasta Solar Center moved in January to 584 25 Road, gaining added office, warehouse and yard space next to Amigo Animal Clinic and Canvas Products.

The company offers a 20% discount — urging commercial clients to secure a 30% tax credit with a refundable 5% down payment by July 4.

Historian Dennis Moore explains how Black regiments known as the Buffalo Soldiers helped protect trails and national parks in Colorado — roles set after the Civil War — and noted that their story is not just Black history but part of all our history celebrated during Black History Month.

Shoshone water rights have kept the Colorado River flowing for over a century, supporting Mesa County farms, water supplies and outdoor recreation.

County officials approved a request — critical for local stability — urging Interior and Reclamation to release $40 million in federal funds to complete the project this fall.

Colorado Mesa University accounting students are offering free tax preparation services to qualifying community members at Dominguez Hall on Saturdays.

They aim to file 500 returns by April 11 while gaining valuable hands-on experience with CPA mentorship.

DWC CPAs and Advisors CEO Chris West outlined tax changes for 2025 that offer extra deductions for seniors, tip and overtime pay and a higher SALT limit while small businesses benefit from bonus depreciation and a permanent QBI deduction — experts advise seeking CPA guidance.

City Council met on Feb.

2 to review four options for Orchard Mesa Pool including a special district that may extend service beyond city limits (staff will consult with partners and District 51 before presenting more details in March).

Residents can get a flu shot from Mesa County Public Health every Friday in February from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Public Health Clinic (most insurance plans are accepted) to help reduce the risk of severe illness as the flu spreads.

Mesa County Public Health launched its behavioral health division last July with an online 'Find the Right Fit' campaign that earned nearly 100,000 social media impressions — connecting residents to mental health resources.

Officials will build on a previous behavioral health summit — focusing on crisis stabilization, funding, and workforce retention.

Caprock Academy hosted senior night Friday at the River City Sportplex to honor seniors Ryder Mutch & Parker Shahan, who will soon graduate from Central while playing on the shared hockey team representing several local schools.

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.

The Hip Snacks Live

8-10 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of engaging music with The Hip Snacks and MoonBeem.

Led Zepagain Tribute Concert

8-10 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Tickets required — Celebrate over 36 years of tribute to the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin with Led Zepagain.

2026 Home Improvement and Remodeling Expo

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Grand Junction Convention Center — Admission details not specified — Explore the latest trends and tips for transforming your home.

Crêpe Girl Concert

7-11 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the indie pop sounds of crêpe girl with hits like 'RACING 2 U'.