Good morning, Grand Junction.

Grand Valley Transit now offers door-to-door paratransit service for Mesa County residents who cannot ride traditional buses, letting them reach work + appointments + community events; Rochelle, a longtime local fire department employee, depends on this service for work and horseback riding at Harmony Acres.

Voice actor Dee Bradley Baker, a Colorado native and Colorado College alumnus, will speak as commencement speaker for the 2026 graduating class on May 17.

He is recognized for his work on Phineas and Ferb and The Last Airbender and will offer words of encouragement to new graduates.

Colorado Mesa University spent $117.96M this school year, with an additional $59.5M planned, on projects like Centennial Apartments and Ember Eatery to support growing enrollment plus modernizing geothermal and other systems.

A new football complex and parking structure are set for fall 2027, according to university officials.

The District 51 Foundation is hosting a paper doll fundraiser for Teacher Appreciation Week as community members buy dolls (each with a handwritten note and $10 gift card) to support technology, professional development, and wellness grants for Mesa County educators; city groups from Fruita and Grand Junction are celebrating teachers.

VA Secretary Doug Collins hosted a veterans roundtable at Colorado Mesa University Tuesday (including Rep. Jeff Hurd) to review challenges veterans face transitioning to civilian life.

He outlined plans to simplify the application and improve access to benefits, as officials propose Colorado as a pilot for data sharing.

Mesa County Public Health celebrates Drinking Water Week by highlighting its Regional Lab that tests water for households, businesses, and farms in western Colorado.

The lab is open Monday through Thursday and processed over 3,600 samples last year (ensuring safe water for the community).

The Terminal, a mixed-use affordable housing project, received major site plan approval and is set to begin construction this fall after first demolishing the old Greyhound station at Fifth Street + Ute Avenue.

The development team is coordinating utility work and securing remaining financing.

Home listings across Colorado are rising as higher mortgage rates and increased costs slow buyer demand.

Denver saw a 40% jump in inventory over two years + local experts in Grand Junction say prices may adjust further as summer nears.

Fruita Monument High School girls lacrosse beat Horizon 13-11 at Grand Junction High School on Tuesday after Brooklyn Cook broke an 11-11 tie with 8 minutes left.

The team will face Roaring Fork on Thursday & coach Maddie Hathaway said the defense is ready for the challenge.

Grand Junction High School's girls lacrosse team lost 12-11 to Green Mountain after a strong first half, with Tigers (5-10) freshmen showing promise.

In girls golf, Fruita Monument's Payton Stephens tied for second with an 87 at Tuesday's Warrior Classic Open at Tiara Rado Golf Course.

Grand Junction Rides & Vibes Festival 2026

5:00 PM – 1:30 AM — Grand Junction Convention Center — Visit the Rides & Vibes website for more details — Celebrate mountain biking with rides, music, and community vibes.

Cryptic Writings Tribute Concert

8-11 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Ticket prices vary — Rock out to the thrilling hits of Megadeth performed live by a talented tribute band from Colorado.

Turnpike Troubadours Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $45.50 - $145.50 + fees — Experience a vibrant evening with the acclaimed country-rock band delivering their latest music.

Coloradoscape with Natives Conference

8 AM – 5 PM — University Center, Grand Junction, CO — $65-$100 — Explore native plant horticulture and conservation with expert speakers and optional plant walks.

Native Plant Class: Grasses

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Lunch Loop Trailhead — Fee may apply — Explore the native and invasive grasses of Western Colorado in this informative field-based class.

2026 State Summer Games Presented by Spectrum

June 5-7 — Colorado Mesa University — Check website for possible entry fees — Celebrate athleticism and community spirit with a weekend of Special Olympics competitions.