Good morning, Grand Junction.

Brian Oakeley, 58, allegedly entered a local home through a dog door after a dispute over rental properties and threatened an officer with a knife—sending a text that said 'I have control over my life and today I’m going to jail' before police tased and arrested him.

The City of Grand Junction is asking local mural artists to design murals on shipping containers that store maintenance equipment—designs must reflect the park's character and proposals are due by May 25 at 11:59 p.m.

Stephanie Williams, principal at Thunder Mountain Elementary School, received the Golden Apple Award in May for her commitment to putting students first — her daughter presented the award in a touching moment that highlighted Williams' deep connection with the school and community.

Mesa County Commissioners approved a $200,000 contract with WD Yards to expand Japanese beetle eradication efforts in the designated hot zone using Acelepryn.

The county partnered with Colorado State University Extension to map the area between 24 Road and 27 ½ Road—Patterson to H ½ Road and has contacted residents for voluntary consent to treat their properties.

Residents in Grand Junction are urged to report sightings of the invasive flowering rush, which invades wetlands and streambanks along Leach Creek — Colorado’s only known location for this weed that can cause swimmer’s itch.

The plant shows clusters of pink flowers with six petals, triangle-shaped leaves and round flowering stems and blooms from July through September while Mesa County offers free management assistance to private property owners.

At its meeting on Wednesday, the City Council chose Cody Kennedy as mayor by a 6 to 1 vote and elected Laurel Cole as mayor pro tem by unanimous decision, with both set to serve for one year.

Kennedy, a former police officer + small business owner who joined Council in 2023, and Cole, running unopposed + Habitat for Humanity executive, will work to improve affordable housing and community services.

On Wednesday, the Grand Junction City Council voted 4-3 to revert the 4th and 5th Street pilot project back to its original state and allow staff to later adjust lane widths to meet traffic safety standards (city attorney John Shaver said traffic engineers will make the decisions). A Chamber survey prompted the move after 72% of respondents reported visiting downtown less often.

Mesa County Public Health reported a local case of salmonella linked to backyard poultry in Grand Junction.

Health officials urge residents to wash hands and take precautions—like using dedicated shoes and keeping bird supplies outside—to help prevent infection.

Grand Valley Connects turned three and connects residents to behavioral health, childcare, veteran support, and help with utility bills through its Resource Navigators — walk-in hours are offered Tuesday from 1-5 p.m. at Mesa County and Clifton Libraries.

Kite Day 2025

10 AM – 3 PM — Sherwood Park Playground — Free for the whole family — Experience the joy of kiting with activities and goodie bags for kids.

The Garcia Project Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Tickets required — Experience a faithful tribute to classic Jerry Garcia Band performances from 1976-1995.

Gang of Four Farewell Tour

7-8:30 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Tickets available — Experience the iconic debut album 'Entertainment!' live as Gang of Four bids farewell on their last North American tour.

Wild Horse Gravel Cycling Event

8:00 a.m. — The High Lonesome Ranch — Registration fee applies — Experience a unique blend of competitive cycling and rustic relaxation in the high desert.

A Taste of Ireland

7:30-10 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Not specified — Experience electrifying Irish music and dance starring world champions in a captivating celebration of Celtic culture.

9th Annual Rods & Hogs Classic Car and Motorcycle Show

10 AM – 5 PM — Teddy Morse's Grand Junction Harley-Davidson, BMW, KTM — $10 per vehicle — Experience the roar of engines and enjoy food, music, and prizes at this community-centric event.

Jason Boland & The Stragglers Concert

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying night with Jason Boland & The Stragglers as they showcase their new album and celebrated career.

40 Oz to Freedom: A Tribute to Sublime

8-9:30 p.m. — Mesa Theater — All ages welcome — Experience the energetic tribute to Sublime by the award-winning band 40 Oz to Freedom.

Ninety Percent 90s

8-11 p.m. — Warehouse25sixty-five Kitchen + Bar — Cover charge TBD — Covering the best and worst hits of the 90s with 100% awesome vibes.

Clyde McGee with Eric Mocko Live

8 PM — Mesa Theater — Free venue parking — Enjoy a night of live music returning to Grand Junction with Clyde McGee and special guest Eric Mocko.