Good morning, Grand Junction.

George Wheeler’s celebration of life is Friday at Salvation Army, and his family asks for donations; the Trutta Fund for Veterans is accepting grant applications until July 17, and Bike To Work Day encourages drivers to leave three feet for cyclists.

A Mesa County family was honored statewide during National Foster Care Month for providing a safe, loving home for foster children and youth (including a 6-year-old top learner and a 19-year-old moving toward independence).

The family hopes to inspire others to take the leap into foster care.

Grand Junction 6-year-old Rhys Stanley is in second place in the Junior Ranger competition as of May 13 at 10:30 p.m.—voting remains open for eight more days.

She could be the first girl champion and win $20,000, a Rick Ranger Magazine feature, and a trip with Jeff Corwin.

The Colorado Department of Education will draft new rules for facility schools after Disability Law Colorado reached a settlement to improve oversight.

Public input and audits will shape future policies to better coordinate services for students with disabilities.

The Bureau of Land Management reminded campers to follow Leave No Trace principles as summer camping season begins amid drought conditions.

Outdoor recreation planner Zack Kelley said campers must plan ahead, camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, and minimize campfire impacts to prevent wildfires.

Mesa County Commissioners proclaimed May 10–16 as National Police Week to honor law enforcement officers in the region.

The joint color guard (from Grand Junction PD and the county Sheriff’s Office) presented the colors at a public hearing that remembered fallen officers.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife increased limited hunting licenses by 3% at a recent Grand Junction meeting—offering more elk and deer licenses as mild winters boosted survival rates after a severe winter while officials adjusted counts to manage populations amid drought concerns.

Mesa County Jail will continue its behavioral health programs through June 2027 thanks to a $674,000 state grant from the Behavioral Health Administration.

The funding helps 150-225 inmates weekly receive substance and opioid disorder treatments and aims to equip them with resources for continued sobriety.

Xcel Energy crews began replacing 215 aging power poles and seven miles of wire in Fruita last week to modernize the town’s grid, and residents will get a 48-hour notice before brief outages + the project will continue well into next year.

Mesa County Public Health Department inspected restaurants from Mack-to-De-Beque as part of routine and complaint-based checks reported in the Sentinel’s Restaurant Blotter, finding several establishments needed re-inspections for food-safety violations while no closures were noted since April 30.

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.

Roswell Invaders vs Grand Junction

6:30-10:00 p.m. — Suplizio Field — Ticket prices vary — Catch the Roswell Invaders take on the local team in an exciting minor league baseball match.

Richrath Project REO Celebration

6-9 p.m. — Warehouse25sixty-five Kitchen + Bar — Ticket info unavailable — Celebrate the music of REO Speedwagon in beautiful Grand Junction.

The DIRT: 80's Hair Metal Tribute

8-11 p.m. — Warehouse25sixty-five Kitchen + Bar — Tickets available — Experience the loudest, most over-the-top hair metal tribute band with the biggest party anthems of the 80s.