Good morning, Grand Junction.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace delivered its 500th bed to the Weinberger family on Friday morning, allowing four kids in a Grand Junction apartment to sleep off the floor as they moved from shelter life.

The nonprofit — launched in early 2023 — has grown quickly with local volunteer and donation support.

Following successes last year, the police and Enstrom Candies will hold Ice Cream with a Cop on June 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Enstrom Candies (701 Colorado Ave) to offer residents a relaxed way to meet officers.

A new report showed over 7,700 animals were killed on roads in 2025, with deer accounting for more than 4,700 deaths and western Colorado reporting over 5,000 collisions.

Officials said the data will guide plans for wildlife crossing projects to improve road safety.

The EPA announced $44.3 million in grants for small or disadvantaged Colorado communities to test for and plan improvements to remove forever chemicals from drinking water + the move comes as the agency weakens PFAS regulations and extends compliance deadlines.

County bonds of over $6 million from the 2026 Private Activity Bond allocation will fund the Haven at the Salt Flats affordable housing project, set for spring 2027.

City Council will consider bond resolutions today for Haven and the 29 Miles Apartments — a boost for local affordable housing.

Colorado has begun offering paid NICU leave for parents with newborns in intensive care, allowing up to 12 weeks of leave.

Advocacy groups and lawmakers are urging support for a federal move to add NICU leave to the Family & Medical Leave Act as more states explore similar policies.

Ute Water Conservancy District voted in May to impose drought/emergency water rates for its 90,000 customers due to ongoing regional drought conditions - the new rates will affect water used in June and take effect in July.

The measure aims to boost conservation and manage rising domestic demand.

On May 12, Mesa County approved a $300,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Human Services to support its Sheriff’s Office Co-Response Unit that pairs deputies with licensed behavioral health clinicians to manage crises and reduce unnecessary hospital and detention use by funding 2.5 clinician positions.

Today, Mesa County Commission approved a $674,000 grant agreement between the Behavioral Health Administration and the Sheriff’s Office to fund jail-based behavioral health services, including substance-use, opioid-use, and mental-health treatments for detainees.

The funding will cover costs during state fiscal year 2027 in partnership with NaphCare Inc & local authorities.

Since 2022, the City of Grand Junction has invested $19 million in direct funding that leveraged roughly $43 million in partner investment for housing and homelessness projects.

The funding helped open a permanent-supportive-housing complex in April 2025 and is advancing a 54-unit project near Community Hospital.

St. Mary’s Hospital reported a 15 percent rise in births compared with last year as families from the greater Grand Junction area choose its maternity services (which include Western Colorado’s only Level III NICU).

It provides care for both routine and high-risk deliveries.

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.

Anthony Gomes Concert

8-11 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Ticketed event — Experience a live performance by renowned artist Anthony Gomes in Grand Junction.

LANCO Concert

8-11 p.m. — Warehouse25sixty-five Kitchen + Bar — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of country music with LANCO in a lively venue.