Good morning, Grand Junction.

The JUCO World Series begins tomorrow as local businesses prepare for increased foot traffic from out-of-town fans drawn by games and summer activities.

Local hay growers and cattle ranchers are shifting practices amid a record drought.

Farmers have started planting oats + applying extra fertilizer early to conserve water while cattlemen await more reliable pasture, a move that may raise feed costs and alter future farming methods.

AAA predicts record travel for Memorial Day weekend with gas prices averaging about $4.73 per gallon nationwide (including around $4.68 locally).

Grand Junction travelers are advised to plan ahead as stations near major highways charge a premium for convenience.

Central High School held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday morning to begin major renovations funded by a 2024 bond initiative; the project will improve learning spaces and boost safety features over the next two years.

Mesa County Valley School District 51 approved an update to its cell phone rules that will ban high school phones during passing periods and lunch next school year to reduce distractions and boost mental health.

The board made the change at its meeting on Tuesday, May 19 (policy effective next fall).

Mesa County is starting its annual Japanese beetle treatments this week in designated zones, offering free grub treatments to private landowners to protect turf grass.

The county, which reduced beetle counts from 5,700 to 1,500, sees the effort as vital amid drought conditions (County pest coordinator Ryan Surad explained).

On Memorial Day, F-16 flyovers will honor fallen armed forces with events at 11:24 a.m. over Grand Junction’s Western Colorado Veterans Cemetery, 11:13 a.m. in Nucla, and 10:56 a.m. in Silverton; earlier, the city proclaimed National EMS Week while fire crews handled two structure fires Friday morning in Grand Junction.

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.