Good morning, Grand Junction.

Kids Aid Backpack Program announced summer food stops for Mesa County kids facing food insecurity while schools are out, and anyone 18 or under can get meals.

The stops will run at Garden Village Apartments in Grand Junction and Mesa County Library branches in Palisade, Clifton, Orchard Mesa, Fruita, De Beque, and Collbran with extra Thursday stops from June 5 to July 24; those in need can call 970-712-2847.

A 70- to 80-year-old hiker slipped off a cliff near the Dolores Falls trailhead in Glade Park Saturday afternoon and died after park rangers, the sheriff’s office, and emergency teams reached the remote area too late to help her.

On May 24, the Grand Junction Fire Department responded to a basement fire on the 2100 block of North 21st Street that forced two residents and their dog to leave their home—firefighters quickly suppressed the flames and no one was injured.

Local organizers held the first Spring Fling at Cross Orchards Historic Site on Saturday to let residents explore the Grand Valley’s history with vintage trailers and lessons in wood-making, iron-welding, and hand powered laundry.

The event aimed to boost community pride (COHS director Mollie Shepardson said) and share the valley’s pioneer past (through hands-on historic skills).

DOE completed a $7.2 million project that fixed water buildup at a uranium tailings disposal site north of Rifle—installing 10 new extraction wells, building extra evaporation ponds, and restoring land to keep the area safe, while remote monitoring continues to protect site integrity.

Rep. Jeff Hurd’s bid to rescind new BLM plans that reduced oil and gas leasing acreage in Grand Junction was dropped for procedural reasons from the House budget reconciliation bill passed this week, though he said he will pursue a separate bill to undo the changes—raising questions about energy policy and public input. The bill also includes measures to boost domestic drilling by easing permit requirements and lowering royalty rates.

Ashtyn Miller, a Palisade High School grad from the Grand Valley, used local sports skills to join the Oregon State Women’s Rowing Crew team—she built on hometown support to excel at collegiate rowing.

Her team later won first place at the Big Ten Invite in Sarasota—showing that hard work from our community leads to success on a national stage.

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.

Rock Junction

9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Grand Junction Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram — Entry fee varies — Explore a plethora of automotive innovations and network with industry professionals.

Cheap Trick Concert

7-11 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — Ticket information available — Experience classic rock tunes from the legendary Cheap Trick band.

Phantom Ink Festival

12 PM-10 PM — Grand Junction Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Immerse yourself in a vibrant tattoo festival featuring artists, competitions, and entertainment.

Wüffstock at the Gardens: Liver Down the River

4-7 p.m. — Western Colorado Botanical Gardens — Free entry — Enjoy live music from Zac Grant and Liver Down the River in a beautiful botanical setting.

Colorado Native Plant Master: Noxious Weeds Training

8 AM – 12 PM — Colorado State University Extension Tri-River Area — Check website for cost — Engage in hands-on classes to identify and manage invasive weeds in Western Colorado.

DJ Snoopadelic Summer Bash

5-6:30 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $50-$109 — Enjoy an unforgettable evening with DJ Snoopadelic at the ultimate summer BBQ bash.