Good morning, Grand Junction.

School District 51’s Lunch Lizards summer food program began on Monday with food trucks serving 20,000 meals across 12 routes to children, a project that started 12 years ago with support from the Western Colorado Community Foundation — a celebration of community care and a fun change for staff.

The Art Center of Western Colorado is set to open three new exhibits as part of its monthly First Fridays series.

The event is held at 1803 North Seventh Street this week from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and offers a cash bar + hors d’oeuvres by the Art Center Guild.

Xcel Energy’s new summer rates went into effect Monday for Grand Junction customers as peak pricing rises to 21 cents per kilowatt-hour and flat-rate charges move to 10 cents — a measure to help manage higher summer demand.

Customers are advised to pre-cool homes before 5 p.m. to conserve energy.

Xcel Energy began summer rates Monday with variable-rate customers charged 21 cents per kWh between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays and flat-rate billing rising by 2 cents to 10 cents per kWh; Xcel explained the higher rates address increased summer demand (for grid reliability).

District 51 Foundation has received a grant from Gary Community Ventures to expand afterschool and summer programs for lower-income students; it will decide by early 2027 whether to boost opportunities that have already helped over 500 Mesa County students.

Mesa County Department of Human Services marked Adult Protection Awareness Month by displaying purple ribbons on its campus Tuesday to remind at-risk adults with physical or cognitive challenges they can receive care.

Anyone concerned can call the hotline (970-248-2888).

Mesa County invites residents to attend a public meeting on Thursday, June 11 at 5-7 p.m. at the Road and Bridge Building B on 971 Coffman Road in Whitewater, where engineers will present Phase II improvements including changes at First and Short Streets; catered sandwiches are provided.

Colorado was chosen as one of 10 states for a CCBHC Medicaid demonstration program, which will boost federal funding about 15% over four years while improving access to crisis care and mental health services statewide.

Local agencies including the state patrol, local police, and CDOT are running a summer seatbelt safety campaign during the 100 deadliest days to remind drivers to buckle up.

Officials will check seatbelt use later this month to reduce injuries and deaths in crashes.

CarFit offers a free 20-minute car fit check to help you sit safely in your vehicle, hosted by AARP & the American Association of Occupational Therapy.

It will take place today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lower Valley Fire Department on 168 N. Mesa Street in Fruita.

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.

Brothers Osborne Concert

7:30 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $35.50 - $95.50 + fees — Experience the award-winning duo merge classic and progressive country music with special guest Cassidy Daniels.