Good morning, Grand Junction.

Families enjoyed free ice cream on Wednesday when Grand Junction officers invited kids to ride a police motorcycle and explore a SWAT vehicle at Enstrom’s Candy, creating a friendly chance to connect.

Officers say they will plan another event before school starts.

City officials approved a fireworks sales ban because of drought + wildfire risks but will allow licensed displays at Lincoln Park on May 25, June 5, June 19, and July 4, along with stadium improvements, a Housing Needs Assessment, and a June 3 hearing on camping ordinance changes.

Movies Under the Stars will kick off its 45th season tomorrow at 16400 DS Road in Glade Park with a screening of Guardians of the Galaxy.

The free event will fund the local fire department and offers hay rides & bingo for family-friendly fun.

Western Implement will begin a major remodel of its store at 2919 North Ave on Aug.

1 to modernize the showroom and streamline product departments. The store remains open with a blowout sale as the renovation, expected to finish in January, improves layout + navigation.

Local businesses are riding a wave of metal art sales as homeowners switch to xeriscaping amid early warm weather and drought concerns.

Upland Gravel and Desert Metal Art reported higher revenue & customer visits near the Interstate 70 Business Loop.

Enstrom Candies has moved its shipping and receiving operations to a new 50,000-square-foot warehouse at 28 Road and Grand Avenue; the facility, visible from the I-70 business loop and built to support growing private-label orders, adds capacity for more than 1,300 pallets.

Montrose County School District placed Superintendent Dr. Carrie Stephenson on non-disciplinary paid leave Tuesday after staff complaints at Olathe Elementary School; she denied the allegations at a special board meeting.

Acting superintendent Dr. Jessica Kalb will lead the district pending a third-party investigation.

Mesa County Libraries launched its summer reading program for all ages to encourage reading and fun.

It offers book tracking, prizes, teen volunteer support and free park passes — available with a library card — for local attractions.

Gateway School’s demolition began Monday after the district noted its deterioration and will be completed by week’s end.

Starting this fall, primary students will attend classes online via Grand River Academy while middle and high students are bused daily to Palisade High (56 miles away) and Grand Mesa Middle.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect in Moffat and Rio Blanco counties from 1 PM + 7 PM while elevated wildfire risk continues as warming temperatures near Grand Junction approach 95 degrees today.

Contractors worked for two weeks on Little Salt Wash Park's west side to remove dead trees and trash and lower wildfire risks.

City officials and partners will review disc golf layout changes as part of a long-term fire mitigation plan.

Mesa County recognized Investigator Lissah Norcross for 35 years of service at a May 26 public hearing.

The retiring officer, known for her work in the Complex Crimes Unit, will step down in early June after guiding countless victims and mentoring her colleagues.

Community Hospital earned the Gold Seal of Approval for its sports medicine and spine programs after a rigorous, unannounced review in March, showing its commitment to safe, quality care (covering joint replacement and spine surgery).

Sunshine Rides stopped Medicaid transport in Rifle, Meeker, Craig, and Gunnison earlier this week and plans to end services statewide by month’s end unless lawmakers reverse new payment cuts.

Discussions with Rep. Taggart may lead to a pause that could prevent 100 job losses + protect rural healthcare access.

Local media featured kittens SpongeBob and Squidward as pets of the week in a post dated June 3 at 9:24 a.m. — the spotlight celebrates these community furbabies.

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.