Good morning, Grand Junction.

Union UFCW Local 7 said strikes at Safeway across Colorado could begin this weekend when employees facing understaffing and unfair labor practices may walk out, and the union gave a 72-hour notice with the extension agreement cancelled effective (11:59 p.m. on Saturday, June 14).

Celestino Marquez, a 65-year-old man accused of starting fires behind the River City Sportsplex and threatening officers, had his hearing at the Mesa County Courthouse on Thursday and was held on a $25,000 cash bond; he will next appear in court on Tuesday, June 24 at 8:30 a.m.

The Grand Junction Fire Department has used a drone bought in late 2024 with its wildland firefighting budget to fight wildland fires, spot hot spots, and locate people in need today.

Fire officials rely on its live and thermal imaging (helping commanders make quick decisions) and plan to expand the program when future funding allows.

Mesa County Public Health Department has introduced a restaurant inspection blotter that summarizes routine and complaint-based checks for eateries from Mack to De Beque — the report details closures like Rodeo Market and re-inspections at places such as Grand Junction Jackalopes Concessions and Taqueria Guadalajara 2, with future reports available only on the Sentinel website.

At a June 10th public hearing, Mesa County Commissioners ratified a letter backing the Colorado River Conservation District and PSCo’s proposal to acquire Shoshone Water Rights for instream flow use along a 2.4-mile stretch of the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon—this step aims to help protect endangered fish, secure drinking water for local users, and support agriculture, with further reviews set to evaluate its long-term impact.

The Grand Junction Fire Department has been using a drone to fight wildland fires and assist people in danger today, giving incident commanders live thermal images and real-time visuals of the scene (officials plan to expand the program when additional funds become available).

Officials said that in May the Animal Control Unit responded to 555 calls, collecting 85 animals & reuniting 34 pets, compared to over 400 calls the previous month.

Specialist Josiah Durham advised pet owners to check fences and secure required Mesa County licenses as more calls are expected during longer summer days.

Today, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar was voted the James Norris Memorial Trophy by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association—this marks his second win and makes him one of only six players in NHL history to earn the award multiple times before turning 27.

Mineral & Rock Sale

9 AM – 3 PM — Grand Junction Gem & Mineral — Open to all — Discover an array of gems, fossils, and minerals from local enthusiasts.

Summer Solstice Celebration

1-2 a.m. — Wingate Park — Free entry — Celebrate the energizing Light and Love of the Summer Solstice at sunset.