Good morning, Grand Junction.

A fire spread from a backyard to Rifle Creek Apartments Wednesday, forcing residents to evacuate and receive aid from the Red Cross while fire crews used thermal imaging to check for hot spots as investigators worked to determine the cause amid burn restrictions.

Driven By Angels will premiere at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 21 at Robinson Theatre at Colorado Mesa University’s Moss Performing Arts Center, where Vaughn Shafer’s record-setting skateboarding journey meets a celebration for Father’s Day and Go Skate Day + outdoor skate events.

A question and answer session will follow.

On June 11, the Western Colorado Community Foundation awarded nearly $116,500 in scholarships to 19 Mesa County students planning to pursue post-secondary education at universities, vocational programs, or technical training sites.

The awards average $6,131 per student.

Area students earned academic honors this spring; Emagene Schlim, Craig: John Dexter, and Kole Hawkins made the dean’s list at South Dakota State University while Emma Diaz did so at Point Park University, and Katrina Wright and Sara Ward graduated with arts degrees from Colgate and Fort Hays State University.

Local expert Will Rahorst from WD Yards advises residents to keep their lawns 3 to 4 inches tall and consider drought-tolerant shrubs amid persistent drought conditions in Grand Junction.

He also urges caution with costly rock replacements that could lead to higher energy bills + expenses.

Grand Junction homeowners facing drought are advised to raise cut heights and use soil conditioners for better water conservation, according to WD Yards’ Will Rahorst.

He added that substituting drought-tolerant grasses, shrubs + cacti may help reduce water use while noting the changes could be costly.

Firefighters made progress on the Beehive and Paradox Trail fires along the western slope on Thursday and Friday.

The Beehive Fire reached 20% containment over 336 acres—while crews mopped up the Paradox Trail Fire to 50% containment over 53 acres—without triggering evacuations.

Fire crews report progress on two wildfires on the western slope; the Beehive Fire now covers 336 acres at 20% containment and the Paradox Trail Fire covers 53 acres at 50% containment.

Crews continue mop-up work today amid hot, dry & windy conditions with no closures or evacuations.

City officials plan to install the Fire Rover system at the new materials recovery facility in August & the online recycling plant will launch in December to help suppress fires caused by battery materials.

The city's materials recovery facility will install a Fire Rover system (a specialized fire suppression system) in August to quickly address potential battery fires, and the facility—purchased in April 2025—is set to run online in December while residents are urged to deliver batteries to Mesa County’s hazardous waste site.

Colorado officials have issued a new rule requiring livestock coming from Texas & New Mexico to be inspected for screwworms before they enter the state.

Animals with open wounds must be treated within two weeks under the mandate.

Colorado State Patrol warns drivers that unrestrained pets in vehicles can distract and create safety hazards, recommending dogs be secured in crates and cats in carriers.

Troopers caution pet owners against leaving animals unattended in parked cars, where rising temperatures pose a risk.

The Grand River Mosquito Control District is monitoring 90 traps and working with Mesa County Public Health to reduce West Nile risks while tracking a new mosquito species (Aedes aegypti) in Orchard Mesa.

Residents are advised to remove standing water after rain to help control mosquito breeding.

Crossroads Fitness celebrated its 40th anniversary on May 6 and will host an 80s-themed event with prizes to thank loyal members.

The club is known for its community-first approach, offering a Kid’s Club and Workplace Wellness program to help residents invest in healthy living.

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.

Wynonna Judd Live Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $49.50 - $299.50 + fees — Experience the powerful vocals of Wynonna Judd as she performs her classic hits.