Good morning, Grand Junction.

Daily Sentinel Community News Coordinator Tammy Gemaehlich retired on June 12 at the newspaper office after more than 30 years of service—including 26 years in the newsroom—and is celebrated for her dedicated work covering local community news.

Grand Junction Police responded to a motorcycle crash on June 14 at the intersection of N 7th Street and Bunting Avenue, when a southbound vehicle crossed into the northbound lane and struck a motorcycle, leaving the rider with life-threatening injuries and hospitalized—investigators suspect alcohol and drugs played a role.

Since Colorado’s new hands-free law went into effect, investigations of inattentive driving in Mesa County dropped from 58 cases last year to 40, and Captain Matt Ozanic (Colorado State Patrol) said surge operations begun in 2022 recorded only one fatal crash.

The Black Citizens and Friends group held its 5th annual Juneteenth celebration at Lincoln Park on June 14 — the event featured food trucks, water games, and community activities as residents honored their history.

Group president David Combs urged everyone to celebrate both their own past and the shared heritage of the community.

City officials announced that the replacement boiler for Orchard Mesa pool was delivered and crews are now installing it—marking progress toward reopening the pool—while a clearer timeline is expected next week.

An 8-year-old in Centennial saved her father's life earlier this month when she used Siri to call 9-1-1 after he became unresponsive following a seizure linked to his brain cancer.

First responders arrived quickly and treated him at a hospital — he was later released — a sign that being ready in an emergency makes a difference.

Adriana Wailes, an 8-year-old from Centennial, used Siri to call 911 when her father with brain cancer became unresponsive after a seizure.

First responders arrived quickly and treated him at a hospital where he was later released.

Officials at Highline Lake State Park said they cannot confirm that giardia was found in the water+ they urged visitors to avoid drinking untreated water and to wash up after contact, noting that the park tests weekly for E. coli and will close the swim beach if levels become unsafe.

Summer Solstice Celebration

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