Good morning, Grand Junction.

The Grand Valley Horse Rescue, active for 5 years in Grand Junction and having rescued 41 mustangs from slaughter, gave over 80 kids their first horseback ride in June.

The program uses unique equine therapy (one horse helps kids manage anger by mirroring their emotions) to build responsibility as they earn more access to the horses.

Young performers from The Theatre Project’s summer camp delivered a live performance on KREX News on June 26 — teaching anchor Justin Brown and weatherman Dalen Brazelton simple dance moves — in a showcase that highlighted rising local talent.

On Thursday, the Terminal project in downtown Grand Junction received a $1.95 million Colorado Creative Industries grant to redevelop the old Greyhound Station into a mixed-use space that will offer 107 affordable rental units and ground-level areas for restaurants, studios, and art exhibitions—an effort led by the city, Downtown Development Authority, and Headwaters Housing Partners. The funding supports creative sector projects that boost the local economy.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions took effect in all seven Garfield County fire districts at midnight on June 26 due to near-record low fuel moisture and persistent drought; similar limits will begin in Mesa County at midnight today.

Grand Junction has received only 2.2 inches of moisture—about 53% of normal—and rising temperatures are set to push highs into triple digits with a UV index of 10 this weekend.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife released a new map showing wolf movement in eastern Mesa County (May 27 to June 24) using GPS tracking from collared wolves in nearby watersheds.

Mesa County Commissioners sent a letter asking CPW to stop wolf reintroduction and CPW is now monitoring four potential dens.

Stage 1 fire restrictions went into effect in Garfield County at midnight on June 26, and Mesa County will enforce the same limits tonight—prohibiting fireworks, open campfires, unpermitted agricultural burning, and smoking near combustible materials.

Grand Junction has received only 2.2 inches of moisture compared to the normal 4.16 inches, and rising temperatures this weekend may force outdoor event-goers to take extra care against the heat.

During a June 24 public hearing, Mesa County Commissioners approved an AI pilot project for the Community Development Department to improve permit application review efficiency.

The project, funded by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and Mesa County ($41,736 + $10,434), will run for one year to test its impact on workflow and accuracy.

Colorado Riverfront Concert Series

7 PM - 1 AM — James M. Robb - Colorado River State Park — Donations appreciated — Experience a night of live music with Julian Marley and the Uprising supporting trail maintenance efforts.

Rosé Wine Tasting

1-2:30 p.m. — 626 on Rood — $95 per person inclusive — Explore delightful Rosé wines paired with a special 4-course tasting menu.

Keep Flying Live at Mesa Theater

7-9:30 p.m. — Mesa Theater — All ages — Experience high-energy punk rock with horns from Keep Flying and support from Backhand.

Public Fittings for Custom Hearing Protection

July 26-27 — 5013 Tactical — Cost varies — Explore personalized hearing protection solutions in Grand Junction.