Good morning, Grand Junction.

A temporary pavilion that housed a resource center for unhoused individuals has been removed and will be sold after refurbishment — HomewardBound purchased the structure with federal funds to run the center for 16 months with United Way.

The sale is expected to recoup removal costs after the city decided not to fund a new resource center version following complaints from neighboring businesses about drug use and littering.

One person was taken to the hospital after a crash near Gateway in a remote area east of Uncompahgre Butte as emergency crews including Mesa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Mesa County Search and Rescue, Gateway Fire Department, Grand Junction Fire Department and CareFlight responded to the scene.

An Amtrak train collided with a truck at a railroad crossing near New Castle as it headed to Grand Junction—no injuries were reported, though sheriff’s officials warned the crash could have been worse.

The area was home to the Native American Ute tribe until 1881 when they were forced out, and Grand Junction became the center of Mesa County after founder George Crawford promoted its location at the junction of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers.

The railroad arrived in 1882 and a uranium boom in the 1950s drew people to the county until oil drilling overtook as the main industry by the late 1980s — a shift that marks its deep history.

Mesa County’s history began when the Ute tribe was forced out in 1881 and the county was officially established in 1883 with Grand Junction as its hub.

The railroad arrived in 1882 and spurred growth—later giving rise to ranching, farming, and a brief uranium boom before oil drilling became the main industry.

Rising inflation and a 30% tariff on imported fireworks are driving up costs for Fourth of July displays in local towns, with Collbran having canceled its show due to high prices and fire restrictions.

Grand Junction and Fruita have locked in current pricing with existing contracts, but future bids may be higher (and some groups are considering laser light shows as alternatives) as economic pressures continue.

Last Friday, Mesa County Public Health released its first public CHIP dashboard—displaying progress on behavioral health access and economic stability.

The tool allows local residents to view key actions and metrics from the county’s health needs assessment.

Mesa County Public Health launched a new Behavioral Health Division to treat mental health like physical health — using data to plan and coordinate local services — and division director Jennifer Daniels said the new unit will soon help fill gaps in care for locals.

Vacant lots along Riverside Parkway near Las Colonias Park will be redeveloped with residential and commercial projects; Shannon Sweeney’s plan includes a 20-unit building under construction and four more buildings that will add over 200 rental units.

The City is also preparing the former Doug Jones Sawmill site for about 180 attainable housing units (plus commercial uses) and a new manufacturing and office building will soon break ground in the Las Colonias Business Park.

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.

Thursday Night Concert Series

7:30 p.m. — Civic Center Park and Pavilion — Free entry — Enjoy a mix of live performances featuring local and international acts across various genres.

Jo Dee Messina Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $40.00 - $75.00 + fees — Experience powerful vocals and chart-topping hits from country music's trailblazer Jo Dee Messina.