Good morning, Grand Junction.

Alpine Bank has opened a benefit account today to support the families of five Snyder Fire firefighters, three of whom lost their lives and two are critically injured.

The bank donated $25,000 and is accepting contributions at any branch until Aug. 31 + donors should reference the benefit account.

United Way of Mesa County activated its Snyder Fire Support Fund to provide essential supplies to residents displaced by the fire, and local, state, and nonprofit partners will allocate funds where they are most needed.

City leaders introduced a new play area on Main Street Monday morning in downtown Grand Junction.

The facility, repurposed from an old splash pad, features a green hill and red slide and joins other play areas that include a pirate ship and climbing boulders.

Howie, a harness-trained and affectionate FIV-positive cat (described as a small dog in a cat’s body) is available for adoption at Roice-Hurst Humane Society.

The shelter advises that new owners should already have FIV-positive pets and notes he may also thrive with calm dogs and kids.

Pêche owners Matt Chasseur and Ashley Fees Chasseur opened Tiki Bird Restaurant in June at 119 N.

Seventh St. in downtown Grand Junction to serve a menu of chicken dishes. The spot features an open kitchen plus outdoor seating in a converted shipping container with bocce ball for late shifts.

Rides Bar & Grill owner Krista Mahler said the extended South Mesa Street reconstruction, which began in fall, delayed business operations though it will create a new downtown parade route; her landlord cut rent during the project and the street is fully open after temporary closures during the festival.

Photographers can submit their pictures for Grand Junction’s 2027 printed calendar online until 5 p.m. on July 31.

Chosen photos must be high quality and show local scenes, and will be printed with the photographer’s name (and website if given) for a calendar mailed in November.

The Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center at Colorado Mesa University has formed a nine-member executive board to guide its research and outreach efforts; the group includes local experts (from water management, agriculture and government) who will help strengthen regional partnerships.

Babylon Fire burned over 100,000 acres near Monticello and filled the Grand Valley with smoke yesterday—firefighters deployed heavy equipment and aircraft to slow its spread, and trails in forests and parks remain closed.

Grand Junction’s new regional recycling facility enters its final construction phase in August after the City Council approved a $3.24 million change order + installation of AI-assisted sorting equipment will begin to keep the nearly $29 million project on track to open by year’s end.

Mesa County Public Health released its first annual Naloxone Kiosk Impact Report today, showing over 9,500 naloxone boxes have been distributed since December 2024, averaging 17 kits daily.

The report also noted five new kiosk locations in Grand Junction that expand free, no-ID overdose prevention access.

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced the appointment of Mathew Tekansik as director of the VA Western Colorado Health Care System, overseeing one medical center + four clinics that serve 17 counties and cover 47,000 square miles in Colorado and Utah.

Tekansik began his VA career in 2011.

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.

Cactus Paint Night

6-8 p.m. — Cruise Control Kitchen and Cellar — $15 event fee — Paint your own cactus-themed ceramics in a fun pottery night.

Lee Brice Live Concert

7-9 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — Tickets available — Experience the heartfelt country music of Lee Brice in an intimate setting.

Mike Ippolito Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Cruise Control Kitchen & Cellar — Check website for cost — Mike Ippolito returns for an evening of music paired with delicious food and cocktails.

Hugh Phillips Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — Warehouse25sixty-five Kitchen + Bar — Tickets available — Experience the high-energy country sounds and storytelling of rising artist Hugh Phillips.

Ian Munsick Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $45.50 - $75.50 + fees — Experience the soaring sounds and heartfelt storytelling of Wyoming's own Ian Munsick as he performs live.

Authority Zero Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Tickets available — Experience the eclectic sounds of Authority Zero blending punk, ska, reggae, and more in their energetic live show.

Cousin Curtiss

7-8:30 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $59.45 - $155.00 + fees — Experience the powerful voice of Trace Adkins along with his journey through music and personal stories.

Mark Wills Concert

9 p.m. — Warehouse25sixty-five Kitchen + Bar — Ticketed event — Enjoy a night of acoustic country music with Mark Wills in a vibrant venue.