Good morning, Grand Junction.

The Mesa County Fair opened yesterday with a 4-H beef show at 8 a.m. on the fairgrounds, featuring young exhibitors like seventh-generation rancher Delanie Casto who showcased her selected heifer to honor her family’s legacy.

The fair runs until Saturday and features various animal competitions.

Jasper is a cattle-mix dog trained in 20 commands and available for adoption from Roice-Hurst Humane Society, where staff say he is best for active households + families with well-mannered dogs and children but not for cat owners.

The shelter is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Rich Carter of Vortex Engineering & Architecture finished a conversation with Tiki Bird Restaurant’s owners after completing their buildout and renovation on June 24, leaving them confident that he is their go-to for future architectural needs.

Their remarks underscore the firm’s strong work ethic.

Warp Zone VR Adventures opened July 1 at 1059 North Ave. and hosted its grand opening this past weekend, offering virtual reality escape-room games like Ninja Trials & The Parvus Box that test both mind and body near local restaurants.

The ARTery has opened at 539 Colorado Ave, offering studio space for ceramics, fiber arts, printmaking, and mixed media for local artists who need a dedicated creative space.

The community center is backed by the Grand Valley Creative Alliance and will soon offer classes + workshops to support rising talent.

Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center and The Vault 100.7 will host Tour de Cedars on Sept.

6 from noon to 4 p.m. in Cedaredge where guests can tour four homes, taste local treats, enjoy live music, and support the center with $65 tickets or $50 for members.

West Star Aviation received $246K in incentive funding from local groups on Tuesday, July 14 at its Heritage Way facility (two $123K checks from key partners), supporting an expansion that will add up to 100 jobs as the 109,000 sqft project is expected to complete by late October.

At CMU Tech summer camp, local students learned aviation basics through simulator lessons and a 30-minute discovery flight (costing an extra $100) under instructor guidance.

Nearly every participant opted for the flight to practice basic maneuvers and see the local skies from above.

Blue Mesa Reservoir’s water level is 32% full (266,000 acre feet as of July 12), prompting restrictions on irrigation, marina access, and endangered fish flows.

Officials warn that without improved precipitation later this year, impacts on hydropower generation and local agriculture will intensify.

Officials say Japanese beetle trap counts in Mesa County have dropped sharply as an aggressive eradication effort targets over 1,800 private properties to protect orchards, vineyards and gardens.

The campaign uses owner-approved treatments - offered only with permission - to curb the pest before it spreads widely.

Since December 2024, Mesa County Public Health has distributed over 9,500 naloxone boxes via 17 kiosks, averaging 17 kit accesses daily according to its first impact report.

The program has added five new sites, including Hilltop at Main Street & a Grand Valley Transit transfer facility.

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.

Ded - Band Live Concert

7-10 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Tickets starting at $66 — Experience the unforgettable music of Ded - Band at Mesa Theater in Grand Junction.

IV and The Strange Band at Mesa Theater

7-11 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience a high-energy blend of country-western music and comedy magic.