Good morning, Grand Junction.

Local youth shone at the Mesa County Fair this week in Grand Junction by showing livestock like cattle, goats, sheep, and rabbits—12-year-old Lainey received a Grand Champion ribbon in the cattle show.

The event showcased the months of hard work these young producers put into caring for animals donated by local farmers.

Mesa County has more than 200 children in out-of-home care who need safe and loving foster homes.

The county offers comprehensive training and support for new foster parents—those without home ownership or parenting experience are welcome to apply.

The Grand Junction Police Department closed the intersection of 28 3/4 Road and North Avenue after a fatal crash occurred Tuesday—motor technicians are reconstructing the crash while the Mesa County Coroner’s Office will release the victim’s identity once next-of-kin notifications are complete.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed that three new wolf packs formed after the January translocation of 15 gray wolves from British Columbia while naming them One Ear Pack, King Mountain Pack and Three Creeks Pack at a meeting in Grand Junction on Thursday.

More details about the packs will be provided later by CPW.

Wildfires burned and spread across western Colorado, with Turner Gulch and Deer Creek recording over 15,000 acres burned by July 17 at 9 a.m. New evacuation orders were issued Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. for private inholdings in the Divide Forks Campground area near Gateway and residents were directed to the Clifton Community Center as an evacuation site — the MCSO offered help for those with large animals.

Dr. Amber Ortega, an atmospheric chemist, explained that wildfire smoke particles can travel deep into the lungs and bloodstream—she advised outdoor workers to protect themselves by using their vehicle's recirculate option during breaks.

She added that while the current smoke levels in the Grand Valley are not severe, prolonged exposure on consistently smoky days may still pose health risks.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture updated income limits for WIC by raising thresholds by between $1,092 and $1,758 based on family size.

The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration rescheduled its Mesa County community conversation for Tuesday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. amid wildfires — Mesa County’s annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive is accepting donations until July 29 at the local Credit Union of Colorado branch at 202 Main St. or at the donation bus by the Mesa Mall clock tower.

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.

Grand Junction - Whiskey Blending Workshop with Westland Distillery

6:30-8:30 p.m. — SoCo Social House — Tickets start at $1.00 — Craft your own American Single Malt Whiskey with expert guidance from Westland Distillery.

Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country

7-9:30 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Tickets starting at $80 — Experience a night of Cosmic Country music with Daniel Donato in Grand Junction.

Leftover Salmon and The Infamous Stringdusters Concert

6-7:30 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $35.50 - $91 — Experience progressive bluegrass from two iconic bands on a summer evening.

The String Cheese Incident Live Performance

6:15-7:45 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $55.00 - $85.00 — Experience the innovative and philanthropic spirit of The String Cheese Incident in an unforgettable live show.

Grand Junction Centennial Band Concert at Eagle Rim Park

7-8 p.m. — Eagle Rim Park — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful mix of movie music, pop hits, and marches in a community concert.