Good morning, Grand Junction.

Mesa County Animal Services welcomes residents to meet adoptable dogs — many with unique stories — at its facility on Coffman Road in Whitewater.

The shelter operates Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on weekends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Riverfront Zip Adventures has not operated its zipline at Las Colonias Park in 2025 after it closed partway through 2024, despite receiving nearly $1.7M in taxpayer incentives to build and run the ride and create jobs—Grand Junction officials noted they are in contact with the company and may purchase the attraction if it stays unused for over one year.

Andrew Price from the Summerville Orchestra in South Carolina is now the executive director of the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra.

He plans to build community ties and expand programs—Music Director Dr. Charles Latshaw says the future of local music is bright.

District 51's budget for the new school year is tighter because state funds fell short and $2 million in federal money was withheld, placing the district among the lowest funded in Colorado.

Superintendent Dr. Brian Hill said teacher negotiations on July 14 resulted in a one-time stipend for staff — a measure influenced by the tight budget — and warned that forecasts show future budgets may worsen while student success stays a priority.

Firefighters made progress on five fires across the Western Slope by achieving at least 30% containment by Monday afternoon, with Tuesday’s showers helping initial suppression.

Officials reported updates on the South Rim, Turner Gulch, Wright Draw, Deer Creek, and Sowbelly fires, and some evacuations along Highway 141 were lifted, though drier air later this week may increase wind and lightning risk.

Local ranchers shared responsibility with fire crews to protect nearly 600 cattle from the Turner Gulch Fire that has burned grazing lands near the Uncompahgre National Forest.

VanWinkle said her team moved cattle by horseback away from danger and will work with Mesa County officials over the next few weeks—prioritizing safety for both the firefighters and ranchers.

A base camp built in under 2 days in Gateway now supports local and federal firefighters battling the Turner Gulch fire, the largest wildfire in the state.

The camp provides kitchens, showers, and fuel for hundreds of firefighters who start early and return by sunset for meals and rest.

The Colorado Division of Insurance said that plans in the individual market will see premiums rise by up to 38% in 2026 and nearly 100,000 people may lose coverage—residents on the Western Slope could face rates over 10 percent higher than those in Denver and Boulder.

The department said it will explore new options in the next legislative session to help lower costs.

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.

Pink Fuzz Performance

7-10 p.m. — Copeka Coffee — Check the venue for ticket prices — Experience explosive sludgy riffs and captivating harmonies from the accomplished band Pink Fuzz.