Good morning, Grand Junction.

Dalen Brazelton reported on July 31 that isolated thunderstorms + rainfall affected road conditions early in the morning, causing brief traffic delays.

The report highlighted issues that may have led to slower travel for drivers in Grand Junction.

City Markets on 24 Road and Highway 50 are offering a bag program this August and September—each $2.50 bag gives $1 back to Mesa County School District 51’s Lunch Lizard program that helps feed local kids with a meals on wheels truck; the donation will support repairs and upgrades as the district builds its fourth truck. This initiative comes as the meal service prepares to serve about 20,000 meals during the summer months.

A Denver law firm opened its new branch in Grand Junction today to become the Western Slope's largest legal service provider.

Managed by Isaiah Quigley of Coleman and Quigley, the firm will hire local staff to expand services including real estate, litigation, and criminal defense (all to better serve the growing community).

Mesa County Libraries’ Adult Learning Center faces uncertainty as billions in Department of Education funds remain frozen, leaving the program covered only until the end of 2025—local leaders are now seeking community donations and partnerships to secure its future.

Nine students with developmental disabilities will sign on for Project SEARCH, a program that blends classroom instruction, job training, and career exploration; the signing day is scheduled for August 5 from 5:00-6:00 p.m. at Monument View Medical Plaza (688 23 1/2 Road), where participants will snap a photo with (FLIP the Flying Pig) and join an ice cream social.

Lindsay Davis Martin, a paralegal and Title IX coordinator for District 51, was named July’s Golden Apple Award winner for her dedication during the summer break—she continues working year-round to support the district even while missing the students.

This recognition highlights her ongoing commitment to the community's education system.

The Turner Gulch Fire grew by more than 1,000 acres since Wednesday and now covers 21,319 acres with 49% containment as 317 personnel worked north of Gateway.

The Type 3 Incident Management Team said crews focused Thursday on prepping FS 404 Road (Uranium Road), Niche Road and 414 Road and assessing at-risk infrastructure while dry, hot conditions and erratic winds hampered efforts.

Mesa County Sheriff Todd Rowell — who is overseeing the review — announced that disciplinary actions will be taken on Wednesday morning against five county officials for their role in detaining and arresting Utah nursing student Caroline Dias-Goncalves, who was pulled over near Fruita on June 5th. Deputy Alexander Zwinck will receive a three-week unpaid leave and reassignment while four others face alternate punishments, and local immigration advocacy groups say the penalties do not go far enough.

Colorado officials warned that the state will face an estimated $1.2 billion tax revenue shortfall this fiscal year due to changes in federal tax law that automatically apply here—forcing lawmakers to consider deep spending cuts and possibly a special legislative session to cover a nearly $1 billion deficit; using reserves may drop the fund below recommended levels. The tight budget adds to concerns over long-term financial stability.

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.

Darius Rucker Live Concert

7-9 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $55.00 - $195.00 — Experience GRAMMY-winning artist Darius Rucker as he performs hits from his career in music.

Ice Nine Kills: Hell of a Summer Tour

5:30-7 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $40.50 - $75.50 + fees — Experience Ice Nine Kills’ theatrical show alongside Dayseeker and Kim Dracula this summer.

Postmodern Jukebox Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience modern pop hits reimagined in classic styles like jazz and Motown with a talented ensemble.

Attack Attack! One Hit Wonder Tour

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Mesa Theater — Check venue for ticket info — Catch the electrifying performance by Attack Attack! along with Savage Hands and Versus Me.