Good morning, Grand Junction.

Local farmers, educators and residents gathered Wednesday at Rocky Mountain Elementary Park in Clifton to support propositions LL and MM that will fund free, nutritious meals for public school students.

Proponents say the Healthy School Meals for All program will deliver over 600,000 meals daily—helping ease food insecurity as families face rising grocery costs ahead of the November vote.

Mesa County Animal Services at 971A Coffman Road is asking for donations of dog food, cat food, treats and soft blankets along with cash for their PUPS Fund to cover spay, neuter and adoption costs for displaced animals.

Donations may be dropped off Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the facility.

City officials and the Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture invite local artists to submit proposals for a mural on the HAWK traffic signal box located near Monument Road, about one mile northeast of the Colorado National Monument east entrance + proposals are due Sept.

21 and the mural must be completed by Oct. 13.

A wildfire grew to over 100 acres in only a few hours on Tuesday in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area on Utah’s side near the Dolores and Colorado rivers — several ground and aviation fire crews are working to control the blaze while the cause remains unknown.

Today, Grand Junction Parks and Recreation is hosting the 2025 Licensed Tree Contractor Day of Public Service at Sherwood Park where seven licensed contractors with 22 employees will volunteer to prune 15 to 20 trees.

The northern end of the park including sidewalks, the north parking lot, and adjacent street parking will be closed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.—the Forestry Board will also staff an information table to answer tree care questions.

Governor Jared Polis visited Grand Junction and proclaimed September 9 as Hunger Action Day at the Food Bank of the Rockies to address hunger that had reached a ten-year high.

He also highlighted economic challenges by noting that tariffs made goods cost up to 21% more—and he urged Congress to renew federal tax credits.

Mesa County Commissioners accepted the resignation of Treasurer and Public Trustee Sheila Reiner — they named Chief Deputy Treasurer Jackie Campbell as acting treasurer until a replacement is selected.

The board will search for a new treasurer to serve the remainder of the term through December 2026 — officials said the move is part of a planned transition.

St. Mary’s Regional Hospital is celebrating 80 years of cancer care and will expand its cancer center – it will host an open house and Cancer Prevention Health Fair on Sept.

13 from 9 a.m. to noon offering free screenings and education to catch cancer early.

Avery Moreland, a 13-year-old local athlete, overcame a serious thumb injury from a jet ski accident (Sweitzer Lake, Delta County) in July 2024 to compete in both softball and wrestling.

She ranked 7th in the quarterfinals as of 10:30 p.m. on September 10 and will earn a $25,000 prize and a 3BRAND ad feature if she wins by September 18.

Grand Mesa Open Pickleball Tournament

Sep 12-14 — Lincoln Park — Registration required — Compete and play pickleball with local enthusiasts in a fun tournament setting.

Cavalcade's Monthly Variety Show

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Cavalcade — Check local listings — Experience phenomenal music and local poetry in a quirky, genuine variety show.

Western Slope Recovery Rally

Enjoy fun events, music, bbq, art & more! Learn about resources in our valley, over 30 booths!

Amy Grant Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the timeless music of Amy Grant, the Queen of Christmas.

Sip & Stitch at Whitewater Hill Vineyards

3-6 p.m. — Whitewater Hill Vineyards — 25% off glasses of wine — Craft in a relaxed setting while enjoying discounts on delicious local wine.

A.J. Croce Live Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a unique musical journey with A.J. Croce and his band.

Italian Family Style Dinner

6-9 p.m. — Mafia Princess Wines — Limited tickets — Savor an intimate Italian dinner with local ingredients under the stars.

Great West Beer Fest 2025

10 PM – 2 AM — Alumni Field, Colorado Mesa University — Free entry — Celebrate local breweries and enjoy craft beers under the stars.

79th Annual Rock, Mineral, and Gem Show

9 a.m.-5 p.m. — Mesa County Fairgrounds — Free entry — Explore a dazzling array of rocks, minerals, gems, fossils, and jewelry from over 40 vendors.

Community Concerts of the Grand Valley featuring M5 The Mexican Brass

6-10 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Season tickets from $90 — Celebrate 20 years of M5 with a vibrant blend of classical, opera, jazz, and pop music.

Pepper Live Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Ticket info not provided — Celebrate 20 years of Pepper's music with a live performance spanning coastlines and genres.