Saturday, September 13th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Junction. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 13th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, the first annual Wild West Skate Fest takes place at Emerson Skate Park as families, neighbors, and businesses gather to enjoy skate contests, live music, and vendors—volunteers from the Grand Junction Skateboard Alliance helped organize the event. KJCT
- ➤ This week, Ryan Warner of Colorado Public Radio visited the new 7th St. Community Cafe to highlight local food nonprofits and discuss meal options with community leaders. The next day, Governor Jared Polis toured the Food Bank of the Rockies and signed a proclamation on Food Action Day—supporting efforts to ease food insecurity in Grand Junction. Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
- ➤ Ace found his forever family after being featured on KKCO 11 News last month. Mesa County Animal Services at 971A Coffman Road in Whitewater now welcomes visitors during business hours to meet other adoptable pets—hoping every pet finds a happy home. Mesa County
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ About 1,800 Grand Junction businesses can apply by Oct. 16 to keep tax credit incentives through a grandfathering process before changes to the Enterprise Zone map on Jan. 1 — the Business Incubator Center is hosting in-person events to explain the application steps. This opportunity helps small businesses secure critical benefits even if they later fall outside the new zone. Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
- ➤ A survey by the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce showed that 46% of Mesa County businesses experienced negative impacts from tariffs earlier this summer, with companies like Four Winds Coffee reporting sharp price increases and shifting focus from new plans to manage these costs + many expect future challenges. WesternSlopeNow.com
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ More than 100 people gathered at Colorado Mesa University on Thursday night for a peaceful candlelight vigil organized by the Turning Point USA chapter to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was murdered at Utah Valley University — local students and community members called for unity and non-violence as law enforcement provided security. WesternSlopeNow.com
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Pickin’ in the Rockies is back and will take over Absolute Prestige Ranch in Loma tomorrow—artist Keaton Brown previewed the bluegrass festival during an interview with anchor Justin Adam Brown. WesternSlopeNow.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Friday, Grand Valley Power presented a check to Central High School to honor longtime math tutor Pat Kanda—who served for over 20 years and died last year—by donating $500 each year for five years to support its math tutoring program. WesternSlopeNow.com
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Mesa County Public Health lifted the no burn advisory on September 12 so that approved permit holders may burn until September 30 in Grand Junction and until October 31 in Mesa County — officials will monitor weather and air quality daily and issue advisories if conditions worsen. Mesa County
- ➤ Today, volunteers will join the annual Grand Valley River Cleanup along the Colorado River from Palisade to Loma to collect trash and protect local wildlife. Ethan Ball from Gear Junction said previous cleanups removed over 4,000 pounds of trash—helping secure the habitat for four endangered freshwater fish—and he expects the effort will keep the river safe for recreation. WesternSlopeNow.com
- ➤ The 2025 small game hunting season began September 1 and covers rabbits, grouse, squirrels and coyotes while CPW requires hunters to complete a safety course. CPW also advises outdoor users to wear bright colors—this tip helps avoid mix-ups in areas damaged by fire—to keep everyone safe on public lands. KKCO 11
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Mesa County Elections has launched an art contest for children in grades 1 through 12 to design a 2 inch by 2 inch sticker featuring I Voted—entries will be accepted from Sept 8 to Oct 31. The top designs will be posted online for public voting in December and one winner will be named in January. Mesa County
- ➤ City Council is finalizing its strategic plan and the 2026 budget for Whitman Park — the fenced park has been used only for reserved events since 2023 and is unlikely to reopen for drop-in day use as officials weigh design work and community input. Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Good Samaritan Clinic in Grand Junction has been running full and is now struggling to keep up with demand as new policy changes like Medicaid cuts and higher insurance premiums limit access to care. The clinic plans to add capacity by recruiting more healthcare professionals as tests for measles and other needs increase. Colorado Public Radio
- ➤ September is National Recovery Month and local health leaders remind Grand Junction residents that help is available for addiction. In 2024, Mesa County recorded 36 substance-related deaths with 62 caused by alcohol, and experts like Charles Jernigan and peer coach Susann Plenus stress that recovery is possible—community programs offer support. WesternSlopeNow.com
-
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.
-
Ballyhoo Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Tickets available — Experience the punk energy and pop reggae grooves of Baltimore’s BALLYHOO! on their coast-to-coast tour.
-
Spencer Crandall Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Warehouse25sixty-five Kitchen + Bar — Cost info not provided — Experience country music with Denver's own Spencer Crandall in a cozy venue.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Reading is a way to live more than one life in more than one place.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Grand Junction
Welcome to the Good Day Grand Junction, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Grand Junction, Colorado community. If you like the Good Day Grand Junction, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Grand Junction.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Grand Junction and across Colorado. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Good Day Grand Junction
A free Grand Junction community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://gooddaygrandjunction.com/sitemap