Good Day
Grand Junction
Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Junction. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Aloha2Go—a new Hawaiian-themed store—will open Monday along Orchard Avenue and First Street to offer cultural products and employment opportunities for individuals from Ohana Supportive Services while owner Kehau Marinez shares her island heritage with the community. KJCT
- ➤ Mesa County Libraries is hosting its 11th annual Comic Con at the Grand Junction Convention Center on September 19 and September 20. Entry is free with a Mesa County library card—those without pay $5—and the event features family trivia contests, panels, cosplay contests and a guest appearance from R Allen Brooks. KJCT
- ➤ Colorado State University’s Western Colorado Research Center and Food Bank of the Rockies have teamed up to use research that helps local organic farms grow more produce and feed residents. The project turns 70,000 to 90,000 pounds of fruit and vegetables into meals for people facing food insecurity—supporting our community. KKCO 11
- ➤ Mesa County Libraries held community chats as they discussed new sites to relocate the Orchard Mesa branch by the end of its lease in 2028—this came after a 21% rent increase in December 2023. The board is evaluating options such as moving to the Orchard Mesa Pool or installing Holds Pickup Lockers while revenue remains favorable for 2026. KKCO 11
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On Saturday around 12:40 p.m.—Mesa County Search and Rescue responded to a flash flood near Gateway when an ATV broke down and the rider escaped the rising waters, later using two UTVs and a truck to gather supplies for three stranded hunters before ending the call around 4 p.m. WesternSlopeNow.com
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday night, Stocker Stadium in Grand Junction filled with music as all four D51 high school marching bands performed at the 28th annual Valley Bands festival. The non-scored event gave the bands a chance to connect and gear up for a busy season of football, competitions, and state shows—preparing them for upcoming contests. WesternSlopeNow.com
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ After the Turner Gulch Fire was fully contained, owner Janie Vanwinkle of VanWinkle Ranch said the fire affected 60% of her grazing permit and forced her to move cattle 10 miles to safety. She said the ranch will apply for disaster relief funds while facing repair costs — community support included donations of 4,800 pounds of ground beef and over 300 bags of cookies. KJCT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Candidates for the School District 51 Board of Education met at a Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce panel to discuss issues such as educational proficiency, safety, enrollment and budget concerns. Five of the six candidates outlined plans to boost resources and prepare students for the workforce — with some aiming to raise graduation rates. WesternSlopeNow.com
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Turner Gulch Fire is 100% contained after 70 days, and Vanwinkle Ranch relocated its cattle—moving some 10 miles south and others to a Grand Junction corral—to cope with lost grazing areas and economic challenges. The ranch is now working with the USDA and Farm Service Agency to assess damage and apply for disaster relief while also supporting local schools and fire crews with community donations. KKCO 11
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Colorado Parks and Wildlife urged hunters to work in groups and pack essential gear — including orange clothing, first aid kits, and maps — as the 2025 season has begun. Joey Livingston stressed that letting someone know your plans is key to staying safe in the backcountry. KJCT
- ➤ Colorado Parks and Wildlife said hunters should travel in a group and tell someone where they are going to stay safe during the 2025 hunting season. Joey Livingston stressed that hunters must bring proper gear—like orange clothing, warm boots, a first aid kit, and navigation tools—for both day trips and overnight hunts in the backcountry. KKCO 11
- ➤ Governor Jared Polis proclaimed See Tracks? Think Train week from Sept 15-21 to remind Coloradans to use caution at over 2,000 railroad crossings; CDOT said 40 to 50 train crashes occur every year when people bypass barrier gates—urging drivers, bikers, and pedestrians to slow down and listen for approaching trains. KJCT
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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96 Bitter Beings Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Ticket prices vary — Deron Miller returns for a night of energetic riffs and captivating music.
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Off With Their Heads Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Check for ticket prices — Celebrate the release of 'Be Good' with fresh tunes from Off With Their Heads.
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Oktoberfest Family Festival
Celebrate fall at Cross Orchards Historic Site during the Oktoberfest Family Festival, featuring live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and fun for all ages. Enjoy free train rides, historic demonstrations, a pumpkin patch, and the Colorado State Steinholding Competition at 1 PM on the main stage!
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