Good morning, Grand Junction.

Hope N’ Horses in Palisade is offering free trail rides to military and first responders to help ease stress and PTSD as they explore trails near the Grand Mesa — Book Cliffs provide a scenic backdrop.

The service gives community heroes a chance to heal on horseback.

After five months of construction, Mesa County, the City of Grand Junction and School District 51 finished improvements on Greenbelt Drive and 22 ½ Road near Broadway Elementary, adding widened roadways, sidewalks, crosswalks and improved drainage systems.

The project was completed ahead of schedule and under a $1 million budget.

Grand Junction's historic Union Depot is receiving major renovation funded by a Colorado State Historical fund grant, with work underway on its roof using 100-year-old tiles.

The Friends (of the Grand Junction Union Depot) say community members will support its preservation through window sponsorship opportunities.

The Avalon Theatre held a ribbon cutting Thursday to open new Diann Admire dressing rooms that give performers a private space to get ready.

Community donations including a $40,000 gift helped fund the project — a boost aimed at easing touring show setups.

Diesel prices hit record levels in Grand Junction today, with a gallon costing $6.11 compared to $3.73 last year.

AAA said demand is high during the fall harvest season (as farmers depend on diesel-powered tractors and trucks) and prices may continue to rise.

Mesa County officials announced that fire restrictions will be lifted at 12:01 a.m. today (after recent monsoonal rains improved conditions), allowing Mesa County Public Health to resume burn permits through Oct.

31 while fire managers continue to monitor drought risks.

Palisade’s Hope N’ Horses provides free trail rides for veterans, military, and first responders today along trails near Book Cliffs and the Grand Mesa.

Co-founder JJ Fletcher started the program after overcoming PTSD, giving riders a chance to find healing through horseback riding.

Mesa County Public Health released its annual report on suicide prevention, showing a decrease in substance involvement and stronger school connections among local youth; however, it also highlights ongoing needs for mental health support.

Mesa County Public Health released its annual suicide prevention report showing a drop in substance involvement in suicide deaths and stronger school connections among youth, though officials say further prevention work is needed.

Residents are urged to start conversations and seek help via community resources (call 988 for crisis services).

Flohtohn from Grand Junction 3D-printed its disc golf disc, The Mesa, which earned PDGA approval as of Aug.

31. Bob Fenske’s design takes 14 hours per copy and is now available for sanctioned play in upcoming tournaments.