Good morning, Grand Junction.

Chance, a four-year-old pup (whose tail never stops wagging) from Roice-Hurst Humane Society in Grand Junction is available for adoption now.

He loves walks, hikes and bike rides and does best with dogs his size while being cautious around larger dogs.

TBR Book Bar—a new Fruita bookstore lounge that offers books, wine, beer, and coffee—had a soft opening on Sept.

23 and will host its grand opening on Oct. 3 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 242 S. Mulberry, welcoming community gatherings and local activities.

Business leaders gathered at Colorado Mesa University on Sept.

23 for the second annual SPARK Summit, a one-day event offering master classes on leadership, finance, AI and operational best practices. Experts like Dr. Rick Perea and JFS CEO Kelly Johnston led sessions that provided practical strategies for local companies.

Western Healthcare Alliance announced it hired Ginette Sebenaler as its new CFO.

She will manage all financial functions for the organization + develop strategies to strengthen rural healthcare support.

Paranormal Cirque returns to Mesa Mall for four nights of theater, circus and cabaret shows Oct.

2 to 5. The adult production features acts such as the Wheel of Death and live magic with tickets starting at $10 and a special $5 discount offered when you call 9417048572.

Terry Burnett, the creator of the metal apple sculpture from Art on the Corner, said it will return this weekend at the Downtown Grand Junction Art Festival after a year away for repainting.

His wife noted that many locals have missed seeing it.

The D51 Foundation awarded its 18th round of Professional Learning Grants worth $10,841 to District 51 staff plus received $39,050 in funding requests, marking continued investment in educator development with over $180,000 granted since 2018.

The Kindness Creates Community Foundation is offering a $30K matching grant to boost the Careers in Construction Western Slope program that trains high school students for construction jobs & supports local workforce development.

Contributions made by the end of 2026 could double to $60K if fully met.

School District 51 is accepting applications for its 2026-27 Leadership D51 cohort, inviting parents, community members and local partners to explore the work behind school operations.

Participants will visit schools and learn about academics, safety, finance and more (deadline Oct. 9).

Lavender Bee Montessori School will celebrate its opening with a ribbon-cutting event on Oct.

23 at 1:45 p.m. at 3196 Hill Ave, Grand Junction (featuring snacks and activities for all ages) to offer a new education option for families seeking diverse learning opportunities.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is seeking public feedback on 13 big game hunting regulation proposals in northwest Colorado through an online survey open until Oct.

15. The agency said hunter input will guide the proposals presented at the Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting in November for changes that could affect the 2027 season.

Seven-year-old Kailani Hubbard is finding a new way to manage her emotions by starting music therapy sessions at Harmony House (using her favorite Michael Jackson songs).

Her parents say the Medicaid-funded therapy is making a marked difference in her behavior and social skills.

Seven-year-old Kailani Hubbard in Grand Junction has improved her behavior with music therapy that features her favorite Michael Jackson songs; her sessions with Harmony House are covered by Medicaid and have helped her regulate her emotions.

Mesa County Animal Services is teaming up with local veterinarians to offer low-cost spay/neuter vouchers through a Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund grant, with a $25 fee and proof of rabies vaccination required.

Vouchers are available until April 27 at participating offices.

Montrose's Red Hawks are closing in on an historic softball season, having won against Palisade, Grand Junction, and Eagle Valley to sit at 17-1 overall and 7-0 in league play despite a Tuesday loss.

Coach Lovato said the team will maintain focus as they prepare for regionals.