Good morning, Grand Junction.

Local law enforcement officers and residents met Wednesday for Coffee With a Cop Day—held at Einstein Bros.

Bagels in Grand Junction and Monumental Coffee in Clifton—to talk about community safety and federal shutdown concerns. Officers answered questions from both new residents and longtime locals, fostering open communication about local issues.

The 10th Annual Downtown Art Festival starts tomorrow in Grand Junction with live artist demos, local performances, and new installations at Art on the Corner—Westbound Art By Train will take place at the historic train depot from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

More than 39 million adults in the US did not earn a high school diploma, and Mesa County Workforce Center is offering free GED tutoring and testing at 512 29 ½ Road.

Classes run on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.—students can call for more details.

Students and families in Grand Junction learned that FAFSA applications opened on October 1 for Fall 2026, which gives them a chance to secure federal aid before funds run out.

Colorado Mesa University said early submissions help students get available grants and scholarships — even those who think they might not be eligible are urged to apply.

Colorado West Land Trust released its first Water Protection Plan Impact Report that shows the group conserved eight properties covering 1,806 acres of farmland and 386 acres of riparian habitat while protecting over 30 miles of rivers.

The plan also led to 13 weeks of restoration work in 2025—focusing on erosion control and replanting—to help farmers and ranchers secure water in drought conditions.

CDOT cut the ribbon on the new I‑70 rest area on Vail Pass today; the facility offers extra truck parking to keep vehicles off shoulders and ramps, is ADA accessible, and provides a staging area for crews to store maintenance equipment — construction began in 2023 with funds reallocated from the state budget.

Government funding ran out Tuesday — forcing a shutdown expected to affect 750,000 federal workers in southern Colorado while military families in Colorado Springs brace for delayed pay and rising food insecurity.

A local military spouse said support is available from veteran and community agencies if financial pressure increases.

River City Sportsplex in Grand Junction has upgraded its ice rink with new bleachers for 850 fans and a colorful mural on the exterior, while a sports pub with an outdoor patio is under construction to open in January.

The facility remains open for winter activities and future plans include adding a soccer field, pickle ball courts, sand volleyball court and a hotel — expanding its recreational offerings.

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.

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.

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.

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!

The Golden Girls - The Laughs Continue

7-8:30 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Tickets vary — Enjoy an uproarious new comedy featuring the beloved Golden Girls in outrageous new escapades.

Discovery Auto Group Pet Fair

10 AM – 2 PM — Discovery Auto Group — Free entry — Find your new furry friend at Roice-Hurst Humane Society's adoption booth during this community pet fair.

Howl-o-ween 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run & Dog Walk

1-4 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $40 — Dress up with your pet for a festive run and enjoy an after-party with awards and live music.

RECA Resource Fair

11 AM – 1 PM — Grand Junction Convention Center — Free entry — Explore valuable healthcare benefits for former uranium workers while enjoying a complimentary lunch.

Western Slope Cowboy Gathering

Two days of fun — Grand Valley Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate with top Cowboy Poets and Western Singers in a family-friendly atmosphere.