Good morning, Grand Junction.

Rolo, a one-year-old black lab mix, is looking for a forever home as he is treat-motivated, easy to train, and loves being active.

The Grand Rivers Humane Society will hold an adoption event on Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.—at 651 Market St. in Grand Junction.

On September 30, a young couple in Clifton and their 3-year-old son lost everything when a fire burned their vacant home and took their dog while their cat survived — the cause remains under investigation by the Clifton Fire Department.

Delta County’s new land use code challenges small farms and agritourism businesses by marking them unlawful and forcing owners to reapply for approval, which could risk their water rights — farmers say the rules contradict the county’s 2018 Master Plan.

A petition with nearly 2000 signatures shows local support as farm owners vow to defend rural agritourism.

Artist Pavia Justinian said his controversial Fruita sculpture Zafira was removed from downtown last month and is now on display at Copper Club Brewing Company.

An unveiling celebration will be held on October 18—residents can view the artwork then.

Abby Buechler of Grand Junction graduated with a master of science from the University of Alabama and Lillian Goldberg was awarded the Elmira College Key Award—an honor that includes $88,000 in scholarship money for academic and community leadership.

Local students were also named to Southern New Hampshire University’s Summer President’s and Dean’s Lists.

Mesa County published a list of unfunded mandates that will cost the county about $8.3 million each year, and the list shows extra spending for many services from law enforcement to human services.

County Commissioner Bobbie Daniel said the state set rules without paying the costs—forcing local funds to be used for services that people rely on.

The Polis Administration announced on October 2 that electric vehicle rebates will increase starting November 3 from $6,000 to $9,000 for new cars and from $4,000 to $6,000 for used ones—making cleaner cars more affordable after federal incentives ended on September 30.

Xcel Energy began an eight to ten week natural gas project on 25 Road yesterday that closed segments at Patterson Road, Blichmann Avenue and F½ Road.

The work moved the main gas line to support the Four Canyons Road project and is expected to improve safety without causing outages — drivers are advised to follow posted detours.

City staff and Council discussed the recommended 2026 budget on October 6, which totals $314.8 million and is 12.3% lower than last year’s budget.

City Manager Mike Bennett said the decrease comes from progress on the Community Recreation Center and Persigo Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion—plans that add 29 jobs and will be finalized later this year.

On October 6, city staff presented the 2026 recommended budget at $314.8 million—a 12.3% drop from last year—as progress on projects like the Community Recreation Center and Persigo Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion reduced expenses.

The plan also adds 29 new positions and will be finalized by City Council in November or December.

The city of Grand Junction proposed a new Community Paramedic Program that will handle non-emergency 911 calls—helping keep ambulances free for critical emergencies as outlined in the 2026 Recommended Budget.

The plan will add three paramedic positions to the Fire Department by drawing from existing staff who can provide advanced care under doctor supervision.

Public health officials in Mesa County detected measles in the wastewater in early August—before two local cases were identified—and quickly set plans in motion as the outbreak grew to seven cases.

Officials worked with health providers to track contacts and advise those exposed to help stop further spread.

Grand Junction High School senior Hunter Simmons tied for the lead after the first round of the Class 4A golf tournament at Fox Hill Club in Longmont — he shot an even par 70 and is in a three-way tie at the top of the leaderboard.

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.

Confluence Center Grand Opening

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Confluence Center of Colorado — Free entry — Celebrate the opening of a new community hub dedicated to collaboration and conservation.