Good Day
Grand Junction
Wednesday, October 8th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Junction. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 8th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ CASA of Mesa County honored three volunteers—Dawn Dillon, Bonnie Allison, and Dorothy Rinderle—for over a decade of service and advocacy for foster children, contributing 51 combined years and impacting more than 127 children by ensuring their voices are heard in court and that they have safe homes. The Business Times
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii Street Food set up its food trailer in the lot at The Historic Lowell School in downtown Grand Junction—chef Dante Tripi offers plate lunch dishes like katsu chicken and Loco Moco made with local beef and traditional flavors that he grew up loving. The trailer will serve as his year-round home base as he expands his menu and builds community connections. The Business Times
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Organizer Jaden Quan said the Junktown Film Festival will bring 11 short films from worldwide filmmakers to the Avalon Theater on Friday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. The diverse lineup includes a German film about the Ukraine conflict + a medical drama and an animated piece by an 11-year-old from Iran, with proceeds supporting the theater. KKCO 11
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ District 51 schools show strong performance as 31 of 38 earned the highest academic rating that measures achievement, growth, and workforce readiness, boosting the overall recognition from 64 to 81 percent. Superintendent Dr. Brian Hill said the three-year strategic plan helped the schools reach these targets and the district will aim for 90 percent under the new five-year plan. KJCT
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Grand Valley Instrumentation is testing its new Meerkat Monitoring System at Mesa County Landfill — a device that takes hourly gas samples and adjusts wellhead pressure to boost methane capture — and the system will enter a certification study with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment from mid-October through mid-January. The Business Times
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Mesa County released its proposed 2026 budget on Tuesday, October 7th. The $240.6 million plan—down 3.7% from 2025—sets aside $27 million for road improvements on 38 Road, 29 Road, Vega Road, and Orchard Avenue and will be reviewed by the Board of County Commissioners on December 9th. KKCO 11
- ➤ Amtrak finalized a lease to return its Grand Junction station to the historic Union Depot once restoration is complete—grant decisions could cover up to 80% of the $3 million project and aim for an April opening in 2027. The plan will also add a restaurant and public space for train passengers. Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
- ➤ The City of Grand Junction proposed a $314.8 million budget for 2026 that is $44.3 million lower than last year because two large capital projects were completed this year (City Manager Mike Bennett said the plan will add 29 jobs and include studies on expanding police and fire services). The budget also expects a 3% rise in sales tax revenue and introduces a Community Paramedic Program to better serve public safety needs. Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
- ➤ Grand Junction Regional Airport has been awarded a $38 million FAA grant for the first phase of a new primary runway project—paving will begin in 2026 and the runway is scheduled to open a year early in 2029—to replace an aging runway and boost regional safety and growth. The Business Times
- ➤ Jessica Burford, president and CEO of the Palisade Chamber of Commerce, was appointed to the Mesa County Workforce Development Board and said she will bring a rural perspective to help connect employers with job seekers — emphasizing orchards, vineyards, farms and small shops. She described the role as a calling to serve her community while honoring her roots. The Business Times
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Grand Junction High School senior Hunter Simmons won the Class 4A state golf title today at Fox Hill Club by birdieing the final hole for a two-shot victory—he is the first champion from the school since 1987. Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
- ➤ The USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships at Powderhorn Mountain Resort will start October 9th with more than 500 athletes from nearly 40 schools racing in four events—short track, cross-country, downhill and dual slalom. The Grand Junction Sports Commission and Powderhorn expect the four-day event to boost local business and bring nearly $2 million in economic impact while offering free admission and parking to spectators. KKCO 11
- ➤ The Grand Junction River Hawks are hosting a meet and greet today at Fire Station 1 noon to 1 p.m. and will hold First Responder Appreciation Night on Saturday at River City Sportplex—featuring special tributes and themed activities during the game. WesternSlopeNow.com
- ➤ Over 500 collegiate mountain bikers from nearly 40 schools will race in events – short track, cross-country, downhill and dual slalom – at Powderhorn Mountain Resort from October 9th to 12th. The free event hosted by the Grand Junction Sports Commission is expected to bring nearly $2 million in economic impact. KJCT
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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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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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