Good morning, Grand Junction.

After years of planning and construction, the final three miles of the 18 Road trail expansion are open via the new K2 Play trail, with a ribbon-cutting celebration on Saturday, Oct.

10. The project doubled the trail miles and honors longtime leader Kristina Kittleson (a beloved community rider).

Ava Health will open its renovated Homestead facility — a 32-bed mental-health center — on Oct.

19 at Grand Mesa. Big 5 Sporting Goods denies closing after an Oct. 7 clearance sale error, while Animal ER, Rimrock Pools, and Frame Depot announce new locations and expansion events.

Business broker Brian Bray (of Bray Business Advisors Group) advises local business owners to prepare now for a future sale by organizing records, strengthening teams, and maintaining assets, which can boost both current operations and buyer confidence.

Grand Valley business Farmers Market connects nearly 40 local vendors with community shoppers year-round through its website.

Owner Jamie Wood picks up fresh goods on Mondays and packages orders on Tuesdays and is nearing her first-year goal with 48 subscribers while planning to expand the service.

The Business Incubator Center will mark 40 years of supporting local business growth by hosting Entrepreneur Exchange 2026 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct.

16 at the Grand Junction Convention Center, featuring awards and a keynote on innovation.

EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum — located at 1400 N.

Seventh St. — will host Fiesta Hispana on Nov. 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. featuring Hispanic culture, traditional dance performances, live music, local food, community awards and interactive exhibits on bilingual and STEAM programs.

Museums of Western Colorado hosts Dinos on the Rocks — a cocktail tasting fundraiser at Dinosaur Journey from 6:00 — 9:00 p.m. This adults-only event offers original cocktails, mocktails, heavy appetizers, a silent auction and Liquor Pull to benefit museum exhibits.

Grand Junction officials say the closure of the Dos Rios Starbucks at 2601 Dos Rios Drive does not affect the 2027 budget but may lower future sales tax revenue if a new business does not replace it; local planners had hoped increased business would help pay off the district's debt.

Jeff Herman from LawnStarter warned that improper raking can cause back injuries and heart issues as leaves pile up across the Western Slope.

He advised warming up, taking breaks every 20 to 30 minutes (and asking for help when needed) to reduce injury risks.

Time Sprinkler (a two-pound orange kitten) is available for adoption at Roice-Hurst Humane Society and loves being cuddled.

The shelter says she is one of the last kittens of the season.

Run for Rivers will take place Nov.

7 at 10 a.m. along Riverfront Trail with a 5K run/walk and a 1K Fun Run for kids, creating family-friendly fun. The race will start and finish at the Confluence Center (2596 Dos Rios Drive) near downtown.