Good morning, Grand Junction.

Mesa County Animal Services showed off a cat named Soundgarden on KKCO’s Pet of the Month segment; the nine-year-old cat with a brown coat and gentle eyes is now looking for a new family.

The county will host a $60 adoption event from Oct 31—Nov 2 to help more pets find homes.

The Scarethusiast Club hosted a Halloween bash at Los Colonias Amphitheater last weekend that brought local groups like Kids Aid, The Backpack Program, Adaptive Heroes, and Heathen Customs Garage together for a night of costumes, candy and family fun.

Proceeds from the event will go toward a toy drive for children at St. Mary’s Medical Center — organizers said they plan to continue hosting affordable events that promote community and family unity.

Habitat for Humanity of Mesa County announced on Wednesday its plans to expand into Delta County—officials say the move will address the growing need for affordable housing by partnering with local residents and organizations to explore new home construction opportunities.

Twenty young professionals were honored yesterday at the Young Professionals Summit and BestSlope NEXTGen Awards in Grand Junction, hosted by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce and the Young Professionals of Mesa County.

The awards recognized local leadership and community service on the Western Slope from sectors like digital marketing, communications, and economic development.

The Western Colorado Botanical Gardens will host Fall at the Gardens with a Dia de Los Muertos theme as sculptors from across the country prepare pumpkin art—contestants from Halloween Wars will perform live carving demonstrations at the event.

Colorado led the nation in electric vehicle sales in the third quarter, with 32.4% of new vehicles sold being electric and EV registrations exceeding 210,000.

The state will expand its EV infrastructure by funding more than 200 fast-charging ports along major routes.

Broadway Elementary students in Grand Junction wrapped up their Raise Craze campaign with over 2,000 acts of kindness that helped fund playground renovations—students connected with donors in all 50 states and organized local projects such as sunshine baskets for patients and service at a food bank.

Federal SNAP benefits for November are likely to be delayed due to the ongoing government shutdown, and local food banks are preparing to help more residents in Grand Junction who need food assistance.

Governor Jared Polis plans to ask the state Legislature for funding to support these organizations as 600,000 Coloradans face a gap in food aid.

Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital will host its second annual community Health Fair at Clifton Community Campus on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering free health screenings, flu shots from Kroger, pet vaccinations from Roice-Hurst Humane Society, educational resources on suicide prevention, food assistance, affordable housing, helmet safety, and family activities such as pumpkin decorating and science displays by EUREKA! Science Center + Museums of Western Colorado.

Mesa County veterans are invited to attend the Veteran Health Care and Benefits Expo on Nov.

12 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Mesa County Workforce Center 512 29½ Road+ where representatives will help with VA health care enrollment, filing benefits claims and providing suicide prevention resources.

15-year-old Sienna Robinson of Montrose and her quarter horse, Pistol — a 9-year-old gelding, will travel over 22 hours to compete at the US Dressage Federation Finals in Ohio next week.

They qualified through Western shows and will break their road trip into stops at horse hotels to keep Pistol comfortable.

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.

Schaffer Brothers Band Live Performance

9 PM - 1 AM — Cruisers Bar — Entry fee varies — Experience a night of raw blues and groove with the Schaffer Brothers Band.

November Meeting of the Art Quilt Association

10 AM – 12 PM — The Art Center — Free entry — Engage with fellow quilt enthusiasts at the monthly Art Quilt Association meeting.

Izzy Burns Live

8-11 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Check venue for ticket prices — Enjoy a heartfelt folk-pop performance by rising star Izzy Burns.