Good morning, Grand Junction.

The Clifton Christian Church Food Bank is helping Mesa County residents with food insecurity by offering drive-through and walk-through options, as community needs increase.

Operating Wednesdays through Fridays all year, the food bank will hand out 500 food boxes on the Monday before Thanksgiving and is asking for donations to support its services.

Local companies raised over $60,000 to support Homeward Bound’s effort to reopen on weekends after the shelter closed due to financial issues—Bray Real Estate and the Bray Cares Foundation, with a $20,000 match, helped spark donations as the shelter needs $150,000 by November 7.

Paul Wallace of Elysium Laser in Grand Junction helps remove tattoos linked to gangs, prison, hate crimes and trafficking so clients can improve work chances, and he works closely with each person—offering free consultations and financial support.

He also partners with Mesa County Parole and the Department of Youth Services to better serve those in need.

Chad Roderick reviewed the past week’s local headlines in Grand Junction on October 24th—offering a condensed round-up of key local stories.

Abby Buechler of Grand Junction graduated with a master of science from the University of Alabama—Lillian Goldberg received the Elmira College Key Award for academic and community leadership along with an $88,000 scholarship package upon enrollment.

Several other local students earned spots on Southern New Hampshire University’s Summer 2025 President’s and Dean’s lists while Amber Wennerstrom was accepted at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport.

Starting Oct. 27, 2025, several city and non-city projects will affect traffic with detours and delays.

City projects include the Ouray Ave Water Project (covering 7th to 15th Streets) and the Linden Ave closure (between Unaweep Ave and Hwy. 50) while improvements on I-70 Business Loop and the Xcel Energy 25 Road project will reduce lane capacity.

Community Hospital closed its operating room last Thursday after staff found contaminants in its water supply for the sterile processing equipment—Friday's tests confirmed the issue is resolved and the OR will reopen in the next few days while patients' surgeries are rescheduled and extra hours added.

HopeWest is offering guidance for those dealing with grief during the holiday season by recommending self-compassion and flexible traditions — such as having lighter dinners or taking breaks from festivities.

The organization will host Handling the Holidays support groups in November and December — sessions available in Grand Junction, Montrose, and Delta.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America warns that Halloween decorations and trick-or-treaters can upset people with dementia by disrupting their routine.

Neighbors are urged to avoid overly realistic or loud decorations—this change could help reduce stress for those with Alzheimer’s.

Baron Rojo reopened today in Grand Junction after closing earlier this month due to health violations.

A recent inspection showed the restaurant meets several key health standards (although the food protection manager remains uncertified) after earlier issues with unapproved ingredients and unsanitary practices prompted the shutdown.

Grand Junction High School Tigers rallied in a big fourth quarter to beat Cheyenne Mountain 43—35 at Stocker Stadium on Friday.

The Tigers will travel to Colorado Springs to face the Sand Creek Scorpions on Halloween at 7 p.m. in a winner-take-all league matchup.

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.