Good morning, Grand Junction.

On October 25, Underdog Animal Rescue & Rehab hosted a Spooktacular adoption event in Grand Junction—hundreds attended a weekend festival with a DJ, trunk-or-treat, yard sale, and costumed dogs aiming to boost adoptions as cooler weather set in.

The City of Grand Junction, in partnership with School District 51, hosted the state high school marching band competition on October 27 at Stocker Field in Lincoln Park — parking and access were limited.

All other park activities, including the pickleball courts, were closed, with only the golf course remaining open for public use.

Local businesses and residents raised $60,000 to help keep the HomewardBound shelter open after it announced a need for $150,000 to serve 140 people each night during the cold, and a donation match spurred further funds+ local companies joined to add to the support.

Zane is a three-year-old black lab shepherd mix with floppy ears who is learning to walk on a leash and is ready for a new home—he is food-motivated and adoptable at Grand Rivers Humane Society.

On Saturday, Clifton Fire Protection District and assisting agencies rescued a horse that fell into a canal, using a harness and a crane to lift the animal out and transport it to a veterinarian for evaluation—officials confirmed the coordinated effort ensured the horse’s safety.

Colorado Mesa University’s Little Mavericks Learning Center is transitioning to new ownership under the Access Early Education Foundation and will rebrand as Little Adventures today—classroom issues noted during the probation inspection were due to cleaning and transfer preparations.

Mesa County teamed with the Upper Grand Valley Pest Control District and the CSU Tri-River Extension Office to show residents how to spot phylloxera (a tiny insect that harms grapevines) in local vineyards and gardens.

Experts advise looking for stunted vines, yellow leaves, and pale eggs to decide if growers should plant hybrid varieties for protection.

Residents in Mesa County are urged to compost fall yard waste by bringing leaves, tree limbs, grass clippings and related materials to the Organic Materials Composting Facility at 3071 U.S. Highway 50.

The facility accepts drop-offs Wednesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. — 4:15 p.m. to turn waste into Mesa Magic Compost that enriches soil for new growth.

Delta County officials announced that due to a government shutdown—over 3,500 SNAP beneficiaries will get only prorated October benefits and new applications will fall into a pending status—while urging community support to help address food needs until benefits resume.

Delta County officials said that because of the government shutdown, more than 3,500 SNAP recipients will have their November food benefits held in pending status as new applications receive only prorated October funds—county staff are working with partners and urging community support to help families facing food insecurity. They expect benefits to be retroactively applied once the shutdown ends.

Mesa County Department of Human Services has set up an Economic Assistance Call Center to help families with food assistance and medical coverage.

The center is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. — callers can ask benefit questions or report changes.

Shannon Hardy, a breast cancer patient at Community Hospital, is nearing the end of her treatment and plans to complete chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and a clinical trial by December.

Once active and training for a half marathon, she credits her family and hospital team for bolstering her resolve+ she stays determined to beat cancer.

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.

GJ Turkey Trot Charity Run

9-10:30 a.m. — Ralph Stocker Stadium — $25 entry — Participate in a spirited 5K and Kids Run to support the Grand Junction Fire Fighters Foundation this Thanksgiving.

Executive Director

Peer Recovery Coach, FT. Criminal Justice & Transitional Youth (18-23).