Good morning, Grand Junction.

The Roice-Hurst Humane Society will offer a pet pantry to provide free pet food and supplies for local families after SNAP benefits pause on November 1 due to an impending government shutdown.

The service, supported by community donations from Mesa + Delta counties, expects to see increased demand as hard times continue.

A Grand Junction homeless shelter—the largest between Salt Lake City and Denver—will permanently close on January 5, 2026, after federal funding cuts and a budget crisis forced restructuring even though donors raised $150,000 to resume seven-day operations on November 7.

HomewardBound will shift its services to the smaller Pathways Family Shelter with capacity for up to 100 people during emergencies and sell the North Avenue building.

Habitat for Humanity of Mesa County is expanding its service to Delta County after nearly a year of planning (approved by Habitat for Humanity International) and is deciding which programs and funding to pursue to meet local needs.

The nonprofit builds six homes in Mesa County now and plans to build eight more next year.

Candidates Angela Lema and Vicki Woods participated in a Q&A for District E of Mesa County Valley School District 51 ahead of ballots due November 4th.

Lema — the current Treasurer and Secretary of the board — emphasized her financial expertise while Woods highlighted plans to boost career readiness and student mental health.

The annual P.E.O. Holiday Craft Fair will be held Nov.

1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Crossroads United Methodist Church in Grand Junction—an event that supports local scholarships and educational projects for women.

Colorado State University installed an experimental agrivoltaic system at its Western Colorado Research Center a few days ago to test how different solar panel setups affect grape growth and energy output—researchers reported early data show warmer ground temperatures and less water loss under the panels. The $450,000 system had its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday and may pay for itself in 30 years.

BLM may open an environmental assessment on over 16,000 acres of oil and gas leases in Mesa County after reviews from 2015 to 2020 did not fully gauge the environmental impact — Commissioner Cody Davis said the county relies on tax revenues from oil and gas production on federal lands.

Mesa County Public Health checked restaurants from Mack to De Beque and found many issues such as broken water heaters, warm food in coolers, and unclean practices that led to closures and re-checks.

The report shows problems at places like La Korita Snacks and Karma Kitchen—helping locals decide where to dine safely.

The Broncos signed 41-year-old tight end Marcedes Lewis to their practice squad and he may be elevated for Sunday's game against the Texans to fill a gap from injuries.

Lewis impressed coaches during workouts (after returning a call from GM George Paton) and is expected to add veteran blocking strength.

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.

Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

7-8:30 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Cost Info — Experience the enchanting holiday classic that brings joy to the festive season.

Executive Director

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