Good morning, Grand Junction.

Mesa County will honor local veterans in a series of events including an All Services Ball on November 7 at Colorado Mesa University, a Veterans Day Parade and Block Party in downtown Grand Junction on November 8, a Veterans Day Ceremony at the Western Slope Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Fruita on November 11, and a Veterans Health Care & Benefits Expo on November 12 at the Mesa County Workforce Center—providing attendees with opportunities to connect with veteran service organizations.

RM Construction bought and renovated six units in a North Avenue strip mall and nearly finished fixing a unit damaged by an arson fire on July 4 that will serve as its new Grand Junction office — the company has spent about $1 million on the work.

It will update the building’s exterior next summer — aiming to boost the area’s appeal.

District 51 held its third Strong Schools, Strong Community luncheon today—featuring a Colorado Mesa University partnership that lets high school students take free college classes—and noted that over 1,200 students earned more than 12,000 credits last year.

Homeowners in Grand Junction are advised to build at a higher elevation and grade their property to direct floodwater away and may elevate the structure when necessary; permits are required before digging or making major modifications (Mesa County guidelines apply).

Colorado officials urged residents to apply for the LEAP program—which gives a one-time utility bill payment—in spite of uncertainty over federal funding due to the ongoing shutdown.

Applicants can submit forms until April and first payments will start at the end of November.

Yesterday, KREX aired a new digital series 'Wake Up Extra!' in which anchor Justin Brown and forecaster Dalen Brazelton explained the importance of voting in local school board elections—highlighting Zohran Mamdani's ambitious agenda in New York and previewing the Confluence Center of Colorado.

Family Health West recently partnered with Mesa County Public Health to install a naloxone kiosk at its campus at 401 Unit 2 Kokopelli Blvd— the kiosk provides free Narcan and simple instructions to reverse opioid overdoses.

The program, launched in December, is part of a 12-kiosk effort that aims to lower overdose deaths and help the community respond in emergencies.

Mesa County Partnerships for Children and Families urged parents to keep holiday treats in check as the season nears—experts say that even common foods like fruit juices and yogurts can add extra sugars.

Nutritionists recommend balancing these treats with healthy meals to help children form good eating habits.

The Grand Junction Tigers earned a Class 4A playoff spot after winning five straight I-25 Conference games and will host Highlands Ranch on Friday at 6 p.m. The Fruita Monument Wildcats also secured a playoff berth with a hard-fought win and will travel to Columbine on Friday at 7 p.m.

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.

CMU Choirs and Orchestra Holiday Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Cost not specified — Celebrate the season with joyous performances of holiday favorites.

Warren Miller's SNO-CIETY

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the joy of winter sports with thrilling skiing scenes and legendary athletes on the big screen.