Good morning, Grand Junction.

The Palisade Chamber of Commerce announced that Olde Fashioned Christmas will feature a Parade of Lights on Dec.

5 at 5:30 p.m. — followed by a Winter Faire on Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Palisade with local vendors, live entertainment, and holiday treats.

United Way of Mesa County is holding its second winter supply drive and will take donations until noon on Thursday—drop boxes are set up at its office on 750 Main, Suite 111 and at CMU’s Dominguez Hall to help local unhoused residents after an earlier drive provided warm clothes to 230 people.

Boy Scout Troop 303 will open a Christmas tree lot at 10 a.m. on Nov 21 at 3162 F Road and Troop 353 will start its lot at 10 a.m. on Nov 28 at 2259 Broadway—both selling decorated trees, wreaths and ornaments while permits to cut trees on public lands are available for $8 or $10.

Community events also include a holiday open house and art market at Bookcliff Gardens on Nov 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—and a free performance of Handel’s Messiah at First Presbyterian Church on Nov 23 at 3 p.m. with doors opening at 2:30 p.m.

Three Sisters Theatre Co. has partnered with Grand Junction Community Food Bank and Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley to host the Friends Giving — GJ Community Food Bank Fundraiser on November 21 at 536 Ouray Ave. in Grand Junction.

The event will feature kids karaoke and activities from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and open mic for adults from 7 to 9 p.m. while accepting food and money donations for the food bank.

On November 18, a road report was posted at 5:35 a.m. MST by Dalen Brazelton to report traffic conditions, closures and hazards along Grand Junction roads—details that helped guide commuters safely.

The update offered essential information for drivers navigating local roads.

Two local television stations, KKCO and KJCT-LP, will have new owners when Gray Media transfers them to The E.W.

Scripps Company + the deal awaits federal approval and is expected to close before the end of the year.

Grand Junction handyman Jared Madden started his home-based business Madden Paintworks LLC in mid-September after sharpening skills from painting cars, aircraft, and fixing his own homes.

The 24-year-old now offers painting and remodeling work to local homeowners — he says his hands-on experience makes him ready for any project.

CommWest, a Grand Junction technology company known for its personal service, saw longtime owner Nathan Wallace retire after 20 years and hand the business over to managing partners Anson Pierce and Martin Jensen.

The new leaders promise to maintain the company’s strong community ties and local focus—keeping the current staff, including Wallace’s daughters, and serving customers across the region.

Kid City USA closed its childcare center on Elm Ave on Oct 16 due to unpaid rent while its centers on 28 1/4 Road and 3170 D 1/2 Road remain open as local owners plan new-ownership changes.

At 28 1/4 Road, the previous owner launched a GoFundMe to cover November payroll, and at 3170 D 1/2 Road, the franchisee is fighting to end its Kid City USA link-up.

The District 51 Foundation announced that its 13th Round of Bloom Where You Are Planted grants provided nearly $4K to 47 Mesa County students to support their extracurricular activities.

The program—created in memory of Karl Bloom—has awarded about $39,600 since 2020 and will open for applications in February with a deadline of April 15.

GMUG National Forests announced that prescribed fire operations began Tuesday to reduce overgrown vegetation that can fuel wildfires across Western Colorado.

The burns are scheduled to continue into spring, with some in the Paonia area happening by the end of November—roads near the burn locations may close for public safety.

The Union Depot owners and the City are moving forward with an application for a federal grant just over $5 million—matched with $1.3 million in private funds—to restore the historic train station and upgrade nearby parking with modern amenities.

City Council will vote on the proposal before the Jan 7 deadline, and Amtrak is set to return once restoration is complete while plans for expanded rail service are being considered.

Officer Joey Gonzalez received the Hero of the Year Award at the All Services Ball, honoring his decade of service on patrol, as a school resource officer, and with his former K-9 partner Merlin — he thanked his department and family for their constant support.

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.

KT Tunstall Live Performance

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Get tickets now — Experience the iconic KT Tunstall in a captivating live show blending folk, rock, and pop.

Home Free Holiday Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the holiday magic with all-vocal country sensations Home Free as they perform cherished classics and original tunes.

Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4:30-9 p.m. — The Feisty Pint — 25% off tickets with code UGLY25 until Nov 22nd — Get ready for a festive crawl in your best ugly sweater.

Mary Poppins Musical

7 PM — The Avalon Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beloved nanny's magical adventures in a delightful musical adaptation.