Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of November.
Good morning, Grand Junction.
Builders First Source, Fixture Studio and Boise Cascade delivered 900 treated fence posts—donated to help ranchers rebuild fences after the Turner Gulch Fire burned over 31,000 acres near Gateway this summer—and local rancher Janie VanWinkle expressed deep gratitude for the support.
The Scarf Project, a group of over 100 local residents, is hand-making over 600 scarves, hats and mittens to help those in need as temperatures drop.
They will set up on December 23 at Mutual Aid Partners in Grand Junction and are inviting new members and yarn donations.
On November 19, Living Water Vineyard Church delivered 100 care packages with Thanksgiving meals to families in need outside Fruitvale Elementary School + volunteers ensured the packages provided necessary items for those struggling to make ends meet; Senior Pastor Bob Clifford said the event brought hope to the community during a challenging time.
Travelers at Grand Junction Regional Airport will see an expanded overflow parking lot open today and a refreshed boarding area with new carpet, furniture, paint, increased seating, and new passenger loading bridges.
Next week the airport’s concession areas will launch a full coffee bar with a variety of drinks — funding has been provided by multiple sources.
FFA students from Western Colorado gathered in Grand Junction for a district finals speech competition that showcased skills for a career in agriculture.
The event drew 132 students from 12 chapters (a 560% jump from last year) and the top performers will advance to the state competition in Pueblo this summer.
Mesa County Valley School District 51 will move the New Emerson Elementary School program from Columbus Elementary to the now-vacant Nisley campus—transition plans and a new name, New Emerson STEAM L.E.A.D., will be shared in December.
This move comes as the district seeks safer facilities and better building conditions for its students.
Future Farmers of America students from 12 local chapters competed in a speech contest in Grand Junction, drawing 132 participants and marking a 560% growth over last year.
The top finishers will advance to a state contest in Pueblo this summer — a promising sign for Colorado's agricultural future.
During Tuesday evening's Mesa County Valley School District 51 Board meeting, outgoing Vice President Will Jones and Secretary Angela Lema said farewell as the board approved updated boundaries that will shift parts of Grand Junction High to Central High — a change set to reduce enrollment by 300 in a phased plan starting next fall. The district also announced renovations at Central High that will begin in March and finish by the start of the 2028–2029 school year.
A November 19 road report noted scattered showers were building ahead of today — urging drivers to check road conditions before traveling.
Grand Junction city staff met with downtown business owners Tuesday to discuss parking issues as the city plans a budget that will raise fees for hourly meters, reserved spaces, and 10-hour permits.
Business owners complained about limited parking and strict meter enforcement (the fee increase in 2026 is meant to cover rising expenses).
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.
Disney's Mary Poppins - The Musical
2-3:30 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Tickets start at $56 — Experience the enchanting tale of Mary Poppins brought to life on stage.
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