Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 22nd of November.
Good morning, Grand Junction.
On Monday, the Joseph Center celebrated its 10th anniversary—a milestone that marked its growth from a daytime center for homeless mothers into a provider of shelter, financial and family assistance to many in need.
The nonprofit is now holding its annual Angel Tree program with three trees at Bank of Colorado locations to help local families during the holiday season.
Dalen Brazelton issued a morning road report on November 21 (posted at 5:23 a.m. MST) that provided local updates for drivers without detailing specific road conditions.
Downtown Grand Junction is lighting its annual Christmas tree today at 5 p.m. at 4th and Main—organizer Jed Willis said the event will feature Santa, free carriage rides, and 300,000 lights on 150 trees.
On Thursday evening, District 51 swore in school board members elected on November 4, including Andrea Haitz for District C, new member Kaci Cole for District D, and new member Vicki Woods for District E.
The board chose Jose Luis-Chavez as president, Woods as vice president, and Haitz as secretary/treasurer — new directors said they plan to learn current policies and work closely with the superintendent and public.
District 51 announced that the New Emerson program will move to the former Nisley Elementary School building at the start of the 2026-2027 school year because its current facility failed a safety assessment while the Nisley building earned a B grade and offers more space for long-term use.
Residents of the Western Slope can now purchase permits to cut Christmas trees in eleven designated areas in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, with permits available online through Recreation.gov or in person at local ranger offices—officials say thinning trees improves forest health.
Grand Junction received $325,000 from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs to boost its ADU program through fee waivers and cash incentives for long-term rentals while Fruita was granted $75,000 to reduce new permitting and utility fees for ADUs — both measures aim to create more affordable infill housing options in the area.
City projects including the Ouray Ave water project and Linden Ave water project will affect traffic beginning November 24—detours will be set along key streets.
Non-city projects like I-70 Business Loop improvements, Xcel Energy natural gas replacements, and a sewer tie-in at Cross Orchard Subdivision will also cause delays—residents should follow detour signs and traffic control directions.
Mesa County completed the 32 1/2 Road and Clifton Campus Improvement Project — it replaced a bridge over the Grand Valley Irrigation Canal and built a new roundabout — and now the corridor is open for Clifton residents and county motorists.
The project also widened D 3/4 Road and added a new sidewalk linking Rocky Mountain Elementary Park — a key link for local families — to nearby homes, improving safety and easing neighborhood travel.
The Grand Junction Regional Airport Authority approved a contract with FCI Constructors to build a new covered parking area with solar panels that will serve 113 spaces—including three electric vehicle charging spots—and work will start in January and finish by next August.
Emergency Services Director Andy Martsolf said weekend outages reminded local residents to have a family emergency plan with enough food, water, and clothing for winter.
He advised checking oxygen concentrator batteries and keeping an emergency kit in your car with generators kept away from homes — steps that help stay safe during power failures.
Today, Palisade High School football team will play a Class 3A state quarterfinal game at 1 p.m. at Stocker Stadium against Roosevelt after a dramatic win (a 20-point second-half rally) set them up for another big test; cousins Cade Carter and Dylon Larson lead the backfield as they aim to reach the state semifinals.
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.
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
7-8:30 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience an enchanting night of acrobatics and holiday music with Cirque Musica's breathtaking performances.
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