Good morning, Grand Junction.

Twelve new CASA volunteers were sworn in after a six‐week training course to help children in the foster system.

They will remove about 30 children from the waitlist—over 40 still need advocates—and CASA will host an information session on December 13 for those interested.

Local nonprofits asked for donations on Giving Tuesday—after a weekend of Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping—as families struggled with job layoffs and snap freezes.

Roice Hurst Humane Society raised funds through Jake’s Fund to cover veterinary care for pets, and other groups statewide joined the drive.

Due to heavy snow today, travel in Grand Junction is delayed as I-70 has closed lanes from crashes between Exit 123 and Exit 121 on the westbound side and near Mile Point 54 on the eastbound side, while CO 139 requires commercial vehicles to show chains — officials urge caution as icy conditions persist on surrounding roads.

On December 1st, Grand Valley Power named Chrystal Dean as its next CEO after current CEO Tom Walch announced his retirement.

She will start on January 2nd and brings nearly 20 years of utility experience + served as executive vice president at the Western Area Power Administration.

The Grand Junction Historic Preservation Board met December 2 to discuss the future of Whitman School as Museums of Western Colorado began a feasibility survey to assess renovation costs needed to update part of the building—this information will guide their grant applications and community support plans.

Mesa County and SGM will conduct water sampling in the Grand Valley on Dec.

8 to test water from MS4 systems at Big Salt Wash, Leach Creek, and Lewis Wash—efforts tied to TMDLs from state and federal agencies. The tests will check for E. coli, dissolved selenium, total recoverable iron, nitrogen, and phosphorus to help meet state water quality standards.

Governor Polis’s office approved $420.6 million in federal funds to upgrade broadband service for over 96,000 Coloradans.

The plan will be reviewed by the National Institute of Standards Technology over 20 days and the state will then have 30 days to sign — a step that will bring high-speed internet to more homes.

Mesa County Commissioners ratified a letter supporting a CSU Extension grant proposal on integrated research aimed at helping local agricultural producers recover after wildfire — the project will study post-fire vegetation recovery and grazing readiness using field data and remote sensing. The proposal covers Western Colorado and the Turner Gulch Fire and offers insights to improve decisions for returning cattle to the land.

Xavier Crockett will step down as Executive Director of Mesa County Public Health on December 31 due to personal matters, and the Board of Public Health voted on December 2 to appoint Erin Minnerath as Interim Executive Director—she will start her role on January 1—while Crockett remains as a temporary special advisor.

CASA in Mesa County recently swore in 12 new volunteers after they completed a six-week training course to advocate for children in foster care and remove about 30 children from a waitlist—while more than 40 youth still need advocates.

CASA will host a no-commitment information session on December 13 for those interested in joining.

Shelly Larson, an LPN at Happy Days Senior Day Program, explained on Medical Monday how caregivers can reduce burnout by simplifying tasks—setting boundaries and scheduling self-care.

She said the program offers a safe space where seniors enjoy physical, mental and social activities, easing the stress on caregivers.

Powderhorn Mountain Resort will open for the ski season Friday after receiving 10 inches of snow Monday; the resort will offer limited terrain on opening day + add more runs as more snow falls.

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.