Good morning, Grand Junction.

Gift of Love (a local nonprofit) assembled over 1,300 Christmas care packages on Tuesday, Dec.

9 for foster children, seniors and District 51 students. The packages will be distributed to several locations in the Grand Valley by next Friday.

Make-A-Wish is launching a Holiday Wish Line that plays recordings from wish kids to inspire kindness, including messages from local children.

The campaign is open now and will run through Dec. 31.

Union Pacific officials pulled damaged locomotives from the Gunnison River — part of cleanup efforts after a train derailment near Whitewater on Dec.

5 — while crews work with state and local officials on removing spilled coal and fuel.

A new Colorado law will require residential furnaces and water heaters to emit lower pollution from Jan.

1, with models now needing either lower nitrogen oxide emissions or Energy Star certification. Local contractors report that price increases on current inventory may accompany the change+.

Connect for Health Colorado warns families that the end of enhanced federal tax credits will raise premiums in 2026, with Mesa County costs expected to be nearly 95% higher and state prices around 66% higher (assistance is available until Dec.

15).

Mesa County Public Health is in a transition period as Deputy Director Erin Minnerath will serve as Interim Executive Director from Jan.

1 until a permanent director is selected. The department will continue to monitor norovirus outbreaks and respiratory illnesses this season.

Dr. Andrew Nederveld of St. Mary’s Regional Hospital shared five tips to enjoy holiday meals without overindulgence.

He recommended eating smaller, nutrient-rich meals, filling half the plate with fruits and vegetables, and choosing lower-sugar drinks to help maintain balance during the festive season.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife warns that avian bird flu is rising across the state - residents should avoid contact with sick or dead birds showing signs like lethargy and loss of coordination.

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.