Good morning, Grand Junction.

On Sunday afternoon, Mesa County Search and Rescue rescued Sheamus (a 100-pound wolfhound mix with hip pain) near the Skinner Trailhead after a hiker called for help; the dog was taken to his owner's car for a vet visit and is now improving.

Two hikers were rescued Sunday night on Mt. Garfield after losing their way coming down from the summit; Mesa County Search and Rescue used a thermal imaging drone just before 8 p.m. to locate them, and they were not injured.

A mechanical issue caused a chairlift to stop Monday afternoon at Powderhorn Ski Resort, prompting the evacuation of about 50 skiers to the base area.

Officials said no injuries were reported and the ski patrol followed standard evacuation procedures.

On Monday afternoon at Powderhorn Ski Resort, crews rescued skiers and snowboarders from a stuck lift that halted for about an hour, using ropes for safe descent (injury details remain unknown).

Local businesses in Grand Junction have seen one of their busiest days as holiday shoppers fill stores for last minute gift buying.

Some shops are open today and will also be open on Christmas Eve (adding extra shopping options), with owners noting that buying local supports community vendors and staff.

Residents note that warm winter weather makes it feel more like fall than a snowy Christmas; local snow sports fans say no snow is expected for Christmas week — leaving winter activities on hold.

With Christmas near, Colorado Bustang now offers a safe and low-cost ride from downtown Grand Junction and the airport to major Colorado cities for as low as $7 — easing travel concerns for residents amid rising airfare and hazardous road conditions.

Clifton Fire Protection District warns that the nearly complete U.S. Highway 6 project will increase eastbound emergency response times due to a single lane configuration and raised crossovers near its station.

Fire Chief Brian Cherveny said delays could rise by up to 20 seconds + the project may affect future station locations.

During the busy Christmas travel week, Mesa County Public Health reported 36 flu hospitalizations linked to the subclade K variant, and officials urge residents to get vaccinated and wash hands regularly (vaccine hesitancy remains a concern).

Kiefer (an eight-year-old hound mix rescued from the streets) is now available for adoption at Mesa County Animal Services Shelter at 971A Coffman Rd in Whitewater.

The shelter will be open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve for those seeking a new pet.