Good morning, Grand Junction.

JoAnn and Rocky Pantuso retired earlier this month after 13 years of weekly service at Grand Valley Catholic Outreach Soup Kitchen (245 S.

First St.), where they served meals and built community bonds with the unhoused.

A water line leak in Orchard Mesa disrupted service for 101 homes between Rainbow Drive and 29 Road on Christmas Eve, with Ute Water expecting restoration by midnight.

White River Electric Association is exploring long-term financing after FEMA denied a disaster declaration needed to cover wildfire & flood damages.

Gov. Polis and local officials plan to appeal the decision while repair work continues on critical transmission lines.

Public health officials in Mesa County reported flu hospitalizations rose from nine to 36 since Dec.

16 with nine outbreaks in schools and nursing homes by Dec. 22 — three times higher than Oct.-Dec. 2024. They recommend vaccination, hand-washing and mask use to slow transmission among vulnerable residents.

Today, Mesa County Public Health issued a restaurant inspection blotter covering locations from Mack to De Beque, reporting multiple violations at Baron Rojo, El Asadero, Kannah Creek Brewing and others.

No closures were reported since Dec. 11, and the results help locals make informed dining choices.