Good morning, Grand Junction.

Sadie, a three-year-old pup at the Roice-Hurst Humane Society, has thrived during her four-month stay and is now adoptable—she enjoys chasing a ball, snuggling up on the couch and going for car rides.

Phone Medic in Mesa Mall rebranded as Retro Games by Phone Medic, adding 14 pinball and vintage game machines to fill extra space due to lease limits; the Stern Pinball Alley features titles like Star Wars plus Pirates of the Caribbean, drawing a crowd of retro game fans.

Eligible small businesses and nonprofits in affected counties such as Delta, Dolores + Eagle can apply online for low-interest disaster loans to help offset losses from a drought that started March 4; applications must be submitted by Jan.

5 with a 60-day grace period.

Mesa County Valley School District 51 will adopt ParentSquare in January to replace current communication tools for school news, classroom updates, and emergency alerts.

The district will offer training for staff and families as some systems are phased out by August, ensuring a consistent communication method.

Ute Water Conservancy District says snowpack on Grand Mesa is below normal, limiting runoff for city and farm needs.

Experts note reservoirs at 40% to 51% capacity and warn water rates or restrictions may rise if dry conditions persist (100 days until peak snowpack).

In 2015, Grand Junction planted giant sequoias on Main Street and a specimen grows in Lincoln Park Arboretum.

The city will plant more this spring as limited soil slows their growth (urban conditions may constrain their size).

Mesa County celebrated the completion of the US 6 Clifton Improvements Project this month.

The corridor between First and Fifth streets, updated with modern roundabouts and upgraded pedestrian connections, is designed to improve traffic flow — enhancing safety and access for local drivers and businesses.

The Grand Junction Fire Department warns residents not to use fireworks this New Year's Eve due to dry winter conditions that could quickly ignite large fires + advises choosing safer alternatives like drone shows and glow stick celebrations.

Grand Junction Fire Department warns residents not to use fireworks today due to dry winter conditions that heighten fire risk — only certified fireworks are safe.

Officials recommend trying drone shows or glow stick festivities and advise neighbors to discuss fireworks plans.

Residents in Grand Junction can call the Mesa County 24-hour Child Protection Hotline at 970-242-1211 if they suspect abuse or neglect; calls remain confidential to help keep children safe.

Local bars including Lux Ultra Lounge have added drink covers + safety measures on New Year's Eve after a nonprofit survey found nearly half of men and 40% of women binge drink, raising patron safety concerns.

Personal trainer David Shepardson at Crossroads Fitness warns that overdoing gym workouts can lead to injury and advises beginners to start slow and warm up properly — a vital reminder for those tackling New Year’s resolutions in Grand Junction.

A survey by Alcohol.org shows nearly half of men and 40% of women plan to binge drink today, prompting Grand Junction bars like Lux Ultra Lounge to offer drink covers (for added security) during New Year’s Eve celebrations.