Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How CMU’s record $10M gift could ease Grand Junction housing

Be sure to catch Grand Junction Gem & Mineral Show on the Grand Junction Patch calendar

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Friday September 18th Patch AM
Friday September 18th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Cheers Grand Junction! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How CMU's record $10M gift could ease Grand Junction housing
  • How new Avalon dressing rooms could boost Grand Junction's touring shows.
  • How 32 1/2 Road's $4.6M overhaul will change your commute

Also on today's calendar: Veteran Stand Down & Resource Fair and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What day of the year is trucker's day? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Grand Junction Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Grand Junction Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Grand Junction. Advertisement

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A shower and thunderstorm, with a high of 76 and low of 56 degrees.
  • Saturday: An afternoon thunderstorm, temps: high: 76, low: 55.
  • Sunday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 79 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Colorado Mesa University receives largest philanthropic investment in school history (nbc11news.com) — Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction just opened its new Centennial Apartments, backed by a record $10 million gift from the Zoma Foundation to expand student housing. Local economic leaders say more on-campus beds will free up rentals for workers across town, while another project, Formation Commons, is already underway to further ease the city's tight housing market.
   

2. Avalon Theatre celebrates new Diann Admire dressing rooms (kkco11news.com) — Grand Junction's Avalon Theatre has unveiled new Diann Admire dressing rooms, giving performers much-needed space and privacy before shows and helping the venue attract more touring acts. Funded by a lead $40,000 donation from longtime supporter Diann Admire and additional backing from the City of Grand Junction and foundations, the upgrade expands capacity and aims to boost the city's appeal on touring routes.
   

3. County Approves $4.6 Million for 32 1/2 Rd Improvements (junctionnow.com) — Mesa County has approved a $4.6 million contract to launch Phase II of major safety and roadway upgrades on 32 1/2 Road in Clifton, a key corridor for Grand Junction–area drivers. Work starting later this fall will rebuild and widen the road, add sidewalks and drainage, and install a new roundabout at 32 1/2 and E 1/2 Roads to cut serious crashes.
   

4. GJPD commander graduates from FBI National Academy (westernslopenow.com) — A longtime Grand Junction Police Department commander, Cory Tomps, has completed the prestigious FBI National Academy, joining an elite group of law enforcement leaders from around the world. With two decades of experience and deep ties to Colorado Mesa University and local policing units, he's expected to bring new training and leadership skills back to serve Grand Junction residents.
   

5. River Hawks set to start new season against brand new opponent (kkco11news.com) — Grand Junction hockey fans can catch the River Hawks' second-season opener tonight at 7:30 p.m. at River City Sports Plex, as the team debuts in the NAHL. They'll face the brand-new Billings Cattle Punchers, with both clubs entering a fresh league and little scouting information, promising an unpredictable and exciting first matchup for local spectators.
   

📸 Around Grand Junction

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Grand Junction

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Grand Junction Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • We're looking for someone who offers professional dog-sitting services and would be available to care for our pup in our home during the week of Christmas.
    We'd love any recommendations for trusted, reliable sitters. If you're interested or know someone who might be a good fit, please feel free to reach… (Nextdoor Spring Valley)
  • This post is a long shot, but I'm looking for my cat.
    We haven't seen her in a month, give or take, hence the 'long shot'. She was last seen in the Ridges. She's not very friendly, so if approached she… (Nextdoor Ridges)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Freezer, Cooler and Deli Stocker Associate in Grand Junction. Apply here.
  • Orkin, Inc. posted a job opening for Pest Control Service Manager - Training in Grand Junction. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Grand Junction here.

Ok Grand Junction! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: 10-4, good buddy! (Thank you Jean H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Grand Junction