🌱 Driver Arrested + Panda Express + Grand Junction Lions Club

Welcome back, Grand Junction! Today’s World Milk Day; did you know that China is one of the fastest-growing dairy markets, while the use of beverage milk has steadily declined in the United States since 2000? I'm here with what's going on in town. Today's briefing includes news about...

• ✈️ Lots of travelers at the airport.
• 👮 Alleged hit-and-run driver arrested.
• 👮 Alleged shooter arrested, too.

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🌤️ But first, today's weather: Pleasant with periods of sun. High: 74 Low: 52.

⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations Around Grand Junction

• Circle K at 599 29½ Road, $3.19
• City Market at 2770 US-50, $3.24
• Safeway at 681 Horizon Drive, $3.29

🦸 Superpower Poll!
A 2018 survey found that Americans would love to have the superpower of healing others. If we take this one off the table, which superpower would you love to have?

• 29.4 percent: The ability to fly
• 17.6 percent: The ability to time travel or the ability to read minds
• 11.8 percent: The ability to become invisible
• 5.9 percent: Superhuman strength, teleport, healing, or win select lotteries and give money away

📰 Here are the top stories today in Grand Junction:

1. The Grand Junction Police Department arrested a 46-year-old man suspected of being a hit-and-run driver. He allegedly struck a vehicle with an SUV in the 2800 block of North Avenue. Reportedly, he then drove into oncoming traffic, hit another vehicle and downed a power pole, and tried to run away. Witnesses kept him on the scene, and law enforcement said, “speed is being looked at as a contributing factor.” (City of Grand Junction)
2. The Mesa County Sheriff’s Department also made an arrest. Officers took a 41-year-old woman into custody in connection with a shooting in the 3200 block of Lombardy Lane. The victim arrived at St. Mary’s Hospital with a “gunshot wound to the face.” The suspect was charged, among other things, “first-degree assault with a deadly weapon” and “aggravated robbery.” (Western Slope Now)
3. Panda Express is on again! After a long time of proverbial crickets surrounding the 2422 Patterson Road location, we now learned that there’s movement to open next year in the spring or summer. (The Daily Sentinel/paywall)
4. Known for its generosity, the Grand Junction Lions Club handed out $83,982 in grant money to local organizations. They are The House (a safe place for teens), the Grand Junction Centennial Band, the Food Bank Of the Rockies, the Lower Valley Fire District, and the Dyslexia Foundation. Thank you for your generosity! (Grand Junction Lions Club)
5. Plenty of travelers went through the Grand Junction Regional Airport this last quarter. Passenger numbers were up 18 percent, and the majority of those flying favored United Airlines. (NBC)

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📆 Today in Grand Junction:

• Peer 180 & AFRC host an Ethics Training at 201 South Ave. (9 AM)
• Coffee With The City Manager at the Kiln Coffee Bar (9 AM)
• Sunbelt Solomon Hiring Event at the Mesa County Workforce Center (10 AM)
• How To Start A Business Workshop at the Business Incubator Center (2 PM)
• Joe Nichols and The Powell Brothers perform at the Warehouse25sixty-five Kitchen + Bar (7 PM)

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "Do you have an interest in Renewable Energy, Green Spaces, or Alternative Transportation? You could be a great fit to serve on the Resiliency and Sustainability steering committee. Submit an application to serve on the committee today! https://bit.ly/GJRSP" (City of Grand Junction)
• "The COVID-19 public health emergency has ended after more than three years. Though the emergency declaration is over, Mesa County Public Health will continue to support the community through disease surveillance, outbreak control, and vaccines." (Mesa County Public Health)
• "Under this Clown Castle, the black and red big top tent, Acrobats of the Air, Illusionists, freaks, mysterious creatures and all the elements that make one think of a 'normal' Circus but that of normal has very little!" (Paranormal Cirque)
• "Like some of you, we were awed with the fireworks last night to finish the evening JUCO World Series and a meaningful Memorial Day. GJPD officers are working shifts at the JUCO tourney this week and still answering calls for service. Call us if you need us!" (Grand Junction PD)
• "Experience a firsthand journey with the Mesa County Commissioners as they tour the bustling construction site of the Clifton Community Campus. This exclusive behind-the-scenes access allows you to witness the incredible progress underway." (Mesa County Colorado)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right! I'll see you around.

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Christ follower. Wife. Book dragon. Proud supporter of the Oxford comma.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Grand Junction Patch newsletter? Contact me at grandjunction-co@patch.com