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OCN Newsletter #30 – Oct. 31, 2025 – Nov. issue available now! D38 Ballots Due Tue.,

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Our full Nov. 1st issue and all its articles are posted and available NOW!

Over 23,000 copies of our Nov. 1st issue were mailed yesterday. They should be in everyone’s mailbox by Saturday.

All the articles, letters, columns, snapshots, notices, and community calendar events have been posted.

The audio files and audio podcasts are being prepared now and will be posted soon and the podcasts will broadcast to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Pandora and posted on our YouTube channel.

Read Our Nov. Issue

Read Our On-Line E-Editions

Download a PDF of our November Issue

View Our Nov. Issue Photo Collection

D38 Ballots Due Tue., Nov. 4

Readers should assume that event information published in this issue is subject to change and information should be confirmed a day or two before the event by calling the information number or checking the organization’s website.

See our new on-line calendar or page < 22 > and page < 23 > of our October issue for event locations and other details of these and many other local events.

  • Monumental Impact Open House, Sat., Nov. 1 & Dec. 6, 3 pm-5 pm. See ad on page < 8 >.
  • D38 School Board Election, Tue., Nov. 4. Election information: is at https://www.lewispalmer.org/page/november-2025-election-information
  • Blacksmithing Workshop Fundraiser, Mon., Nov. 3, 10 am-12 pm; Sat., Nov. 8, 10 am-12 pm. See snapshot on page < 21 >.
  • NEPCO, Sat., Nov. 8, 10 am-12 pm
  • Monument Town Council, Mon., Nov. 3 & 17, 6:30 pm.
  • Speed puzzle events, Tue., Nov. 4; Mon., Nov. 10; Mon., Nov. 17; Tue., Dec. 2, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • Monument Town Hall Meeting, Wed., Nov. 5, 6 pm-8 pm
  • Palmer Lake Art Group – Small Works Art Show and Sale – reception, Fri., Nov. 7, 6 pm-8 pm See ad on page < 3 >.
  • St. Matthias Blessing of Our Veterans, Sun., Nov. 9, 10 am-11:30 am. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • Wine Tasting Fundraiser for the Heart of Monument Play Park, Wed., Nov. 12, 6:30 pm-9 pm.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Meeting, Thu., Nov. 13 & 27, 6 pm.
  • Ravissante Salon & Spa Ribbon Cutting, Sat., Nov. 15, 10:30 am-12:30 pm. See ad on page < 24 >.
  • St. Matthias Special Sunday School Program – The Beatitudes, Sun., Nov. 16. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • Tri-Lakes Chamber Business After Hours – Annual Non-Profit Showcase, Tue., Nov. 18, 5 pm-7 pm
  • Palmer Lake Historical Society, Thu., Nov. 20, 7-8 pm (doors open at 6:30).
  • TLWC’s Joys of the Holiday Season Holiday Home Tour, Fri.-Sat., Nov. 21-22, 10-4pm. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • 20th Annual Alpaca Holiday Extravaganza, Sat., Nov. 22, 9 am-5 pm; Sun., Nov. 23, 10 am-4 pm. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Small Business Saturday, Sat., Nov. 29
  • OCN mailing days, Thu., Dec. 4, approx. 7-8:30 am. If you can help, even for an hour or two, getting the papers ready to mail, contact AllenAlchian@ocn.me or (719) 488-3455.
  • Monument Hill Kiwanis Club – 19th Annual North Pole at Tri-Lakes Arts and Crafts Fair, Sat., Dec. 6, 9 am-4 pm. See ad on page < 13 >.
  • Monument Small Town Christmas and Tree Lighting, Sat., Dec. 6, 2 pm-7 pm
  • The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!, Fri., Dec. 12-13, See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Tri-Lakes Music Association – The Majesty of Christmas, Fri.-Sun, Dec. 19-21. See ad on page < 7 >.

With our new on-line calendar, you can easily search for your favorite events, view upcoming events in a variety of formats (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) and add events of interest to the calendar on your mobile device or computer.

Check out our On-Line Calendar

Keep up with fast-moving developments in the Tri-Lakes area with the OCN app!

The OCN app alerts you to upcoming events you don’t want to miss, lists the latest articles, podcasts, photo collections, comments, etc. It updates automatically to keep you informed.

For Windows 10 and 11 users, the OCN app is now available for download from the Microsoft App Store.

In the screenshot below, the app is reporting 10 new upcoming events including a car show, farmers’ market, D38 school board meeting, and Monument Town Council meeting.

Just click the button below for a description of our great new app and detailed instructions on installing it on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, Chromebook, or desktop computer.

Download the OCN App!

Don’t miss any of the videos posted on our YouTube Channel

  • Annual Ride for Tim
  • Palmer Lake 0.5k
  • D38 Candidate Forum
  • Trinity Park Expands
  • Restroom Installation at Monument Lake
  • OCN September Issue Audio Highlights Podcast (29 min.)
  • OCN September Issue Audio Articles Podcast (2 hr. 38 min.)
  • Palmer Lake Library Concert Series 2025
  • Opening of the Tri-Lakes Activity Center (formerly the Senior Center)
  • Lang Investment Services Pig Roast, Aug. 8
  • July 4th Monument Parade and Street Fair and Palmer Lake fireworks
  • Silver Key moves to the Presbyterian Church
  • Interview with Sam DeFelice (40 min.)
  • Interview with Jim Maguire (55 min.)
  • Art Hop – Short interview with artist Darcy Muncey
  • WMMI History Day
  • Cops and Bobbers
  • Chad Smith sworn in as Monument Town Council member
  • Jim Maguire Celebration of Life
  • Palmer Lake Fishing Derby
  • P51 Statute Dedication at Monument Town Hall

View our YouTube Channel

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Recent newsletters

Vol. 25 No. 11 – November 1, 2025 – Photos

The photos are arranged in the order they appeared in our November 1, 2025 issue. Click or tap on a thumbnail to view a larger version.

To return to the thumbnails, click or tap on the X in the image toolbar, which is above or to the right of the image. To view the captions, click or tap on the information icon (“i” in a circle ) in the image toolbar. To move between images, click or tap on the “<” and “>” symbols in the image toolbar or swipe left or right on the image. Click or tap on the full-screen icon to enter or exit full screen mode.

Recent photo collections

Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Oct. 2, 9, and 23 – Annexation election set for Feb. 3, trustee resigns, lawsuits dismissed

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

The Palmer Lake Board of Trustees (PLBOT) held a special meeting on Oct. 2 and two regular meetings on Oct. 9 and 23. At the special meeting, the board discussed the Buc-ee’s annexation and election. At the Oct. 9 meeting, the board accepted the resignation of Mayor Pro-Tem Amy Hutson and discussed the vacancy replacement process. At its Oct. 23 meeting, the board opened the applications for the vacant trustee appointment.

Town Attorney Scott Krob provided updates on litigation against the town, and the board set an annexation hearing for the Monument Crossing property near Red Rocks Ranch Road and fired its auditor.

Buc-ee’s annexation election approved

At its Oct. 2 special meeting, the PLBOT was to hold a public hearing on the Buc-ee’s annexation to consider the petition for annexation, a plan to zone the property as Planned Development (PD), and a sketch plan. A large audience attended and vocally expressed their disapproval of the proceedings.

The agenda noted that the applicant submitted a written request to hold an annexation election and continue the public hearing to a date certain. Krob, noting that the recently passed ordinance used the vague language of the initiative that voters passed in the Sept. 9 special election, said that the applicant was within their rights to request the election and the board should follow the will of the voters. At the Sept. 25 board meeting, Krob had said the election could take place at any point in the process. Krob said the board’s election consultant said the election could take place within 120 days and that, given their reimbursement agreement with the applicant, Buc-ee’s would pay for the cost of the election.

After much discussion from the board and numerous points of order and points of information, primarily raised by Integrity Matters attorney Kat Gayle, the board voted 3 to 4 to grant the request for an election and continue the public hearing until Feb. 5. Trustees Beth Harris, Atis Jurka, and Roger Moseley voted no, with Mike Boyett, Tim Caves, Hutson, and Mayor Dennis Stern voting yes.

Had the board voted on the questions in the original public hearing, a two-thirds vote would have been required, Krob confirmed ahead of the meeting, because the rezoning had been protested by more than 20% of the owners of adjacent property as required by Section 17.14.010 (7) of the town’s municipal code.

The special meeting ended abruptly with no opportunity for additional public comment. Attendees expressed their dissatisfaction both at Town Hall and, later, on social media.

At the Oct. 9 meeting, Krob suggested avoiding Tuesday, Jan. 20 for the annexation election as it would be the day after the Martin Luther King holiday which would impact both logistics and turnout. He suggested moving the election to Tuesday, Feb. 3, and moving the annexation hearing to Feb. 19. The board unanimously voted to continue discussion of the annexation and election hearing dates to its Oct. 23 meeting.

At its Oct. 23 meeting, the board voted to move the annexation election to Feb. 19.

Trustee Hutson resigns, vacancy process set

After the special meeting, Hutson submitted a letter of resignation on Oct. 3 to the town. She noted that she had volunteered for five years as a planning commissioner and then as a trustee, helping to rewrite the land use code and advocating for a code compliance officer and a proper plan for the Elephant Rock Committee. She said she had been defamed, accused of wrongdoing and sued, noting that the suit had been dismissed. She went on to say she could no longer carry out her duties and officially resigned. She said that if the board had voted on Buc-ee’s, she was going to vote “No.”

At its Oct. 9 meeting, the PLBOT officially accepted Hutson’s resignation, which started a 60-day clock to appoint her replacement. The board failed to appoint Caves as her replacement as mayor pro tem on a tied vote.

The board then failed to pass a motion to choose from the three recent applicants, Michael Beeson, Alex Farr, and John Marble. They also failed to pass a motion to open a 30-day general application and interview process.

Recalled Trustee Kevin Dreher said he had concerns about whether the board could agree on any of the previous applicants, saying it should open the process. A motion by Jurka to hold a special election for the replacement trustee failed to be seconded. Finally, the board voted unanimously to continue the item to the next meeting to gather more information.

At the Oct. 23 meeting, Stern said Beeson and Marble could not control their emotions and moved to open the trustee vacancy process to new applicants, allowing a two-week window for anyone interested to apply. In a tied vote, Harris, Jurka and Moseley voted no and Boyett, Caves and Stern voted yes; the motion failed. Stern said he was disappointed that the board remained divided.

Stern decided to take comments from the public on the question, which soon took a contentious turn.

Dreher recommended the board take new applications and then decide, arguing the recall elections cost the town $30,000 while taking new applications and appointing someone to the vacant seat would cost nothing. He told the board: “It’s your job to figure it out … that’s why you were voted up there, all of you.”

Martha Brodzik said she partially agreed with Dreher, and the emphasis should be on people who can work together.

Kathy Keeley asked why Farr, who had applied for a seat on the board previously, was not being considered. Stern said he had spoken to Farr who told him he was no longer interested.

Stern said anyone was welcome to apply for the seat, but it was disingenuous to consider only the prior applicants, and Beeson agreed that new applicants should be considered.

Business owner Trina Shook said neighbors of Glant Havenar, who was forced to resign as mayor when disparaging and offensive remarks she made about town residents were revealed in a lawsuit, were scared, petrified, and intimidated.

Hutson denied she had ever intimidated anyone and said she resented Shook’s remark. Later in the meeting, Hutson lost her temper and was escorted out.

Interim Town Administrator and Police Chief Glenn Smith asked the board to consider the large amount of extra work elections create for the town staff. Stern said he did not want to have an election to fill the vacant seat on the board and moved to take applications for two weeks and then schedule interviews. This time, his motion passed with only Harris and Jurka voting no.

Litigation update

Krob updated the board on two lawsuits filed against the town: one by Integrity Matters, a watchdog group in Colorado Springs, and the other by now Trustee Moseley and Brodzik.

In the Integrity Matters lawsuit, the court entered an order dismissing the case as the plaintiffs did not have standing to challenge the town. Krob said that the Colorado Intergovernmental Risk Sharing Agency (CIRSA), the town’s insurer, intended to seek $35,000 in attorney fees. Integrity Matters is continuing to pursue the lawsuit, Krob said.

The court also dismissed the suit filed by Moseley and Brodzik, Krob said, based on the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act (CGIA). Moseley and Brodzik are appealing that decision, he said.

Staff reports

Charles “Chas” Roubidoux from the town’s Water Department reported on water production and tank repairs. Roubidoux, who serves as both operator responsible in charge (ORC) and assistant superintendent, will replace Steve Orcutt when he retires as superintendent.

Smith said he was focused on the budget. Jurk noted that Monument was looking into license-plate readers and that he had asked about sharing alerts. Smith said he was familiar with the technology and could bring it to budget discussions, noting that the town could be covered by three cameras.

Town Clerk Erica Romero noted that star maintenance would be completed by Oct. 18, and the Star Lighting event is scheduled for Nov. 29.

Board actions

The board took the following actions:

  • Approved request to purchase a used police vehicle for up to $19,000.
  • Agreed to decouple the Planned Development (PD) decision to allow the EcoSpa parcel to proceed separately, with staff coordinating the next steps.
  • Received the proposed draft 2026 budget and set the budget hearing for Nov. 13 to include amending the current budget as needed.

Public comments

At its Oct. 9 meeting, the board heard comments from several attendees. Jurka and Kellie Curry urged accountability for public officials, citing the code of conduct, and requested that Planning Commission Chair Charlie Ihlenfeld and Trustee Caves step down. Resident Matt Stephen asked that the town keep the restrooms by the pickleball courts open during the winter; Smith said he would look into it.

Monument Crossing annexation considered

At the Oct. 23 meeting, the board took up Resolution 63-2025, which initiates annexation proceedings for a property at the south corner of the intersection of Highway 105 and Red Rock Ranch Drive. The resolution also sets a date for a hearing to determine eligibility for annexation. The property is owned by Jim Byers.

Krob told the board that the town has received the annexation petition, and a hearing to determine eligibility must be set within 60 to 90 days. Moseley said the board did not have to hold an eligibility hearing. Krob said state law requires an eligibility hearing to be held, but after that, the board has discretion.

Moseley questioned invoices that GMS Inc., the town’s consulting engineers, had submitted to the town regarding the Monument Crossing property, saying an applicant should not be assigning work to GMS. Hutson told the board that the annexation request was reviewed by the town’s Development Review Team, and the applicant would reimburse the town for work done by GMS. Smith added that town staff directed GMS, not the applicant.

The board voted unanimously to approve the resolution and to set an eligibility hearing for Dec. 11.

Board fires auditor

Smith told the board that the town’s recently hired auditing firm, P. Andrew Hall LLC, headquartered in Corpus Christi, Texas, had not met its deadline for auditing the town’s 2024 finances, and he advised the board to sever its contract with the company. Smith said the state of Colorado was being accommodating regarding the overdue audit, but funds due to the town might be held by El Paso County until the required audit is complete. Smith said the auditing company was not responding to him.

Krob pointed out that the town has not made any payment to the auditor and he supported Smith’s decision to sever the contract.

The board voted unanimously to terminate P. Hall and to engage another auditor. Smith cautioned that the need to expedite the audit could make it more expensive.

Executive session

The Oct. 23 board meeting was preceded by an executive session to discuss personnel matters related to the recruitment process and qualifications for the position of town administrator, and to meet with the recruitment firm (SGR) assisting the town in that process.

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The next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 13; there are no plans for a second meeting in November due to Thanksgiving. See the town’s website at www.townofpalmerlake.com to confirm times and dates of board meetings and workshops. Meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the Town Hall. Information: 719-481-2953.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other Palmer Lake Board of Trustees articles

Buc-ee’s Resistance, Oct. 14 – Coalition comes together to stop Buc-ee’s

By James Howald

A crowd of 50 or more met at the Woodmoor Barn Oct. 14 to hear speeches and progress reports from a coalition of grassroots groups working to prevent the construction of a Buc-ee’s travel center at the southwestern intersection of I-25 and County Line Road. The audience heard from Sean Sawyer of Tri-Lakes Preservation Inc. (TPI), Palmer Lake residents Gene Kalesti and David Parks, Matt Beverly of TPI, Monument Town Council member Steve King, water expert Roy Martinez, attorney Kat Gayle representing Integrity Matters, and Eric Zeis.

Sawyer sums up recalls and ballot initiative

Sawyer pointed out that, as a nonprofit, TPI was not allowed to directly participate in the recent recalls of Palmer Lake Trustees Shana Ball and Kevin Dreher. He noted that the ballot initiative to put all annexation requests to the voters of Palmer Lake received more votes than the recalls did. Sawyer said he believed Palmer Lake Town Attorney Scott Krob “was pushing a pro-Buc-ee’s agenda” at the Oct. 9 meeting of the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees.

Sawyer gave the crowd a summary of the fundraising done by TPI to oppose the Buc-ee’s travel center. TPI received about $24,000 in donations and spent $18,000, leaving just over $6,000 in cash on hand. TPI owes Integrity Matters $5,000 for legal work, Sawyer said. TPI spent $7,700 on advertising and $3,000 on events, Sawyer said. He thanked Monument restaurant Jarrito Loco for hosting a fundraising event.

Above: At the Woodmoor Barn, Sean Sawyer, of Tri-Lakes Preservation Inc., updates attendees regarding efforts to oppose the Buc-ee’s travel center and to recall Palmer Lake Trustee Tim Caves. Photo by James Howald.

Kalesti launches new recall

Kalesti said forms to recall Palmer Lake Trustee Tim Caves had been filed, rejected by the Palmer Lake town clerk, corrected, and resubmitted. He said he was supporting the effort to recall Caves. He faulted Caves for his disparaging remarks to John Marble and Michael Beeson at the last Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting. Marble ran for a seat on the Palmer Lake board during the recall of Ball and Dreher. Beeson currently serves on the Palmer Lake Planning Commission and applied for a seat on the Palmer Lake board during the recent recalls.

Parks focuses on undecided voters

Parks said he believed many Palmer Lake voters have made up their minds regarding the travel center, but others “are just hiding.” He argued an “old boys club” was still in place on the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees (PLBOT) and asked opponents of Buc-ee’s to listen to the concerns of undecided voters “in a neighborly way” and try to persuade them of the negative impacts through respectful conversations. He suggested throwing a “funeral party for Palmer Lake” to get media attention.

Beverly faults Palmer Lake board

Beverly argued the PLBOT erred in their vote on Oct. 2 to follow the ordinance requiring annexations to be put before the voters because it was not in effect until the end of October. Palmer Lake Town Attorney Scott Krob gave the board advice that favored Buc-ee’s, Beverly said. By asking the PLBOT to hold the annexation election before its vote on the annexation, Buc-ee’s was delaying a final decision in hopes of gaining time to pressure board members, he said.

“Crazy”

King pointed out that Palmer Lake is a statutory town, which means its actions are bound by state law. He said state law requires a property to be annexed first and then zoned within 90 days. Applicants typically include zoning issues in an annexation agreement, King said, so that the applicant gets the zoning they prefer. Usually, annexation and zoning occur at the same meeting, according to King. But annexation and zoning are different processes, King said. Annexation begins in a quasi-judicial mode, in which decisions are based solely on evidence, and ends in a legislative mode, in which other, wider issues can be considered. Zoning is quasi-judicial, King said, and must be decided solely on the evidence presented. “Wrapping this up in one vote when it hasn’t gone through this process is crazy as far as I’m concerned,” King said.

Center expected to consume a large volume of water

Martinez said the Buc-ee’s travel center is projected to consume 13.6 million gallons of water per year, about 30% of Palmer Lake’s water supply. He noted that the aquifer the town relies on is declining by about 17 feet per year. One of the town’s wells produced 400 gallons per minute in 2001; it now produces 240 gallons per minute, a 40% decrease. Martinez pointed out three costs the Buc-ee’s proposal will require the town to pay as the aquifer the town relies on depletes:

  • Drilling costs for future wells.
  • Radium mitigation costs.
  • Costs to acquire renewable surface water rights which will be needed to replace decreasing groundwater supplies.

Lawsuit dismissed

Gayle told the crowd that the lawsuit Integrity Matters had filed against the town, alleging constitutional violations and open meetings violations, had been dismissed on a technicality, but Integrity Matters was working on a motion to reconsider. She counted as victories on the open meetings the fact that the town has improved its sound system and provided a monitor so those outside the Town Hall can see the presentations.

Tim Caves recall underway

Zeis said he and his wife, Angie were working to recall a third Palmer Lake trustee, Tim Caves. 203 signatures are required on a petition to recall Caves, according to Zeis.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Perspective on Our Community articles

Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Oct. 20 – Monument Academy annual report, Home School Enrichment Academy, and Transitions program update

By Harriet Halbig

The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education received the annual report of the district’s charter school, Monument Academy, discussed a timeline and options for location of the Home School Enrichment Academy and Transitions programs, and recognized principals, business officials and former Superintendent Ted Bauman at its Oct. 20 meeting.

Monument Academy annual report

Monument Academy Executive Director Collin Vinchattle reported on test scores and activities at both the west (elementary) and east (secondary) campuses of the school.

Vinchattle referred to the school website for the school mission statement and said that while participation in Colorado Measurement of Academic Success (CMAS) was low, alternative test results indicated that schools at both levels performed above average.

He reported on test scores in various subjects at all levels. Please refer to boarddocs for detailed information by going to lewispalmer.org, board of education, boarddocs.

MA began offering a homeschool enrichment program last year with 32 students. Participation has doubled this year.

MA was recognized as a National Showcase School on the middle school level for the Capturing Kids Hearts Program.

At the middle school level, MA offers a high-performance program for students whose participation in athletics or drama impacts their ability to attend regular classes. This program exposes them to regular school experiences when possible.

The rate of teacher retention is high

Chief Financial Officer Glenn Gustafson reported on MA financial activities in the last year.

MA restructured its finances, including the hiring of a new finance director, Laura Polen. Payroll and accounts payable have been outsourced, and attention is focused on the refinance of $27 million in bonds for the construction of the east campus, which will require a balloon payment in June 2026.

Gustafson said the two campuses of MA are separate business entities. In response to a question, he said that a bond issued by a school district will be serviced by taxpayers, while a bond issued by a charter school must be serviced by school revenues. Charter schools in Colorado are nonprofits.

When asked why MA chose to have a 10-year bond rather than 25 or 30, Gustafson replied that, unlike a mortgage, a bond cannot be refinanced during its lifetime. It was hoped that interest rates would decline by 2026. The current bond is at 4% and current interest rates are at 6%.

Financial highlights of the year include the purchase of a parking lot on the west campus and modulars for the east campus. MA received a donation of $1.4 million to support these purchases. The school received an IRS Employee Retention Tax Credit of $2.3 million. This program recognized employee retention during the pandemic years.

Due to the anticipated balloon payment in June, several projects have been postponed, including building an auditorium and an academic wing.

Board President Tiffiney Upchurch commented that it is fortunate that MA students can participate in athletic and other programs in the district as needed.

Gustafson said that MA will concentrate on marketing in the coming year in an effort to stop the decline in enrollment. He said that having a crest and uniforms makes some think that MA is a private school.

Home School Enrichment Academy and Transitions update

Director of Planning, Facilities, and Grounds Melissa Andrews presented an update on the Home School Enrichment Academy (HSEA) facility and provision of a facility for the district Transitions program.

Six alternatives were provided, including new construction at the Career and Innovation Center (CIC) or the central campus, purchase of an existing building requiring renovation to meet code and requirements for education purposes, and shared space between Transitions and HSEA.

HSEA is currently housed in the Grace Best Education Center and may remain there for the near future, as long as it is understood which portions of the building are safe for students. Transitions is currently housed in the Career and Innovation Center (CIC) in the area planned for health science instruction.

Considerations included proximity to emergency services (less available at CIC), expense of purchase, and potential lack of available existing buildings, and time from planning to occupancy.

The Enterprise building on the central campus is seen as a possible solution for Transitions because it is centrally located, has security features like cameras and fencing, and is in a familiar area. The building includes a kitchen and outlets to support a dryer, aiding in teaching life skills. However, de-escalation and sensory areas are not currently available, and restrooms and other features may not be ADA compliant.

Enterprise can easily be relocated to CIC and continue to support the Innovative Learning Opportunities program (ILOP). Enterprise students can take advantage of the CIC shuttle buses.

A lengthy discussion involved questions about the number of alternatives that should be considered, such as timing, current use of locations under consideration, and possible partnerships with community resources such as Tri-Lakes Cares.

Board Treasurer Ron Schwarz asked how many individuals are involved with the Transitions program. The program has been in place for decades and now involves 23 students with 15 expected next year. The common number is 10 to 15 students with seven to 10 staff members.

Board Secretary Dr. Patti Shank asked what Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) is offering to do to participate in the Transitions program. TLC has offered to share a greenhouse and to potentially provide employment to program participants.

To conclude the discussion, board members requested that the number of alternatives be reduced to two or three and that the discussion would continue at the November board work session. It was also suggested that family members of the current Transitions program and family members of former participants be included in the discussion.

Shank pointed out that there will be two new members to the board in the near future, and therefore, decisions should not be made now.

Andrews reported on progress on the new structure for HSEA. It was originally hoped that the structure would be ready for occupancy by now, but the company building the structure in Texas required stamped engineering drawings before the structure could be moved. There are additional state requirements as well.

Consequently, students will not be in the building until February or later in the spring.

Recognitions

In honor of National Principals Month, Superintendent Amber Whetstine said that principals are among the hardest-working and least recognized of school leaders. She contacted staff at all district schools and asked for a few descriptive words to describe a specific principal and had these words inscribed on a plaque for each.

Above: At its Oct. 20 board meeting the D38 board recognized its principals for Principals Month. The district surveyed each school to pull out key words describing its principal and created a plaque with a word cloud for each leader. D38 said that principals are among the hardest working, yet often least recognized individuals in education. Principals set the academic tone for their schools, and it is their vision, dedication, and determination that provide the mobilizing force for achieving student success. From left in front are LPHS Principal Davonne Johnson, D38 Board President Tiffiney Upchurch, LPES Principal Kim Briding, D38 board member and secretary Patti Shank, Principal Greg Saunders, Monument Academy East Principal Angela Duca, Superintendent Amber Whetstine, and MA board member Jilinda Dygert. From left in back are board members VP Kris Norris and Todd Brown, BCES Principal Donnel Potter, LPMS Principal Courtney Harrel, and LPHS Principal Jeffrey Zick, D38 board member and treasurer Ron Schwarz. Photo provided by D38.

The board recognized Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway and other business officials for receiving the Summit Award from the Colorado Association of School Business Officers in September. This award honors success in school business management driven by collaboration, leadership, and strategic problem-solving to develop and implement innovative, effective solutions that positively influence students, staff, and communities.

Ridgway was honored for his creation of legislation that made additional funds available each year as a result of restructuring tax revenue timing. Andrews was recognized for her contributions to renovating the CIC building on time and under budget, and Director of Innovation Amy Sienkowski was recognized for opening CIC and preparing for more advanced course offerings.

The $1,000 award check was donated to the D38 Foundation.

Above: At the Oct. 20 board meeting, D38 Director of Communications Amy Matisek congratulated the staff who contributed to receiving the Summit award from the Colorado Association of School Board Officials (CASBO) last month. Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway said it was exciting to win an award for something that made a lasting impact on students. The award came with a $1,000 donation to a school or foundation that Ridgway handed to D38 Foundation trustee Holly Rollins. Rollins said the foundation would turn around and give this back to the teachers. The D38 Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that funds continuing education and student innovation projects across the district. From left are Superintendent Amber Whettine, Director of Innovative Programs Amy Sienkowski, Director of Facilities, Planning, and Grounds Melissa Andrews, Ridgway, Hollins, D38 Foundation Trustee David Merritt, and board President Tiffiney Upchurch. Photo provided by D38.

Board President Tiffiney Upchurch recognized Dwight “Ted” Bauman for his contributions to the district over the 17 years when he was a principal, assistant superintendent, superintendent, and interim superintendent.

Upchurch praised Bauman for his heart of compassion and dedication, and the fact that he championed the arts and community participation. He spoke with employees, retirees, and volunteers, always retaining personal connections.

Bauman spoke of his mentors in the district and said that he heard from colleges and universities that recruit our students. He thanked his wife for her patience during the many nights he spent at meetings and other events.

He mentioned that leadership should not be defined as power, but as building relationships and connections.

Bauman’s family, including grandsons, were in attendance, as were past board members.

The board passed a resolution dedicating the Learning Center to the legacy of Bauman. He received a plaque and commented that it was ironic that the Kiwanis Club, of which he is a member, would see it each time they met in that space.

Above: At the Oct. 20 D38 board meeting, board President Tiffiney Upchurch introduced Dwight “Ted” Bauman, highlighting his career with the Lewis-Palmer School District as well as noting his continued involvement with the school district and the greater Tri-Lakes community. Bauman served the district for over 17 years as a principal, assistant superintendent, superintendent, and interim superintendent when called. He continues to serve in the Kiwanis and as a volunteer on district committees, including the Arts Education Task Force. He has been an influential mentor and a constant and enthusiastic supporter of D38. Bauman gave a heartfelt speech, praising the district and thanking his family and his own former mentors whose names adorn many facilities. Board member Patti Shank read a resolution recognizing Bauman and naming the district Learning Center in the administration building after him. From left in front are Superintendent Amber Whetstine, board member Patti Shank, Bauman, and Upchurch. From left in back are current board members Todd Brown, Ron Schwarz, Kris Norris, and former board members Matt Clawson, Mark Pfoff, and Theresa Phillips. Photo provided by D38.

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The Lewis-Palmer D 38 Board of Education meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of the month in the Bauman Learning Center, 146 N. Jefferson St., Monument. The next meeting will be on Nov. 17. For further information, contact vwood@lewispalmer.org

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.

Other D38 Board of Education articles

Monument Academy School Board, Oct. 16 and 23 – Board appropriates ERTC funds

By Jackie Burhans

The Monument Academy (MA) School Board met twice in October to appropriate money from the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) funds it received, spotlight Finance Director Laura Polen, hear the October Count report, and revise policies.

Finance director recognized

Board President Ryan Graham recognized Polen, who recently achieved her Certified Administrator of School Finance and Operations from the Association for School Business Officials International. The certification is granted to highly qualified individuals and has multiple requirements, from work experience to education, as well as a comprehensive exam that tests competency in business management topics and a commitment to high ethical standards. Recipients commit to ongoing professional development and recertification every three years. Graham congratulated Polen on this significant accomplishment.

Above: At its Oct 15 meeting, board President Ryan Graham recognized Finance Director for her significant achievement in becoming a Certified Administrator of School Finance and Operations from the Association of School Business Officials International organization. From left are board members Craig Carle, Jilinda Dygert, Vice President Lindsay Clinton, Polen, Graham, and board member Matt Ross. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Funds appropriated for academic proposal

MA received a total of $2.2 million in non-recurring ERTC funds available to certain employers for payroll taxes paid during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although public schools were not included since they are governmental entities, MA was eligible through its building corporations, which are 501(c)(3) organizations.

At its Oct. 16 meeting, the board unanimously approved appropriating ERTC funds for the academic proposal that had been previously presented at a special meeting on Aug. 25 with financial costs submitted later.

The academic proposal totaled $19,650 and included:

  • Class trips to help attract and retain middle and high school students – $6,000
  • Stipends for 10 after-school clubs to attract and retain students – $10,000
  • Digital message board for communications, ads, and events – $3,000
  • High school information day for eighth-grade students – $650

Athletic proposal detailed

The athletic proposal generated additional questions at the Oct. 16 meeting, and the decision was postponed until the Oct. 23 special meeting. Questions covered the possible inclusion of a 15-person bus, the cost of uniforms and helmets, facility rental costs, coaches’ stipends, as well as a discussion of which sports programs might be added.

Executive Director Collin Vinchattle said the team had drilled down into the data and refined the proposal with survey data, program information, and a budget. Athletics are expensive, he said, but are important to families and students. Although MA is more of an arts school, athletics make a difference, he said.

Athletic Director Lannie Vance summarized the survey, which received 152 responses on four questions: student grade level, current sports involvement, desired sports to add, and influence on family decisions to stay at MA. For the 73 families with students in eighth grade or higher, 62% indicated adding athletics would make at least a slight difference in their decision.

The top high school sports requested were Boys Golf, Football, Girls Golf, Girls Soccer, and Lacrosse. Vance reviewed each sport, showing team size, equipment costs, pros, cons, and other items of consideration. She also showed how many athletes were currently participating in sports at the middle and high school level, as well as the number of males and females by grade level.

Vance said the recommended high school sport additions were broken into Tier 1: cheer, eight-man football, boys and girls golf, and Tier 2: boys’ and girls’ soccer, girls flag football, and boys volleyball. There was a lot of discussion with the board about eight- vs. 11-man football, varsity vs. junior varsity, and the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) cycles. The board also talked about grants, having the only boys volleyball team in the district, having enough practice space, and a concern about pulling students from other sports due to seasonal schedules.

Graham asked about startup costs such as equipment versus recurring costs, such as stipends and tournament fees. For 2026-27, the total costs would be about $92,000 with recurring costs of around $60,000, Graham said. Vance noted that some sports do more fundraising and pay for their own personalized equipment and uniforms, while others are provided by the school. She said she was waiting to hear details on costs for golf practice facility usage. Graham asked about increases in liability insurance due to sports like football; Operations Manager Jake Dicus said he would reach out to MA’s representative.

Graham said MA needed to move forward with athletics because they have promised families to build an athletic field. He asked Polen about MA’s ability to cover recurring costs after the first year. Polen said ERTC funds would cover the first year, but recurring costs might impact other items and decrease interest income. It would depend on the debt service resulting from refinancing MA’s East Campus bonds and the results of MA’s investment in marketing on enrollment.

Graham suggested appropriating funds for fiscal year 2026-27 to start, so MA can get more information on insurance and course costs for golf. He moved to approve appropriating funds for Tier 1 sports (cheer, eight-man football, boys and girls golf) from the ERTC funds, not to exceed $125,000. The board unanimously approved the motion.

Staff bonus approved

Vinchattle noted that MA could not increase salaries for staff this year due to concerns about enrollment and state budget shortfalls. He said the windfall of ERTC funds and other budget aspects allowed MA to propose a 5% bonus for returning staff that would be excluded from the Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) plan.

Graham noted that Vinchattle had asked to be excluded from the bonus but proposed that he be included. The board unanimously agreed to approve the staff bonus pool capped at $250,000. The board then unanimously approved the corresponding resolution authorizing bonus pay for fiscal year 2025-26 for eligible staff. The bonuses were paid on Oct. 26 so that the monies are available ahead of Christmas.

October Count report

Registrar Lena Gross presented the October Count report to the board, showing final numbers for the schools and discussing trends for the 2025-26 school year. She said MA met its goals of increased communication to enhance the understanding of parents and families of the importance of October Count, saying it ties into the state plan for funding schools. MA was able to account for every fully enrolled student and had a 98% attendance rate on Oct. 1, with additional students documented as attending during the two-week count window.

Gross said that East Campus has 451 full-time-equivalent (FTE) students, including 16 High Performance Program (HPP) students, and West Campus has about 564 students, noting that students participating in the Monument Academy Homeschool Partnership (MAHP) program and half-day kindergarten students are counted as ½ FTE. The 2025-26 budget had called for 476 at East Campus, including 25 HPP students, and about 569 students at West Campus.

Gross said MA’s decline in enrollment was consistent with state enrollment trends, noting that Colorado’s birth rate was declining faster than the national average. One report showed that K-12 enrollment has fallen for the last five years and is at its lowest since 2014.

Gross said that 25.84% of MA’s students reside outside of the D38 district, including Cheyenne Mountain School District, showing MA’s regional appeal. Graham said that people were leaving Colorado because of legislation against parental rights.

Policy updates

The board unanimously approved the following policy updates, which were reviewed by MA’s legal counsel:

  • 1512 – Open Records Policy. Renamed to KEC-MA with updated language, job title, and hourly charge.
  • 1513 – Staff File Access Policy. Renamed to BHC-MA with more technical language, changes in procurement, more specificity, allowing only relevant portions, and a confidentiality statement as well as a job title change.
  • 1516 – Personal and Property Search. Renamed to JIHS-MA with updated language on cell phones, interrogation by law enforcement, and notification of parents. Parts C2 and C3 were combined.
  • 1529 – Non-Smokable Marijuana Administration. Renamed to JLCDB-MA with updated technical language and a change to the role of the school nurse. Board member Jilinda Dygert noted that non-smokable marijuana is not kept on school grounds, so a parent or medical professional would come to campus to administer the substance.
  • 1530 – Parent Notification of Alleged Criminal Conduct by a School Employee. Renamed to KDBA-MA with new technical language and changed format to include bullet points.

Board policies can be found at https://tinyurl.com/ma-policies.

Highlights

Board meeting highlights include:

  • Executive Director. Vinchattle reported on homecoming, concerts, athletics, and parent-teacher conferences, along with updates on Phase 2 expansion of East Campus.
  • Finance Director Polen reviewed the August financials by school and fund and said MA has final audit papers that it will present next month to D38. She said MA is waiting for a meeting with S&P to get its financial rating.
  • Curriculum. Vice President Lindsay Clinton combined the report for both the East and West Campus, which had a similar agenda. The committees reviewed board policies, examined proposed edits to the core curriculum and rubric, and discussed pacing, scope and sequence, supplemental curriculum requests, and field trip evaluations.
  • Student Accountability and Advisory Committee (SAAC) West. Clinton said the committee received a human resources presentation from Director of People Operations Krista Pelley and was reviewing edits to its bylaws.
  • SAAC East. Dygert reported that the committee is looking for a vice chair, heard from D38 about the budget, saw a presentation on gifted and talented, and brainstormed how to increase participation in the mid-year survey.

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The MA School Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. The next regular board meeting was moved to Thursday, Nov. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the East Campus. The agenda and packet are available at tinyurl.com/ma-boarddocs.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other Monument Academy School Board articles

D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Oct. 14 – Board goals feedback; work toward maintaining academic excellence

By Harriet Halbig

The D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) met at Palmer Ridge High School on Oct. 14 to continue its examination of board goals and access to background information.

Dr. Adam Frank, Palmer Ridge principal, spoke of programs exclusive to the school. These include a college and career center with brochures from various institutions, an outdoor learning center, a display of student life pictures in the hallway, which change each year, new sculptures and murals, and a legacy wall under the bridge between the two parts of the school, where parents can purchase a plaque in honor of their student.

Fundraising successes include a $205,000 redesign of the school’s weight room, which will be accessible to all athletes, the purchase of three massage chairs for staff, and the creation of Girls on the Ridge, a group of female athletes. Bear Time, a 26-minute period during the day when students can speak with any staff member, is also a program unique to Palmer Ridge.

Freshmen spend study hall time learning time management.

The school has received awards for its support of foreign exchange students.

Discussion of board goals

Board of Education Secretary and board liaison Dr. Patti Shank and board Vice President Kris Norris spoke of the goals set forth at the last PCAC meeting and mentioned access to live streaming of board meetings and the recent candidate forum for the two board vacancies.

Shank commented that a member of the board will attend each PCAC meeting in addition to herself.

Discussion of academic excellence

Co-Chairs Renee Butler and Kirsten Zook talked about the results of the previous month’s discussion of board goals and the results of the voting by members about their priorities. To view the results of the voting, please go to lewispalmer.org, family resources, community, and district committees. Click on meeting content for Sept. 9.

The results of the voting indicated that the committee prioritized academic excellence for discussion. Other priorities included improved staff compensation and financial transparency.

The committee was presented with eight statements regarding academic excellence to discuss. Reponses to the statements could range from agree strongly to disagree strongly, and members were asked to submit comments on sticky notes to be tabulated.

The statements are:

  • We are currently doing the right things to be in the top 10% statewide.
  • The district has a clear and shared understanding of what “excellence” means.
  • Every student in the district has equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities.
  • The district’s focus on academic excellence also supports students’ personal growth and well-being.
  • Parents and community members play an active and meaningful role in maintaining excellence.
  • I feel informed and empowered to contribute to the district’s ongoing success.
  • The district encourages innovation while maintaining strong academic foundations.
  • The district effectively uses data and feedback to drive continuous improvement.

Committee members were reminded to maintain a positive attitude during discussion and listen attentively to one another. They were asked to submit a comment about whether the statements were true and offer examples to demonstrate their opinion.

The comments were collected to be tabulated with the results to be discussed at the November meeting.

Committee reports

Special Education Family Liaison Michelle Nay spoke on behalf of the Special Education Advisory Committee. She said that the committee had discussed the parent survey from last year and decided to conduct its meetings virtually to improve attendance. They also discussed the transition process between elementary and middle school and middle school to high school.

Gordon Reichal of the Financial Transparency Committee said the panel is seeking members and welcomes comments and feedback from stakeholders.

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The Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee meets six times per year, usually on the second Tuesday of the month. Locations vary. The November meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Nov. 18 (date changed due to Veterans Day on the 11th) at Monument Academy West Campus, 1150 Village Ridge Pt. A school tour will be conducted at 5:30. For information, please contact tmckee@lewispalmer.org.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.

Other D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee articles

Monument Town Council, Oct. 6 and 20 – Retiring Facilities Superintendent Ron Rathburn recognized

By Marlene Brown

At the Oct. 6 meeting, the Monument Town Council (MTC) recognized retiring Facilities Superintendent Ron Rathburn. He has over 39 years of employment with the town and is the longest-tenured employee in Monument history. Rathburn was able to thank everyone for the work and service that had been done over the years. The meeting was in recess so that the council could thank Rathburn personally.

Above: At the Oct. 6 meeting of the Monument Town Council retiring Facilities Supervisor Ron Rathburn receives a standing ovation for his 39 years of service to the town. Screenshot from video posted by the Town of Monument.

Two proclamations and an ordinance were approved unanimously:

  1. National Veterans Small Business Week, Nov. 3-7. Events will be hosted across the country, highlighting information about the resources available to veterans, service members, and military spouse entrepreneurs. They help receive transition assistance for Boots to Business and develop their business plans, receive marketing tips, and access government contracting opportunities. Brandon Eldridge, executive director of the Small Development Center (SBDC), will host the 18th Annual Veterans Small Business Conference on Nov. 7 at the Great Wolf Lodge, 9494 Federal Dr., Colorado Springs. For more information, see https://sbdc.colorado.gov/center-locations/pikes-peak/veterans-small-business-conference.
  2. Eldridge asked that the town also proclaim Saturday, Nov. 29, as Small Business Saturday in the Town of Monument. Small Business Saturday was created in 2010 to encourage local holiday shopping at the local scene and is the last Saturday in November.
  3. Ordinance No. 17-2025 (no. corrected per ordinance 10/20/25) approving a Real Property Transfer from El Paso County and entering into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) accepting obligations regarding first an IGA regarding compliance and stewardship of certain parcels of the New Santa Fe Regional Trail. The county owns and maintains the New Santa Fe Trail between Baptist Road and the Town of Monument. There has been a request by the adjacent owner of parcel number 7126000024 for two crossings of the trail to service the Santa Fe Park development, two vehicle crossings, and two pedestrian crossings. Approval to modify the regional trail must come from the National Park Service, the county, and the town, so it needs an IGA regarding compliance and stewardship of certain parcels of the New Santa Fe Trail.

Mayor Mitch LaKind and Council Member Chad Smith were appointed to the Economic Development Committee.

John Howe spoke to the Council during Public Comments. He thanked the town and its staff for their support regarding the book he and Michael Weinfeld wrote about the history of Monument Cemetery, and they have been giving presentations to several groups in the area.

Atis-Jurka of the Town of Palmer Lake thanked the Council for its support of Palmer Lake during the Buc-cee’s negotiations.

After several comments by the Council members, the Council moved into an executive session regarding the Town Manager’s employment contract. The executive session lasted two hours, and the meeting was adjourned at 10:34 p.m.

At the regular Town Council meeting on Oct. 20, the town engineer proposed to update to the Public Works and Engineering Department manual to reflect new street design details. Monument has been using Colorado Springs criteria for the design of streets. The new manual will take about six months to produce and will reflect the 2025 budget and reviewed and used 2026. The Council approved the update unanimously, 7-0.

A second resolution requested a new design for the Public Works site building provided by the town engineer. Funding was allocated in the 2025 budget. The storm drainage pond will be designed to be included within the design of the building. The Council approved it unanimously.

Finance requested to renew Worker’s Comp insurance. It was approved unanimously.

The town manager’s report was given by Jennifer Phillips, finance manager. Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek was absent from the meeting. The document can be found on the town’s website. The sales tax report showed several businesses that are in arrears of their reporting and sending their collected sales tax to the town and the state. Some of the businesses are waiting for their corporate offices to respond to notices.

Mayor Mitch LaKind reported that the El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) declined the application of Planning Commissioner Chad Smith to the Water Shed District Committee. The Council will write to BOCC to request they re-examine his application and to further discuss the town being involved in the watershed projects, both membership and financially.

The Council moved into an executive session to work on negotiations with large corporations that are looking into moving to a new proposed shopping area on Jackson Creek Parkway.

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The Town Council usually meets on the first and third Monday of the month at the Town Hall, 645 Beacon Lite Road at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact townofmonument.org or call 719-481-2894

Marlene Brown can be reached at marlenebrown@ocn.me.

Other Monument Town Council articles

Monument Planning Commission, Oct. 8 – Commission recommends approval of Legacy at Jackson Landing project

By Janet Sellers

The Oct. 8 meeting of the Monument Planning Commission focused primarily on the public hearing and review of the Legacy at Jackson Landing development project. This major commercial development is located at the southwest corner of Blevins Buckle Trail and Jackson Creek Parkway, adjacent to the Monument Marketplace and near I-25. The project involves approval requests for both preliminary and final planned unit developments (PUDs) and plats covering about 30 acres, with phase one covering 18 acres.

The development team, including Legacy Development Partners and Kimley Horn Associates, presented a comprehensive plan to create a regional shopping destination anchored by a large national retailer, complemented by mid-box retailers, inline shops, and extensive infrastructure improvements. Key aspects of the project include site layout, transportation and circulation enhancements, landscaping, lighting that respects dark-sky standards, utility connections, and architectural design that aligns with Monument’s western mountain environment.

Staff and commissioners discussed the project’s compliance with the town’s comprehensive plan, zoning regulations, stormwater management, trail integration, pedestrian access, parking, and safety features. Public feedback was solicited, with some residents expressing concerns about potential building heights and impacts on neighborhood views and lighting. The Planning Commission asked detailed questions about utilities, traffic flow, trail design, lighting standards, and future phases of the development.

The development proposal includes significant transportation improvements such as expanded access, dual left-turn lanes to increase capacity, and a truck route that reduces traffic conflicts. Trails and open space enhancements feature a greenway, new sidewalk connections, and a trail encircling the stormwater detention pond. Water and sewer services are already available with adequate capacity confirmed by the Triview Metropolitan District.

Community feedback from a June meeting was generally positive and resulted in strengthened pedestrian connections. Landscape plans emphasize native, drought-tolerant plants and pollinator-friendly wildflowers, while the stormwater pond is designed for both function and appeal. Lighting employs full cutoff fixtures and reduced output to support dark-sky goals without compromising safety.

Architecture for the first phase incorporates regionally appropriate materials, coordinated colors, and pedestrian-oriented signage and design. Water rights will be supplied through district management rather than transferred with the land, and building heights may reach 50 feet for future hotel or office use, while the primary retailer’s building height will be lower. Utilities for gas and electric are progressing smoothly, and traffic upgrades are being coordinated with right-of-way expansion. Signal and intersection improvements will be completed before major tenant occupancy.

The development’s trail designs meet master-plan standards with wide soft-surface paths along the western boundary and circulation around the detention pond. Additional amenities include bike racks and accessible pavement slopes near entrances. Upcoming community events focus on safety training and public engagement for future planning and trail connectivity.

Ultimately, the commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of all aspects of the Legacy at Jackson Landing project, citing its thorough planning, community engagement, and alignment with town standards and goals. Additional announcements were made regarding active shooter training and upcoming community workshops for planning Monument neighborhoods, and concerns for optimizing Santa Fe Trail systems development and needs for local trail maintenance.

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The commission advises the Town Council on land use and development issues. The commission’s recommendations are based on local and state laws, zoning, and municipal codes.

The Planning Commission usually meets on the second Wednesday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 12. For further information on commission meetings, please visit www.townofmonument.org/263/planning commission-commission-board-of-adjustment or contact 719-884-8028. A recording with a transcript of each meeting is also available.

Janet Sellers can be reached at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other Monument Planning Commission articles

Monument Fire District, Oct. 22 – 2026 draft budget presented; Chief’s retirement announced

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District (TLMFPD) dba Monument Fire District (MFD) meeting on Oct. 22, the board received the 2026 draft budget. During the budget presentation, Fire Chief Andy Kovacs announced his plan to retire at the end of 2026. The board also received several updates on the district’s future plans and fire station projects.

The board held an executive session pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes section 24-6-402(4)(e) to determine positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations, and to instruct negotiators relating to labor negotiations. Legal Counsel Maureen Juran attended the meeting via Microsoft Teams.

Secretary Duane Garrett attended via Microsoft Teams.

2026 draft budget presentation

Kovacs said the delay in receiving the 2024 audits and financial reports for MFD and Donald Wescott Fire Protection District from CBIZ caused a one-month delay in presenting the 2026 draft budget. The district is expecting a total revenue budget of about $24 million (about $19 million from property taxes) with no change to the existing mill levy set at 18.4 mills, and an operations expense budget of $21.794 million.

Kovacs highlighted the following:

  • Annual cardiac and cancer screening for employees.
  • A 2.5% Cost of Living Allowance increase.
  • A workers’ compensation increase of $25,000 for a total of $350,000.
  • A 1% increase to the matching contributions for the 457 plans for a total of 3%.

The district hired a new auditor, resulting in a cost savings of $7,550 for 2026, and a sales tax study and the cost to search for a fire chief replacement are included in the budget, said Kovacs.

A public hearing on the proposed 2026 budget is scheduled for the Nov. 12 board meeting.

Neighboring district relationships

Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) Chair Kiersten Tarvainen thanked Kovacs for helping the BFFRPD board members during the fire chief hiring process.

Note: The BFFRPD Board of Directors hired former Colorado Springs Fire Department/Interim BFFRPD Battalion Chief David Rocco as the permanent fire chief in October.

Kovacs said the proposed 2026 budget includes a feasibility study to explore the possibility of a merger with BFFRPD, with each district contributing to half the cost. As part of a closest unit response agreement over the past two years, the district has responded to the BFFRPD area of responsibility more often than anticipated. In 2026, a more equal shared response will be pursued, said Kovacs.

Financial update

Treasurer Tom Kelly said the district was at 75% of the total budget year to date as of Sept. 30, and presented the following:

  • The combined overall revenue received year to date was about $21.370 million, and 88.1% of the 2025 income projected annual revenue set at about $24.235 million.
  • Overall expenses year to date were about $13.726 million, and 73.1% of the projected expense budget set at about $18.764 million.
  • The district had about $21.615 million in total checking/savings (about $13.537 million in Operations/General Fund). The balance will reduce significantly over the next six months before the property taxes are received in March 2026.

Kelly said the district had received 99.5% of the property taxes for 2025 and about $17.929 million year-to-date of the projected annual revenue of about $18 million.

All 23 electronic transactions were appropriate and within budget, Kelly said, and of note were:

  • $9,069: OZ Architects FS3/Training Center.
  • $389,573: Flintco LLC, Administrative office remodel.
  • $13,280: Capital Construction FS5 Water heater/plumbing repairs
  • $153,629: Kaiser Permanente Health insurance.
  • $8,917; Wex Bank Inc. Fleet fuel.

The board unanimously accepted the financial report as presented.

Wildland deployment

Vice President John Hildebrandt requested a profit-and-loss analysis of the wildland deployment program and revenue, and said that when all the expenses and backfill overtime is taken into consideration, it may not be as lucrative as it looks, but there is an opportunity for the firefighters to work harder, obtain additional overtime pay, and gain wildland experience for the district.

Kovacs said there has been a philosophy that wildland deployment generates revenue, and when you look at the profit and loss, it looks like the district’s wildland deployment made $87,000 in 2025, but it really is cost neutral when associated expenses such as food, fuel, lodging, car rentals, flights, repair and maintenance of the apparatus is factored into the profit. The intent is not to make money but to provide staff with expertise and knowledge should a wildland fire occur within the district.

Director Tim De Leon asked if the district has data on the deployed staff’s wildland qualifications gained during deployment and individual task book maintenance.

Kovacs said that during the accreditation process, a recommendation was made to evaluate the successes of wildland deployments and determine better ways to make the program more robust. Accreditation Manager Victoria Slater will evaluate the wildland program to meet the accreditation team’s recommendation.

Chipping success

Director André Mouton thanked the district for supplying a second chipping crew to the neighborhood between Kings Deer and Arrowwood Drive and helping the annual chipping event close by noon. Mouton said, “The chipping event in his neighborhood was the third year in a five-year plan, and kudos to the staff for supporting the chipping program, making a difference reducing fuel loads, and resulting in the ancillary benefits of neighbors helping each other to become cohesive.”

Hildebrandt concurred with Mouton and said his neighborhood benefited from the program the previous week, with 14 people helping to mitigate 18 homes.

Kovacs thanked the communities for helping the crew complete mitigation events and making neighborhoods safer.

Facilities update

Kovacs said the following:

  • The training tower installation is planned for next summer, and training would begin in fall 2026. The Town of Monument Public Works will bring the water line to Station 1, and the installed tap will also support a couple of fire hydrants for firefighter training.
  • Contractors are being interviewed to construct the Station 3 remodel (north of the YMCA).
  • The reinstallation of the Station 2 cement drains is complete, and the project is curing over the next two weeks. The Station 2 crews are operating from Station 5 until they can reoccupy the station.

President Mark Gunderman said the sale of the former Donald Wescott Fire Protection District Station 3 (Sun Hills Drive) will be discussed after an opinion from Juran has been made at the beginning of 2026.

Executive session

The board moved into an executive session at about 6:49 p.m., pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes section 24-6-402(4)(e) to determine positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations, and to instruct negotiators relating to labor negotiations with the Local 4319 International Association of Firefighters.

Kovacs confirmed to this reporter that when the board returned to regular session at 7:11 p.m., no action was taken and the meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.

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Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of every month. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 12 at 4:30 p.m. at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. The meeting will be preceded by a Volunteer Pension Board meeting at 4 p.m. For Microsoft Teams virtual joining instructions, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Monument Fire District articles

Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Oct. 13 – Schedule set for 2026 budget

By James Howald

In October, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board decided on the process and schedule it would use to complete its 2026 budget. It heard operational and financial reports from District Manager Jessie Shaffer, board Treasurer Dana Franzen, Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine and District Engineer Cydney Saelens. The meeting ended with an executive session.

2026 budget workshop, hearing and vote scheduled

Shaffer asked the board to schedule a workshop on the 2026 budget for Oct. 23. Board President Brian Bush said that most line-items in the budget don’t change from year to year, so the board’s past approach has been to concentrate on just a few items of importance and discuss them in depth. He asked the board members to read the draft budget before the workshop and bring their questions. The board scheduled the workshop as Shaffer recommended.

Shaffer asked the board to schedule public hearings on the budget and on possible rate increases at its meeting in November, and to hold a vote on the completed budget and rates at its December meeting. To comply with deadlines set by the state, the board rescheduled its November meeting to Monday, Nov. 17, at 1 p.m. and its December meeting to Monday, Dec. 15, at 1 p.m.

Financial and operational reports

In his review of September’s finances, Franzen noted that receivables were down, but everything else was as expected. He said a software problem that caused liabilities to show $42,000 higher than they should be had been fixed.

Franzen commented that supplemental water sales were much lower in the last three months than in the previous five months. Shaffer said those sales are “wildly volatile.” Bush said tap fees for the year were lower than expected, but that was offset by less spending on construction.

Shaffer reported on the Joint Use Committee, which manages the operations of the Tri-Lakes Waste Water Treatment Facility, which WWSD operates with the Towns of Monument and Palmer Lake, noting that he had just received its proposed budget for 2026 and would provide feedback.

LaFontaine updated the board on operations of the Chilcott Ditch Co. The Chilcott Ditch conveys water from Fountain Creek to the Calhan Reservoir and provides irrigation water to the shareholders in the company. WWSD is the largest shareholder. The Chilcott Ditch will play a role in the Loop water re-use project. LaFontaine said he anticipated shutting down the ditch for the winter by October’s end.

In his Manager’s Report, Shaffer noted that the Pikes Peak Regional Water Authority is moving forward with a study of Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR), an approach to water management in which treated effluent is returned to customers after having been discharged into rivers or streams after treatment. (The Loop is an example of applied IPR.) Shaffer said the study could guide Colorado Springs Utilities’ approach to this technology. Bush pointed out that the study is on a 10- to 20-year timeline—much longer-term than the Loop.

In his Water Report, LaFontaine noted a low water loss of 3% for the previous month. He said the measurement was complicated by the fact that one water tank was being filled and another being emptied while the measurements were being collected. He said many of the wells in the northern part of the district were offline in September to allow aquifers to rest.

Regarding Woodmoor Lake, La Fontaine said about 400,000 gallons of water per day were going into the lake from Monument Creek, and he expected the lake to be filled by spring of next year. The lake is still recovering from having been entirely drained four years ago so that repairs could be made to the dam, and so water from the lake could be delivered to both of the district’s water treatment plants.

In her Engineer’s Report, Saelens said most of the equipment had been moved off the Well 12R site in the South Preserve. Erosion control and site piping are underway. She said the site should be restored by spring.

Saelens updated the board on the project to proactively replace saddles, which connect residential service lines to main lines. She said two crews were replacing saddles and 70 have been replaced so far. LaFontaine commented that many of the saddles are 40 years old and so badly degraded that they are only being held in place by the soil.

Saelens said the Monument Ridge East development, east of I-25 and south of County Line Road, was moving forward with its first filing for 37 single-family residences.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session for the board to receive legal counsel regarding potential agreements with the Loop Water Authority and Tallgrass Colorado Municipal Water LLC and Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure. No action was taken following the executive session.

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The next meeting is on Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the district office at 1845 Woodmoor Drive. Please see www.woodmoorwater.com or call 719-488-2525 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District articles

Monument Sanitation District, Oct. 15 – Draft of 2026 budget reviewed

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald

The Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board met in October to review a draft of its 2026 budget. It also voted on a resolution authorizing the El Paso County treasurer to collect MSD’s delinquent accounts. District Manager Mark Parker updated the board on the work that the county has planned for Beacon Lite Road.

Budget process begins

Parker presented the board with a draft of the district’s 2026 budget. He focused on the differences with the 2025 budget, noting:

  • A change in janitorial companies led to a reduction of a few hundred dollars in that line item to $3,500.
  • Parker used a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.7% to calculate wage increases. Money for merit raises was included.

Director Shannon Clark noted that the previous year’s budget included two rounds of PFAS testing that had been budgeted but not performed. PFAS chemicals are sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly. They are associated with many health issues, such as increased risk of kidney cancer.

Parker said the 2026 budget anticipated lower revenue from tap fees due to some building projects being delayed. He said he estimated expenses high and income low to avoid amending the proposed budget.

Clark noted a decrease in postal costs due to the district’s successful implementation of online billing. Parker added that office supplies were reduced by half in the 2026 budget for the same reason.

Parker told the board a final version of the budget would be available to vote on at its December meeting.

Delinquent accounts go to treasurer for collection

The board voted unanimously to approve Resolution 10152025-1, which authorizes the county treasurer to collect MSD’s delinquent accounts as part of its collection of property taxes. The cost of collection will be added to the amount due.

Parker estimated there are 22 delinquent accounts.

Beacon Lite Road work begins

Parker told the board that regular meetings on Beacon Lite Road work had begun, with participation by MSD, the county, engineering firm Kimley Horn, and the Town of Monument. GMS Inc., MSD’s consulting engineers, will also attend the meetings, Parker said, to ensure the changes meet MSD’s requirements

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Monument Sanitation District meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the district conference room at 130 Second St., Monument. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov.19. See MonumentSanitationDistrict.org. For a district service map, see www.MonumentSanitationDistrict.org/district-map. For information: 719-481-4886.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Monument Sanitation District articles

Donala Water and Sanitation District, Oct. 9 – 2026 budget planning

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

The Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) board met in October to hear more on the proposed 2026 budget from Acting General Manager Christina Hawker. Hawker also covered the district’s finances for September. The board voted to give a paid day off to staff who participated in the district’s open house on Sept. 25. The board heard operational reports and ended with four executive sessions, each of which was held separately because each required different attendees.

Proposed 2026 budget

Hawker gave the board a high-level summary of the proposed 2026 budget that she first presented at the September board meeting. The proposed budget puts operating revenue at $6.8 million and estimates water sales will be 5% lower than in 2025. $4 million in non-operating revenue is anticipated, including tap fees from the Urban Landing development and 50 homes that will be built near the Big R Store proposed site just north of the intersection of Spanish Bit Drive and Struthers Road. Hawker estimated total revenue at just over $11 million, factoring in a 5% rate increase for water and sewer service.

On the expense side, Hawker estimated operating expenses would be 5.4% higher than in 2025 due to increased electrical costs and general inflation. She said she had budgeted for DWSD to receive its full allotment of water from Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU), even though it typically does not use that entire amount.

General and administrative expenses will increase by 4%, driven by a 17% increase in health and commercial insurance and a 3.5% increase in salary and wages.

The proposed budget includes $1.6 million in capital costs for projects like the Loop, water tank rehabilitation, Well 9A, sewer system inspections, and securing the district’s Laughlin water rights. She estimated total expenses would be $9 million, and the proposed budget would increase the district’s reserves for future projects.

Hawker said the board could discuss changes to the proposed budget at its meeting in November. The board’s December meeting has been rescheduled to the 9th so that the board can have a final vote on the budget before Dec. 15, when the district must submit the final version of the budget to the state.

Financial report

In her financial report, Hawker said revenue from water sales was “a little short.” The district is within 26% of meeting its revenue goals for the year. 52% remains on expenses, she said, adding she expects a larger bill from CSU in coming months because the district opened its water connection with CSU in September. There were no large unanticipated expenses in September, she said.

Open house a success

Hawker said the open house DWSD held for its customers in September was successful; customers liked learning about the district’s operations and meeting staff. She said 72% of the attendees who took a survey to determine how they wanted to receive information from the district preferred email, 23% wanted a newsletter, and only 4% wanted the district to communicate through social media.

Hawker commended Helen Malenda-Lawrence of LRE Water for her hands-on presentation regarding well field management.

As a gesture of appreciation to the DWSD staff who helped with the open house, Hawker proposed they receive a paid day off. The board agreed to Hawker’s suggestion.

Operational reports

In her acting general manager’s report, Hawker discussed a court case that Parker Water & Sanitation District had taken first to the Water Division 1 court and then to the Supreme Court of Colorado. Both courts upheld the decision of the state engineer that the statewide non-tributary groundwater rules impose a total volumetric limit on groundwater withdrawals over the lifetime of the well permit, and the state engineer can specify that limit in well permits. The decision imposes new record-keeping requirements on water districts to document they are not exceeding their water withdrawal limits.

Hawker said LRE Water has been monitoring the case for DWSD and has advised the district that its current record-keeping and accounting practices mean DWSD should not have negative consequences from this ruling.

Matt Poznanovic, of Hayes Poznanovic Korver LLC, the district’s water attorney, said DWSD was well-positioned because it has strong data regarding well production.

Hawker asked the board for direction regarding access to the district’s Willow Creek Ranch property near Leadville. She said neighbors had recently requested access to the property so that they could walk to the adjoining national forest to go hunting, and that had been allowed in the past. She said the neighbors provided eyes and ears on the ranch, which is remote. She noted the district had some risks regarding liability to consider before granting access.

Board President Wayne Vanderschuere proposed requiring a liability waiver from anyone accessing the ranch, to include prohibitions on fires and shooting. He said the board wanted to maintain the ranch in its current pristine condition. He asked Hawker to prepare a liability waiver and bring it to the board at a future meeting.

Executive sessions

Following its regular meeting, the board held four executive sessions. Each was a separate item on the agenda and was attended by varying staff and consultants.

The first session was to confer with counsel regarding the Intergovernmental Agreement concerning the Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility. It was attended by Directors Kevin Deardorff, Bill George, Ken Judd, Scott McCulloch, and Vanderschuere. Hawker, Poznanovic, and Roger Sams of GMS Inc. also attended.

The second was to receive legal advice on workplace complaints. It was attended by the board members and attorneys Dakota Spence and Linda Glesne.

The third session was to receive legal advice regarding the district’s water court application in Case No. 24CW3019. It was attended by the board members, Hawker, Poznanovic, and Brett Gracely, a water planning practice leader at Plummer.

The last executive session was held to determine negotiating positions concerning potential agreements with The Loop Water Authority and Cherokee Metropolitan District.

No actions were taken following the executive sessions.

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The next board meeting is on Thursday, Nov. 20, at 1:30 p.m. Generally, board meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. and include online access; call (719) 488-3603 or access www.donalawater.org to receive up-to-date meeting information. The district office is located at 15850 Holbein Drive, Colorado Springs.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other Donala Water and Sanitation District articles

Triview Metropolitan District, Oct. 16 – Proposed 2026 budget presented

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on Oct. 16, the board received the proposed 2026 budget that includes an increase in water volume for delivery through the Northern Delivery System (NDS). There is a potential for a small increase in water and wastewater fees in 2026. The board heard about the additional revenue received from tap fees, the efforts to resolve the accuracy of wastewater flows and the accounting of unsold produced water, and the hiring of a Public Works inspector/project manager.

The board held an executive session to discuss the purchase and sale of water and land, and agreements with the Town of Monument (TOM) and other governmental, private, and associated entities.

Secretary/Treasurer Amanda Carlton was excused.

President Jason Gross did not attend.

2026 proposed budget

District Manager James McGrady presented the proposed 2026 budget and highlighted the following:

  • 1,000 acre-feet of the district’s water will be budgeted for delivery via the NDS at $9.99 per 1,000 gallons (the district budgeted 700 acre-feet in 2025 for Colorado Springs Utilities to convey, treat, and deliver at $9.34 per 1,000 gallons).
  • $250,000 will be budgeted for the district administration/utility office building (the district is using a 10-year loan with a fixed 4.75% interest rate. The loan may be paid off early.
  • The mill levy is proposed to remain at 21 mills for the main district debt service.
  • A small increase in the water and wastewater rates may be necessary in 2026 to keep up with inflation.
  • The district plans to update the Kitchener Way playground with an accessible design to include activities for children on the autism spectrum.

Director John Gibbons stated he had reviewed all of the fund balance sheets and confirmed the district has a workable budget.

The public hearing for the proposed 2026 budget is scheduled for the Dec. 11 board meeting.

Note: The September financial report was included as part of the proposed 2026 budget. Board financial reports are available at https://triviewmetro.com.

Tap fee update

District Administrator Sara Lamb said that year to date, the district had received 75 taps generating almost $4 million in revenue.

Vice President Ann Marie Jojola said tap fee income will eventually go away for residential property.

McGrady said the district anticipates several years of residential tap fee collection with about 85 taps expected in 2026, but tap fees for future commercial properties will continue after residential buildout is completed. The warehouse-type properties have a single tap and generate high revenue property tax using little water compared to multi-family apartment properties. The district is expecting to finalize about 12 taps for the apartment complex planned south of Higby Road before the end of the year, bringing the total revenue to about $4.5 million, said McGrady.

Higby Road project bank accounts

Lamb thanked the board directors for approving two new bank accounts for the Higby Road project.

McGrady said the two new bank accounts, titled Higby Road Project and Developer Agreement Fund, will provide transparency for billing purposes during the project and avoid any co-mingling of funds with the General Operations Fund. About $500,000 in developer fees have already been collected, and using the voter-approved $12.6 million bond funding at 5.05% interest, Kiewit will be paid from the new accounts.

Note: The $12.6 million bond was voter-approved on May 6 with 344 votes for and 230 votes against. For additional information about the project and updates, visit https://triviewhigbyroad.com.

Water operations update

Water Treatment Superintendent Gary Potter said Well A7 and Well D7 need to be rehabilitated with new pumps in 2026, and costs will be included in the 2026 budget. The district will need the wells online to supplement the district’s NDS water if 2026 is a dry year. The NDS produced 52% of the district’s water in September, said Potter.

McGrady said the district needed to supplement the NDS water with pumped well water to have enough of the allocated 700 acre-feet available for the remainder of the year.

Potter said issues continue with the reading accuracy of the flow-measuring equipment at the Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility. A technician recently recalibrated the equipment, and after a couple of weeks of data, the district will decide how to proceed.

The district produced 40.272 million gallons in the Sept. billing cycle and sold 37.567 million gallons to customers, leaving 2.628 million gallons of non-revenue water. The staff is trying to determine if the loss is an apparent loss or a real loss and is testing meters and installing new meters to verify accuracy. The district is also analyzing billing data to find and correct anomalies, and several irrigation meters were found to be severely under-registering water usage, said Potter.

AmCobi (third party billing)

Lamb said the administrative staff had its annual meeting with American Conservation & Billing Solutions (AmCobi, the district’s third-party water/wastewater billing service) to discuss a clear vision regarding customer service goals, finding strengths and weaknesses in billing. A decision to meet quarterly to focus on a more collaborative process in shared responsibilities was made.

Gibbons said that he usually receives his monthly bill with only two days before the due date and his bank locks out the due date via electronic payment, resulting in a late payment.

Lamb thanked Gibbons for the feedback.

Assistant manager’s update

Assistant Manager Steve Sheffield said the district hired Tom Martinez for the position of Public Works inspector/project manager in October.

Executive session

The board moved into executive session at about 8:25 p.m. to receive legal advice pursuant to CRS section 24-6-402(4)(b), as it relates to water matters and agreements with the TOM and other governmental entities.

Sheffield confirmed to this reporter that no action was taken when the board returned to the regular session.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at the district office at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 20 at 5:30 p.m. For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit https://triviewmetro.com.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Triview Metropolitan District articles

El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Oct. 15 – Board of County Commissioners slow to reimburse

By James Howald

At a brief meeting in October, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) board heard a financial report from Corben Fromm of Fromm and Co. LLC. Patricia Hutchinson, a civil design engineer with Merrick and Co. who is acting as the Loop’s workflow manager and coordinating the work being done by the consulting and engineering companies contributing to the project, gave the board an update. The meeting ended with an executive session.

Financial report

Fromm told the board that invoices totaling $253,157 had been received in September. The invoices were from engineering companies, his company, and the SpencerFane law firm, which serves as the Loop’s attorney. The board approved payment of the invoices.

In his financial statement, Fromm said the El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) had not yet reimbursed the Loop for its Q1 and Q2 expenses. The Loop received $4 million in startup funding from President Biden’s American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA). The Loop’s expenses are reimbursed by the BOCC from those ARPA funds, which are administered by the BOCC. Fromm said the BOCC is making its final review of the Loop’s expenses for Q1 and Q2. Board President Jessie Shaffer said the Loop’s finances “will be lean” until the BOCC completes its review and reimburses the Loop for the money it has spent.

Fromm said the Loop had spent 12% of its budget for the year and was currently spending about $250,000 per month. Shaffer recommended invoicing the three participating water districts—Donala Water and Sanitation District, the Town of Monument, and Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District—for $200,000 each to cover their financial obligations to the project. The board voted unanimously to authorize Fromm to send those invoices.

Workflow update

Hutchinson told the board that Western States Land Services LLC was doing the final title work on two large portions of the easements required to accommodate the pipelines that are needed to convey water from the Calhan Reservoir to customers in the participating water districts. She said she was discussing access to the north side of Higby Road with the Triview Metropolitan District and the Lewis-Palmer School District. The water treatment plant design team at Burns & McDonnell was working through design issues, she said. A special meeting to discuss pipelines was scheduled for Oct. 30, she said, and would be announced on the Loop’s webpage at https://loopwater.org.

Executive session

An executive session was held for the board to receive legal advice regarding its negotiations to purchase the Sundance Pipeline from the Cherokee Metropolitan District and on land acquisition, project financing, and project development. No actions were taken following the executive session.

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The next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 20 at 9 a.m. Regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall at 645 Beacon Lite Road. Please see loopwater.org or call 719-488-3603 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Loop articles

El Paso County Board of County Commissioners, Oct. 7 – Board approves contract for Fox Run Gazebo

By Marlene Brown

At the Oct. 7 meeting of the El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), the board approved, with a vote of 5-0, for the award of a contract with Timberline Building Systems LLC for the Fox Run Regional Park Gazebo and Renovation Project.

The project consists of the two existing ponds that will be dredged and lined with rubber, and the gazebo will be taken down and rebuilt, near where it exists now, and will be near the improved amphitheater. The new design will ensure that the structures will be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible. The contract is for $1.4 million, and construction will begin as soon as possible.

Another agenda item that was approved pertaining to Northern El Paso County was the contract award to Amrize WestCentral Inc. for the construction of the North Gate Boulevard/Struthers Road Drainage and Pond Project with the Department of Public Works Engineering Division. This project has been approved by federal, state, and local governments.

On the federal side, the Air Force Academy and I-25 are impacted; the Colorado Department of Transportation and the county Public Works Department are included. The project will cost over $3.4 million.

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BOCC meetings are normally held on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. at the Centennial Hall Auditorium, 200 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed via live stream at https://clerkandrecorder.elpasoco.com/clerk-to-the-board/meeting-live-stream/. For more information regarding the BOCC, see https://bocc.elpasoco.com.

Marlene Brown can be reached at marlenebrown@ocn.me.

Other El Paso County Board of County Commissioners articles

Gleneagle Civic Association Board of Directors, Sept. 30 – Board defends use of companies for duties

By David Futey

On Sept. 30, the Gleneagle Civic Association (GCA) held its bi-monthly meeting at Antelope Trails Elementary School (ATES) with the latter portion of the meeting an opportunity for community member questions and comments. Board members Jimmy Owenby, GCA president, Steve Kouri, treasurer, Glenn Leimbach, board member at large, Mark Connell, board member at large, and Jeff McLemore, board member, were in attendance.

The initial discussion focused on financial updates. Kouri noted that legal fees for updating the covenants documents were not budgeted, but, “It is a great opportunity for the association to be current and have one set of documents that will be easy for everyone to read and understand.” Balanced Bookkeeping was hired in May, assuming bookkeeping responsibilities that were previously performed by Warren Management.

Since Balanced Bookkeeping began, the number of homeowners in arrears of paying their annual assessment dues has been reduced from 72 to 12. Late fees were waived due to conflicting information in the association’s declarations.

Kouri said, “We do not have a lot of assessments coming in every year to afford letting those go.” Over $40,000 was paid to Warren Management, and “they did nothing regarding collections” said Kouri. He said, “About $7,000 in aged receivables remain outstanding, and once that comes in we will be able to operate the normal budget.” Owenby provided a summary of the move from Warren Management, stating in part “there were a number of reasons for the move but the main was they were not doing their job and their responsibility in terms of collections and getting back to residents and realtors in a timely manner.”

Leimbach provided a report regarding covenants and the hiring of Centerpoint Management to provide fair and equitable covenant enforcement. Centerpoint was hired to identify covenants violations, driving the entire GCA area every two weeks. Centerpoint also monitors state legislation related to covenants and Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (CCIOA) changes. Owenby and Leimbach conducted an initial drive around with Centerpoint to set enforcement standards that reflect the Gleneagle culture. Some of the issues that have been addressed include illegally parked RVs/campers, weeds, and overgrown yards.

Leimbach said “I have been here a long time, over 33 years and I have slowly seen the quality of Gleneagle on a downhill slide.” Owenby said that “some portions of this neighborhood need a little bit more work than others” and that using Centerpoint “is more fair, more equitable than opposed to how covenant enforcement worked in the past where neighbors essentially volunteered information on their neighbors.” Owenby said the board tried using volunteers regarding covenant enforcement, but it was inconsistent and, specifically with CCIOA guidelines, difficult to perform the required timing of violation notifications and re-inspections. Owenby added that Centerpoint provides two-week consistency.

For the Architectural Review Committee (ARC), McLemore said he estimated that since November 2024 there have been 60 ARC requests, with fences and sheds being the top two requests. Of those, there have been three or four variances issued. He also reviewed a new house. An ARC committee is forming to review related documents, some that are outdated.

During the Roads, Signs, and Common Areas update, Connell said a leaning signpost on Westchester and Scottsdale was corrected. He coordinated with a homeowner at Pauma Valley and Gleneagle Drive, trimming back shrubbery to correct a visibility issue at that intersection. He will be working on a visibility issue at Westchester and Scottsdale the following week.

Leimbach talked about the open space, beginning with the path that goes down from the top of the previous 14th fairway toward Pauma Valley. Fill was brought in to raise the path. Addressing the erosion issues on the 14th has stopped the general upgrade of all the open space trails. He mentioned the high costs and issues in getting trail material delivered. Leimbach said crosswalks have been painted across Gleneagle Drive and across Pauma Valley, where open space trails cross. Five benches have been installed around the open space area.

He then mentioned the poor condition of islands, particularly the one between Stone Eagle and Huntington Beach, which is 720 feet long. The initial bid to upgrade it was $55,000, which he said was exorbitant. He expressed the islands’ importance as they are “the first thing you see after the Welcome to Gleneagle sign. It has old mulch, torn-up fabric, and different gravel colors.” The objective is to install native grass that will align it with the islands at the north end. He is investigating whether some of it can be done through volunteers, thus mitigating some of the cost.

Regarding old business and the town hall, Owenby said the town halls were educational for the board and hopefully for those who attended and participated. The GCA board held two town halls related to updating the covenants before this town hall. He acknowledged and appreciated the feedback received. The GCA attorney is reviewing the updated covenants declaration for compliance with CCIOA.

Owenby brought up the short-term lease amendment, which was originally drafted by the previous board in 2022 but not voted on by GCA members. Owenby said that voting by mail on this amendment would cost at least $2,000 for sending out and the self-addressed return envelope. He said, “there are strong emotions” regarding the topic as “some residents are very anti-B&B, and there are some residents that are very pro-B&B.”

He continued, “We are trying to make it equitable as we know there are a number of residents that rent out their houses during Air Force Academy graduation, and that is a revenue generator for some people.” Owenby further stated that “some parts of the community have non-stop B&Bs.”

The present board seeks to finish this amendment process started by the previous board, with ballots including a vote on this amendment mailed to GCA members on Oct. 16. CCIOA states the board has 60 days to collect all the votes or 67% of affirmative votes once the first vote is cast.

The board presented information and justification concerning the need to increase the annual assessment dues. The proposed dues increase is to cover three primary areas, covenant enforcement, accounting, and maintaining the open space and related areas, the highest of the three costs. The following highlights information presented by the board.

Dues summary

  • The board is 100% volunteer.
  • Covenant enforcement for 703 homes with a volunteer board is unsustainable.
  • Professional covenant enforcement is recommended for fairness and sustainability.
  • The proposed dues increases include: $30/household/year for covenant enforcement by Centerpoint. $25/household/year for accounting by Balanced Bookkeeping (this is 75% of Warren’s cost). $82/household/year for open space maintenance.

Open space and liability

  • Ninety acres of open space and islands cannot be effectively maintained by volunteers.
  • Liability issues, like wildfires, were discussed.

Insurance

  • The association maintains comprehensive and general liability for common areas, property for common areas, officers and directors, and liability insurance.
  • Insurance companies are dropping coverage on HOAs.

HOA dues comparisons

  • The GCA dues are presently $67/year. The GCA board is proposing $140/year.
  • He said, “There is truly not a direct comparable, meaning there is no 700-member organization that has a 90-acre open space.”
  • Gleneagle North HOA: $125/year not including trash for about 350 members with 5-10 acres of open space.
  • Sanctuary Pointe: $420/year with trash removal.
  • NorthGate Highlands: $630/year with trash and snow removal
  • Paradise Villas: $2,600-$3,000/year depending on patio property size that includes landscape maintenance and snow and trash removal.
  • Connell concluded, “There is no other HOA our size in the Colorado Springs area that is managed solely by volunteers.”

Upcoming meetings and elections

  • The board is attempting to schedule ATES for the annual member meeting in November.
  • There will be an election call for candidates to fill the two-year terms of board president and member-at-large beginning in December. Owenby and Leimbach are not returning.

Community comments

  • When community members asked about Balanced Bookkeeping and Centerpoint being used, Owenby said, based on the current covenants, “The board has the discretion to hire companies as it sees fit in order to run the daily business of the organization.”
  • A community member asked what happens if the ballot measure for the dues increase fails. Owenby said the community would have to decide on what budget cuts to make.
  • Owenby said collecting dues was “number one” in terms of the input they received from community members. He added that “when you have a 30% rate of attrition, that’s problematic for an organization and it’s not fair.”
  • A community member suggested “looking inward” to solicit landscapers, lawyers, and accountants within the community to volunteer roles. Owenby said this board and previous boards have tried to use volunteers. The role and challenges of volunteerism were discussed including consistency, commitment, liability, and training.
  • The viability of the open space, which is presently private property owned by the GCA, being converted to a “public” space was discussed.
  • Communication issues from the board to community members were a major topic, including emails not being received by community members, outdated contact lists, suggestions for a newsletter, and improving outreach to community members.
  • In response to a resident stating, “Why should people care what other people do?” and concerns about the dues increase, Leimbach said, “I have been here 33 years, and I know what we were doing in the past (regarding covenant enforcement) wasn’t working. You either don’t enforce covenants or they were enforced unfairly. Both options are not good options, they are bad options. We are talking about 12 bucks a month to run this entire area.” He continued that Centerpoint is efficient with addressing violations and with communications to residents, saving the association money. Later, Owenby said the 750-foot island along the southern part of Gleneagle Drive is the “front door to the community” and it and the common spaces need to be maintained. He said, “We are not a new community.”
  • A community member mentioned the expense of the benches ($650 each) when the board is asking to increase dues. Owenby responded with, “There have been a number of people who have wanted benches for years. On a personal level, you might not see it as a priority, but a lot of people walk that trail two or three times a day and all they were asking for was a place to sit.” Owenby said the board looked at eight benches to find something that would last so that the next board would not need to replace them in four or five years. Reserve money was used to buy the five benches.
  • The board discussed efforts to increase community participation in voting, aiming for a 67% turnout, and the need for volunteers to help with voting outreach and “get people to vote,” Owenby said.
  • Covenant enforcement and the process for granting variances were explained, with an emphasis on legal responsibilities and fairness. Owenby said, “There were a couple of trailers that we (the board) granted temporary variances [to] because of extenuating circumstances where they (the homeowners) needed to keep the trailers on their lot.”
  • Balanced Bookkeeping has 620 email addresses out of the 703 GCA homes. They sent out a notice by mail to community members to confirm contact information. There’s a link on the GCA website to update contact information with Balanced Bookkeeping.
  • Owenby said Bryce Meighan, the attorney assisting the covenant review, was paid a flat fee as opposed to hourly because that was more cost effective for the GCA. He said the board had to pay an additional amount given adjustments made in the declaration’s development and explained, “We try to be very responsible with this and at the same time trying to get this stuff updated.”

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For more information on the Gleneagle Civic Association, see https://www.gleneaglehoa.org.

David Futey can be reached at davidfutey@ocn.me.

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Gleneagle Civic Association Town Hall Meeting, Oct. 15 – Town Hall covers ballot measures

By David Futey

On Oct. 15, the Gleneagle Civic Association (GCA) board held a Town Hall in the Antelope Trails Elementary School (ATES) gym, presenting information on the voting process and highlighting specifics related to three ballot measures. Residents are asked to vote on the re-written GCA covenants declarations, an amendment regarding short-term leasing, and increasing the annual assessment dues. Ballots were scheduled to be mailed to addresses on file associated with all 703 homeowners on Oct. 16. Documents and other information related to these measures can be found at the GCA website (https://www.gleneaglehoa.org/home/).

Board members Jimmy Owenby, GCA president, Steve Kouri, treasurer, Glenn Leimbach, board member at large, Mark Connell, board member at large, and Jeff McLemore, board member, along with GCA legal counsel Bryce Meighan with Orten, Cavanaugh, Holmes & Hunt LLC were present. There were over 40 GCA members in person and others joining online. Owenby and Meighan primarily presented information on the voting process, background on each ballot measure, and answers to questions from in-person and online attendees.

Key points from the meeting include:

  • A 67% approval is required for each measure to pass. Thus, if all 703 households are in good standing, meaning not in arrears of paying their annual assessment and their voting right is suspended, then 471 households need to vote in the affirmative for a measure to pass.
  • There is one ballot vote per household.
  • The measures are independent of each other. Thus, one or two measures can pass while the other(s) fail.
  • An unreturned ballot is considered a no vote for all three measures.
  • Ballots must be returned by Dec. 14 to be counted.
  • The ballot mailing will include a letter with information on the voting process and on how to get a copy of the documents being voted on. A SASE will also be included.
  • Owenby said the board received 100-120 emails with suggestions for the declaration re-write along with feedback from the previous two town halls. So, the declarations being voted on are different in part from what was originally proposed. He reiterated that the present covenants were mainly written in 1973 and 1983 along with amendments added over time. He said, “There are items [in the present covenants] that do not comply with Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act [CCIOA], state law, are no longer relevant or are unenforceable.”
  • Among the changes made from the original draft of the covenant declarations to the voted-on document include:
    • A GCA mission statement was added.
    • A maximum yearly assessment is capped at $200. It was set at $400 in the original draft. If the covenants declaration passes, the $200 cap exempts the association from CCIOA for a large, planned community. This would be a “big benefit,” according to Meighan.
    • Any change to the open space would require an 80% affirmative vote from GCA members in good standing.
    • A section on borrowing was removed given the GCA’s reserves and insurance coverage.
    • A special assessment vote affirmation was changed from 51% to 67%.
  • The proposed annual assessment is $140. The present annual assessment is $67.
  • The board is preparing two separate budgets, depending on whether the proposed annual assessment increase passes or doesn’t.
  • Any board proposals on rules or regulations cannot conflict with the covenants’ declarations.
  • There was a discussion on the impact of members not paying their assessments, fines for violations, and if the board can foreclose on a property. Meighan said, “I have been involved with the GCA for 20 years and do not recall any foreclosure” related to unpaid assessments or fines. Fines are seen as a method to achieve compliance with the covenants. Voting rights and other privileges can be suspended if assessment dues are in arrears.
  • Members expressed concern about not receiving or inconsistently receiving emails regarding the process to update the covenants. Owenby said, “At least two letters have gone out since May requesting updated contact information, one from Balanced Bookkeeping after they took over for Warren Management and the other from Centerpoint.” Balanced Bookkeeping manages the master contact file. Members should contact the board if they are not receiving information or go to the GCA website, where they can update their information with Balanced Bookkeeping.
  • Members expressed concern about the special assessment section in the declaration. Owenby said the board had difficulty determining what a special assessment might be because the GCA “has no swimming pool, tennis court or other facilities” that might require significant or unexpected upkeep. He said one possibility would be if flooding from the open space caused damage to adjacent houses. A special assessment might be needed to cover costs above what the association’s insurance covers. He noted “the proposed annual assessment increase is for maintaining the operation of the association such as maintaining the open space” and mitigating the possibility of flooding or fire.
  • The leasing amendment, if it passes, would be incorporated into whichever covenants declaration is retained after the voting concludes.
  • The GCA annual meeting will be held at ATES at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 12.

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For more information on the Gleneagle Civic Association, see https://www.gleneaglehoa.org.

David Futey can be reached at davidfutey@ocn.me.

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Woodmoor Improvement Association, Oct. 24 – Board urges safety, announces holiday light contest

By Jackie Burhans

The Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) board met on Oct. 24 to discuss the need for residents to exercise caution and to announce its annual holiday lighting contest.

Board reminds residents to be vigilant

Public Safety Director Brad Gleason reported that on Oct. 8, illegal entry of vehicles was reported in northwest Woodmoor. Enhanced images were circulated but had not produced identification, he said. Numerous stolen items were found in a backyard in Woodmoor and returned to their owner. Gleason noted that there was a similar incident earlier in Castle Pines.

Woodmoor Public Safety (WPS) Chief Kevin Nielsen said that most of the vehicles were unlocked. One was locked but had a purse inside, and the window was broken. One victim reported that someone got into his truck and used his garage door opener to steal a motorcycle.

Gleason reminded residents to lock their car doors and remove valuables and garage door openers.

Nielsen also said that December and May are the biggest months for mail theft as people are looking for gift cards and cash sent for Christmas and graduation. Recommended precautions include locking mailboxes and signing up for the Informed Delivery Services with the United States Postal Service.

Holiday lights contest

Community Outreach Director Rick DePaiva announced that WIA would hold its third annual holiday lighting contest sponsored by Mountain View Electric Association (MVEA). Nielsen will recommend winners in three categories who will each receive $100 credit against their electric bill, he said.

Highlights

  • Vice president. Peter Bille announced that WIA is in the process of updating its IT systems, including cabling. WIA moved away from a managed service provider to a consultant and was saving money, he noted.
  • Secretary/Community Outreach. DePaiva reported that the Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Organizations (NEPCO), which tracks development, shares information with member homeowners’ associations (HOAs), and addresses HOA issues, is looking for board members and volunteers. Contact info@nepco.org for more information.
  • Treasurer: Bush, speaking for Treasurer Pete Giusti, said that income was coming in as expected and expenses were lower than expected, in part due to lower fuel costs since WPS acquired hybrid vehicles. He told the board that 2026 budget documents would be distributed via email and would be discussed and adopted at the Nov. 19 meeting.
  • Meeting date changed: HOA Administrator Denise Cagliaro said the next meeting on Nov. 19 had been moved to the week before Thanksgiving. Bush noted that WIA often skips its December meeting and holds an annual meeting in January, followed by a short board re-organization meeting.
  • Covenants: Director Jennifer Davis reported 250 covenant items in September and five unfounded complaints. Most issues were about tall grass, weeds, and leaving trash cans out after pickup. She noted 14 HOA checks, no hearings in October, and one hearing to be held in November about barking dogs.
  • Public Safety: Nielsen confirmed that WPS monitors NextDoor, noting that there is still fire danger as things grow and dry out and asking residents to be mindful. Nielsen confirmed that WPS adjusts its patrols in response to reports of issues in other communities.
  • Architectural Control: Director Ed Miller reported 51 project submissions, including 45 approved administratively and six by the Architectural Control Committee. Year-to-date, there have been 374 projects, which is a 22.2% decrease from last year. Projects have been approved at a 98.9% rate.
  • Forestry: Director Jason Hann said that WIA completed 11 forestry and Firewise visits. Reimbursements for mitigation are slow due to staffing issues. He is reviewing the budget and will help add boulders to some common areas.
  • President. Bush thanked board members and residents for bringing attention to an area that was inadvertently left out of the prairie dog mitigation, noting that it has now been handled. He expects that this will continue to be an issue every year that construction is ongoing. Bush also reported that the Highway 105B project is moving slowly with its easement appraisal process. For more information, see https://tinyurl.com/epc-hwy105.

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The WIA Board of Directors usually meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Barn at 1691 Woodmoor Drive, Monument. The next meeting will be on Nov. 19. See www.woodmoor.org to confirm meeting details.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me

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Letters to Our Community – Jackie Burhans for D38 School Board

I am writing to share my enthusiastic support for D38 School Board candidate Jackie Burhans. Since we moved here seven years ago, Jackie has been a community resource for all things Lewis-Palmer School District through her Lewis-Palmer D38 Education Community Facebook group. There, she has live-blogged School Board meetings for at least the last five years, making sure all community members have easy access to School Board information. I am currently serving on a district committee with Jackie, and she is a positive voice for students and staff. In my many volunteer roles at LPES, LPMS, and now PRHS, I have appreciated the support Jackie gives to all events and fundraisers benefiting students and staff. Her student has long graduated, but she is still engaged and involved, contributing her time to D38 schools. We need a candidate who will work with all stakeholders in D38 to responsibly manage taxpayer funds and support all students and staff. Please join me in voting for Jackie Burhans for D38 School Board.

Corey Grundel

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Letters to Our Community – Vote for Ginger Schaaf

With the upcoming School Board elections on Nov. 4, and so many current concerns for parents’ rights, I’m inspired by the common-sense conservative candidacy of Ginger Schaaf.

Ginger is not only promoting academic excellence, but she understands that educational fads take time away from proficiency in the basics that parents desire for their students.

Ginger is an advocate for safe places for girls in lavatories, locker rooms, and athletics.

Ginger has a low tolerance for increasing our property taxes through mill levy overrides and prefers petitioning the Legislature to allocate proper funding for education. She also supports our local charter school, Monument Academy.

As the wife of a retired 20-year military serviceman, Ginger understands well the sacrifices required to keep America free. She understands the importance of reasserting students’ grasp of history, civics, and particularly love of country.

Ginger and her husband have two children in the district, making her particularly attentive to the D-38 district’s parental concerns.

If your family wants a school board member with traditional values and a concern for perpetuating American exceptionalism, please consider Ginger Schaaf for D-38 School Board member on Nov. 4.

Leslie Hanks

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Letters to Our Community – Manipulative vs. persuasive speech

I am shocked and in awe of the lies and hatred being spread about a kind woman who has dedicated her personal time to supporting our school district and the future of every child in the D38 area.

I understand how fearful these lies feel. The tactics the people spreading this fear are using a type of speech called manipulative speech. Manipulative speech often creates a strong emotional reaction — guilt, fear, shame, or obligation — instead of giving you space to think clearly. Manipulators often frame choices as black and white to steer your decision. Manipulative speech leans heavily on emotional debts or moral pressure. If you question the manipulator, they deflect, blame others, or change the subject.

Pay attention to how these folks are reacting to questions about what they are spreading. The difference between persuasive and manipulative speech is easily detected. Persuasive speech is based on facts and logic, respects the listener’s autonomy, seeks a mutual benefit, and is transparent. Manipulative speech is based on distortion or deceit, undermines the listener’s autonomy, seeks personal or one-sided gain, and conceals the speaker’s true intent.

Remember, it is easier to dupe someone than it is to convince them they have been duped. This is not the kind of future I wish for our community or our county. Please do not believe the fear-mongering that has been going around about Jackie Burhans; she is the best-qualified candidate and the most dedicated to making sure public education is representative for all students. Vote for Jackie before Nov. 4!

Heather Jacobson

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Letters to Our Community – Support Jackie Burhans

As a retired military member and longtime resident, I’ve always believed that each person in our community deserves to have their voice heard—especially our children. After meeting Jackie Burhans and learning more about her background as a dedicated community advocate and longstanding Monument resident, I am inspired to support her candidacy for the District 38 School Board.

What impressed me most about Jackie is her commitment to represent all voices in our schools, rather than prioritizing one group over another. Jackie understands that effective leadership means understanding the diverse needs of our students and working toward solutions that consider everyone—even if it’s impossible to satisfy each person completely every time. She recognizes that the School Board’s job isn’t about championing a single agenda, but rather about giving every child, regardless of background, a chance to be heard.

Unfortunately, some in our community are trying to make this election about LGBTQ rights alone. In reality, it’s about making sure all students’ needs and perspectives are recognized. Jackie’s record speaks volumes—she has supported kids from all backgrounds, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, and her work at Tri-Lakes Cares Food Bank has given her a unique understanding of the challenges local families face.

One board member cannot change the entire board, but one member can make sure every voice is considered. Jackie Burhans brings deep experience, compassion, and an open mind to this role. Our schools need leaders willing to listen, not just to those who agree with them but to everyone. We don’t have to think, live, or act alike—but we do need to give each other the respect of being heard. That’s why I am proud to support Jackie for School Board.

Kerri Kilgore

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Letters to Our Community – Endorsement for Ginger Schaaf—D38 School Board

I have lived in Monument, Colo., for over three years and chose this community because of its strong schools and small-town feel—an ideal environment for raising my five children. As a 2005 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and current Air Force Reserves member, I value service, integrity, and the importance of quality education.

I am a firm supporter of parental rights and school choice. I’ve seen firsthand how school choice has positively impacted families—improving academic outcomes and providing peace of mind for unique medical or personal needs. I believe we must approach education with common sense and a family-first mindset.

That’s why I strongly support Ginger Schaaf for the District 38 School Board. Ginger exemplifies everything we need in a board member. As part of a military family, she brings a broad perspective from experiencing diverse school districts across the country. Her dedication to her family is evident and reflects the values that will keep our children at the forefront of decision-making.

Ginger’s professional background in management showcases her decisive leadership, excellent problem-solving skills, and work ethic. She is a person of deep integrity and strong character—someone who will serve our community with honesty and determination. She has a commonsense approach to ensure that our children will come first in board decisions. She fosters open communication and is always seeking ways to improve our community with an unparalleled work ethic.

I wholeheartedly recommend Ginger Schaaf for the D38 School Board and encourage you to vote for her.

Lt. Col. Jessa Liegl

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Letters to Our Community – Ginger Schaaf endorsement

Tri-Lakes is a great place to live! We have wonderful neighbors, a sense of community, and terrific schools. We are all passionate about protecting our “small town” regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum. But whether people want to believe it, part of what makes this area so wonderful is our history of conservative values and voting. Ginger Schaaf, a dedicated conservative candidate running for the School Board, is an exceptional choice to represent our families and students and continue the legacy of D38 being a great place to live.

Ginger’s platform prioritizes the safety and well-being of our children, particularly through her advocacy for safe spaces for girls in our schools. Some will speculate that because she wants to protect our girls, this means she will discriminate against others. Ginger understands the importance of creating environments where all students feel secure and respected. Her commitment to protecting all students demonstrates her focus on fostering a positive and inclusive educational experience.

Ginger supports charter schools, keeping our taxes low, and parent involvement. She deeply cares about our teachers and will voraciously petition to get money from the state to support them. She comes from a family of service. As a military spouse, she’s traveled the world, where she has seen schools and districts, both good and bad, from which she draws invaluable firsthand experience. This knowledge will serve her well in D38, bringing new and fresh ideas to the table.

I urge the residents of Monument to support Ginger in the upcoming School Board election. Her vision, integrity, and dedication to our students and community make her the ideal candidate to help shape the future of our schools.

Melissa May

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Letters to Our Community – Support Burhans for D38 School Board

It is with great confidence and enthusiasm that I endorse Jackie Burhans for a seat on the Board of Education in Lewis-Palmer School District 38.

Through community engagements and as a former member of the Lewis-Palmer School District staff, I have had the pleasure of serving alongside Jackie as she engaged as a volunteer in multiple capacities. Whether it be in focus groups, committees, or targeted community projects aimed at enhancing both our schools and the broader community, Jackie has consistently shown up with energy, insight, and a deep commitment to positive change.

Jackie approaches every engagement with active participation, thoughtfulness, and a genuine curiosity that invites dialogue and fosters progress. She brings a solution-focused mindset to every conversation, asking thoughtful and often challenging questions that reflect her desire to truly understand and serve all members of our school community.

One of Jackie’s greatest strengths is her ability to balance innovation with tradition, displaying a deep respect for the values of our community while also advocating for forward-thinking approaches that benefit students and educators alike. Her relational demeanor makes her a unifying and trusted presence in any group.

I have no doubt that Jackie will bring the same dedication, thoughtfulness, and integrity to her role as a Board of Education member. I wholeheartedly endorse her candidacy and believe she will be a tremendous advocate for students, families, educators, and the entire Lewis-Palmer School District community to carry forward the mission of “Every Student. Every Day.”

Jessica McAllister
Former director of D38 Innovative Programs

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Letters to Our Community – Schaaf for family values

Candidates were asked what policy recommendations they would support at the September school board candidate forum on the question about gender and student inclusion, concerning the use of bathrooms and locker rooms and safety and fairness in sports. Ginger Schaaf said she didn’t believe the opposite sex belongs in her bathroom, and you should go to the bathroom/locker room based on your birth-assigned gender, and boys should not compete in girls’ sports because they are physiologically different.

Jackie Burhans said she wants to elevate all students and spoke about the district following legal regulations without, in my opinion, directly answering the question. (The video can be found at lewispalmer.org, under Board of Education resources and links for the video. The question was at about the 39:10 point.) Since I have a collegiate swimmer daughter, Schaaf’s response aligns more with my family’s values on safe spaces for girls.

The other important topic for me has to do with school choice. As a teacher at Monument Academy and a parent with kids who have done public, charter, alternative, and homeschool, Schaaf’s support for school choice also aligns with my family’s values. I know she supports MA as she attended two recent events there, and I have personally spoken to her. Other than attending MA as a reporter for this publication, I cannot recall a time over the last decade when Burhans has attended an event at our charter school.

Schaaf has two current D38 students, so I believe she will be invested in their education. I also think her business background will help guide the district’s financial decisions. These are my main reasons for supporting Ginger Schaaf for the D38 School Board.

Amy McKenzie

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Letters to Our Community – Vote for Ginger Schaaf

As a mom of two D38 students who graduated in 2023, one was the valedictorian at Palmer Ridge that year, I want to voice my support for Ginger Schaaf running for the one contested seat for the District 38 Board of Education. I want to see this district continue to maintain excellence in education while focusing on content that makes a difference and not the many distractions we see across our nation. Ginger is the commonsense conservative choice. A fresh start. A new perspective. A political newbie. A smart, savvy, involved mother of two children currently in D38. She is a proponent of:

  • Keeping property taxes low by petitioning Denver for prioritization of educational funding instead of raising property taxes on our local residents with every need.
  • Protection of private spaces for girls and sports—Title IX and a Presidential Executive Order provide for this protection as well.
  • School choice to include support for Monument Academy.
  • Promotion of what is needed to maintain Accreditation with Distinction from the CDE.
  • Parent involvement in the education journey of their student(s).
  • Age-appropriate content in our school libraries.

I encourage you to vote yes for Ginger on or before 7 p.m. on Nov. 4, 2025. Mail-in or drop box voting only in our district. To all that is good…

Karen McVay

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Letters to Our Community – Endorsement of Jackie Burhans

I wholeheartedly endorse Jackie Burhans for D38 School Board director, District 3. I lived in Monument for 17 years (2005-23). During that time, I relied on Jackie for accurate, fact-based information on the school district to guide my vote on ballot measures.

Jackie has been involved in District 38 for over 20 years as a parent, reporter, and concerned taxpayer, attending School Board meetings, taking notes, and doing the research to understand the issues deeply.

Jackie also works at Tri-Lakes Cares, helping our most vulnerable neighbors in the Tri-Lakes area. I have volunteered alongside Jackie, putting on caucuses and getting out the vote in Monument.

I know first-hand that Jackie consistently shows up and puts in the work. More importantly, Jackie has a true heart for community service and a passion for public education.

Amy Paschal

Colorado state representative, District 18

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Letters to Our Community – D38 safety—a senior and grandfather’s perspective

Thanks to the volunteer construction engineers donating their time to draft design privacy-assured, safe mixed-gender bathrooms and showers.

I agree with their personal consensus that the best solution is no.

However, should mixed gender in sports and bathrooms be sadly supported or pursued, what would it cost to lessen student safety with mixed bathrooms?

Roughly $160-$200 per square foot per each bathroom or shower. I believe that is D38 cost prohibitive without a bond to finance remodel across PRHS, LPHS, LPMS, HSA & Transitions facilities, and the new CIC.

I believe student safety is the primary responsibility of D38, and Ginger Schaaf prioritizes student safety overall. She has my grandfather vote.

Gordon Reichal

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Letters to Our Community – Ginger Schaaf: common sense candidate for D38 School Board

I am writing this letter in support of Ginger Schaaf, who is running for the D38 School Board. As a former military wife, teacher, and mother of two former students in D38, the entire reason we relocated to Monument was the excellent and outstanding reputation of D38. During that period nearly 20 years ago, Monument was a tight-knit community known for its small-town values, traditions, and family-friendly atmosphere—and although we have grown significantly since then, it is still the same and, in my opinion, still one of the best school districts in the state.

Ginger Schaaf is running as a conservative candidate for our school board. A former military wife, Ginger is an active and involved mother with two young children attending district schools, so she is extremely invested in School Board outcomes. She advocates for parental involvement in all levels of student education. She supports our outstanding and very successful local charter school: Monument Academy. She supports safe spaces for girls in bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports. She is against pornographic content in our school libraries. She has a conservative view of property tax increases, MLOs, and bonds, preferring to petition other funding resources that will not impact homeowners who have already seen their property taxes double and, in some cases, triple in our community. In essence, Ginger Schaaf represents the same traditional family values that Monument is known for. She is the most outstanding, common-sense candidate for D38, without question.

Vote for Ginger Schaaf for D38 School Board: the common sense candidate who will advocate for safety and excellence.

Dolly Rickerman

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Letters to Our Community – Jackie Burhans is the experienced voice we need in D38

I wholeheartedly endorse Jackie Burhans for D38 School Board! She is the most qualified and knowledgeable candidate that I have seen run for our School Board in the 10 years my family has called Monument home.

I met Jackie not long after my family was stationed in Colorado in 2015. Shortly after moving here, I got involved with our district, volunteering in my children’s schools, coaching, and participating on several district-level committees. Jackie was also heavily involved with volunteering in D38, and I was immediately in awe of her selflessness and enthusiasm in giving her time to community endeavors.

Jackie has volunteered literally thousands of hours to the betterment of our community. She is a thoughtful listener and critical thinker, understanding the many issues facing our public education system—and D38, specifically. Her vast knowledge of where we’ve been, coupled with her understanding of the state and federal legislation that guides education policy, means she will step into Day 1 on the board with foundational knowledge and ready to contribute to tackling the most pressing issues in our district.

Jackie’s top priorities are valuing educators, maintaining the academic excellence D38 is known for, enhancing the multiple educational pathways D38 offers, and fostering continued community collaboration and transparency.

As one of five members of the board, Jackie will bring an informed and balanced voice to D38, where she will continue her 30-year legacy of commitment to our Tri-Lakes community.

Amy Shertzer

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Letters to Our Community – Support Ginger Schaaf for D38 School Board

Seventy-nine percent of Americans agree: keeping biological males out of women’s sports, locker rooms, and restrooms is essential to protecting the safety and privacy of girls and women in educational settings.

Yet here in Colorado, progressive liberals in the Legislature—led by a bill written by a trans-identifying activist—have pushed a radical gender ideology agenda that undermines both parental rights and religious liberties.

In the D38 School Board race, the choice could not be clearer: progressive liberal Jackie Burhans or conservative leader Ginger Schaaf. For parents who care about protecting children, families, and educational integrity, the only real choice is Ginger Schaaf.

Ginger’s platform reflects common sense and community values—lower taxes, academic excellence, school safety, support for teachers, and healthy learning environments. She’s a mother with children in the district and the wife of a retired military officer. Her proven leadership has earned the endorsement of respected education champions, including current BOE members Todd Brown and Kris Norris, former BOE member Chris Taylor, CU Regent Frank McNulty, State Board of Education member Kristi Burton Brown, State Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell, and former Senate President Bill Cadman.

Meanwhile, Jackie Burhans’ husband is a former Obama field organizer, part of a network of leftist community activists who have learned to blend in by volunteering for everything. They use friendliness and visibility to embed themselves in the community while quietly advancing a divisive political agenda. Now they’re working on every social media platform to smear Ginger Schaaf and mislead voters—the same old tactics of attack, divide, and manipulate I saw firsthand when I served in the Legislature.

Ginger Schaaf will restore sanity, accountability, and academic focus to District 38. Join me in standing up for our children’s future—vote for Ginger Schaaf for D38 School Board.

Amy Stephens
Former state House Majority Leader

Our Community News welcomes letters to the editor on topics of general interest to readers in the Tri-Lakes area. See the Letter Guidelines. The information and opinions expressed in Letters to Our Community are the responsibility of the letter writers and should not be interpreted as the views of OCN even if the letter writer is an OCN volunteer. When there is more than one letter, the letters are arranged in alphabetical order based on the last name of the author.

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Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Remembering to be thankful

By the staff at Covered Treasures

“… Choosing courage, discipline, and kindness can feel impossible and increasingly vulnerable in a time when even empathy has been vilified. “—Brene Brown

Here are a few books that might help us get into the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Poems & Prayers

By Matthew McConaughey (Crown) $29

Some of the poems are funny, some are jagged, many are uncomfortably honest—that willingness by McConaughey to laugh at himself might be what gives Poems and Prayers its unexpected charm. He asks us to forget logic and certainty, to go beyond what we can imagine, and believe in the poetry of life.

The Table Where Rich People Sit

By Byrd Taylor (Aladdin Paperbacks) $7.99

When she examines her life, Mountain Girl realizes her parents need to earn more money. Her father explains that they are already millionaires. He helps his daughter count up the monetary value of seeing the sky all day, feeling the wind, and smelling the coming rain. Illustrated by three-time Caldecott Honoree Peter Parnall’s dramatic watercolors, this book, written for younger readers, is a good reminder about what really matters for all of us.

Born Lucky

By Leland Vittert (Harper Horizon), $29.99

Born Lucky offers hope to every parent and every child who is grappling with their own unique challenges, to be inspired to break labels, tear down the walls that society builds, and create a better future. An intimate look into their inspiring journey, Vittert lays bare his experiences of the crushing bullying during middle and high school, the sting of rejection continuing into college, and his ultimate transformation into an esteemed journalist. But above all, this book is a love letter from a grateful son who, despite his diagnosis, trusted his father and defied all odds.

Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit

By Brene Brown (Blackstone Publishing) $26

A research professor at the University of Houston, Brown shares lessons from her own experiences along with wisdom from other thinkers. A vital playbook for everyone from senior leaders developing and executing complex strategies to Gen Z-ers entering and navigating turbulent work environments, Brown offers a broad assessment of the skill sets and mindsets we need moving forward, including the capacity for respectful and difficult conversations.

My Beloved

By Jan Karon (Putnam) $32

Bestselling author Jan Karon gives her fans what they want at this time: a new Mitford novel. When Father Tim’s wife, Cynthia, asks what he wants for Christmas, he pens the answer in a love letter that bares his most private feelings. Then the letter goes missing and circulates among his astonished neighbors. So much for privacy. Poignant, hilarious, and life-affirming, My Beloved sets a generous table for readers who love these characters like family.

History Matters

By David McCullough; Edited by Dorie McCullough Lawson and Michael Hill (Simon & Schuster) $27

In this small book of short, thought-provoking essays and speeches, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian David McCullough reminds us of the value of history, how we can be guided by its lessons, and the enduring legacy of American ideals. Written over the course of his long and distinguished career, each entry focuses on his lifelong passion: the importance of history in understanding our present and future.

Love & Saffron; A Novel of Friendship, Food, and Love

By Kim Fay (Putnam) $18

This slim book is a witty and tender novel following two women in 1960s-1980s America as they discover that food really does connect us all, and that friendship and laughter are the best medicine. Imogene, a food columnist living on Camano Island, Washington, receives a letter from Joan, who lives in Los Angeles, about one of her recent columns, thus beginning a 29-year friendship in letters.

Colorado Cache Cookbook

By Junior League of Denver (Imago) $19.95

Since its first printing in 1978, Colorado Cache has been a bestseller, with over a million copies sold. From the no-fail pie crust to the turkey and wild rice casserole and the pumpkin flan, it’s full of recipes that work at our altitude, for all occasions. It has saved many a newcomer from the frustration of overflowing pans of brownies, flattened cookies, and inedible bread. It has become a trusted source and a favorite in many Colorado kitchens.

Until next month, happy Thanksgiving and happy reading.

The staff at Covered Treasures can be reached at books@ocn.me.

Other Covered Treasures Bookstore articles

November Library Events – Programs on crafts, end of life, care for caregivers

By Harriet Halbig

The Monument and Palmer Lake libraries will host a variety of programs in November, including two specifically for adults involving end-of-life care and care for caregivers. Also featured will be book groups and craft programs for children and adults.

The First Friday Friends of PPLD [Pikes Peak Library District] Book Group will meet at the Monument library from 10:30 to 12:30 on Thu., Nov. 6 (date changed due to scheduling conflict). All are welcome to attend this group. The November book selection is any choice of an attendee. Pick a book you would like to discuss.

A craft program featuring autumn wreaths will be held on Sat., Nov. 8, from 11 to 12:30 at the Monument Library. This program, for patrons 18 years and older, will feature a fun and festive session to create unique and beautiful wreaths. All materials will be provided, and registration is required at ppld.org, events and happenings or call 719-488-2370.

Homeschool students are invited to a program on cave paintings from 2 to 3 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 14. Unleash your creativity while diving into the fascinating world of ancient cave paintings. Join us to discover the purposes and historical significance of ancient cave paintings. Create your own masterpiece inspired by prehistoric murals at Pech Merle cave in France. Ages 8 to 12 are invited.

Compassion and Choices is the nation’s oldest, largest, and most active nonprofit organization committed to improving care and expanding choices for planning end-of-life care. Join presenter Carol Folsom to learn more about advanced care planning, medical aid in dying, and the full breadth of end-of-life options. The program will be from 11 to noon on Thu., Nov. 20.

The Third Friday Friends of PPLD Book Group will meet at the Monument library on Fri., Nov. 21, from 10:30 to 12:30. This club, sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Friends of PPLD, is open to all. The November selection is The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson. All are welcome to attend.

Regularly occurring programs in Monument include:

  • Storytime each Tuesday (except Nov. 25) from 10:30 to 11 for children ages 3 to 7 and their parents or caregivers.
  • Paws to Read on Tuesdays (except Nov. 25). Practice reading aloud and improve fluency by reading a story to a volunteer Paws to Read therapy dog.
  • German Conversation Group on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 3:30. Enjoy a lively conversation with intermediate and advanced German speakers.
  • Socrates Café on Tuesdays from 1 to 3:30 is an adult discussion group addressing all kinds of subjects.
  • Toddler Time on Wednesdays (except Nov. 26) from 9:30 to 10 and from 10:30 to 11, offers songs, rhymes, stories, and fun for toddlers ages 1-2 and their parents or caregivers. Please note this program lasts 20 minutes. Space is limited.

The Palmer Lake Library will host a program offered by the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging Retirement Series from 11 to noon on Wed., Nov. 5, to discuss caring for the caregivers in your life. The program will provide information, resources, and fellowship to explore the ways retirement can be challenging and enjoyable. Caregivers seldom ask for help. They are often lost in giving care to others and can neglect to take care of themselves. Friends are a lifeline and can learn ways to reach out and help during the holidays. Learn tips and techniques to take care if caregiving friends in your life. Registration is required at ppld.org., events and happenings, or call 719-531-6333 ext. 7007. This program is open to patrons 18 and older.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.

Other Library articles

Palmer Lake Historical Society, Oct. 16 – Ancient days of Garden of the Gods explored

By Marlene Brown

The Palmer Lake Historical Society held its regular membership meeting Oct. 16 at the Palmer Lake Town Hall. The guest speaker was Toni Hamill, author of People of the Garden, Garden of the Gods. Hamill was a teacher at Lewis-Palmer High School in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. She graduated from Colorado Women’s College (CWC) with a BA in Liberal Arts and from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) with a Master of Arts degree in American Studies.

She participated in two archaeological field school projects in the Garden of the Gods, where her thesis subject was developed and researched.

Above: Guest speaker author Toni Hamill, People of the Garden, Garden of the Gods.

The Garden of the Gods now belongs to the City of Colorado Springs. It was donated by the Charles Perkins Family in 1909, with the stipulation that it would always be a free public park. This 1,364-acre park has always been home to a variety of people, animals, and plants. During prehistoric times millions of years ago, when the dramatic rock formations were formed, dinosaurs roamed the park. The Ute Indians have been told stories of hunting an elephant with a long nose and big tusks.

There is evidence of seasonal encampments dating back to 1330 B.C. Carbon-dating of some bone and stone tools dates to 250 B.C. The people were hunters and gatherers, and the weather was similar to our weather here in Colorado today. Through oral traditions, the Ute Indians speak of a Garden of the Gods connection and have been told stories. Ethnographic accounts indicate evidence along the Front Range by groups such as Ute, Shoshone, Arapahoe, Comanche, Cheyenne, Apache, and Pawnee.

With people moving into the area in the 1800s, the tribes were pushed into the mountains. Eventually, with the Gold Rush, the settlers came to live in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas, and by 1865 later relocated to reservations.

People of the Garden has many stories about the life of the Native Americans and the early days of Colorado Springs. There are many photos of the buildings and the people who occupied them. Tourists come every year only to be in awe of the rock formations and the natural landscape.

**********

PLHS meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at 7-8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at the Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent St. Free and open to the public. For more info regarding memberships and future programs, visit palmerdividehistory.org.

Marlene Brown can be reached at marlenebrown@ocn.me.

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High Altitude Nature and Gardens – November tips, paper-bagging geraniums, compost poles

By Janet Sellers

I’m looking to have less grass to mow next year. By covering grassy weeds now with newspaper layers or cardboard, then pine needles, then rocks to hold it all down, those layers should become soil by spring, and be ready to plant low-growing cover plants and pollinator-friendly flowers.

For composting all year, gardeners create a “compost pole” using a bundle of sticks, stalks of sunflowers or corn in the center and a mesh tube made of stainless steel or wire, or chunky woodchips placed in the pile to create natural air pockets. Some use a 4-inch tube, drill holes all over, and center it in a trash can. Layer paper scraps, kitchen scraps, pine needles, and leaves, etc., all season into the can around the compost pole, always replacing the lid. No turning is needed; air enters from the tube area.

Before the ground freezes

Now, we’ll take our geraniums, tap off the potting soil, place the plants upside down in a paper bag, clip shut, and overwinter in a cool place like downstairs or the garage. Or, let’s prepare a Hügelkultur bed or compost pole for next year’s garden. Here’s how:

  1. Dig a hole and set the soil aside. Pile a third of the hole with aged or new branches, logs and thick sticks on top of one another. Water in this layer well. (Scrub oak and pine branches will age over the winter).
  2. Layer weed-free grass clippings, manure, or compost with layers of shredded paper, brown leaves, grass clippings, cardboard, etc. Tuck in these layers; air pockets will lead to dry conditions and slower decomposition. Water in well.
  3. For the top, add cured compost (alpaca is great) or healthy garden soil. It’s important that it is at least as deep as the wood base if filling a raised bed. Then top off with the saved soil from the digging.
  4. Over time, your Hügelkultur bed will naturally hold a lot of moisture, but in the first year of use it’s important to keep it moist (not saturated) in the growing season to help the organic matter decompose.
  5. Seed directly into the top layer and cover with pine straw.
  6. Hügelkultur beds will only get better over time, as the wood provides a slow release of nutrients.

Think ahead for effective microorganisms next year

Effective microorganisms, EM, are a superpower for the garden growing season. They can be grown from inoculants easily from a mother culture. It’s a liquid combination of yeasts, actinomycetes, and two kinds of bacteria, photosynthetic and lactic, which promote plant health and growth and improve nutrient absorption and soil fertility. I’ve found it online, but some local places may have it.

Janet Sellers is an avid “lazy gardener,” letting Mother Nature lead the way for easy gardening in the Tri-Lakes high altitude nature and gardening climate. Send tips to JanetSellers@ocn.me.

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Art Matters – Art shapes our world—and shifts our gaze

By Janet Sellers

“Art has no rules; it is self-expressive and creative. In this way, the artwork gives a voice to those who create it. Whether designing in a traditional sense or working with alternative materials, art can be viewed as a representation of self and storyteller for places yet to be discovered.”—Rob Talley, ArtBusinessNews.com

Art can tell us about history, people, and their time. People have put their thoughts, dreams, myths, hopes, and histories in art for over 60,000 years with no words needed. The oldest known art is over 60,000 years old, created by Neanderthals. For example, painted seashells from Cueva de los Aviones in Spain have been dated to at least 115,000 years old, and cave paintings in three Spanish caves are more than 65,000 years old.

Our visual literacy and its visual impact affect our past, present, and future. We are bombarded daily by visually powerful imagery, an art form that is mostly commodified for various gains. Communication affects each of us and our conglomerate as a society, country, and world. The ubiquitous cell phone society of today reaches all lands and peoples, with the advantages and threats to go along with that reach. Even without seeing things, sounds and effects of art come into our ideas and imaginations, which can shape our actions.

Does art have power?

Does art have a deeper purpose than decoration or artifice or artifact? Ultimately, art’s ability to facilitate collective empowerment makes it a powerful tool for creating radical transformation. Art has the power to evoke emotion, open dialogue, and challenge paradigms. It can be used to inspire action, call attention to injustice, and bring visibility to issues that would otherwise remain unseen.

The impact of art on our world is undeniable; it illuminates culture and history, facilitates understanding between societies with different values, and encourages participation in social movements. When art is used as a form of activism, it can help drive change in deeply significant ways—from building solidarity among varied groups of people to giving voice to those who are systematically silenced by oppressive systems.

How we can use art skills for problem-solving

Problem-solving by doodles is an old technique. What is a doodle? It’s an absentminded scribble, and it can have powerful outcomes. Doodling helps the brain by enhancing focus, memory, and creativity, and by reducing stress. It acts as a low-level mental distraction that keeps the brain from wandering, improving concentration on a primary task like a lecture or meeting. This activity can calm the amygdala, the brain’s fear center, and the repetitive motion can induce a meditative state, absentmindedly.

Sometimes we are stuck for a solution to a problem, and creative action can help solve that. How? We can take a piece of paper and draw black lines into quarters, then in the first section, just “doodle” for 5 minutes. Then make a doodle on the second quadrant and connect those two doodles for 5 minutes. The technique includes incubating that for 5 minutes by doing something else, such as taking a walk, listening to music, or anything else, but don’t think of the problem. Often, with just these steps, solutions come to mind. Even so, there is still more room for pleasantly doodling into solutions, as it frees up cognitive resources.

Janet Sellers is an artist, writer, teacher, and speaker, specializing in creative endeavors for health through her indoor and outdoor murals, landscapes, and nature art, and offers local forest bathing hikes. Contact her at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other Art Matters articles

Snapshots of Our Community

Tri-Lakes Women’s Club supports Sue’s Gift, Sept. 21

Above: Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) members recently stepped up to further their support of local nonprofit Sue’s Gift by running, walking, and volunteering at the 17th annual Be Ovary Aware Walk/Run on Sept. 21 at America the Beautiful Park in Colorado Springs. A team of 21 TLWC members ran and walked together to show their support of those affected by gynecological cancer, including the group’s immediate past Co-President Anne Campbell. Nine of the club’s members also arrived before dawn to assist with registration. The group raised more than $1,500 to help provide comfort, resources, and hope to individuals dealing with a gynecologic cancer diagnosis. Earlier this year, TLWC supported Sue’s Gift with a grant that was used in their financial assistance program. It provided funds for six patients currently in treatment. Photo by Maureen Morgan.

D38 Candidates Forum, Sept. 29

Above: More than 60 people heard the three candidates for two seats on the D38 school board answer questions ranging from teacher salaries to gender inclusion at a forum held at Big Red on Sept. 29. Jackie Burhans and Ginger Schaaf are the candidates from District 3. Tim Bennett is the candidate from District 1. On the question about gender inclusion, Burhans said every parent wants their child to feel welcome in school. She pointed out that the board has already ensured that “all student athletes feel safe and have a safe environment.” Schaaf said, “You should go into the bathroom and the locker room based on the gender that you were assigned at birth.” She added that she believes “boys shouldn’t compete in girls’ athletics.” Bennett agreed that boys and girls sports should remain separate, and he suggested the bathroom issue could be solved by having single-user restrooms. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Empty Bowls Fundraiser, Oct. 1

Above: Monument Hill Kiwanis Club hosted its annual Empty Bowls fundraiser Oct. 1 at Lewis-Palmer High School, drawing hundreds of attendees and raising thousands of dollars for Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC). Guests began the evening by selecting handcrafted bowls from local artists, then enjoyed a meal served by Lewis-Palmer School District 38 staff and board members. Volunteers staffed the event, which featured live music, a silent auction, and—for the first time—a cake auction that encouraged guests to take home entire cakes after dinner. Monument Hill Kiwanis aims to make a positive impact on youth and the broader community. Learn more at www.monumenthillkiwanis.org or call 719-488-2327. TLC operates as a community-based, volunteer-supported resource center that helps neighbors with housing, utilities, transportation, and medical expenses. TLC also runs the only food pantry in northern El Paso County and depends on donations and volunteers. Visit www.tri-lakescares.org or call 719-481-4864 for more information. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

PLPD Honor Guard, Oct. 4

Above: The Palmer Lake Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors at the annual Legacy Race supporting Breast Cancer Awareness on Oct. 4 at the Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs. From left are members of the Palmer Lake Police Department Honor Guard, Officer Stafon Stevens, Officer James Bentley, and Officer Bobby Perry. Photo by Erica Burt.

100+ Women Who Care, Oct. 15

Above: On Oct. 15, 100+ Women Who Care Tri-Lakes gathered at The Woodmoor Barn to select a local nonprofit for its semiannual donation. Members, who each contribute $100 twice a year, listened to three-minute presentations from the D38 Foundation, Monument Warriors, and the Pikes Peak Library District. The group chose the D38 Foundation as its October 2025 recipient. The foundation supports continuing education for educators and funds innovative student learning initiatives. Learn more at www.d38foundation.org. Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC), the April 2025 recipient, provided refreshments and shared how its funding helped stock a donated five-door freezer. The freezer allows TLC to purchase bulk food at lower costs and store donated holiday turkeys and hams. Visit www.tri-lakescares.org for details. The next voting meeting will take place April 15, 2026. For more information, visit 100womenwhocaretrilakes.com. From left: D38 Superintendent Amber Whetstine; D38 Foundation leaders Holly Rollins and Kelly Bane; art teacher Dianna Harris; reading interventionist Hannah Dykes; D38 Board President Tiffiney Upchurch; and D38 Foundation Executive Director Stephanie Palzkill. Photo courtesy of 100+ Women Who Care Tri-Lakes.

Trunk or Treat, Oct. 24

Above: The trunks were decked out in eerie decorations, and the air was filled with the rustle of leaves and whispered laughter on Oct. 24. Little ghosts and goblins wandered from car to car at St. Peter Catholic Church’s Annual Trunk or Treat, collecting treats in their bags as shadows danced under the moonlight. With more than 75 kids and adults in attendance, all collecting treats, it was a night full of spooky surprises and sweet memories that lingered long after the last candy was claimed. Photo by Erica Burt.

Annual Pumpkin Giveaway, Oct. 25

Above: Local 4319 firefighters with Dianna Goodfellow (second from right) and family members gather after setting up the Eighth Annual Monument Local 4319 Pumpkin Giveaway at the Monument Market Place Clocktower, on Oct. 25. Goodfellow of Mutual Security Mortgage Ltd., an Erie resident, organizes and purchases the pumpkins for the free annual event, with financial assistance for the transportation, entertainment, bounce house, and candy provided by the Local 4319. A few firefighters and their families make a 200-mile round trip to Cooksey Family Farms in Roggen to gather and deliver 800 pumpkins to the Clocktower steps. With the help of about 30 Local 4319 members, the pumpkins were positioned for attendees to begin selecting a free pumpkin and vote for their favorite carved/decorated pumpkin in the Fifth Annual Monument Fire District firefighter pumpkin decorating competition. The event was complete with a L4319 Bounce Fire House, free candy, and fire truck tours. Music was provided by country singer Colton James, and DonutNV treats were available to purchase. About 679 pounds in food donations were collected for the Tri-Lakes Cares food pantry. Caption by Natalie Barszcz. Photo provided by Dianna Goodfellow.

Bench in Monument Preserve

Above: A memorial bench has been installed near the pond in the Monument Preserve in memory of Lt. Col. Anne Campbell. Campbell graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1983, earned a master’s degree from the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Colorado, Boulder. After retiring from the Air Force, she began a career as a tutor for students with dyslexia and other reading disabilities. She was also an avid hiker and outdoorsperson. The photo, taken on Oct. 21, shows Mount Herman to the west and the Gambel oak colors. Photo by Steve Pate.

WMMI Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 25

Above: On Oct. 25 and every Saturday in October, there were family-oriented activities at the Western Museum of Mining & Industry (WMMI) Miners’ Pumpkin Patch. Visitors could take a tractor-pulled hayride, with the option of an ATV-pulled barrel ride for younger visitors. Besides the rides, visitors played a variety of lawn games including corn hole, attended a magic show presented by the Rocky Mountain Magic Academy, tried their hand at gold panning provided by the Gold Prospectors of Colorado, had the option to drive a soap box derby car provided by the Pikes Peak Soap Box Derby, and a choice of options from food vendors. Visitors could pick out their own pumpkin from the patch. WMMI Executive Director Grant Dewey said, “Great weather and terrific support by the community make this a tremendous event.” Pictured: Harrison Roberts of Colorado Springs picked out three pumpkins from the WMMI Miners’ Pumpkin Patch. Photo by David Futey.

Feed the Troll

Above: The Palmer Lake Restoration Committee, also known as Awake Palmer Lake, is kicking off a Feed the Troll campaign. Jodie Bliss, local metalwork artist, is working on the Palmer Lake Troll sculpture. The troll will live under the pedestrian bridge on the east side of the railroad tracks in Palmer Lake. Awake Palmer Lake received an art grant, but also seeks to raise matching funds to build the first stop in the Palmer Lake Art Walk. Make a tax-deductible donation at www.AwakePalmerLake.org by clicking the donate button and choosing Troll, or mail a check to PO Box 397, Palmer Lake, CO 80133. Bliss is also offering a blacksmithing workshop, where you can see what her artistry entails and gain hands-on experience creating a patch that will be permanently mounted on the Palmer Lake Troll, as well as one to take home. The workshop will be held Nov. 3 and 8, 10 a.m.-noon, and costs $500 for the workshop and the two patches. Each participant must be 18 years or older. To sign up, contact Cathy Wilcox at Catherinefishwilcox@gmail.com. Photo provided by Awake Palmer Lake.

Other Snapshots of Our Community articles

Discover great new ways to engage with Our Community!

By John Heiser, Publisher, OCN

At Our Community News (OCN), we are excited to introduce new ways to help you connect better with our vibrant Tri-Lakes community.

Interactive website features

Our website lets you post questions and comments on articles, columns, letters, events, and podcasts. Share your thoughts. Join the conversation.

Enjoy two audio OCN content options: brief AI-generated highlights (1-2 minutes) or full verbatim readings with highlighted paragraphs you can skip to instantly. Explore now at www.ocn.me!!

Our two monthly audio podcasts now offer video versions with large animated subtitles readable on smartphones. One presents highlights from all of the news articles and columns and the other reads the complete articles and columns.

While you can listen to or watch our podcasts on YouTube ((www.tinyurl.com/OCNonYouTube), Apple Podcasts ((www.tinyurl.com/OCNonApple), or Spotify ((www.tinyurl.com/OCNonSpotify), we think you will have the best experience listening or watching on our website at www.ocn.me/podcast.htm where the length of each segment is displayed and you can easily skip to the segments that are of the greatest interest to you.

Check out our On-Line Calendar

The extensive community calendar that we carry in every issue is now on-line at https://wp.ocn.me/events. You can search for your favorite events and easily add them to your calendar program.

Watch short clips of local events on OCN‘s YouTube Channel

Relive holiday parades, talent show performances, and more on our YouTube channel. Check out our playlists at www.youtube.com/@OurCommunityNews and subscribe today.

Stay informed with Our Community Newsletter and our new mobile and desktop app

Get breaking news, event alerts, and exclusive updates between our monthly issues. Sign up for our free email newsletter at www.ocn.me/newslettersignup.htm.

Our new mobile and desktop app alerts you to upcoming events you don’t want to miss, lists our latest newsletters, articles, podcasts, and photo collections. It updates automatically to keep you informed. Create your personal favorites list of articles and upcoming events.

Contact me at johnheiser@ocn.me or post a comment at www.ocn.me.

Other OCN Tips articles

Our Community Notices

By Janet Sellers

Although we strive for accuracy in these listings, dates or times are often changed after publication. Please double-check the time and place of any event you wish to attend by calling the information number for that event. Please notify us if your event listing needs to be updated.

MVEA customers: Switch to paperless and save

Go paperless through SmartHub or bank account auto-pay, and save up to $1 per month! SmartHub makes it easy to manage your account and monitor your electric use — anytime and anywhere. Bonus: All participating “Switch & Save” accounts are automatically entered into a quarterly drawing for a $300 account credit! Learn more at www.mvea.coop/payment-options. See ad on page < 12 >.

YMCA Winter Youth Basketball

Ages 3-18. Early registration through Dec. 14. Registration cut-off Dec. 21. Save $15 during early registration. Info at https://ppymca.org/sports. Practices begin the week of Jan. 5. Season (6 games): Jan. 17 – Feb. 21. See ad on page < 6 >.

School Bus Safety

Drivers who pass a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended and flashing lights constitute a dangerous and life-threatening violation of traffic laws. In Colorado, you must (A) stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, stopping at least 20 feet away, unless you are on the opposite side of a highway divided by a physical, raised, or depressed median; (B) On a two-lane road or one where painted lines, but no physical barrier, separate lanes, you must still stop; (C) After stopping, you must remain stopped until the bus’s lights stop flashing and it begins to move again. Colorado school buses are increasingly being equipped with automated stop arm cameras to record and catch drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus. Recent legislation allows for the installation and use of these systems by school districts. Academy School District 20 in Colorado uses school bus cameras, including the stop arm camera system and interior cameras, to enhance student safety and to document drivers who pass a stopped school bus with flashing lights and an extended stop arm.

Bike rider & pedestrian safety

The end of daylight savings time and earlier dusk hours are a historically dangerous period for pedestrians. Pedestrian Safety Month is approaching, and CDOT is launching a campaign to remind Coloradans how they can protect our most vulnerable road users. The== agency and its partners aim to promote safer behaviors on Colorado roads by highlighting alarming fatality trends. Pedestrian fatalities in Colorado have increased 88%, but in El Paso County they have increased 167%.

Car seat update

Parents can visit CarSeatsColorado.com to locate a nearby car seat inspection station, register their car seat and learn how to properly install their car seat or booster seat. If you can’t afford a car seat for your child(ren), WeeCycle, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and SafeKids Colorado Springs have programs through which families can get a free or low-cost car seat. Visit their websites for more information.

Be “bear smart”, do your part

Secure trash in a garage, shed or other secure structure. Trash bins should only be outside of the secure structure on trash collection days from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. The majority of homes will already meet this requirement with standard practices. For those who cannot store their trash in a secured structure, they will need to obtain a bear-resistant trash can. Certified bear-resistant waste containers can be provided by your trash collection company, or you can purchase bear resistant devices such as locks, ratchet straps, and more including bear resistant trash cans, that also deter other animals like racoons and dogs. Here is a link from Alaska Dept. of Wildlife video to attach a ratchet strap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmnnwkL7T5Y. Trash can ratchet locks are available for as little as $20.

When thunder roars, go Indoors

Lightning can strike even out of a blue sky. Always keep in mind that if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Seek shelter immediately in a sturdy building or, if a building is not available, a hard-topped vehicle with the windows rolled up. When indoors, refrain from using corded appliances or other equipment or facilities that put you in contact with electrical systems or plumbing. Stay inside until the storms have moved away AND thunder is no longer audible. This is very important, since lightning can and occasionally does strike well away from the thunderstorm itself. Stay alert with weather reports, and curtail your outdoor activities during that time, or ensure that you have constant access to a sturdy, fully enclosed shelter, such as a home or business. Tools for parents and teachers: https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-teachers

School Lunches Program

For the first semester of 2025-26 school year, the Lewis Palmer school district will provide no-cost meals for all elementary students; however, it is still important for households to provide their income information when requested. Gathering this information allows Lewis Palmer School District 38 to receive the state and federal funding for which it qualifies. These funds go directly to schools to help cover the cost of meals and support after school activities and other nutritional programs for students.

El Paso County “Trailability” Program

Terrain Hoppers in the Nature Centers at Fountain Creek and Bear Creek areas are off-road mobility vehicles that allow members of the El Paso County community and visiting guests with disabilities to experience trails previously inaccessible to them. Hike 1-3 miles through foothills and wetlands habitats with your friends, family, and a Nature Center staff or volunteer, May through October. Reservations required, participation is free. https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/trailability/. For more information on the Trailability Program, please contact Theresa Odello at 719.520.6981 or by email at theresaodello@elpasoco.com.

Parents Helping Parents

NAMI Parent and Caregiver Support group is a no-cost, peer support program for parents, caregivers, and other family who provide care and support for youth (ages 19 and younger) who are struggling with mental health issues including depression, anxiety, school or peer pressure, substances and more. Facilitated by trained volunteers who have been in your shoes. Meeting is 2nd Monday of each month from 7:00-8:30 pm via zoom. Register online at namicoloradosprings.org. For more information, call the office at (719) 473-8477 or email info@namicos.org.

Forest and gardening volunteers needed

Friends of Fox Run Park has openings for student volunteers (and grownups, too) most of the year for various tasks. Besides tasks, the group offers information and skills demonstrations for each 2-3 hour session, and celebrates volunteers at the park with annual community events. The Tri Lakes Cares on-site garden in Monument also needs volunteers in Fall, Spring and Summer. Gardening tasks include preparing garden beds, weeding, sowing seeds, and developing the compost. Bring gardening gloves, some tools will be provided on the workdays. Contact Janet Sellers at JanetSellers@ocn.me or Marlene Brown at MarleneBrown@ocn.me for more information.

Tri-Lakes Cares needs your support

Tri-Lakes Cares is the only food pantry and human services organization serving northern El Paso County through emergency relief and self-sufficiency programs. The community-based, volunteer-supported center is a critical resource for our neighbors in need. The best way to help support Tri-Lakes Cares is to donate. Visit https://tri-lakescares.org/donate to learn how to donate money, medical items, personal supplies, or food. Please check the web for current needs in our food pantry at https://tri-lakescares.org/donate/current-needs. Donation drop-off hours are Mon.-Thu., 9 am-4 pm. For more information about Tri-Lakes Cares or how you can help, contact Tri-Lakes Cares at 719-481-4864 or info@tri-lakescares.org.

Black Forest Log School needs your help

Please help preserve the historic school for another 103 years! New exterior damage was discovered. It has exceeded the budget renovation funds. Friends of the Black Forest Log School, a 501c3 corporation, appreciates your donation. Please send a check or bring cash to Black Forest Community Foundation, 6770 Shoup Rd, Black Forest Colorado 90808. www.bflogschool.com

Community volunteers

Many students need volunteer hours for scouting, civics classes, clubs, or would just like to volunteer for the good of it. Friends of Fox Run Park will have some openings for student volunteers (and grownups, too) most of the year for various tasks. Besides tasks, the group offers information and skills demonstrations for each 2-3 hour session, and celebrates volunteers at the park with annual community events. The Tri Lakes Cares on-site garden in Monument also needs volunteers in Fall, Spring and Summer. Gardening tasks include preparing garden beds, weeding, sowing seeds, and developing the compost. Bring gardening gloves, some tools will be provided on the workdays. Contact Janet Sellers at JanetSellers@ocn.me or Marlene Brown at MarleneBrown@ocn.me for more information.

Neighborhood safety

What qualifies as suspicious activity? “If you see something, say something.” It’s vital to report to local law enforcement. Suspicious activity can refer to any incident, event, individual or activity that seems unusual or out of place. Some common examples of suspicious activities include: A stranger loitering in your neighborhood or a vehicle cruising the streets repeatedly. Someone peering into cars or windows. Here’s what local authorities and Colorado Department of Public Safety says is needed information: Who did you see; what did you see; when did you see it; where did you see it; why it is suspicious. Call 911 or your local law enforcement agency.

Other Community Notices articles

Our Community Calendar

By Janet Sellers

Although we strive for accuracy in these listings, dates or times are often changed after publication. Please double-check the time and place of any event you wish to attend by calling the info number for that event. Please contact calendar@ocn.me with changes and additions.

GOVERNMENTAL BODIES

  • Academy Water and Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Nov. 19, 6 pm. Usually meets third Wed. Public can join the Skype meeting: Check the website for a link: monthly board meeting is on Skype at this link https://join.skype.com/OfBkDyhucmep, info: Info: Steve Callicott (President) 719-325-9039
  • Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District board meeting, Wed., Nov. 19, 7 pm. Usually meets third Wed. Visit http://www.bffire.org for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes or contact 719-494-4300.
  • Donala Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Thu., Nov. 20, 1:30 pm. In 2023, meets third Thu. Check the website for the access code for the electronic meeting. Info: 719-488-3603
  • El Paso County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) regular meeting, Tue., Nov. 4, 9 am; Tue., Nov. 11, 9 am; Tue., Nov. 18, 9 am; Tue., Nov. 25, 9 am; Tue., Dec. 2, 9 am. Usually every Tue. View agendas and meetings at www.agendasuite.org/iip/elpaso. Meetings are held at Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Ave., Suite 150, Colo. Springs. Info: 719-520-643. BOCC land use meetings are held the second and fourth Thursdays of the month (as needed) at 1pm Centennial Hall.
  • El Paso County Planning Commission meeting, Thu., Nov. 6, 9 am; Thu., Nov. 20, 9 am; Thu., Dec. 4, 9 am. Normally meets first & third Thu. (as required). Regional Development Center, 2880 International Circle, Colo. Springs. Meetings are live-streamed on the El Paso County News & Information Channel at www.elpasoco.com/news-information-channel. Info: 719-520-6300
  • El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority meeting, Thu., Nov. 20, 9 am. Normally meets third Thu. Monument Town Hall Boardroom, 645 Beacon Lite Rd. Info: 719-488-3603.
  • Lewis-Palmer School District 38 board meeting, Mon., Nov. 17, 6 pm. Meets in the school year, third Mon. 66 N Jefferson St, Monument. The Board of Education meeting will be live-streamed on the district’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/LPSDCommunity, agenda, and supporting documents at https://go.boarddocs.com/co/lewispalmer/Board.nsf/vpublic. Contact Vicki Wood. Phone: 719.481.9546 Email: vwood@lewispalmer.org Website: www.lewispalmer.org.
  • Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee (PCAC), Tue., Nov. 11, 6 pm. Formerly known as the District Accountability Advisory Committee (DAAC). Meets six times a year at a different school each month. Check D38 website for location or contact tmckee@lewispalmer.org
  • Monument Academy School Board meeting, Thu., Nov. 13, 6:30 pm. Usually meets the second Thu. East Campus gym, 4303 Pinehurst Circle. Info: 719-431-8001
  • Monument Fire District board meeting, Wed., Nov. 12, 4:30 pm. In person or via Microsoft Teams. Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For up-to-date meeting information, visit www.monumentfire.org for updates and the agenda listing the Microsoft Teams joining codes, or contact 719-488-0911.
  • Monument Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Nov. 12, 6 pm. Usually meets the second Wed. Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. To see the options for remote public participation in each meeting, visit www.townofmonument.org/263/Planning-Commission-Board-of-Adjustment. Info: 719-884-8028.
  • Monument Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Nov. 19, 9 am. Meets third Wed. 130 Second St. Zoom meeting. Find joining instructions on the website. Info: 719-481-4886
  • Monument Town Council meeting, Mon., Nov. 3, 6:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 17, 6:30 pm; Mon., Dec. 1, 6:30 pm. Normally meets first and third Mon. Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Info: 719-884-801 for remote attendance links. www.townofmonument.org/260/Board-of-Trustees
  • Monument Town Hall Meeting, Wed., Nov. 5, 6 pm. Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Info: 719-884-801 for remote attendance links. www.townofmonument.org/260/Board-of-Trustees
  • Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO), Sat., Nov. 8, 10 am-12 pm. Usually meets bi-monthly (Jan., Mar, May, July, Sep., Nov.) the 2nd Sat., Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Members of local HOAs are welcome. www.nepco.org.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Adjustments meeting, Tue., Nov. 4, 5 pm; Tue., Dec. 2, 5 pm. Normally meets first Tue., as needed. 28 Valley Crescent St., Palmer Lake.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting, Thu., Nov. 13, 6 pm; Thu., Nov. 27, 6 pm. Usually meets second and fourth Thu. Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Info: 719-481-2953.
  • Palmer Lake Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Nov. 12, 9 am. Meets second Wed. Call-in only: 650-479-3208, Access Code 76439078, 120 Middle Glenway. Info: 719-481-2732.
  • Palmer Lake Town Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Nov. 19, 6 pm. Meets third Wed. Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Info: 719-481-2953
  • Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee meeting, Tue., Nov. 11, 10 am. Meets second Tue. 16510 Mitchell Ave. Info: See tlwastewater.com/index.html.
  • Triview Metropolitan District board meeting, Thu., Nov. 20, 5:30 pm. Usually meets third Thu. In person or via Zoom. 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302, Monument. Visit www.triviewmetro.com for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes, or contact 719-488-6868.
  • Village Center Metropolitan District Board Meeting, Tue., Nov. 18, 4 pm. Normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Serranos Coffee Shop. If the meeting time/location changes, it will be updated on the District’s website: https://wsdistricts.co/village-center-metropolitan-district/
  • Woodmoor Improvement Association Board Meeting, Wed., Nov. 26, 7 pm. Usually meets fourth Wed. Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Info: 719-488-2693. www.woodmoor.org
  • Woodmoor Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Mon., Nov. 10, 1 pm. Normally meets second Mon. 1845 Woodmoor Dr., Monument. Info: 719-488-2525. www.woodmoorwater.com.

WEEKLY & MONTHLY EVENTS

  • A.A. Big Book Study, Thu., Nov. 6, 7 pm-9 pm; Thu., Nov. 13, 7 pm-9 pm; Thu., Nov. 20, 7 pm-9 pm; Thu., Nov. 27, 7 pm-9 pm; Thu., Dec. 4, 7 pm-9 pm. Every Thu., 7 pm, Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 W. Baptist Rd. Call 425-436-6200, access code 575176#
  • AARP Black Forest #1100, Wed., Nov. 12, 11:30 am-1 pm. Second Wed., In-person Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Rd. All ages welcome. Info: http://www.aarpchapter1100blackforest.com
  • AARP Local Senior Social, Wed., Nov. 26, 1 pm-4 pm. In-person Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Rd. Info: http://www.aarpchapter1100blackforest.com
  • Al-Anon for family and friends of alcoholics, Tue., Nov. 4, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Nov. 6, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Nov. 11, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Nov. 13, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Nov. 18, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Nov. 20, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Nov. 25, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Nov. 27, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Dec. 2, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Dec. 4, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm. Every Tue. & Thu., 7:30 pm, Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908. Al-Anon members are people, just like you, who are worried about someone with a drinking problem. Join us with your questions. Info: bflc@bflchurch.org.
  • Al-Anon meeting: Letting Go, Thu., Nov. 6, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Nov. 13, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Nov. 20, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Nov. 27, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Dec. 4, 9 am-10:15 am. Every Thu., 9-10:15 am at Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument. For additional information go to www.al-anon-co.org.
  • Al-Anon meeting: Monument Serenity, Thu., Nov. 6, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Nov. 13, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Nov. 20, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Nov. 27, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Dec. 4, 9 am-10:15 am. Every Thu., 7 pm, The Church at Woodmoor, 18125 Furrow Road, Monument. For additional information go to www.al-anon-co.org...
  • Al-Anon Zoom Meeting, Just for Today Online, Mon., Nov. 3, 9 am-10 am; Mon., Nov. 10, 9 am-10 am; Mon., Nov. 17, 9 am-10 am; Mon., Nov. 24, 9 am-10 am; Mon., Dec. 1, 9 am-10 am. Every Mon., 9–10 a.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 845 0971 9868, Password 349309
  • Alcoholics Anonymous, Tue., Nov. 4, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Nov. 6, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Nov. 11, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Nov. 13, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Nov. 18, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Nov. 20, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Nov. 25, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Nov. 27, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Dec. 2, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Dec. 4, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm. Every Tue. & Thu., 7:30 pm Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908. AA is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Join us with your questions. Info: bflc@bflchurch.org.
  • Amateur Ham Radio WØTLM (Tri-Lakes Monument ham radio Association), Mon., Nov. 17, 6 pm-10 pm. Third Mon. (except December). We will open the doors at 6:00 PM for Connect Time, where members can socialize, meet new people, seek out help, or connect with an Elmer. The business meeting will start at 7:00 PM – a brief business session followed by an educational presentation. Our meetings provide: (1) Information about public service and fun activities, license classes, emergency support, and more. (2) Technical presentations to advance your knowledge of diverse Amateur Radio topics. All amateur ham radio operators or those interested in becoming one are welcome. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Building, 166 2nd Street, Monument. For details, see www.W0TLM.com.
  • American Legion Tri-Lakes Post 9-11, Wed., Nov. 12, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm. Second Wed., 6:30 pm, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Community Meeting House, 300 CO Hwy 105, Monument. New members welcome. Info: Visit website at www.trilakespost9-11.org.
  • Bella art and Frame Gallery, Saturday community art classes, Sat., Nov. 15, 1 pm-4 pm. Bella art and Frame Gallery, Saturday community art classes, 1-4pm. Oct. 17, gel prints workshop, Lisa Faherty; Sat., Oct. 25 portrait drawing workshop, Micaela Cimino; Sat., Nov. 15, soft pastel ornament painting workshop with Lisa Faherty; 251 Front St., Monument, 719-487-7691.
  • Benet Hill Monastery, Sun., Nov. 2, 10:15 am-12:15 pm; Sun., Nov. 9, 10:15 am-12:15 pm; Sun., Nov. 16, 10:15 am-12:15 pm; Sun., Nov. 23, 10:15 am-12:15 pm; Sun., Nov. 30, 10:15 am-12:15 pm. Every Sun., 10:15 am worship service. Let us pray with you, walk in the forest, walk the labyrinth, come and visit prayer sites, Group retreats. 3190 Benet Lane, 80921.
  • Bingo night, American Legion post 9-11 Tri-Lakes, Sat., Nov. 8, 6 pm-9 pm; Sat., Nov. 22, 6 pm-9 pm. 2nd and 4th Sat., 6-9 pm, Kings Deer Golf Club, 19255 Royal Troon Dr, Monument.
  • Children’s Literacy Center, Mon., Nov. 3, 4 pm-5 pm; Wed., Nov. 5, 4 pm-5 pm; Mon., Nov. 10, 4 pm-5 pm; Wed., Nov. 12, 4 pm-5 pm; Mon., Nov. 17, 4 pm-5 pm; Wed., Nov. 19, 4 pm-5 pm; Mon., Nov. 24, 4 pm-5 pm; Wed., Nov. 26, 4 pm-5 pm; Mon., Dec. 1, 4 pm-5 pm; Wed., Dec. 3, 4 pm-5 pm. Every Mon. & Wed., Sep. 8–Dec. 10. 4–5 pm. Woodmen Valley Chapel, Monument Campus,1681 Wagon Bow Way, Monument, CO 80132. Provides free one-on-one literacy tutoring to Tri-Lakes children in grades 1-6 who are reading below grade level. For more information, to become a volunteer tutor, or to enroll your child, visit www.childrensliteracycenter.org.
  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group, Sat., Nov. 8, 9:45 am-11:15 am. Meets monthly, second Sat., 9:45-11:15 am. Meets in-person. Free and open to the public. The Oct. 2025 through Feb. 2026 meetings will be at Falcon’s Nest at Jackson Creek Senior Living, 16601 Jackson Creek Parkway, Monument, CO 80132. Jackson Creek Senior Living has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter to host a six-month in-person support group for families, spouses and caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. The prior meeting place was the First National Bank Monument ( 581 Highway 105, Monument, CO 80132). Registration is required, call 800-272-3900 or email khare@alz.org to register.
  • Friends of Fox Run Park, Thu., Nov. 27, 7 pm-9 pm. Zoom meeting, fourth Thu., 7 pm. Join the growing group volunteering at the park: forest safety, trails, trees, education, special events, more; stay tuned! Email friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com. We will email you the link the day of the meeting.
  • Gleneagle Service to Mankind (Sertoma), Wed., Nov. 5, 11:45 am-1 pm; Wed., Nov. 19, 12 am-11:59 pm; Wed., Dec. 3, 11:45 am-1 pm. First and third Wed., 11:45 am to 1 pm. A chapter of Sertoma International, Inc., this is the longest continuously active civic service organization in Northern El Paso County. Serving Together, Growing Community. First Wednesday lunch meetings include a program speaker of current local interest.  The third Wednesday events vary,  generally evening functions. Youth & Youth Leadership, First Responders, and Hearing & Speech Healthcare, the sponsorship projects’ objectives.  Contact Larry Oliver for meeting location and other information. lco69@icloud.com or 719-313-6357.
  • Gleneagle Women’s Club, membership luncheon, Fri., Nov. 21, 8 am-5 pm. Third Fri., (Sep.-June), various venues, 12 activity groups, i.e., hiking, bridge, etc. Guests welcome. For information contact Marcie at 520-205-0578.
  • Lions Club Bingo, Mon., Nov. 3, 5:30 pm-10 pm; Sat., Nov. 8, 8:30 am-1 pm; Sat., Nov. 15, 8:30 am-1 pm; Sat., Nov. 22, 8:30 am-1 pm; Sat., Nov. 29, 8:30 am-1 pm; Mon., Dec. 1, 5:30 pm-10 pm. Every Sat. (except the first Sat.), 8:30 am-1 pm and first Mon., 5:30-10 pm Tri-Lakes Lions Club’s portion of the proceeds benefit those in need in the Tri-Lakes community. Updated info and location: Jim Naylor, 719-481-8741 or www.trilakeslionsclub.org.
  • Monument Hill Kiwanis Club meeting, Sat., Nov. 1, 8 am-10 am; Sat., Nov. 8, 8 am-10 am; Sat., Nov. 15, 8 am-10 am; Sat., Nov. 22, 8 am-10 am; Sat., Nov. 29, 8 am-10 am; Sat., Dec. 6, 8 am-10 am. Every Sat., 8 am. www.MHKiwanis.org, MonumentHillKiwanis@gmail.com for details, guests are welcome. Service leadership clubs, Key clubs, Builders Club, and K-kids at D38 schools. Memberships are open to the public. Info: RF Smith, 719-210-4987, www.MHKiwanis.org.
  • Monument Life Recovery Group, Mon., Nov. 3, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 10, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 17, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 24, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm; Mon., Dec. 1, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm. Every Mon., 6:30-7:30 pm, The Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd. This faith-based support group is for those seeking freedom from all hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Daycare for children under age 11. Info: www.liferecoverygroups.com/meetings/life-recovery-group-3/
  • Monumental Impact Open House, Sat., Nov. 1, 3 pm-5 pm; Sat., Dec. 6, 3 pm-5 pm. First Sat., 3-5 pm, NEW ADDRESS: 866 Hwy 105, Monument. Interested in technology, engineering and entrepreneurship either professionally or for fun? Interested in competitive robotics for adults and high school students? Come connect with us and ask about programs. Info: www.monumentalimpact.org.
  • Monumental Impact: Make things – learn how! , Tue., Nov. 4, 3 pm-6 pm; Thu., Nov. 6, 3 pm-6 pm; Tue., Nov. 11, 3 pm-6 pm; Thu., Nov. 13, 3 pm-6 pm; Tue., Nov. 18, 3 pm-6 pm; Thu., Nov. 20, 3 pm-6 pm; Tue., Nov. 25, 3 pm-6 pm; Thu., Nov. 27, 3 pm-6 pm; Tue., Dec. 2, 3 pm-6 pm; Thu., Dec. 4, 3 pm-6 pm. Open Hours: every Tue/Thu., 3-6 pm.  All ages. From designing with 3D printers to metal forging, robotics and more. Competitive robotics for adults and high school students. Memberships for maker spaces open to the public. Also: Technology, Techniques and Trends, Monthly discussion groups.  Guests welcome: AI (second Thu., 5 pm); Making with 3D Printers, CNCs & Lasers (third Thu., 5 pm). Hosted by Monumental Impact. 866 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake. Info: www.monumentalimpact.org,
  • Neighborhood Net Ham Radio, Sat., Nov. 1, 10 am-1 pm; Sat., Nov. 8, 10 am-1 pm; Sat., Nov. 15, 10 am-1 pm; Sat., Nov. 22, 10 am-1 pm; Sat., Nov. 29, 10 am-1 pm; Sat., Dec. 6, 10 am-1 pm. Every Sat., 10 am. Amateur ham radio operators practice for emergencies on weekly repeater nets so neighbors can help neighbors. Sign up at www.mereowx.org/neighborhood-net or contactus@mereowx.org.
  • Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO), Sat., Nov. 8, 10 am-12 pm. Usually meets bi-monthly (Jan., Mar, May, July, Sep., Nov.) the 2nd Sat., Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Members of local HOAs are welcome. www.nepco.org.
  • Palmer Divide Quiltmakers, Thu., Nov. 6, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Thu., Dec. 4, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm. First Thu., 6:30-8:30 pm at Monument Chamber of Commerce building, 166 2nd St, Monument, CO.
  • Palmer Lake Art Group, Sat., Nov. 8, 9:30 am-11:30 am. Second Sat., 9:30 am. 300 Hwy 105, NE corner of I-25 and 105. For art programs, social gathering and business meetings. Guests welcome. Info: 719-460-4179, https://palmerlakeartgroup.co...
  • Palmer Lake Historical Society, Thu., Nov. 20, 7 pm-8 pm. The PLHS normally meets (open to the public) on the third Thursday at 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Palmer Lake Town Hall, 42 Valley Crescent St. Guest speakers, free to the public. Info: Kokesdm@yahoo.com, or visit www.palmerdividehistory.org
  • Pikes Peak Genealogical Society, Wed., Nov. 12, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm. Zoom meeting, second Wed., 6:30pm: Zoom hangout. 7 pm, meeting starts. Monthly special speaker programs. For zoom meeting details contact: president@ppgs.org. Info: www.ppgs.org.
  • Relentless Recovery, Recovery Gathering, Mon., Nov. 10, 7:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 24, 7:30 pm-8:30 pm. 2nd and 4th Mon., 7:30-8:30 pm, hybrid zoom and in person at Lake & Lantern Cafe, 84 CO-105 #2, Palmer Lake. “All humans welcome.” To register: https://hardbeauty.life/dyr/.
  • Ridgeview Baptist Church, Sun., Nov. 2, 10:30 am-12 pm; Sun., Nov. 9, 10:30 am-12 pm; Sun., Nov. 16, 10:30 am-12 pm; Sun., Nov. 23, 10:30 am-12 pm; Sun., Nov. 30, 10:30 am-12 pm. Every Sun., 10:30 am, temporarily meeting at 9130 Explorer Dr., Colorado Springs, 80920. Info: 719-357-6515 or www.ridgeviewcolorado.org.
  • Senior Book Club, Fri., Nov. 14, 11 am-12 pm. Second Fri., 11 am-noon, Silver Key Senior Services, all are welcome. Coffee & snacks. RSVP & info: info@silverkey.org
  • Speed Puzzle Event, Tue., Nov. 4, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 10, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 17, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Dec. 2, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm. First Tue., second Mon., and third Mon. Trinity Lutheran Church location, 2 hours complete a 500-piece puzzle with a partner. Register at www.mindquestpuzzles.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfast, Thu., Nov. 6, 7:30 am-9 am; Thu., Nov. 20, 7:30 am-9 am; Thu., Dec. 4, 7:30 am-9 am. First and third Thu., in person or via Zoom 166 2nd Street Monument 7:30-9 am free registration at www.TriLakeschamber.com
  • Tri-Lakes Cruisers, Wed., Nov. 5, 7 pm-10 pm; Wed., Dec. 3, 7 pm-10 pm. First Wed., 7 pm. A nonprofit car club. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, with numerous activities and events each month. Club membership applications are now being accepted and are available on the website: https://www.trilakescruisers.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club Meeting, Thu., Nov. 6, 6 pm-8 pm; Thu., Nov. 20, 6 pm-8 pm; Thu., Dec. 4, 6 pm-8 pm. First and third Thu., 6 pm-8 pm. First Thursday via zoom and third Thursday in person at the Chamber of Commerce, 166 2nd St., Monument. Details: www.tlrotary.com, Trilakesdynamicrotary@gmail.com. Guests welcome. We are a service club serving Tri-Lakes. Memberships open to the public. Info: www.tlrotary.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, Sat., Nov. 15, 10 am-12 pm. Third Sat., 10 am-noon, Monument Community Presbyterian Church, 238 Third St., Monument. Info: Syble Krafft, 719-488-2669; Barry (group president), 719-351-9485. If you need any help, please call Syble or Barry.
  • Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) monthly meeting, Fri., Nov. 21, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. Third Fri., 11:30 am. To become a member, or learn about the club, visit our website at www.tlwc.net Contact Info: Tri-Lakes Women’s Club membership@tlwc.net.
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7829, Wed., Nov. 19, 7 pm-10 pm. Third Wed., 7 pm, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, 166 2nd St., Monument. New members welcome. Info: Post Commander and POC Bruce Beyerly, Bruce.Beyerly@gmail.com.
  • VFW Auxiliary to Post 7829, Wed., Nov. 19, 7 pm-10 pm. Third Wed., 7 pm Meets at Victory Baptist Church, 325 2nd Street, Suite X, Monument. Guests are welcome to join; if you are a relative of a veteran who served on foreign soil during war or other military actions, you would be eligible. For more information please contact Kathy Carlson, 719-488-1902, carlsonmkc@gmail.com or Linda Lyons, 303-579-8114, lindalyons7829@gmail.com.
  • Women’s A. A. Step Study, Mon., Nov. 3, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 10, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 17, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 24, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Dec. 1, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm. Every Mon., 6:30 pm, meeting remotely, check for details. Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 Baptist Rd. Park in the west lot. Info: 866-641-9190.

SPECIAL EVENTS

  • 20th Annual Alpaca Holiday Extravaganza, Sat., Nov. 22, 9 am-5 pm; Sun., Nov. 23, 10 am-4 pm. Join the Southeastern Colorado Alpaca Breeders celebration of the 20th Annual Holiday Alpaca Extravaganza. This FREE event is open to all. Meet alpacas and experience the luxury of alpaca. Alpaca garments, fashion apparel & accessories will be available for early holiday shopping. Crafters will find fleeces, roving, batts, and yarn in a wide variety of colors. Black Forest Community Club is located at 12350 Black Forest Rd. just north of Shoup Rd. For latest information see our web page at http://secab-extravaganza.weebly.com/ or call 719-330-7349. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Blacksmithing Workshop Fundraiser, Mon., Nov. 3, 10 am-12 pm; Sat., Nov. 8, 10 am-12 pm. Jodie Bliss’ blacksmithing Workshop will provide you an amazing opportunity to see what her artistry entails while also allowing you to “Be the Blacksmith” and create a patch” that will be permanently mounted on the Palmer Lake Troll (as well as one to take home). $500 for the workshop and the two patches. Donations are tax deductible. Each participant must be 18 years or older. To sign up contact Cathy Wilcox at Catherinefishwilcox@gmail.com to save your spot! A fundraiser for the Palmer Lake Restoration Committee to build the first stop in the Palmer Lake Art Walk. To donate, go to www.AwakePalmerLake.org, click the donate button, choose Troll, or mail a check to PO Box 397, Palmer Lake , CO 80133. Info@AwakePalmerLake.org, www.AwakePalmerLake.org, Tax ID: 84-1360279. See snapshot on page < 21 >.
  • Monument Hill Kiwanis Club – 19th Annual North Pole at Tri-Lakes Arts and Crafts Fair, Sat., Dec. 6, 9 am-4 pm. Bear Creek Elementary School, 1330 Creekside Dr., Monument (intersection of Creekside Dr. and Leather Chaps Dr.). The “Cookie Walk” Returns. Get pictures with Santa! Live Holiday Music will be performed throughout the day. Same weekend as Monument Small Town Christmas and Tree Lighting. Admission is FREE with a nonperishable food item, cash, or board game for Tri-Lakes Cares or a new or used sporting goods donation to 4KidzSports. For additional show information please call: Jim Ward (303) 618-2878 or Dick Salverson (469) 307-1507 or email mhkccraftfair@yahoo.com. See ad on page < 13 >.
  • Monument Small Town Christmas and Tree Lighting, Sat., Dec. 6, 2 pm-7 pm. Join Santa for this festive event in Limbach Park. Entertainment! Crafts and activities! Food trucks! Fun for all ages! 2 pm: Event begins- Visit the booths to participate in fun holiday themed activities, to include a photo booth. 3 pm: Performers take the stage- Live music, dancing, and choir. Entertainment for the whole family! 5 pm: Santa arrives-Watch for the fire truck as it brings Santa to light up the trees of Limbach Park! He will also visit with the kids and find out what they want for Christmas! Bring non-perishable donations benefiting Tri-Lakes Cares. To see their current needs, please visit their website at: Current Pantry Needs. Bring new, unwrapped toys to the Tree Lighting for Santa on Patrol! Have questions? Email Santa directly: santa@tomgov.org. The town is seeking individuals, groups, organizations, or businesses to host holiday themed booths (craft, games/activities). Email events@tomgov.org to secure your spot! Interested in being a sponsor? Please email events@tomgov.org for more information!
  • Monument Town Hall Meeting, Wed., Nov. 5, 6 pm-8 pm. Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Info: 719-884-801 for remote attendance links. www.townofmonument.org/260/Board-of-Trustees
  • OCN Publication, Sat., Nov. 1; Sat. and Dec. 6. We are all volunteers at OCN and need YOUR help. Become an OCN reporter! Help us report ‘What was discussed and what was decided.’ Contact me TODAY! JohnHeiser@ocn.me or (719) 488-3455.
  • Our Community News: volunteer mailing days, Thu., Dec. 4, 7 am-8:30 am. Approx. 7-8:30 am. We are all volunteers at OCN and need YOUR help, even for an hour or two, getting the papers ready to mail. Contact AllenAlchian@ocn.me or (719) 488-3455.
  • Palmer Lake Art Group – Small Works Art Show and Sale, Sat., Nov. 1-Tue., Dec. 30, 10 am-6 pm. Opening reception. Fri., Nov. 7, 6-8 pm with beverages and appetizers provided by the artists. Please join us for this holiday art show and sale being held throughout November and December!  View over 58 original art pieces created by 28 of the members of the Palmer Lake Art Group and featured at Bella Art and Frame throughout the holiday season. All of the artwork is approximately 11“ x 14“ or smaller, making them great gift giving opportunities from your local artists! Bella Art and Frame, 251 Front Street, Suite 11, Monument, CO. Exhibit runs from Nov. 1-Dec. 30. Open Mon.-Sat. 10 am to 6 pm (4 pm on Sat.). Closed Sun. Info: https://palmerlakeartgroup.org or contact Kathleen at (303) 888-9423. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Palmer Lake Art Group – Small Works Art Show and Sale – reception, Fri., Nov. 7, 6 pm-8 pm. Opening reception. Fri., Nov. 7, 6-8 pm with beverages and appetizers provided by the artists. Please join us for this holiday art show and sale being held throughout November and December!  View over 58 original art pieces created by 28 of the members of the Palmer Lake Art Group and featured at Bella Art and Frame throughout the holiday season. All of the artwork is approximately 11“ x 14“ or smaller, making them great gift giving opportunities from your local artists! Bella Art and Frame, 251 Front Street, Suite 11, Monument, CO. Exhibit runs from Nov. 1-Dec. 30. Open Mon.-Sat. 10 am to 6 pm (4 pm on Sat.). Closed Sun. Info: https://palmerlakeartgroup.org or contact Kathleen at (303) 888-9423. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Ravissante Salon & Spa Ribbon Cutting, Sat., Nov. 15, 10:30 am-12:30 pm. Ribbon Cutting at 11 a.m. 13th Anniversary Celebration and launch of Japanese Head Spa, 1729 Lake Woodmoor Drive, Monument. See ad on page < 24 >.
  • Small Business Saturday, Sat., Nov. 29. Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local. 
  • St. Matthias Blessing of Our Veterans, Sun., Nov. 9, 10 am-11:30 am. Join us at St. Matthias Episcopal Church, 18320 Furrow Road, Monument for the Blessing of Our Veterans at the 10 am service. For more info: stmatthias@comcast.net, 719-426-9809. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • St. Matthias Special Sunday School Program – The Beatitudes, Sun., Nov. 16. Join us at St. Matthias Episcopal Church, 18320 Furrow Road, Monument for a Special Sunday School Program – The Beatitudes. Preschool through 5th grade welcome! For more info: stmatthias@comcast.net, 719-426-9809. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!, Fri., Dec. 12, 11 am-1 pm; Fri., Dec. 12, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Sat., Dec. 13, 2 pm-4 pm; Sat., Dec. 13, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm. A hilarious holiday play by Barbara Robinson. At Trinity Lutheran Church, 17750 Knollwood Drive, Monument. Tickets: www.encorecommunityarts.orgGroup Pricing Available: encoreartsco@gmail.com. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • TLWC’s Joys of the Holiday Season Holiday Home Tour, Fri.-Sat., Nov. 21-22, 10 am-4 pm. Tour five northern El Paso County homes professionally decorated for the Holiday Season. A Tri-Lakes Women’s Club event benefitting local non-profits, public education, and service providers. For tickets and information: https://www.joysoftheseasonht.org. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Tri-Lakes Chamber Business After Hours – Annual Non-Profit Showcase, Tue., Nov. 18, 5 pm-7 pm. Held at the Tri-Lakes YMCA. This special Business After Hours is our Annual Non-Profit Night. Local non-profit Chamber members are showcased during this event. You will have the opportunity to meet the people behind several non-profits serving this community.
  • Tri-Lakes Music Association – “The Majesty of Christmas”, Fri., Dec. 19, 7 pm-9 pm; Sat., Dec. 20, 7 pm-9 pm; Sun., Dec. 21, 2 pm-4 pm. Join the TLMA for the 23rd Community Christmas Cantata. Enjoy festive music that celebrates the reason for the season. The concert is free, with a voluntary offering to support Tri-Lakes Cares. www.trilakesmusic.org. See ad on page < 7 >.
  • Wine Tasting Fundraiser for the Heart of Monument Play Park, Wed., Nov. 12, 6:30 pm-9 pm. The Margarita at Pine Creek, 7350 Pine Creek Rd, Colorado Springs 80919. Enjoy Great Wines and Food. Experience the Margarita at Pine Creek Atmosphere. Help Dirk Stamp raise money for the Heart of Monument Play Park. Tickets: $75 per person. For Tickets, Visit The Wine Seller on Hwy 105 Palmer Lake or call Dirk Stamp at: 719-488-3019.

Our Community Calendar carries listings on a space-available basis for Tri-Lakes events that are sponsored by local governmental entities and not-for-profit organizations. We include events that are open to the general public and are not religious or self-promotional in nature. If space is available, complimentary calendar listings are included, when requested, for events advertised in the current issue. To have your event listed at no charge in Our Community Calendar, please send the information to calendar@ocn.me or Our Community News, P.O. Box 1742, Monument, Colorado 80132.

Other Community Calendar articles

OCN Newsletter #29 – Oct. 29, 2025 – Nov. issue available now! Safe Trick or Treat this Friday

Download a PDF of this newsletter

Our Nov. 1st issue is available NOW!

Over 23,000 copies of our Nov. 1st issue will be mailed Oct. 30th. They should be in everyone’s mailbox on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.

In the meantime, read the e-edition or download a PDF of the whole issue.

The articles, photos, photo collection, audio files, and podcasts are being posted at www.ocn.me and will be available soon.

Read our On-Line E-Editions

Download a PDF of our October Issue

Upcoming Events

Readers should assume that event information published in this issue is subject to change and information should be confirmed a day or two before the event by calling the information number or checking the organization’s website.

See our new on-line calendar or page < 22 > and page < 23 > of our October issue for event locations and other details of these and many other local events.

  • OCN mailing days, Thu., Oct. 30, approx. 7-8:30 am. If you can help, even for an hour or two, getting the papers ready to mail, contact AllenAlchian@ocn.me or (719) 488-3455.
  • Monumental Impact Open House, Sat., Nov. 1 & Dec. 6, 3 pm-5 pm. See ad on page < 8 >.
  • Blacksmithing Workshop Fundraiser, Mon., Nov. 3, 10 am-12 pm; Sat., Nov. 8, 10 am-12 pm. See snapshot on page < 21 >.
  • NEPCO, Sat., Nov. 8, 10 am-12 pm
  • Monument Town Hall Meeting, Wed., Nov. 5, 6 pm-8 pm
  • Palmer Lake Art Group – Small Works Art Show and Sale – reception, Fri., Nov. 7, 6 pm-8 pm See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Speed puzzle events, Tue., Nov. 4; Mon., Nov. 10; Mon., Nov. 17; Tue., Dec. 2, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • St. Matthias Blessing of Our Veterans, Sun., Nov. 9, 10 am-11:30 am. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • Wine Tasting Fundraiser for the Heart of Monument Play Park, Wed., Nov. 12, 6:30 pm-9 pm.
  • Ravissante Salon & Spa Ribbon Cutting, Sat., Nov. 15, 10:30 am-12:30 pm. See ad on page < 24 >.
  • St. Matthias Special Sunday School Program – The Beatitudes, Sun., Nov. 16. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • Tri-Lakes Chamber Business After Hours – Annual Non-Profit Showcase, Tue., Nov. 18, 5 pm-7 pm
  • Palmer Lake Historical Society, Thu., Nov. 20, 7-8 pm (doors open at 6:30).
  • TLWC’s Joys of the Holiday Season Holiday Home Tour, Fri.-Sat., Nov. 21-22, 10-4pm. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • 20th Annual Alpaca Holiday Extravaganza, Sat., Nov. 22, 9 am-5 pm; Sun., Nov. 23, 10 am-4 pm. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Small Business Saturday, Sat., Nov. 29
  • Monument Hill Kiwanis Club – 19th Annual North Pole at Tri-Lakes Arts and Crafts Fair, Sat., Dec. 6, 9 am-4 pm. See ad on page < 13 >.
  • Monument Small Town Christmas and Tree Lighting, Sat., Dec. 6, 2 pm-7 pm
  • The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!, Fri., Dec. 12-13, See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Tri-Lakes Music Association – The Majesty of Christmas, Fri.-Sun, Dec. 19-21. See ad on page < 7 >.

With our new on-line calendar, you can easily search for your favorite events, view upcoming events in a variety of formats (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) and add events of interest to the calendar on your mobile device or computer.

Check out our On-Line Calendar

Keep up with fast-moving developments in the Tri-Lakes area with the OCN app!

The OCN app alerts you to upcoming events you don’t want to miss, lists the latest articles, podcasts, photo collections, comments, etc. It updates automatically to keep you informed.

For Windows 10 and 11 users, the OCN app is now available for download from the Microsoft App Store.

In the screenshot below, the app is reporting 10 new upcoming events including a car show, farmers’ market, D38 school board meeting, and Monument Town Council meeting.

Just click the button below for a description of our great new app and detailed instructions on installing it on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, Chromebook, or desktop computer.

Download the OCN App!

Don’t miss any of the videos posted on our YouTube Channel

  • Annual Ride for Tim
  • Palmer Lake 0.5k
  • D38 Candidate Forum
  • Trinity Park Expands
  • Restroom Installation at Monument Lake
  • OCN September Issue Audio Highlights Podcast (29 min.)
  • OCN September Issue Audio Articles Podcast (2 hr. 38 min.)
  • Palmer Lake Library Concert Series 2025
  • Opening of the Tri-Lakes Activity Center (formerly the Senior Center)
  • Lang Investment Services Pig Roast, Aug. 8
  • July 4th Monument Parade and Street Fair and Palmer Lake fireworks
  • Silver Key moves to the Presbyterian Church
  • Interview with Sam DeFelice (40 min.)
  • Interview with Jim Maguire (55 min.)
  • Art Hop – Short interview with artist Darcy Muncey
  • WMMI History Day
  • Cops and Bobbers
  • Chad Smith sworn in as Monument Town Council member
  • Jim Maguire Celebration of Life
  • Palmer Lake Fishing Derby
  • P51 Statute Dedication at Monument Town Hall

View our YouTube Channel

**********

This email is an edition of the Our Community Newsletter. We also offer separate monthly email messages for those interested in information about OCN advertising. If you wish to also receive those email messages, please let me know or click on “manage your subscription” at the bottom of every message I sent. That will take you to a web page where you can update your information and preferences.

If you do not wish to receive future email messages of this type, please let me know at johnheiser@ocn.me and I will take care of it immediately.

Recent newsletters

OCN Newsletter #28 – Oct. 19, 2025 – Mon. and PL Meetings This Week, Check Out Our On-Line Calendar, OCN App is in the Microsoft App Store, PL Suit Dismissed, PL Trustee Hutson Resigns, Buc-ee’s Annexation Election Feb. 5

Download a PDF of this newsletter

Upcoming Events

Readers should assume that event information published in this issue is subject to change and information should be confirmed a day or two before the event by calling the information number or checking the organization’s website.

See our new on-line calendar or page < 22 > and page < 23 > of our October issue for event locations and other details of these and many other local events.

  • WMMI, Miners’ Pumpkin Patch, every Sat. in Oct. See ad on page < 10 >.
  • Speed puzzle events, Mon., Oct. 20. 6:30 pm-9:30 pm See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Restyle Your Fur, Mon.-Tue., Oct. 20-21, 10 am-5 pm. See ad on page < 10 >.
  • Monument Town Council, Mon., Oct. 20, 6:30 pm.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Meeting, Thu., Oct. 23, 6 pm.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Workshop, Fri., Oct. 24, 9 am.
  • St. Peter Catholic School Trunk or Treat and Fall Festival, Fri., Oct. 24, 5 pm-7 pm. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • YMCA Creepy Crawl 5K and Kids’ Monster Dash, Sat., Oct. 25, 9:30 am-1 pm.
  • Monument Professional Firefighters Annual Pumpkin Giveaway, Sat., Oct. 25, 10 am-2 pm.
  • OCN mailing days, Thu., Oct. 30, approx. 7-8:30 am. If you can help, even for an hour or two, getting the papers ready to mail, contact AllenAlchian@ocn.me or (719) 488-3455.
  • Downtown Monument Safe Trick or Treat, Fri., Oct. 31, 4 pm-6 pm.
  • TLWC’s Joys of the Holiday Season Holiday Home Tour, Fri.-Sat., Nov. 21-22, 10-4pm. See ad on page < 8 >.

With our new on-line calendar, you can easily search for your favorite events, view upcoming events in a variety of formats (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) and add events of interest to the calendar on your mobile device or computer.

Check out our On-Line Calendar

Keep up with fast-moving developments in the Tri-Lakes area with the OCN app!

The OCN app alerts you to upcoming events you don’t want to miss, lists the latest articles, podcasts, photo collections, comments, etc. It updates automatically to keep you informed.

For Windows 10 and 11 users, the OCN app is now available for download from the Microsoft App Store.

In the screenshot below, the app is reporting 10 new upcoming events including a car show, farmers’ market, D38 school board meeting, and Monument Town Council meeting.

Just click the button below for a description of our great new app and detailed instructions on installing it on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, Chromebook, or desktop computer.

Download the OCN App!

Lawsuit against Palmer Lake dismissed

By John Heiser

On Friday, Oct. 3, El Paso County District Court Judge William B. Bain dismissed a lawsuit brought in January against the Town of Palmer Lake by Integrity Matters.

The suit sought to stop the development of a proposed Buc-ee’s travel center. Integrity Matters claimed that the actions taken by the town in determining annexation eligibility were “arbitrary, lacked transparency, and ignored critical statutory and constitutional safeguards.”

The board voted 4-1 in December and 6-1 in May that the land west of Interstate 25 and north of Monument was eligible to apply for annexation.

In dismissing the lawsuit, the judge found the plaintiffs lacked standing to contest the annexation and had insufficient legal grounds for their other complaints.

In a press release, the town said, “The Court’s ruling confirms that the claims brought against the Town were without sufficient legal basis to move forward. While the order itself is concise, it firmly upholds the
key arguments the Town presented and provides a solid foundation should an appeal be pursued.”

John Heiser can be contacted at johnheiser@ocn.me.

Palmer Lake Trustee Amy Hutson resigns

Here is her Oct. 3 message as posted on the PL website:

To the residents of Palmer Lake:

I have volunteered for 5 years for the Town of Palmer Lake as both a Planning Commissioner and then as Trustee. During that time, I have helped write and implement the current Community Master Plan, rewrite the sign code, rewrite the land use code, push for a code compliance officer, and push for a real plan for the Elephant Rock property. I became a trustee to honor the master plan and the planning commission. I was always trying to help and make things better.

I have been yelled at, defamed, accused of wrongdoing, and sued. Breaking news….The judge has dismissed all charges against me and all the other charges against the town. “Integrity” Matters is a joke. Look it up. Look up also that they tried to get the town to pay $775,000 to settle.

My skin is too thin and I’m too bitter at this point to carry out my office. I officially resign my position as a Palmer Lake Trustee as of today October 3rd , 2025. And by the way, if BOT did get to vote on Buc-ee’s, I was going to vote No. Good luck finding someone who knows the master plan and code as well as I do who has a kind servant’s heart.

Amy

Amy Hutson Trustee,
Mayor Pro Tem Town of Palmer Lake

Palmer Lake Board grants Buc-ee’s request for annexation election, continues public hearing to Feb. 5

By Jackie Burhans

At the special meeting Oct. 2, the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees planned to hold a public hearing on the Buc-ee’s annexation to consider the petition for annexation, a plan to zone the property as Planned Development (PD), and a sketch plan. A large audience attended and vocally expressed their disapproval with the proceedings.

The agenda noted that the applicant submitted a written request to hold an annexation election and continue the public hearing to a later date and specify the date of that hearing. Town Attorney Scott Krob, noting the recently passed ordinance used the vague language of the initiative that voters passed in the Sept. 9 special election, said that the applicant was within their rights to request the election and the board should follow the will of the voters. At the Sept. 25 board meeting, Krob said the election could take place at any point in the process. Krob said the board’s election consultant said the election could take place within 120 days and that, given their reimbursement agreement with the applicant, Buc-ee’s would pay for the cost of the election.

After much discussion from the board and numerous points of order and points of information, primarily raised by Integrity Matters’ attorney Kat Gayle, the board voted four in favor and three opposed to granting the request for an annexation election and to continue the public hearing until February 5. Trustees Beth Harris, Atis Jurka, and Roger Mosely voted no; Mike Boyett, Tim Caves, Amy Hutson, and Mayor Dennis Stern voted yes.

Had the board voted on the questions in the originally planned public hearing, a two-thirds vote would have been required in accordance with Section 17.14.010 (7) of the town’s municipal code because the proposed rezoning had been protested by more than 20% of the owners of adjacent properties.

Jackie Burhans can be contacted at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Check out all the great content in our Oct. 4th issue!

Almost 23,000 copies of our Oct. 6th issue were mailed Oct. 2nd.

The articles and photos in that issue and the associated photo collection have been posted at www.ocn.me.

The audio files and podcasts will be posted later today.

Read our October Issue

Read our On-Line E-Editions

Listen to our highlights podcast

Download a PDF of our October Issue

View our October issue photo collection

Don’t miss any of the videos posted on our YouTube Channel

  • Annual Ride for Tim
  • Palmer Lake 0.5k
  • D38 Candidate Forum
  • Trinity Park Expands
  • Restroom Installation at Monument Lake
  • OCN September Issue Audio Highlights Podcast (29 min.)
  • OCN September Issue Audio Articles Podcast (2 hr. 38 min.)
  • Palmer Lake Library Concert Series 2025
  • Opening of the Tri-Lakes Activity Center (formerly the Senior Center)
  • Lang Investment Services Pig Roast, Aug. 8
  • July 4th Monument Parade and Street Fair and Palmer Lake fireworks
  • Silver Key moves to the Presbyterian Church
  • Interview with Sam DeFelice (40 min.)
  • Interview with Jim Maguire (55 min.)
  • Art Hop – Short interview with artist Darcy Muncey
  • WMMI History Day
  • Cops and Bobbers
  • Chad Smith sworn in as Monument Town Council member
  • Jim Maguire Celebration of Life
  • Palmer Lake Fishing Derby
  • P51 Statute Dedication at Monument Town Hall

View our YouTube Channel

**********

This email is an edition of the Our Community Newsletter. We also offer separate monthly email messages for those interested in information about OCN advertising. If you wish to also receive those email messages, please let me know or click on “manage your subscription” at the bottom of every message I sent. That will take you to a web page where you can update your information and preferences.

If you do not wish to receive future email messages of this type, please let me know at johnheiser@ocn.me and I will take care of it immediately.

Recent newsletters

Our Community Newsletter #27 – October 13, 2025 – Chamber Expo Wed., Check Out Our On-Line Calendar, PL suit dismissed, PL Trustee Hutson Resigns, Buc-ee’s annexation election Feb. 5

Download a PDF of this newsletter

Upcoming Events

Readers should assume that event information published in this issue is subject to change and information should be confirmed a day or two before the event by calling the information number or checking the organization’s website.

See our new on-line calendar or page < 22 > and page < 23 > of our October issue for event locations and other details of these and many other local events.

  • WMMI, Miners’ Pumpkin Patch, every Sat. in Oct. See ad on page < 10 >.
  • Speed puzzle events, Mon., Oct. 13; Mon., Oct. 20. 6:30 pm-9:30 pm See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Tri-Lakes Chamber Community & Business Expo, Wed., Oct. 15, 4 pm-7 pm.
  • 100+ Women Who Care Bi-Annual Meeting, Wed., Oct. 15, 5 pm-7 pm.
  • Palmer Lake Historical Society, Thu., Oct. 16, 7-8 pm (doors open at 6:30).
  • Covered Treasures Bookstore Book Signing, Thu., Oct. 16, 4 pm-7 pm; Margaret Mizushima, Burning Cry; Kathleen Donnelly, Colorado K-9 Secrets, Killer Secrets.  Sat., Oct. 18, 11-1 p.m., Doug Freed, Over Hill and Over Dale; 12-2 p.m., Andrew Singer & Stacy May, Now Is the Time and She Journeys. 105 Second Street, Monument, 719-481-2665. 
  • Restyle Your Fur, Mon.-Tue., Oct. 20-21, 10 am-5 pm. See ad on page < 10 >.
  • Monument Town Council, Mon., Oct. 20, 6:30 pm.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Meeting, Thu., Oct. 23, 6 pm.
  • St. Peter Catholic School Trunk or Treat and Fall Festival, Fri., Oct. 24, 5 pm-7 pm. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • YMCA Creepy Crawl 5K and Kids’ Monster Dash, Sat., Oct. 25, 9:30 am-1 pm.
  • Monument Professional Firefighters Annual Pumpkin Giveaway, Sat., Oct. 25, 10 am-2 pm.
  • OCN mailing days, Thu., Oct. 30, approx. 7-8:30 am. If you can help, even for an hour or two, getting the papers ready to mail, contact AllenAlchian@ocn.me or (719) 488-3455.
  • Downtown Monument Safe Trick or Treat, Fri., Oct. 31, 4 pm-6 pm.
  • TLWC’s Joys of the Holiday Season Holiday Home Tour, Fri.-Sat., Nov. 21-22, 10-4pm. See ad on page < 8 >.

With our new on-line calendar, you can easily search for your favorite events, view upcoming events in a variety of formats (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) and add events of interest to the calendar on your mobile device or computer.

Check out our On-Line Calendar

Lawsuit against Palmer Lake dismissed

By John Heiser

On Friday, Oct. 3, El Paso County District Court Judge William B. Bain dismissed a lawsuit brought in January against the Town of Palmer Lake by Integrity Matters.

The suit sought to stop the development of a proposed Buc-ee’s travel center. Integrity Matters claimed that the actions taken by the town in determining annexation eligibility were “arbitrary, lacked transparency, and ignored critical statutory and constitutional safeguards.”

The board voted 4-1 in December and 6-1 in May that the land west of Interstate 25 and north of Monument was eligible to apply for annexation.

In dismissing the lawsuit, the judge found the plaintiffs lacked standing to contest the annexation and had insufficient legal grounds for their other complaints.

In a press release, the town said, “The Court’s ruling confirms that the claims brought against the Town were without sufficient legal basis to move forward. While the order itself is concise, it firmly upholds the
key arguments the Town presented and provides a solid foundation should an appeal be pursued.”

John Heiser can be contacted at johnheiser@ocn.me.

Palmer Lake Trustee Amy Hutson resigns

Here is her Oct. 3 message as posted on the PL website:

To the residents of Palmer Lake:

I have volunteered for 5 years for the Town of Palmer Lake as both a Planning Commissioner and then as Trustee. During that time, I have helped write and implement the current Community Master Plan, rewrite the sign code, rewrite the land use code, push for a code compliance officer, and push for a real plan for the Elephant Rock property. I became a trustee to honor the master plan and the planning commission. I was always trying to help and make things better.

I have been yelled at, defamed, accused of wrongdoing, and sued. Breaking news….The judge has dismissed all charges against me and all the other charges against the town. “Integrity” Matters is a joke. Look it up. Look up also that they tried to get the town to pay $775,000 to settle.

My skin is too thin and I’m too bitter at this point to carry out my office. I officially resign my position as a Palmer Lake Trustee as of today October 3rd , 2025. And by the way, if BOT did get to vote on Buc-ee’s, I was going to vote No. Good luck finding someone who knows the master plan and code as well as I do who has a kind servant’s heart.

Amy

Amy Hutson Trustee,
Mayor Pro Tem Town of Palmer Lake

Palmer Lake Board grants Buc-ee’s request for annexation election, continues public hearing to Feb. 5

By Jackie Burhans

At the special meeting Oct. 2, the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees planned to hold a public hearing on the Buc-ee’s annexation to consider the petition for annexation, a plan to zone the property as Planned Development (PD), and a sketch plan. A large audience attended and vocally expressed their disapproval with the proceedings.

The agenda noted that the applicant submitted a written request to hold an annexation election and continue the public hearing to a later date and specify the date of that hearing. Town Attorney Scott Krob, noting the recently passed ordinance used the vague language of the initiative that voters passed in the Sept. 9 special election, said that the applicant was within their rights to request the election and the board should follow the will of the voters. At the Sept. 25 board meeting, Krob said the election could take place at any point in the process. Krob said the board’s election consultant said the election could take place within 120 days and that, given their reimbursement agreement with the applicant, Buc-ee’s would pay for the cost of the election.

After much discussion from the board and numerous points of order and points of information, primarily raised by Integrity Matters’ attorney Kat Gayle, the board voted four in favor and three opposed to granting the request for an annexation election and to continue the public hearing until February 5. Trustees Beth Harris, Atis Jurka, and Roger Mosely voted no; Mike Boyett, Tim Caves, Amy Hutson, and Mayor Dennis Stern voted yes.

Had the board voted on the questions in the originally planned public hearing, a two-thirds vote would have been required in accordance with Section 17.14.010 (7) of the town’s municipal code because the proposed rezoning had been protested by more than 20% of the owners of adjacent properties.

Jackie Burhans can be contacted at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Check out all the great content in our Oct. 4th issue!

Almost 23,000 copies of our Oct. 6th issue were mailed Oct. 2nd.

The articles and photos in that issue and the associated photo collection have been posted at www.ocn.me.

The audio files and podcasts will be posted later today.

Read our October Issue

Read our On-Line E-Editions

Listen to our highlights podcast

Download a PDF of our October Issue

View our October issue photo collection

Keep up with fast-moving developments in the Tri-Lakes area with our new OCN app!

Alerts you to upcoming events you don’t want to miss, lists the latest articles and podcasts, and much more. It updates automatically to keep you informed.

No need to search the app store. Just click the button below for a description of our great new app and detailed instructions on installing it using the browser on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, Chromebook, or desktop computer.

In the screenshot below, the app is reporting 10 new upcoming events including a car show, farmers’ market, D38 school board meeting, and Monument Town Council meeting.

No need to search the app store. Just click the button below for a description of our great new app and detailed instructions on installing it using the browser on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, Chromebook, or desktop computer.

Download the OCN App!

Don’t miss any of the videos posted on our YouTube Channel

  • Annual Ride for Tim
  • Palmer Lake 0.5k
  • D38 Candidate Forum
  • Trinity Park Expands
  • Restroom Installation at Monument Lake
  • OCN September Issue Audio Highlights Podcast (29 min.)
  • OCN September Issue Audio Articles Podcast (2 hr. 38 min.)
  • Palmer Lake Library Concert Series 2025
  • Opening of the Tri-Lakes Activity Center (formerly the Senior Center)
  • Lang Investment Services Pig Roast, Aug. 8
  • July 4th Monument Parade and Street Fair and Palmer Lake fireworks
  • Silver Key moves to the Presbyterian Church
  • Interview with Sam DeFelice (40 min.)
  • Interview with Jim Maguire (55 min.)
  • Art Hop – Short interview with artist Darcy Muncey
  • WMMI History Day
  • Cops and Bobbers
  • Chad Smith sworn in as Monument Town Council member
  • Jim Maguire Celebration of Life
  • Palmer Lake Fishing Derby
  • P51 Statute Dedication at Monument Town Hall

View our YouTube Channel

**********

This email is an edition of the Our Community Newsletter. We also offer separate monthly email messages for those interested in information about OCN advertising. If you wish to also receive those email messages, please let me know or click on “manage your subscription” at the bottom of every message I sent. That will take you to a web page where you can update your information and preferences.

If you do not wish to receive future email messages of this type, please let me know at johnheiser@ocn.me and I will take care of it immediately.

Recent newsletters

Our Community Newsletter #26 – October 6, 2025 – PL suit dismissed, PL Trustee Hutson Resigns, Buc-ee’s annexation election Feb. 5

Download a PDF of this newsletter

Lawsuit against Palmer Lake dismissed

By John Heiser

On Friday, Oct. 3, El Paso County District Court Judge William B. Bain dismissed a lawsuit brought in January against the Town of Palmer Lake by Integrity Matters.

The suit sought to stop the development of a proposed Buc-ee’s travel center. Integrity Matters claimed that the actions taken by the town in determining annexation eligibility were “arbitrary, lacked transparency, and ignored critical statutory and constitutional safeguards.”

The board voted 4-1 in December and 6-1 in May that the land west of Interstate 25 and north of Monument was eligible to apply for annexation.

In dismissing the lawsuit, the judge found the plaintiffs lacked standing to contest the annexation and had insufficient legal grounds for their other complaints.

In a press release, the town said, “The Court’s ruling confirms that the claims brought against the Town were without sufficient legal basis to move forward. While the order itself is concise, it firmly upholds the
key arguments the Town presented and provides a solid foundation should an appeal be pursued.”

John Heiser can be contacted at johnheiser@ocn.me.

Palmer Lake Trustee Amy Hutson resigns

Here is her Oct. 3 message as posted on the PL website:

To the residents of Palmer Lake:

I have volunteered for 5 years for the Town of Palmer Lake as both a Planning Commissioner and then as Trustee. During that time, I have helped write and implement the current Community Master Plan, rewrite the sign code, rewrite the land use code, push for a code compliance officer, and push for a real plan for the Elephant Rock property. I became a trustee to honor the master plan and the planning commission. I was always trying to help and make things better.

I have been yelled at, defamed, accused of wrongdoing, and sued. Breaking news….The judge has dismissed all charges against me and all the other charges against the town. “Integrity” Matters is a joke. Look it up. Look up also that they tried to get the town to pay $775,000 to settle.

My skin is too thin and I’m too bitter at this point to carry out my office. I officially resign my position as a Palmer Lake Trustee as of today October 3rd , 2025. And by the way, if BOT did get to vote on Buc-ee’s, I was going to vote No. Good luck finding someone who knows the master plan and code as well as I do who has a kind servant’s heart.

Amy

Amy Hutson Trustee,
Mayor Pro Tem Town of Palmer Lake

Palmer Lake Board grants Buc-ee’s request for annexation election, continues public hearing to Feb. 5

By Jackie Burhans

At the special meeting Oct. 2, the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees planned to hold a public hearing on the Buc-ee’s annexation to consider the petition for annexation, a plan to zone the property as Planned Development (PD), and a sketch plan. A large audience attended and vocally expressed their disapproval with the proceedings.

The agenda noted that the applicant submitted a written request to hold an annexation election and continue the public hearing to a later date and specify the date of that hearing. Town Attorney Scott Krob, noting the recently passed ordinance used the vague language of the initiative that voters passed in the Sept. 9 special election, said that the applicant was within their rights to request the election and the board should follow the will of the voters. At the Sept. 25 board meeting, Krob said the election could take place at any point in the process. Krob said the board’s election consultant said the election could take place within 120 days and that, given their reimbursement agreement with the applicant, Buc-ee’s would pay for the cost of the election.

After much discussion from the board and numerous points of order and points of information, primarily raised by Integrity Matters’ attorney Kat Gayle, the board voted four in favor and three opposed to granting the request for an annexation election and to continue the public hearing until February 5. Trustees Beth Harris, Atis Jurka, and Roger Mosely voted no; Mike Boyett, Tim Caves, Amy Hutson, and Mayor Dennis Stern voted yes.

Had the board voted on the questions in the originally planned public hearing, a two-thirds vote would have been required in accordance with Section 17.14.010 (7) of the town’s municipal code because the proposed rezoning had been protested by more than 20% of the owners of adjacent properties.

Jackie Burhans can be contacted at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Check out all the great content in our Oct. 4th issue!

Almost 23,000 copies of our Oct. 6th issue were mailed Oct. 2nd.

The articles and photos in that issue and the associated photo collection have been posted at www.ocn.me.

The audio files and podcasts will be posted later today.

Read our October Issue

Read our On-Line E-Editions

Listen to our highlights podcast

Download a PDF of our October Issue

View our October issue photo collection

Upcoming Events

Readers should assume that event information published in this issue is subject to change and information should be confirmed a day or two before the event by calling the information number or checking the organization’s website.

See our new on-line calendar or page < 22 > and page < 23 > of our October issue for event locations and other details of these and many other local events.

  • WMMI, Miners’ Pumpkin Patch, every Sat. in Oct. See ad on page < 10 >.
  • Monument Town Council, Mon., Oct. 6, 6:30 pm.
  • Checkered table talks, monthly speaker series. Thu., Oct. 7, doors open 5 pm, program 5:30-6:30 pm,
  • Speed puzzle events, Tue., Oct. 7; Mon., Oct. 13; Mon., Oct. 20. 6:30 pm-9:30 pm See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Friends of Monument Preserve (FOMP) Trail Repair Work Days, Thu., Oct. 9, 5 pm-7 pm
  • Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Meeting, Thu., Oct. 9, 6 pm.
  • Tri-Lakes Women’s Club, Fri., Oct. 10, Michael Weinfeld and John Howe present highlights of their book Shootouts, Killings, and War Heroes: The History Hidden in Monument Cemetery.
  • Maker’s Market, Sat.-Sun., Oct. 11-12. See ad on page < 8 >.
  • 100+ Women Who Care Bi-Annual Meeting, Wed., Oct. 15, 5 pm-7 pm.
  • Palmer Lake Historical Society, Thu., Oct. 16, 7-8 pm (doors open at 6:30).
  • Covered Treasures Bookstore Book Signing, Thu., Oct. 16, 4 pm-7 pm; Margaret Mizushima, Burning Cry; Kathleen Donnelly, Colorado K-9 Secrets, Killer Secrets.  Sat., Oct. 18, 11-1 p.m., Doug Freed, Over Hill and Over Dale; 12-2 p.m., Andrew Singer & Stacy May, Now Is the Time and She Journeys. 105 Second Street, Monument, 719-481-2665. 
  • Restyle Your Fur, Mon.-Tue., Oct. 20-21, 10 am-5 pm. See ad on page < 10 >.
  • Monument Town Council, Mon., Oct. 20, 6:30 pm.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Meeting, Thu., Oct. 23, 6 pm.
  • St. Peter Catholic School Trunk or Treat and Fall Festival, Fri., Oct. 24, 5 pm-7 pm. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Monument Professional Firefighters Annual Pumpkin Giveaway, Sat., Oct. 25, 10 am-2 pm.
  • OCN mailing days, Thu., Oct. 30, approx. 7-8:30 am. If you can help, even for an hour or two, getting the papers ready to mail, contact AllenAlchian@ocn.me or (719) 488-3455.
  • Downtown Monument Safe Trick or Treat, Fri., Oct. 31, 4 pm-6 pm.
  • TLWC’s Joys of the Holiday Season Holiday Home Tour, Fri.-Sat., Nov. 21-22, 10-4pm. See ad on page < 8 >.

With our new on-line calendar, you can easily search for your favorite events, view upcoming events in a variety of formats (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) and add events of interest to the calendar on your mobile device or computer.

Check out our On-Line Calendar

Keep up with fast-moving developments in the Tri-Lakes area with our new OCN app!

Alerts you to upcoming events you don’t want to miss, lists the latest articles and podcasts, and much more. It updates automatically to keep you informed.

No need to search the app store. Just click the button below for a description of our great new app and detailed instructions on installing it using the browser on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, Chromebook, or desktop computer.

In the screenshot below, the app is reporting 10 new upcoming events including a car show, farmers’ market, D38 school board meeting, and Monument Town Council meeting.

No need to search the app store. Just click the button below for a description of our great new app and detailed instructions on installing it using the browser on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, Chromebook, or desktop computer.

Download the OCN App!

Don’t miss any of the videos posted on our YouTube Channel

  • Annual Ride for Tim
  • Palmer Lake 0.5k
  • D38 Candidate Forum
  • Trinity Park Expands
  • Restroom Installation at Monument Lake
  • OCN September Issue Audio Highlights Podcast (29 min.)
  • OCN September Issue Audio Articles Podcast (2 hr. 38 min.)
  • Palmer Lake Library Concert Series 2025
  • Opening of the Tri-Lakes Activity Center (formerly the Senior Center)
  • Lang Investment Services Pig Roast, Aug. 8
  • July 4th Monument Parade and Street Fair and Palmer Lake fireworks
  • Silver Key moves to the Presbyterian Church
  • Interview with Sam DeFelice (40 min.)
  • Interview with Jim Maguire (55 min.)
  • Art Hop – Short interview with artist Darcy Muncey
  • WMMI History Day
  • Cops and Bobbers
  • Chad Smith sworn in as Monument Town Council member
  • Jim Maguire Celebration of Life
  • Palmer Lake Fishing Derby
  • P51 Statute Dedication at Monument Town Hall

View our YouTube Channel

**********

This email is an edition of the Our Community Newsletter. We also offer separate monthly email messages for those interested in information about OCN advertising. If you wish to also receive those email messages, please let me know or click on “manage your subscription” at the bottom of every message I sent. That will take you to a web page where you can update your information and preferences.

If you do not wish to receive future email messages of this type, please let me know at johnheiser@ocn.me and I will take care of it immediately.

Recent newsletters

Our Community Newsletter #25 – October 4, 2025 – PL Trustee Hutson Resigns, Buc-ee’s annexation election Feb. 5, Oct. OCN podcasts posted

Download a PDF of this newsletter

Palmer Lake Trustee Amy Hutson resigns

Here is her Oct. 3 message as posted on the PL website:

To the residents of Palmer Lake:

I have volunteered for 5 years for the Town of Palmer Lake as both a Planning Commissioner and then as Trustee. During that time, I have helped write and implement the current Community Master Plan, rewrite the sign code, rewrite the land use code, push for a code compliance officer, and push for a real plan for the Elephant Rock property. I became a trustee to honor the master plan and the planning commission. I was always trying to help and make things better.

I have been yelled at, defamed, accused of wrongdoing, and sued. Breaking news….The judge has dismissed all charges against me and all the other charges against the town. “Integrity” Matters is a joke. Look it up. Look up also that they tried to get the town to pay $775,000 to settle.

My skin is too thin and I’m too bitter at this point to carry out my office. I officially resign my position as a Palmer Lake Trustee as of today October 3rd , 2025. And by the way, if BOT did get to vote on Buc-ee’s, I was going to vote No. Good luck finding someone who knows the master plan and code as well as I do who has a kind servant’s heart.

Amy

Amy Hutson Trustee,
Mayor Pro Tem Town of Palmer Lake

Palmer Lake Board grants Buc-ee’s request for annexation election, continues public hearing to Feb. 5

By Jackie Burhans

At the special meeting Oct. 2, the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees planned to hold a public hearing on the Buc-ee’s annexation to consider the petition for annexation, a plan to zone the property as Planned Development (PD), and a sketch plan. A large audience attended and vocally expressed their disapproval with the proceedings.

The agenda noted that the applicant submitted a written request to hold an annexation election and continue the public hearing to a later date and specify the date of that hearing. Town Attorney Scott Krob, noting the recently passed ordinance used the vague language of the initiative that voters passed in the Sept. 9 special election, said that the applicant was within their rights to request the election and the board should follow the will of the voters. At the Sept. 25 board meeting, Krob said the election could take place at any point in the process. Krob said the board’s election consultant said the election could take place within 120 days and that, given their reimbursement agreement with the applicant, Buc-ee’s would pay for the cost of the election.

After much discussion from the board and numerous points of order and points of information, primarily raised by Integrity Matters’ attorney Kat Gayle, the board voted four in favor and three opposed to granting the request for an annexation election and to continue the public hearing until February 5. Trustees Beth Harris, Atis Jurka, and Roger Mosely voted no; Mike Boyett, Tim Caves, Amy Hutson, and Mayor Dennis Stern voted yes.

Had the board voted on the questions in the originally planned public hearing, a two-thirds vote would have been required in accordance with Section 17.14.010 (7) of the town’s municipal code because the proposed rezoning had been protested by more than 20% of the owners of adjacent properties.

Jackie Burhans can be contacted at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Check out all the great content in our Oct. 4th issue!

Almost 23,000 copies of our Oct. 6th issue were mailed Oct. 2nd.

The articles and photos in that issue and the associated photo collection have been posted at www.ocn.me.

The audio files and podcasts will be posted later today.

Read our October Issue

Read our On-Line E-Editions

Listen to our highlights podcast

Download a PDF of our October Issue

View our October issue photo collection

Upcoming Events

Readers should assume that event information published in this issue is subject to change and information should be confirmed a day or two before the event by calling the information number or checking the organization’s website.

See our new on-line calendar or page < 22 > and page < 23 > of our October issue for event locations and other details of these and many other local events.

  • WMMI, Miners’ Pumpkin Patch, every Sat. in Oct. See ad on page < 10 >.
  • Benet Hill Monastery, Blessing of the Animals, Sat., Oct. 4, 3 pm. Melanie DeMore concert, Sun., Oct. 5, 11:30 am. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • St. Matthias Blessing of the Animals, Sun., Oct. 5, 3 pm-5 pm. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Checkered table talks, monthly speaker series. Thu., Oct. 7, doors open 5 pm, program 5:30-6:30 pm,
  • Speed puzzle events, Tue., Oct. 7; Mon., Oct. 13; Mon., Oct. 20. 6:30 pm-9:30 pm See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Friends of Monument Preserve (FOMP) Trail Repair Work Days, Thu., Oct. 9, 5 pm-7 pm
  • Tri-Lakes Women’s Club, Fri., Oct. 10, Michael Weinfeld and John Howe present highlights of their book Shootouts, Killings, and War Heroes: The History Hidden in Monument Cemetery.
  • Maker’s Market, Sat.-Sun., Oct. 11-12. See ad on page < 8 >.
  • 100+ Women Who Care Bi-Annual Meeting, Wed., Oct. 15, 5 pm-7 pm.
  • Palmer Lake Historical Society, Thu., Oct. 16, 7-8 pm (doors open at 6:30).
  • Covered Treasures Bookstore Book Signing, Thu., Oct. 16, 4 pm-7 pm; Margaret Mizushima, Burning Cry; Kathleen Donnelly, Colorado K-9 Secrets, Killer Secrets.  Sat., Oct. 18, 11-1 p.m., Doug Freed, Over Hill and Over Dale; 12-2 p.m., Andrew Singer & Stacy May, Now Is the Time and She Journeys. 105 Second Street, Monument, 719-481-2665. 
  • Restyle Your Fur, Mon.-Tue., Oct. 20-21, 10 am-5 pm. See ad on page < 10 >.
  • St. Peter Catholic School Trunk or Treat and Fall Festival, Fri., Oct. 24, 5 pm-7 pm. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Monument Professional Firefighters Annual Pumpkin Giveaway, Sat., Oct. 25, 10 am-2 pm.
  • OCN mailing days, Thu., Oct. 30, approx. 7-8:30 am. If you can help, even for an hour or two, getting the papers ready to mail, contact AllenAlchian@ocn.me or (719) 488-3455.
  • Downtown Monument Safe Trick or Treat, Fri., Oct. 31, 4 pm-6 pm.
  • TLWC’s Joys of the Holiday Season Holiday Home Tour, Fri.-Sat., Nov. 21-22, 10-4pm. See ad on page < 8 >.

With our new on-line calendar, you can easily search for your favorite events, view upcoming events in a variety of formats (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) and add events of interest to the calendar on your mobile device or computer.

Check out our On-Line Calendar

Keep up with fast-moving developments in the Tri-Lakes area with our new OCN app!

Alerts you to upcoming events you don’t want to miss, lists the latest articles and podcasts, and much more. It updates automatically to keep you informed.

No need to search the app store. Just click the button below for a description of our great new app and detailed instructions on installing it using the browser on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, Chromebook, or desktop computer.

In the screenshot below, the app is reporting 10 new upcoming events including a car show, farmers’ market, D38 school board meeting, and Monument Town Council meeting.

No need to search the app store. Just click the button below for a description of our great new app and detailed instructions on installing it using the browser on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, Chromebook, or desktop computer.

Download the OCN App!

Don’t miss any of the videos posted on our YouTube Channel

  • Palmer Lake 0.5k
  • D38 Candidate Forum
  • Trinity Park Expands
  • Restroom Installation at Monument Lake
  • OCN September Issue Audio Highlights Podcast (29 min.)
  • OCN September Issue Audio Articles Podcast (2 hr. 38 min.)
  • Palmer Lake Library Concert Series 2025
  • Opening of the Tri-Lakes Activity Center (formerly the Senior Center)
  • Lang Investment Services Pig Roast, Aug. 8
  • July 4th Monument Parade and Street Fair and Palmer Lake fireworks
  • Silver Key moves to the Presbyterian Church
  • Interview with Sam DeFelice (40 min.)
  • Interview with Jim Maguire (55 min.)
  • Art Hop – Short interview with artist Darcy Muncey
  • WMMI History Day
  • Cops and Bobbers
  • Chad Smith sworn in as Monument Town Council member
  • Jim Maguire Celebration of Life
  • Palmer Lake Fishing Derby
  • P51 Statute Dedication at Monument Town Hall

View our YouTube Channel

**********

This email is an edition of the Our Community Newsletter. We also offer separate monthly email messages for those interested in information about OCN advertising. If you wish to also receive those email messages, please let me know or click on “manage your subscription” at the bottom of every message I sent. That will take you to a web page where you can update your information and preferences.

If you do not wish to receive future email messages of this type, please let me know at johnheiser@ocn.me and I will take care of it immediately.

Recent newsletters

Our Community Newsletter #24 – October 3, 2025 – Election to be held on Buc-ee’s annexation, Oct. OCN issue posted

Download a PDF of this newsletter

Palmer Lake Board grants Buc-ee’s request for annexation election, continues public hearing to Feb. 5

By Jackie Burhans

At the special meeting Oct. 2, the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees planned to hold a public hearing on the Buc-ee’s annexation to consider the petition for annexation, a plan to zone the property as Planned Development (PD), and a sketch plan. A large audience attended and vocally expressed their disapproval with the proceedings.

The agenda noted that the applicant submitted a written request to hold an annexation election and continue the public hearing to a later date and specify the date of that hearing. Town Attorney Scott Krob, noting the recently passed ordinance used the vague language of the initiative that voters passed in the Sept. 9 special election, said that the applicant was within their rights to request the election and the board should follow the will of the voters. At the Sept. 25 board meeting, Krob said the election could take place at any point in the process. Krob said the board’s election consultant said the election could take place within 120 days and that, given their reimbursement agreement with the applicant, Buc-ee’s would pay for the cost of the election.

After much discussion from the board and numerous points of order and points of information, primarily raised by Integrity Matters’ attorney Kat Gayle, the board voted four in favor and three opposed to granting the request for an annexation election and to continue the public hearing until February 5. Trustees Beth Harris, Atis Jurka, and Roger Mosely voted no; Mike Boyett, Tim Caves, Amy Hutson, and Mayor Dennis Stern voted yes.

Had the board voted on the questions in the originally planned public hearing, a two-thirds vote would have been required in accordance with Section 17.14.010 (7) of the town’s municipal code because the proposed rezoning had been protested by more than 20% of the owners of adjacent properties.

Jackie Burhans can be contacted at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Check out all the great content in our Oct. 4th issue!

Almost 23,000 copies of our Oct. 6th issue were mailed Oct. 2nd.

The articles and photos in that issue and the associated photo collection have been posted at www.ocn.me.

The audio files and podcasts will be posted later today.

Read our October Issue

Read our On-Line E-Editions

Download a PDF of our October Issue

Upcoming Events

Readers should assume that event information published in this issue is subject to change and information should be confirmed a day or two before the event by calling the information number or checking the organization’s website.

See our new on-line calendar or page < 22 > and page < 23 > of our October issue for event locations and other details of these and many other local events.

  • WMMI, Miners’ Pumpkin Patch, every Sat. in Oct. See ad on page < 10 >.
  • Benet Hill Monastery, Blessing of the Animals, Sat., Oct. 4, 3 pm. Melanie DeMore concert, Sun., Oct. 5, 11:30 am. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • St. Matthias Blessing of the Animals, Sun., Oct. 5, 3 pm-5 pm. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Checkered table talks, monthly speaker series. Thu., Oct. 7, doors open 5 pm, program 5:30-6:30 pm,
  • Speed puzzle events, Tue., Oct. 7; Mon., Oct. 13; Mon., Oct. 20. 6:30 pm-9:30 pm See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Friends of Monument Preserve (FOMP) Trail Repair Work Days, Thu., Oct. 9, 5 pm-7 pm
  • Tri-Lakes Women’s Club, Fri., Oct. 10, Michael Weinfeld and John Howe present highlights of their book Shootouts, Killings, and War Heroes: The History Hidden in Monument Cemetery.
  • Maker’s Market, Sat.-Sun., Oct. 11-12. See ad on page < 8 >.
  • 100+ Women Who Care Bi-Annual Meeting, Wed., Oct. 15, 5 pm-7 pm.
  • Palmer Lake Historical Society, Thu., Oct. 16, 7-8 pm (doors open at 6:30).
  • Covered Treasures Bookstore Book Signing, Thu., Oct. 16, 4 pm-7 pm; Margaret Mizushima, Burning Cry; Kathleen Donnelly, Colorado K-9 Secrets, Killer Secrets.  Sat., Oct. 18, 11-1 p.m., Doug Freed, Over Hill and Over Dale; 12-2 p.m., Andrew Singer & Stacy May, Now Is the Time and She Journeys. 105 Second Street, Monument, 719-481-2665. 
  • Restyle Your Fur, Mon.-Tue., Oct. 20-21, 10 am-5 pm. See ad on page < 10 >.
  • St. Peter Catholic School Trunk or Treat and Fall Festival, Fri., Oct. 24, 5 pm-7 pm. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Monument Professional Firefighters Annual Pumpkin Giveaway, Sat., Oct. 25, 10 am-2 pm.
  • OCN mailing days, Thu., Oct. 30, approx. 7-8:30 am. If you can help, even for an hour or two, getting the papers ready to mail, contact AllenAlchian@ocn.me or (719) 488-3455.
  • Downtown Monument Safe Trick or Treat, Fri., Oct. 31, 4 pm-6 pm.
  • TLWC’s Joys of the Holiday Season Holiday Home Tour, Fri.-Sat., Nov. 21-22, 10-4pm. See ad on page < 8 >.

With our new on-line calendar, you can easily search for your favorite events, view upcoming events in a variety of formats (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) and add events of interest to the calendar on your mobile device or computer.

Check out our On-Line Calendar

Keep up with fast-moving developments in the Tri-Lakes area with our new OCN app!

Alerts you to upcoming events you don’t want to miss, lists the latest articles and podcasts, and much more. It updates automatically to keep you informed.

No need to search the app store. Just click the button below for a description of our great new app and detailed instructions on installing it using the browser on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, Chromebook, or desktop computer.

In the screenshot below, the app is reporting 10 new upcoming events including a car show, farmers’ market, D38 school board meeting, and Monument Town Council meeting.

No need to search the app store. Just click the button below for a description of our great new app and detailed instructions on installing it using the browser on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, Chromebook, or desktop computer.

Download the OCN App!

Don’t miss any of the videos posted on our YouTube Channel

  • Palmer Lake 0.5k
  • D38 Candidate Forum
  • Trinity Park Expands
  • Restroom Installation at Monument Lake
  • OCN September Issue Audio Highlights Podcast (29 min.)
  • OCN September Issue Audio Articles Podcast (2 hr. 38 min.)
  • Palmer Lake Library Concert Series 2025
  • Opening of the Tri-Lakes Activity Center (formerly the Senior Center)
  • Lang Investment Services Pig Roast, Aug. 8
  • July 4th Monument Parade and Street Fair and Palmer Lake fireworks
  • Silver Key moves to the Presbyterian Church
  • Interview with Sam DeFelice (40 min.)
  • Interview with Jim Maguire (55 min.)
  • Art Hop – Short interview with artist Darcy Muncey
  • WMMI History Day
  • Cops and Bobbers
  • Chad Smith sworn in as Monument Town Council member
  • Jim Maguire Celebration of Life
  • Palmer Lake Fishing Derby
  • P51 Statute Dedication at Monument Town Hall

View our YouTube Channel

**********

This email is an edition of the Our Community Newsletter. We also offer separate monthly email messages for those interested in information about OCN advertising. If you wish to also receive those email messages, please let me know or click on “manage your subscription” at the bottom of every message I sent. That will take you to a web page where you can update your information and preferences.

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Vol. 25 No. 10 – October 4, 2025 – Photos

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Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Sept. 25 – New board members seated; annexation ordinance becomes law

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

The Palmer Lake Board of Trustees (PLBOT) canceled its first regular board meeting of the month, scheduled for Sept. 11. At its Sept. 25 meeting, Beth Harris and Roger Mosley took seats on the board. Mayor Pro Tem Amy Hutson ran the meeting in place of Mayor Dennis Stern, who did not attend. The newly constituted board adopted an ordinance that requires annexations to be approved by a vote of the people and filled a vacancy on the Planning Commission. The board heard an update from Town Attorney Scott Krob regarding pending litigation against the town and staff reports from Town Clerk Erica Romero and Interim Town Administrator Glen Smith.

During the public comment period, resident Gary Atkins and County Commissioner Bill Wysong, among others, commented on the contentious special election held Sept. 9. The board heard a presentation on the Fountain Creek Watershed District’s (FCWD) Creek Week Cleanup. The meeting ended with an executive session.

Harris and Moseley sworn in

The Sept. 25 meeting opened with Town Clerk Erica Romero administering the oath of office to Beth Harris and Roger Moseley. Harris and Moseley were elected to replace Trustees Shana Ball and Kevin Dreher who were recalled on Sept. 9. As Harris and Moseley took their seats on the board, the audience gave them a prolonged round of applause.

Above and below: At the regular Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting Sept. 25, Town Clerk Erica Romero administered oaths of office to new board members Beth Harris (above) and Roger Moseley (below). Harris and Moseley were elected to replace Trustees Shana Ball and Kevin Dreher, who were recalled in the Sept. 9 municipal election.. Photos by Jackie Burhans.

Annexation ordinance adopted

In the special election that replaced Ball and Dreher with Harris and Moseley, the voters also approved a ballot initiative requiring all future annexations to be approved by the voters. At the Sept. 25 meeting, the newly constituted board adopted Ordinance 05-2025, the final step in making it law.

Krob told the board that Exhibit A, which accompanies the ordinance in the board packet, shows the complete text of the town’s code governing the annexation of land. The language added by the initiative is underlined. He directed the board’s attention to Section 8 of the exhibit: Requirement for Voter Approval. That section requires a special election to approve any annexation but does not specify when that election should take place, Krob said. That election could be held at the beginning of the annexation process, but Krob recommended it occur after eligibility had been determined, because only then would the electorate know exactly what it was voting on.

Hutson suggested the question of timing be decided at the next board meeting, since it was not on the agenda for the Sept. 25 meeting.

Harris asked Krob if he had made any changes to the language from the initiative when he incorporated it into the town’s code. Krob said he had made one change: the date of Oct. 30, 2025 was used instead of the phrase “one year before” to make it clearer exactly what period the ordinance would cover. Krob said the date of Oct. 30 was chosen to allow 30 days of notice.

The board voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance.

Planning Commission vacancy filled

Hutson told the board that the Planning Commission had recommended Rich Kuehster for its vacant seat at its Sept. 17 meeting

Kuehster said he had lived in Palmer Lake for 49 years, came from a family that values public service, had served as the town’s fire chief and had also served two terms on the board, leaving it in 2017. Harris asked why he was interested in serving on the Planning Commission, and Kuehster said he was prepared to interpret the town’s master plan and municipal codes and make good decisions about land use. The board voted unanimously to appoint Kuehster to the open Planning Commission seat.

Pending litigation

Krob told the board there were two pending lawsuits against the town: one filed by Integrity Matters, a watchdog group in Colorado Springs, and the other by Moseley and Martha Brodzik.

In the Integrity Matters lawsuit, a motion to dismiss has been filed by the Colorado Intergovernmental Risk Sharing Agency (CIRSA), the organization that insures the town. That suit is waiting on a decision from the judge, Krob said.

A motion to dismiss has also been filed in the lawsuit brought by Moseley and Brodzik, Krob said. That suit has been fully briefed and is waiting for a decision from the judge.

Krob told the board that Buc-ee’s is still moving forward with its annexation request, which will be voted on by the board at its meeting on Oct. 2. The Chinn annexation request has been placed on hold by Todd Messenger, the United Congregational Church’s lawyer.

Staff reports

Romero said the special recall election had been successfully conducted following hard work by the town staff. It was a smooth and transparent process. Romero thanked county Clerk and Recorder Steve Schleiker and his Election Manager, Angie Leath, for their partnership and guidance.

Smith thanked the staff for a transparent, fair election and noted the great turnout. He said he was disappointed that County Commissioner Bill Wysong posted negatively about the election.

Moseley asked Smith about the status of an audit of the town’s finances, which is overdue. Smith said an extension had been requested, but the audit would not be complete by Sept. 30. Smith said he expected the audit to be complete by mid-October, adding that when the outstanding audit was complete, he would publish a Request for Proposal seeking a new auditor.

Public Comments

Atkins told the board he was a 50-year-resident of the town and had served on the Planning Commission and on the Sanitation District board. He asked the board to cut the town’s financial losses regarding the annexation request from Buc-ee’s. He pointed out that Mayor Glant Havenar had been forced to resign, two board members had been recalled and replaced, and another board member had avoided recall by being appointed as mayor. These things proved the town did not want the proposed Buc-ee’s travel center, Atkins argued, and he asked trustees and the mayor to resign if they could not support the town’s decision. His comments were met with applause.

Wysong congratulated the two new board members and said that before the election, he said elected officials are required to vote and work for their constituents. He noted that Smith objected to those remarks but said an overwhelming number of people asked for his support. He said he had asked the office of the county Clerk and Recorder to help the town with the election and was pleased with the accountability and transparency.

Creek Week cleanup

Mary Wilson, FCWD’s outreach coordinator, gave the board an overview of the organization and the watershed. FCWD’s mission is to be good stewards of the watershed and to protect, restore, and sustain it. FCWD was established by the state in 2009, she said, and had completed 22 restoration projects with more on the way. Its funding comes from Colorado Springs Utilities.

The watershed is 92 square miles, Wilson said, crossing two counties and containing eight municipalities, with Palmer Lake at its northern boundary, Pueblo at its southern boundary and including Green Mountain Falls and Pikes Peak. It is the second most studied watershed in America, and one of the most erratic, she said. Fountain Creek was once ephemeral, that is, flowing intermittently, but now flows continuously due to the amount of building that has happened. Erosion is an ongoing problem, as the elevation changes from 14,115 feet to 4,695 feet over 71 miles.

Following Wilson’s remarks, Hutson read a proclamation recognizing Creek Week 2025, which declared Sept. 27 through Oct. 5 as “Creek Week.”

On Sept. 27, a group of volunteers met at Glen Park to remove brush from the banks of Monument Creek. See the snapshot section on page < 21 >.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to receive legal advice on a possible amendment of a sale agreement between the town and Twenty 1 Five LLC.

Following the executive session, the board took two actions: It approved an amendment to extend the sale agreement and voted to approve Ordinance 06-2025 to vacate portions of the Estabrook Street right of way.

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A special board meeting is scheduled for Oct. 2. See the town’s website at www.townofpalmerlake.com to confirm times and dates of board meetings and workshops. Meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the Town Hall. Information: 719-481-2953.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other Palmer Lake Board of Trustees articles