Vol. 23 No. 12 – December 2, 2023
- Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Nov. 9 – Proposed 2024 budget proves contentious
- El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Nov. 7, 9, and 14 – Final budget direction increases funding to roads and parks
- Monument Town Council, Nov. 6, 2023 – Supplementary budget items and signs ordinance discussed
- Monument Planning Commission, Nov. 8 – Maverick station approved
- Monument Academy School Board, Nov. 9 – Board hears first read of gender transition policy, plans to address East Campus budget issues
- D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Nov. 14 – Committee hears reports on staff and family surveys, Key Communicator program
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Nov. 13 – Departing board members recognized, Lewis-Palmer High School update, financial update
- Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District – Virtual attendance unavailable
- Monument Fire District, Nov.15 – 2024 budget approved; homeowners petition for inclusion
- Donald Wescott Fire Protection District – Rescheduled meetings occurred after publication
- Triview Metropolitan District, Nov. 13 – Commercial property inclusion; cell tower contract approved
- Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Nov. 13 – Budget hearing opened; fee and rate increases proposed
- Monument Sanitation District, Nov. 15 – Board approves budget, leaves rates unchanged
- Donala Water and Sanitation District, Nov. 16 – District ends 2023 under budget
- El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Nov. 16 – Board expands contract with consultants
- Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO), Nov. 11 – County Commissioners and staff visit NEPCO
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, Nov. 15 – Board approves 2024 budget and increased dues, hears residents’ concerns
- November Weather Wrap
- Letters to Our Community – It’s time for Monument to move forward
- Letters to Our Community – A question about fatal consequences
- Letters to Our Community – Thanks, Kiwanis Monument Hill Foundation
- Letters to Our Community – Thank you, Tri-Lakes Women’s Club
- Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Great gift ideas
- December Library Events – Special program and schedule changes
- High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – Getting holiday cactuses to bloom
- On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Black Forest Trails Association
- Art Matters – Tiny worlds: miniatures, zines and their secrets in history
- Snapshots of Our Community – Tri-Lakes helping those in need
- Our Community Notices
- Our Community Calendar
Vol. 23 No. 11 – November 4, 2023
- Mount Herman fire averted
- Triview Metropolitan District, Oct. 19 – Traffic safety concerns; NDS pipeline nears completion
- D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Oct. 10 – Committee hears updates on Consent Task Force, D38 Education Foundation
- Monument Academy School Board, Oct. 5 and 26 – Enrollment shortfall causes budget challenges
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Oct. 23 – Monument Academy annual report; enrollment and financial update
- Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Oct. 9 – Draft 2024 budget presented; tap fee discussion continues
- Monument Sanitation District, Oct. 18 – Board addresses budgets, rates, liens
- Donala Water and Sanitation District, Oct. 12 – 2024 legal budget presented
- El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Oct. 19 – Board reviews 2024 budget, finances
- Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Oct. 11 – Subdistrict dissolution process update; tax revenue uncertain
- Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Oct. 18 – Resolution opposes Proposition HH; preliminary budget proposed
- Monument Fire District, Oct. 25 Fallen firefighter remembered; fire academy development underway
- Monument Town Council, Oct. 2, 16, and 19 – Councilmembers scrutinize traffic report, proposed investments, park development, and resolution opposing Proposition HH
- Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Oct. 12 and 26 – Use of undeveloped rights of way debated
- El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Oct. 3, 12, 19, and 24 – County presents its 2024 preliminary balanced budget, approves 21-home development
- El Paso County Planning Commission, Oct. 19 – Black Forest four-lot subdivision recommended for approval
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, Oct. 25 – Board president explains WIA approach
- October Weather Wrap
- Letters to Our Community – Tom Olmstead? No thanks
- Letters to Our Community – Vote for Tom Olmstead
- Letters to Our Community – Protesting no parking signs at Pike National Forest
- Letters to Our Community – Tom Olmstead has my vote
- Letters to Our Community – Why a ban on political yard signs?
- Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – New fall releases
- Palmer Lake Historical Society, Oct. 19 – History of Glen Eyrie presented
- November Library Events – Program schedule change
- High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – November: Gardening goes indoors
- Art Matters – Enjoy our local art scene: walk, ride, or drive
- Snapshots of Our Community
- Our Community Notices
- Our Community Calendar
Vol. 23 No. 10 – October 7, 2023
- El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Aug. 29 and Sept. 14, 26, and 28. Approvals for the Flying Horse North service plan and increased parking at Pumpkin Patch
- Monument Fire District, Sept. 27. Fleet purchase approved; budget impact of Nov. ballot items; community paramedic proposed
- El Paso County Planning Commission, Sept.7 and 21. Preliminary plan for 21-home subdivision recommended for approval
- Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Sept. 20. 2022 audit is clean; 2024 budget direction explored
- Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Sept. 27 – Board meeting canceled
- Town of Monument, Aug. 29. Gleneagle residents voice concerns about potential annexation
- Monument Town Council, Sept. 5 and 18. Unanimous vote hopes to put ethics allegations to rest
- Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Sept.14 and 28. Elephant Rock property lease with option to purchase approved
- D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Sept. 12. Committee sets priorities for coming year, appoints new co-chair.
- Monument Academy School Board, Sept. 14 and 20. MA responds to ACLU, prepares for budget amendment.
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Sept.18. Prairie Winds students win national award; Education Foundation reactivated
- Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Sept. 18. Contracts awarded for infrastructure.
- Monument Sanitation District, Sept. 20. Board approves email policy, plans building improvements
- Donala Water and Sanitation District, Sept. 21. Preliminary 2024 budget presented
- Triview Metropolitan District, Sept. 21. Northern Delivery System pipeline installation nearing completion
- El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Sept. 21. Board approves outreach to contractors
- Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO) – Sept. 9. Monument Fire Department, Planning Commission visit NEPCO.
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, Sept. 27. Board hears concerns about development next to common area.
- September Weather Wrap
- Letters to Our Community – Tom Olmstead – strong candidate for D38 school board
- Letters to Our Community – D38 School Board director, District 2 election
- Letters to Our Community – Kindness is alive in Monument
- Letters to Our Community – Thanks, Kiwanis Monument Hill Foundation!
- Letters to Our Community – Upcoming D38 school board election
- Letters to Our Community – Vote for Tom Olmstead
- Letters to Our Community – Vote Patti Shank for D38 School Board
- Letters to Our Community – D38 elections—know who you’re voting for
- Letters to Our Community – Ethics Commission takes up complaint against mayor as “non-frivolous.”
- Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Wonders of our universe
- October Library Events – New programs for Teens and Tweens; Culture Pass for Pikes Peak Highway
- High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – Gardening with cinnamon; fall tool care
- Art Matters – October is Arts Month
- Snapshots of Our Community
- Our Community Notices
- Our Community Calendar
Vol. 23 No. 9 – September 2, 2023
- Monument Academy School Board, Aug. 10 and 19 – Board receives ACLU demand letter
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, Aug. 23 – Board hears about possible extension of Furrow Road
- Triview Metropolitan District, Aug. 17 – Water usage sets record high
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Aug. 21 – Four-day week, capital improvements, tutoring center discussed
- Forest Lakes Metropolitan District, Pinon Pines 1, 2, and 3, Aug. 7 and 14 – 2022 audits approved; contract services cost increases; water reuse project possible
- Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 14 – General manager reviews water resources
- Monument Sanitation District, Aug. 8 – Board hears request to merge with town’s Water Department
- Donala Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 17 – Electrical contract awarded
- El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Aug. 17 – Project manager discusses possible new approach
- Monument Town Council, Aug. 7 – “Shoddy work,” says mayor, before voting “no” on change order
- Monument Planning Commission, Aug. 9 – Variance approved for affordable housing project
- Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Aug. 10, 16, and 24 – Board extends permits and taps for former mayors’ property
- Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Aug. 16 – Apparatus replacement plan revealed; chassis purchase approved
- Monument Fire District, Aug. 23 – Station 3 rebuild plans revealed; Station 5 remodel approved
- El Paso County Board of County Commissioners, Aug. 1, 8, 15, and 22 – Request to split Woodmoor property into four lots approved
- El Paso County Planning Commission, Aug. 3 – Flying Horse North draft service plan recommended for approval
- August Weather Wrap
- Letters to Our Community – “Disgusted” by MA’s gender rules
- Letters to Our Community – Preservation of historical Palmer Lake
- Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: What animals teach us
- Palmer Lake Historical Society, Aug. 12: Board, members pose as historical figures
- High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Strategies for trees, especially in deer country
- Art Matters: Immersive art
- Snapshots of Our Community
- Our Community Notices
- Our Community Calendar
Vol. 23 No. 8 – August 5, 2023
- Monument Academy School Board, June 27 – MA holds town hall on navigating gender issues
- Monument Town Council, July 17 – Annexation of Monument Ridge fails
- OCN switches to larger format
- Monument Planning Commission, June 28 – Town Planning Commission recommends approval of Monument Ridge 1 and 2 despite community concerns
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, June 26 – Enhancement of audio systems, curriculum, policies approved
- Monument Academy School Board, July 13 – Board organizes, approves before and after care contract
- Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, July 12, 13, and 27 – Water rates to rise 5% annually
- Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, July 26 – Election called to dissolve subdistrict and complete merger
- Monument Fire District, June 28 and July 26 – Mt. Herman Rd. fire suppressed; 2022 budget amended
- Black Forest Fire/Rescue Fire Protection District, July 19 – Virtual meeting unavailable
- Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, July 17 and 25 – Board president resigns; board reorganizes
- Monument Sanitation District, July 19 – Good news on Highway 105 sewer repair
- Triview Metropolitan District, July 20 – Stonewall Springs Reservoir operational; Conexus Subdistrict dissolved; 2022 budget amended
- El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority
- Donala Water and Sanitation District, July 20 – Board honors Judd, changes sewer billing
- El Paso County Planning Commission, July 6 – Request to split Woodmoor property into four lots recommended for approval
- El Paso Board of County Commissioners, June 27, July 11 and 18 – Board receives Monument annexation impact report
- Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Organizations, July 22 – NEPCO hears about renewable water projects
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, July 5 and 26 – Board questioned by residents, hears input on common areas
- July Weather Wrap
- Letters to Our Community – Thank you, School District 38
- Letters to Our Community – Kudos to Monument board and management for Artsites 2023
- Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – All-time great children’s reads
- August Library Events – Summer Adventure ends, All Pikes Peak Reads announced
- Palmer Lake Historical Society – Take a walk through history
- High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – Will Vogl: father, firefighter, and farmer
- Art Matters – Fine art and the making of worlds
- Snapshots of Our Community
- Our Community Notices
- Our Community Calendar
Vol. 23 No. 7 – July 1, 2023
- Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, June 21 – Evacuation routes raise concern among residents
- El Paso Board of County Commissioners, June 6 and 20 – Townhome development off Woodmoor Dr. withdrawn from agenda
- Triview Metropolitan District, June 22 – NDS pipeline project progressing
- Monument Fire District, June 28 – Board meeting held after publication
- Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, June 12 – Audit shows good financial health, Lori Akers retires
- Monument Sanitation District, June 21 – Board hears audit report
- Donala Water and Sanitation District, June 15 – Contractor selection process defined
- El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, June 15 – Board awards contract for project manager
- Monument Town Council, June 5 and 19 – Town Code amendments approved on narrow vote; Wilson sheds light on state bills
- Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, June 8 and 22 – Board repeals water emergency ordinance
- Monument Academy School Board, June 8 – Board reorganizes, hears legislative
- Lewis-Palmer Board of Education, June 26 – Board approves budgets for district and Monument Academy
- June Weather Wrap
- Letters to Our Community – Another hidden cost of excessive development
- Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Adventure awaits
- July Library Events – Summer reading, special programs to enjoy
- Palmer Lake Historical Society, June 18 – Father’s Day Ice Cream Social
- On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Mount Herman Road closure update
- High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – Pretty, edible plants that deter mosquitoes and deer
- Art Matters – Art Hop: an indoor-outdoor art fair with booths
- Snapshots of Our Community
- Our Community Notices
- Our Community Calendar
Vol. 23 No. 6 – June 3, 2023
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, May 22 – Pay schedule approved, board roles revised, funding detailed
- MA School Board, May 11, 25 – MA addresses gender issues, budgets
- El Paso Board of County Commissioners, May 2, 9, and 16 – Approval of three commercial multi-tenant buildings off Struthers Road
- El Paso County Planning Commission, May 4 and 18 – Townhome development off Woodmoor Drive recommended for approval
- Monument Town Council, May 1 and 15 – Midtown Collection of Monument Junction approved on 5-2 vote
- Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, May 3, 11, and 25 – Board considers water issues and Elephant Rock
- Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, May 17 – Directors elected; ambulance sale approved
- Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, May 24 – Gleneagle annexation timeline unknown; merger process continues
- Monument Fire District, May 24 – Board director positions change; contractor hiring flexibility approved
- Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, May 8 – Board reorganized; request for supplemental water considered
- Donala Water and Sanitation District, May 18 – Board reorganizes; aquifer storage and recovery study presented
- Monument Sanitation District, May 17 – New board members sworn in
- Triview Metropolitan District, May 18 – Former directors recognized; new directors sworn in
- El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, May 18 – Water quality tests look promising
- Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Organizations (NEPCO) – Wildfires drive up insurance costs in county
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, May 24 – Board hears about new regulation regarding vegetable gardens
- May Weather Wrap
- Letters to Our Community – More demonstrable lies from D38
- Letters to Our Community – LPHS After Prom thanks
- Letters to Our Community – No Mafia in Monument
- Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Explore nature and the outdoors Explore nature and the outdoors
- June Library Events – Join us for a Summer Adventure
- Palmer Lake Historical Society, May 18 – Authors show ways to find history on hikes
- On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Storms damage trails and roads, fill reservoirs
- High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – Very good plants, harmful invaders
- Art Matters – Art spaces for our creative spirit
- Snapshots of Our Community
- Our Community Notices
- Our Community Calendar
Vol. 23. No. 5 – May 6, 2023
- El Paso Board of County Commissioners, March 28, April 4 & 18 – Overlook Estates rezone denied
- Monument Fire District, April 26 – Potential Gleneagle annexation ignites concern; Hayes recognized
- Monument Town Council, April – Land use bill, investigation loom
- Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, April 19 – Board approves wage compensation schedule; wildland technicians hired
- El Paso County Planning Commission, April 20 – Plans for three commercial multi-tenant buildings recommended for approval
- Monument Academy School Board, April 13 – MA selects board members, makes progress on finances
- D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, April 11 – Bear Creek Elementary, Portrait of a Graduate and Educator, wellness policy discussed
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, April 17 – New director sworn in; board reorganization; Safe and Welcoming Schools discussion
- Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, April 10 – Trail agreement with school district approved
- Monument Sanitation District, April 20 – Focus on infrastructure
- Donala Water and Sanitation District, April 20 – Waste treatment plant debate continues
- El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, April 16 – Acquisition policies approved
- Triview Metropolitan District, April 20 – Northern Delivery System pipeline installation begins
- Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, April 13 – Direction for water system and stormwater unclear
- Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, April 27 Strategies for water and drainage take shape
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, April 26 – Board considers common area concerns
- April Weather Wrap
- Letters to Our Community – Monument Town Council opposes bill
- Letters to Our Community – Animals and humans in danger from wildfires
- Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Reading the West
- May Library Events – Preparations for summer reading underway
- Palmer Lake Historical Society, April 20 – Pikes Peak Library District holds wealth of history
- High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – No mow May; planting in our mountain forest climes
- Art Matters – Contemporary art prints and artist handmade books
- Snapshots of Our Community
- An important message for our readers – OCN needs your help!
- Our Community Notices
- Our Community Calendar
Vol 23. No 4. – April 1, 2023
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, March 20 – Proposed pay schedule introduced
- El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Feb. 28 and March 21 – Board hears calls to set aside Flying Horse North decision amid impropriety concerns
- Monument Academy School Board, March 9 – MA building corporation executes construction documents; board extends interim COO contract
- El Paso County Planning Commission, March 2 and 16 – Commissioners say 5-acre lots under attack, vote against rezone
- Monument Town Council, March 6 and 20 – New clerk, new police officers, and $100,000 change order approved
- Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, March 9 and 23 – Future of Elephant Rock property unclear
- Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, March 13 – New technology for sewer maintenance
- Monument Sanitation District, March 15 – Election canceled
- Donala Water and Sanitation District, March 16 – Board seeks long-term contract with CSU
- El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, March 16 – Compliance with procurement policies approved
- Triview Metropolitan District, March 23 – District will hold election; multiple contracts approved
- Triview Board Candidate Statements
- Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, March 15 – Board of Directors election canceled
- Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, March 22 – Local COVID emergency status ends; vehicle storage agreement approved
- Monument Fire District, March 22 – Four board directors elected; cell phone tower contract approved
- Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Organizations – NEPCO hears from fire officials
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, March 22 – Board approves revisions to design manual
- March Weather Wrap
- Letters to Our Community – Necessary mitigation
- Letters to Our Community – D38 demographics changes are important
- Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – The power of human connection
- April Library Events – Quilt show continues
- Palmer Lake Historical Society, Feb. 16 – History of the KKK in Denver presented
- High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – Plants can fill us with food and fill our electrical energy needs, too
- On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Wildfire mitigation in Monument Preserve
- Art Matters – Paper mache: a high art with a long history
- Snapshots of Our Community
- An important message for our readers – OCN needs your help!
- Our Community Notices
- Our Community Calendar
Vol 23. No. 3 – March 4, 2023
- Monument Town Council, Feb. 6 and 21 – Beacon Lite business withdraws annexation request after concerns from new board
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Feb. 21 – Board president resigns; budget and draft calendar discussed
- Family and Community Advisory Committee, Feb. 7 – Committee learns about Lewis-Palmer Elementary School, legislative issues, and title programs
- Monument Academy School Board, Feb. 9 – Board hears finance and mid-year COO updates
- Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Feb. 9 and 23 – Board hears proposals for Elephant Rock property
- Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Feb. 15 – Audit officer search continues; replacement firefighters hired
- Monument Fire District, Feb. 22 – Community outreach/public information officer position approved
- Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Feb. 13 – Board permits Monument Academy to build road to ease traffic
- Monument Sanitation District, Feb.15 – Board appoints new director
- Triview Metropolitan District, Feb. 16 – Assistant manager hired; district receives $3.4 million
- Donala Water and Sanitation District, Feb. 16 – Donala to lease water to Martin Marietta
- El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Feb. 16 – Board adopts budget, awards testing contract
- El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Feb. 7 and 21 – Citizen voices concern with county land development policy
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, Jan. 30, Feb. 1 and 23 – Annual meeting, reorganization, and signage
- February Weather Wrap
- Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – March mystery madness
- March Library Events – Enjoy our annual quilt display,
- Palmer Lake Historical Society, Feb. 16 – Awake the Lake Committee describes mission
- High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – Colorado in March is full of nature’s surprises
- Art Matters – Artists know how to share the visible and the invisible
- Snapshots of Our Community
- Our Community Notices
- Our Community Calendar