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OCN

OCN

Volunteers reporting on community issues in Monument, Palmer Lake, and the surrounding Tri-Lakes area

OCN > Archive > 2023

2023

  • Vol. 23 No. 12 – December 2, 2023
  • Vol. 23 No. 11 – November 4, 2023
  • Vol. 23 No. 10 – October 7, 2023
  • Vol. 23 No. 9 – September 2, 2023
  • Vol. 23 No. 8 – August 5, 2023
  • Vol. 23 No. 7 – July 1, 2023
  • Vol. 23 No. 6 – June 3, 2023
  • Vol. 23. No. 5 – May 6, 2023
  • Vol 23. No 4. – April 1, 2023
  • Vol 23. No. 3 – March 4, 2023
  • Vol 23. No. 2 – February 4, 2023
  • Vol 23. No. 1 – January 7, 2023

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

Vol 23. No. 2 – February 4, 2023

  • Monument Town Council, Jan. 3 and 17 – New Monument board sets aside investigation until new law firm hired
  • Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Jan. 12 and 26 – Board awards adult-use cannabis licenses, discusses stalled Elephant Rock project
  • Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Jan. 10 – Committee restructure, Kilmer presentation, strategic plan update
  • Monument Academy School Board, Jan. 3, 12, and 27 – Board hires financial consultant
  • Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Jan. 23 – Board discusses budgeting strategy for facilities, passes amended budget
  • Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Jan. 9 – Board sets rules for new year
  • Monument Sanitation District, Jan.18 – Raspberry Lane repair launches
  • El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Jan. 19 – Water re-use project holds first meeting
  • Triview Metropolitan District, Jan. 19 – Rate increases approved; NDS pipeline project moving along
  • Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Jan. 18 – Deputy chief receives recognition upon retirement; property loss averted
  • Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Jan. 25 – Sun Hills storage agreement approved; subdistrict dissolution process begins
  • Monument Fire District, Jan. 25 – Palmer Lake declines ambulance contract; district leads county mass casualty plan
  • El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Jan. 10, 17, and 24 – New chair and vice chair appointed
  • Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO), Jan. 21 – New board introduced; guest speakers discuss transportation, impact fees
  • January Weather Wrap
  • Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Whispers of nature and wildlife around us
  • February Library Events – Winter Adult Reading Program is underway
  • Palmer Lake Historical Society, Jan. 19 – Historical Society holds annual meeting
  • High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – Bringing nature indoors: seedlings, plants, and soil
  • On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Trail etiquette
  • Art Matters – Valentines and the fates of flirts
  • Snapshots of Our Community
  • Our Community Notices
  • Our Community Calendar

Vol 23. No. 1 – January 7, 2023

  • Monument Board of Trustees/Town Council, December 2022 – Special investigator claims Home Rule Charter void in report alleging illegal electioneering by Monument staff
  • Monument Academy School Board, Dec. 1 and 8 – Board launches fundraising campaign; CFO resigns
  • Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Dec. 12 – Results of calendar survey discussed; mid-year compensation action approved
  • Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Dec. 8 and 15 – New leadership takes the helm
  • Forest Lakes Metropolitan District & Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2 and 3, Dec. 5 – Rate increases for residents; 2023 budgets and mill levies adopted
  • Donala Water and Sanitation District, Dec. 12 – Rate increases approved for 2023
  • Triview Metropolitan District, Dec. 13 – 2023 budget approved; NDS timeline
  • Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Dec. 21 – Board approves rate increases for 2023
  • Monument Sanitation District, Dec.21 – Employees get 9% pay increase
  • Monument Fire District, Dec 7 – Meet and confer plus agreement exte3nded; employee handbook revised
  • Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Dec. 7 – 2023 budget approved, mill levy certified
  • Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Dec. 7 – 2023 budget hearing; staff member departure
  • El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and 20 – Approval for RV storage special use at Highway 83 property
  • December Weather Wrap
  • Letters to Our Community – Monument historic red barn gets a new home
  • Letters to Our Community – Trail rebuild—thank you
  • Letters to Our Community – The County Master Plan is a sham
  • Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Get cooking in the new year
  • January Library Events – Explore the resources at your library
  • High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – Lords of the rings: our magnificent, ponderous pines
  • Art Matters – Who buys art and why?
  • Snapshots of Our Community
  • An important message for our readers – OCN needs your help!
  • Our Community Notices
  • Our Community Calendar

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Accessibility Tools

We implemented an accessibility icon on the upper right of the screen. It is a figure with arms and legs outstretched in a dark gray circle. Clicking on the accessibility icon will open a toolbar with many options to adjust the text and the screen. We also implemented a dark mode tool, which appears to the left of the accessibility icon as a smaller circle that initially is half-gray and half yellow indicating the screen will adjust to the system’s dark mode setting. Clicking on the dark mode tool will switch it to a sun icon meaning light mode. Clicking again will switch it to a moon icon meaning dark mode. Clicking again brings it back to half-and-half. If the accessibility tools are obstructing something you want to view, you can open the accessibility toolbar and select "Hide toolbar." Leave the setting at the default of “Only for this session” and click Hide Toolbar. That will reveal a small dark circle containing a minus sign. If you click on the minus sign, the dark mode tool will be removed and the minus will change to a plus. Click on the plus sign to bring back the accessibility icon and the dark mode tool.

Feedback and Contact

We welcome your feedback. If you experience any accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us: Email: johnheiser@ocn.me We are committed to reviewing all inquiries and aim to respond within 3–5 business days. If you require assistance accessing any part of this website, we are happy to provide support through alternative channels upon request. Last updated: November 3, 2025
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