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Black Forest Remembers
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Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, June 21 – Evacuation routes raise concern among residents
By Natalie Barszcz At the Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) meeting on June 21, the board heard concerns over crowded evacuation routes fueled by increased development, discussed the lack of wildland deployments reducing anticipated revenue, and received a donation to equip the recently purchased 2005 Pierce tower ladder truck. Director Chad Behnken was…
El Paso Board of County Commissioners, June 6 and 20 – Townhome development off Woodmoor Dr. withdrawn from agenda
By Helen Walklett A 52 single-family townhome development off Woodmoor Drive was withdrawn from the El Paso Board of County Commissioners’ (BOCC) June 20 land use agenda. The BOCC did approve a rezone application and a minor subdivision application for Black Forest properties during June. Woodmoor Dr. townhome development withdrawn from agenda A combined rezone…
Triview Metropolitan District, June 22 – NDS pipeline project progressing
By Natalie Barszcz At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on June 22, the board received an update on the progress of the Northern Delivery System (NDS) pipeline project, approved a water rights lease agreement, and held an executive session to discuss acquisitions, negotiations, and receive legal advice for water, and property, and the draft…
Continue Reading Triview Metropolitan District, June 22 – NDS pipeline project progressing
Monument Fire District, June 28 – Board meeting held after publication
By Natalie Barszcz The Monument Fire District (MFD) board scheduled its meeting for June 28 which was after this issue of Our Community News had gone to press. Coverage of that meeting will be included in our Aug. 5 issue. ********** Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. The next regular…
Continue Reading 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
Correction In last month’s article, board member Roy Martinez was incorrectly identified as Tom Martinez. Our Community News regrets the error. By James Howald At its June meeting, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board heard an audit report on its 2022 finances. The district’s lawyer announced some changes to her legal firm. The…
Monument Sanitation District, June 21 – Board hears audit report
By Jackie Burhans and James Howald At its June meeting, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board heard an audit report of the district’s 2022 budget. General Manager Mark Parker discussed the need to repair a sewer line running under Highway 105. The meeting ended with an executive session. District finances in good shape Derek Watada,…
Continue Reading Monument Sanitation District, June 21 – Board hears audit report
Donala Water and Sanitation District, June 15 – Contractor selection process defined
By James Howald and Jackie Burhans At its June meeting, the Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) debated a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) document that will be used to select engineers and other contractors. Updates of the district’s personnel policies and operating regulations were discussed. Board President Wayne Vanderschuere discussed what he learned about energy…
El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, June 15 – Board awards contract for project manager
By James Howald At its June meeting, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA) board chose a company to provide project management services. The board also heard the results of the last round of water quality testing. The EPCRLWA was formed in November 2022 by an Intergovernmental Agreement between Cherokee Metropolitan District (CMD),…
Monument Town Council, June 5 and 19 – Town Code amendments approved on narrow vote; Wilson sheds light on state bills
By Chris Jeub During two meetings held in June, the Monument Town Council tackled code amendments, resolutions, and an ordinance. The discussions surrounding the Town Code amendments were lengthy, resulting in a split vote among council members. In addition to these local matters, former Mayor Don Wilson, now serving as the representative for District 20,…
Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, June 8 and 22 – Board repeals water emergency ordinance
By James Howald and Jackie Burhans The Palmer Lake Board of Trustees (PLBOT) held two regular board meetings in June, each preceded by an executive session. On June 8, the board repealed an ordinance declaring a water emergency and considered the creation of an enterprise fund related to water. It heard an update from Town…
Monument Academy School Board, June 8 – Board reorganizes, hears legislative
By Jackie Burhans At its June 8 regular meeting, the Monument Academy board spotlighted a departing board member and filled a vacancy with a former board candidate. The board also heard a legislative update from House Rep. Don Wilson, HD-20. Finally, the board heard about an upcoming meeting on Navigating Gender Issues as well as…
Continue Reading 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
By Harriet Halbig The June 26 meeting of the Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education was held after the deadline for articles for this issue, but a brief description of the meeting follows. Please see the August 5 issue of OCN for additional coverage of what transpired at this meeting June 26. The board approved the…
June Weather Wrap
By Bill Kappel June was the second month in a row of well-below normal temperatures and well-above normal rainfall. This was especially the record cold and wet period that was most active during the first three weeks of the month and included several days of severe weather. For the month, temperatures averaged about 4 degrees…
Letters to Our Community – Another hidden cost of excessive development
To make way for development natural land is stripped of its topsoil, then paved over with parking lots, roads, and driveways. This makes the ground impervious to surface water which normally makes its way through layers of earth, sand, and gravel where it is naturally filtered and naturally makes its way to be stored in…
Continue Reading Letters to Our Community – Another hidden cost of excessive development
Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Adventure awaits
By the staff at Covered Treasures “Adventure awaits. Grab your hiking boots and get ready for new adventures.”—Unknown It’s hiking season! These are expert guidebooks to help you plan your adventures. Trails to the Top: 50 Colorado Front Range Mountain Hikes By Susan Joy Paul and Stewart M. Green (Falcon Press) $24.95 While Colorado’s 14ers…
Continue Reading Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Adventure awaits
July Library Events – Summer reading, special programs to enjoy
By Harriet Halbig The Summer Adventure reading and activity program continues until July 31 at the Monument Library. Nine hundred fifty-four patrons up to age 18 have registered to participate to date. It isn’t too late to join and win prizes! Upon registration, children receive a free book. For each day when 30 minutes or…
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Palmer Lake Historical Society, June 18 – Father’s Day Ice Cream Social
By Marlene Brown June’s monthly meeting of the Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS) was moved to Father’s Day. The PLHS held its traditional Father’s Day Ice Cream Social on June 18 at the Palmer Lake Town Hall in the Village Green. The weather was warm, and the rain took a break during the afternoon. New…
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On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Mount Herman Road closure update
By Steve Pate We mentioned in the June issue of OCN that Mount Herman Road (MHR) had been closed by the U.S. Forest Service. Someone opened the gate and drove up toward the FS 716 trailhead and into a washed-out section of the road. The car has been removed and the Forest Service was scheduled…
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High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – Pretty, edible plants that deter mosquitoes and deer
By Janet Sellers With so much rain in June, we likely will have more mosquitoes than usual. Several plants grow well in our area that help make outdoors fun again. Pots of these aromatic herbs around where you’ll be outdoors will also repel garden pests. Basil is great for cooking. Its eugenol oil compounds confuse…
Art Matters – Art Hop: an indoor-outdoor art fair with booths
By Janet Sellers The unique aspect of our local Art Hop as an art fair is the chance to meet and interact with the artists themselves. Artists attend the events with their work to meet and interact with people and share their work. A personal connection adds a special dimension to the artwork and creates…
Continue Reading Art Matters – Art Hop: an indoor-outdoor art fair with booths
Snapshots of Our Community
Thunderbirds rehearsed May 31 for the USAFA Graduation Above and Below: The Thunderbirds rehearsed their airshow on May 31, a day before performing at the Air Force Academy’s graduation ceremony in Colorado Springs. A crowd watched the rehearsal from the parking lot at Bass Pro Shop in Northgate. The rehearsal was in two parts. In…
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. Student community volunteers Many…
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 Forest Lakes Metropolitan District, Pinon Pines…