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Tri-Lakes area mourns the death of Jim Romanello
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Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, April 10 and 24 – Second Buc-ee’s annexation eligibility hearing scheduled
By James Howald and Jackie Burhans At its first meeting on April 10, the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees (PLBOT) set a date for a hearing to determine if a property owned by Maria Larsen is eligible for annexation by the town. The board had previously determined the property to be eligible, but the first…
Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, April 22 – Board announces finalists for superintendent, approves construction and location of Home School Enrichment Academy
By Harriet Halbig The Lewis-Palmer D 38 Board of Education announced two finalists for the position of superintendent, discussed options for relocation of the Home School Enrichment Academy (HSEA), and heard updates to its 2025-26 district budget at its April 22 meeting Superintendent finalists Following an executive session before the regular meeting, the board approved…
OCN launches exciting new podcasts to keep you informed
By John Heiser, Publisher, OCN Our Community News has launched two new podcast series designed to help busy commuters, multitaskers, and anyone who loves staying informed and engaged. The first series is an audio summary of the highlights from our monthly issue. Although it is AI-generated, we think you will find its professional narration and…
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D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, April 8 – Discussion of Priority 2 academic excellence, superintendent search
By Harriet Halbig The D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) (formerly District Accountability Advisory Committee) discussed Priority 2 of the district’s strategic plan involving academic excellence, the continuing search for a new superintendent, and plans to relocate programs from Grace Best Elementary School at its April meeting. The meeting was held at Lewis-Palmer Middle…
Monument Academy School Board, April 10 and 24 – Proposed high school dress code draws concerns
By Jackie Burhans The Monument Academy (MA) School Board received student and parent feedback on proposed high school dress code changes at its regular meeting on April 10 and returned to the discussion at a special meeting on April 24. The board also heard a report from its Library Review Committee and approved numerous other…
Monument Town Council, April 7 and 21 – Monument Town Council mourns loss of Jim Romanello
By Chris Jeub The Monument Town Council began its April 21 session by solemnly acknowledging the recent passing of Councilmember Jim Romanello, who had served the community with dedication since his 2018 election. In a moment of reflection, all councilmembers shared memories of Romanello’s commitment to transparent governance and constituent outreach, and held a brief…
Monument Planning Commission, April 9 – Two recommendations for approval; high school students offered seat at the table
By Janet Sellers At the Monument Planning Commission meeting on April 9, the focus was on public participation and fair review processes for land use matters in Monument. The commission emphasized the importance of transparency and community involvement. The meeting covered public hearings for the Terrazzo Baja Commercial Development Final Plat and the Triview administration…
Monument Fire District, April 23 – Station 3 financing approved; board president recognized
By Natalie Barszcz At the Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District dba Monument Fire District (MFD) meeting on April 23, the board approved financing for the rebuild of Station 3 and recognized board President Mike Smaldino for his services to the department. The board also received multiple updates to include the status of the new district…
Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, April 14 – Board moves accounts to Integrity Bank and Trust
By James Howald In April, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board authorized staff to move the district’s bank accounts to Integrity Bank and Trust. It scheduled two special board meetings. The board heard a financial report from Board Treasurer Roy Martinez and operational reports from District Manager Jessie Shaffer, Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine,…
Monument Sanitation District, April 16 – District plans for Buc-ee’s impact
By Jackie Burhans and James Howald At the Monument Sanitation District’s (MSD) April meeting, District Manager Mark Parker updated the board on work underway to ensure the district’s collection system can handle the estimated wastewater from the proposed Buc-ee’s travel center. Parker also updated the board on issues at the district’s headquarters building. Board Treasurer…
Continue Reading Monument Sanitation District, April 16 – District plans for Buc-ee’s impact
Triview Metropolitan District, April 17 – Economic development incentive approved for retail development
By Natalie Barszcz At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on April 17, the board approved an economic development incentive agreement for a 30-acre retail site adjacent to Monument Marketplace, awarded the construction contract for its administrative building and utility operations center, and awarded the Phase 2 agreement for the construction of the 1.5-million-gallon tank…
El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, April 17 – Pumps and pipeline proposal out for bids
By James Howald At a brief meeting in April, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) board heard a progress report from Mark Valentine, its interim workflow manager, and a financial report from Corbin Fromm, of Fromm and Co. LLC, the Loop’s accounting firm. The meeting ended with an executive…
Donala Water and Sanitation District, April 17 – Workshop covers finances, water supply
By James Howald and Jackie Burhans On April17, the Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) held a workshop and a regular board meeting. At the workshop, General Manager Jeff Hodge presented the district’s financial policy. Brett Gracely and Helen Malenda-Lawrence, both consultants with LRE Water, addressed several technical issues, including DWSD’s ground and surface water…
El Paso County Board of County Commissioners, April 10 – Two local projects approved by the county
By Marlene Brown At the April 3 El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) land use meeting, two of the consent calendar items pertained to the local area: The first was a Ben Lomand Mountain Village rezoning to Residential Rural (RR 2.5 acres). It was recommended for approval at the Planning Commission on March 20.…
Woodmoor Improvement Association, April 23 – Resident sparks Firewise® discussion
By Jackie Burhans The Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) board met on April 23 to hear a resident’s concerns and recommendations on its Firewise® program. Resident fire concerns Resident Erik Lessing presented his thoughts and recommendations on the Firewise® program to the board. He started by commending the board for updating its Forest Stewardship and Community…
Continue Reading Woodmoor Improvement Association, April 23 – Resident sparks Firewise® discussion
May Library Events – Craft programs, Dungeons and Dragons, book groups
By Harriet Halbig Two craft programs are offered at the libraries during May. Felted Crafts will be hosted at the Palmer Lake Library from 11 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, May 21. Learn the possibilities of felt in wall hangings, coasters, place mats, and more. All materials and instruction are provided. Bring your imagination to…
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Palmer Lake Historical Society, April 17 – Women of the Colorado gold rush era
By Marlene Brown The Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS) featured at its April 17 regular monthly membership meeting author J.v.L Bell, who co-wrote Women of the Colorado Gold Rush Era. The book features women who lived and worked in Colorado before 1865. Many made their way west and their fortune by themselves, in a time…
Continue Reading Palmer Lake Historical Society, April 17 – Women of the Colorado gold rush era
High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – May: new trees from tree branches, plant partners, bee kind
By Janet Sellers Air-layering favorite trees for propagation In the air-layering technique, you peel back the bark and add some rooting hormone and then cover the bark peel area. You’ll primarily need unmilled sphagnum moss (some people use a container of compost with soil for a large branch up to an inch in diameter), a…
Art Matters – May Art Hop and art on the street
By Janet Sellers May gives us sun, rain, and snow. We also get our very own art evenings in Downtown Monument. Our community-friendly annual art season is a great way to bring family, guests, and friends to town for a casual evening. Everybody needs some art and fun in the summer—let’s start by bringing home…
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Snapshots of Our Community
D38 CIC Wallbreaking, Mar. 31 Above: On March 31, School District 38 hosted a Wall-Breaking Ceremony to begin renovations on its Career & Innovation Center (CIC) at 1200 Synthes Ave., set to open for the 2025–26 school year. The center will provide secondary students with work-based learning opportunities, connecting high school education to in-demand careers.…
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. Black Forest slash /mulch…
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…