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Lang Investment Services Annual Pig Roast, Aug. 8
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Vol. 25 No. 9 – September 6, 2025 – Photos
The photos are arranged in the order they appeared in our September 6, 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,…
Palmer Lake Planning Commission, Aug. 20 – Buc-ee’s annexation vote postponed
By James Howald and Jackie Burhans The Palmer Lake Planning Commission (PLPC) met Aug. 20 to hold a public hearing on the proposed Buc-ee’s annexation. The public hearing ran for six hours and was attended by more than 100 people. Three items were on the agenda: annexation, zoning in the form of a Planned Development…
Continue Reading Palmer Lake Planning Commission, Aug. 20 – Buc-ee’s annexation vote postponed
Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Aug. 6, 14, 28 – Board vacancy filled; land use code updated; annexation decision postponed
By James Howald and Jackie Burhans The Palmer Lake Board of Trustees (PLBOT) met three times in August. At a workshop on Aug. 6, the board interviewed the final candidate for a seat on the board that was made vacant when Dennis Stern was appointed mayor. At the special meeting following the workshop, the board…
Palmer Lake Candidates’ Forum, Aug. 27 – Candidates speak at forum
By Jackie Burhans On Aug. 27, Palmer Lake Board of Trustees candidates Beth Harris, John Marble, and Roger Moseley spoke at a forum at Palmer Lake Elementary, aiming to replace two trustees if a recall election succeeds. Harris cited her finance background and love for the town. Marble, a college student, emphasized youth engagement. Moseley,…
Continue Reading Palmer Lake Candidates’ Forum, Aug. 27 – Candidates speak at forum
Monument Academy School Board, Aug. 14 and 25 – Board moves forward on facility plans, hears marketing proposal
By Jackie Burhans The Monument Academy (MA) school board held two meetings in August to advance planning for East Campus facility upgrades and review proposals to expand high school programming. The board also heard an external marketing presentation and considered joining Colorado’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program. In addition, the board approved decisions related to partnerships,…
Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Aug.18 – Board discusses facilities planning, Career and Innovation Center, budget
By Harriet Halbig The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education discussed progress on the Career and Innovation Center, facilities planning, and the supplemental budget at its Aug. 18 meeting. Career and Innovation Center New Director of Innovative Programs Amy Sienkowski spoke of progress in readying the Career and Innovation Center (CIC) for occupancy during the fall…
Monument Town Council, Aug. 4 and 18 – Ordinances, resolutions pass
By Marlene Brown The Monument Town Council held its regular meeting on Aug. 4 at the Monument Town Hall. All members of the council were present except Kenneth Kimple, who attended remotely. An oath of office was performed for newly hired Officer Hileigh Leseberg and affirmed by Chief Regan of the Police Department. Next on…
Continue Reading Monument Town Council, Aug. 4 and 18 – Ordinances, resolutions pass
Monument Planning Commission, Aug. 13 – Planning Commission seeks community input on future development
By Janet Sellers The Monument Planning Commission held a meeting Aug. 13 to discuss potential development standards for undeveloped properties adjacent to residential areas, emphasizing the community’s desire to preserve the town’s small-town character. At this meeting, town Planner Dan Ungerlieder introduced Valerie Baumer, recently appointed as an alternate member of the Planning Commission by…
Monument Fire District, Aug. 27 – Money market fund approved; additional repairs needed
By Natalie Barszcz At the Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District (TLMFPD) dba Monument Fire District (MFD) meeting on Aug. 27, the board approved an interest-bearing public funds money market account, authorized additional repairs to the Station 2 apparatus bay concrete and drains, and approved changes to the 2025 organizational staffing chart. The board heard that…
Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 11 – Water tank recoat contract awarded
By James Howald At its August meeting, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board heard a summary of the bids to recoat a water storage tank from Richard Hood, a project manager with JVA Consulting Engineers Inc. His presentation was followed by a vote to award the contract. The board got a recommendation to…
Donala Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 13, 22 – General manager on administrative leave
By James Howald and Jackie Burhans The Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) board met twice in August. Its regular meeting on Aug. 14 was followed by a special meeting on Aug. 22. At the regular meeting the board heard operational reports and then adjourned to an executive session. At the special meeting, the board…
Monument Sanitation District, Aug. 20 – Parker explains Buc-ee’s wastewater estimate
By Jackie Burhans and James Howald At its August meeting, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board heard an operational report from District Manager Mark Parker that clarified his previous remarks concerning the impact wastewater from the proposed Buc-ee’s travel center would have on the district. Buc-ee’s wastewater compared to residential estimate At the previous board…
El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Aug. 28 – Board considers public-private partnership financing
By James Howald At the August meeting of the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop), board President Jessie Shaffer amended the agenda to add a discussion of a potential public-private partnership framework that could be used to finance the infrastructure for the water re-use project. The board heard a progress…
Triview Metropolitan District, Aug. 21 – Traffic analysis results revealed
By Natalie Barszcz At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on Aug. 21, the board received the results of a recent traffic analysis study, approved pursuing eminent domain to widen a public road should good faith negotiations fail, and a new lease agreement for a wireless company. The board heard that the Higby Road project…
Continue Reading Triview Metropolitan District, Aug. 21 – Traffic analysis results revealed
El Paso County Board of County Commissioners, Aug. 5 – Liquor license approved
By Marlene Brown At the regular meeting Aug. 5 of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), a hearing was held on the application dated June 9 by Mountain View Café & Catering for a hotel and restaurant liquor license for their location at 111424 Black Forest Road. After testimony from staff of Mountain View Café…
Continue Reading El Paso County Board of County Commissioners, Aug. 5 – Liquor license approved
El Paso County Planning Commission, Aug. 7 – Variance for rental unit rejected
By Marlene Brown The El Paso County Planning Commission (EPCPC) held its regular bi-monthly meeting on Aug. 7. All voting members of EPC and staff were present. The agenda was requested by Commissioner Eric Moraes to be amended for the consent items to be heard as called-up agenda items. Item number VA2523—Variance of Use, Spaatz…
Continue Reading El Paso County Planning Commission, Aug. 7 – Variance for rental unit rejected
Gleneagle Civic Association, Aug. 12 – GCA holds Town Hall to review rewritten covenants
By David Futey On Aug. 12, the Gleneagle Civic Association (GCA) board held a Town Hall Zoom meeting to seek feedback from the Gleneagle community on a draft version of the community’s Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions document. Board members Jimmy Owenby, GCA president, Steve Kouri, treasurer, Glenn Leimbach, board member at large, Mark…
Woodmoor Improvement Association, Aug. 27 – Board hears short-term rental concerns
By Jackie Burhans The Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) board met on Aug. 27 to hear residents’ concerns about short-term rentals and to review board member reports. Short-term rental nuisance concerns Several residents came to the August meeting to express their concern and frustration with a nearby home that had been turned into an Airbnb, citing…
Continue Reading Woodmoor Improvement Association, Aug. 27 – Board hears short-term rental concerns
Letters to Our Community – Open Dirty Woman Park to everyone
It seems the mayor and key city people voted to change the use options for Dirty Woman Park. Monument changed Dirty Woman Park from a public park to a private park for the mayor and his staff’s use only, on July Fourth. The city only has three parks. Dirty Woman Park is the only full-service…
Continue Reading Letters to Our Community – Open Dirty Woman Park to everyone
Letters to Our Community – I’m running for D38 Board of Education
I’m Jackie Burhans, and I’m excited to announce my candidacy for the Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education. My deep commitment to public education, professional background in technology at IBM, time as a small business owner, experience as a facilities specialist at Tri-Lakes Cares, and years as an Our Community News (OCN) reporter give me a…
Continue Reading Letters to Our Community – I’m running for D38 Board of Education
Letters to Our Community – Thanks to all for the big move
The recent move of the Silver Key Senior Center from Grace Best school to the Monument Community Presbyterian Church is concluded. I was privileged to work with the steering committee as well as assist with the many volunteers that came forward from near and far to complete the extensive move that involved sorting and designating…
Continue Reading Letters to Our Community – Thanks to all for the big move
Letters to Our Community – Jackie for D38
I am writing to enthusiastically support Jackie Burhans for the Board of Education. Jackie is exactly the kind of leader our schools need—dedicated, thoughtful, and deeply committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. After years of unbiased reporting on all of our schools in D38, Jackie brings a unique blend of professional…
Letters to Our Community – Feral horses are not wildfire solutions
The idea that feral horses reduce wildfire risk and belong in wilderness areas is misleading and ecologically harmful. Despite romantic claims, today’s feral horses are not native wildlife but are descendants of domestic horses brought by Europeans. Native wild horses have been absent from North American ecosystems for over 10,000 years. Ecosystems have since evolved…
Continue Reading Letters to Our Community – Feral horses are not wildfire solutions
Letters to Our Community – Response from columnist Janet Sellers
Q: Are wild horses non-native? A: They are reintroduced natives. Horses evolved in North America but went extinct about 10,000 years ago. Modern wild horses fill that old ecological niche. Some debate this, noting changes since then, but advocates see them as a restored keystone herbivore. Q: Do they outcompete wildlife like pronghorns or bighorn…
Continue Reading Letters to Our Community – Response from columnist Janet Sellers
Letters to Our Community – A proven advocate for our students, educators, and schools: Vote for Jackie!
As the school board election approaches this November, I’m writing to express my enthusiastic support for my friend, Jackie Burhans, a highly qualified and passionate candidate who has dedicated years of her time, energy, and expertise to improving public education in our community. I’ve known Jackie and her family since the early 2000s, and I…
Letters to Our Community – Monument Hill Kiwanis awards grant to Quilts of Valor
The Monument Hill Kiwanis Club Board of Directors recently awarded a grant of $500 to the Colorado Springs Quilts of Valor group. The Quilt of Valor Foundation has chapters throughout the county. The group’s mission is to honor service members and veterans who have been touched by war with a comforting and healing Quilt of…
Continue Reading Letters to Our Community – Monument Hill Kiwanis awards grant to Quilts of Valor
Letters to Our Community – Vote for D38 school board
D38 Board of Education directors will be elected this November. Your money will ultimately be spent based upon their direction. More importantly, student safety and educational quality depend on your voice, and the D38 Directors are the keys to our community school district future. We The People form the basis of our nation. We The…
Continue Reading Letters to Our Community – Vote for D38 school board
Letters to Our Community – Ginger Schaaf for D38 school board
My name is Ginger Schaaf, and I am announcing my candidacy for the D38 Board of Education District 3 position. My family joined the Monument community two years ago after nearly 20 years of moving for my husband’s military career. We have two children in the D38 school system and have been extremely satisfied with…
Continue Reading Letters to Our Community – Ginger Schaaf for D38 school board
Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Get lost in a new book
By the staff at Covered Treasures “We lose ourselves in books. We find ourselves there too.”—Anonymous You’re back from summer travel, and the kids are back in school. Why not dig into a new hardcover book you can get lost in? Here are a few for your consideration: Mailman; My Wild Ride Delivering the Mail…
Continue Reading Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Get lost in a new book
September Library Events – Book clubs, Art for Older Adults, Palmer Lake concert
By Harriet Halbig The school year began at the Monument Library with an Early Literacy Night co-sponsored by the Lewis-Palmer School District to introduce families with children entering preschool to connect with educators and library staff for a night of play, learning, and resources. This event was held on Sep. 4. Recurring events at the…
Continue Reading September Library Events – Book clubs, Art for Older Adults, Palmer Lake concert
On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Ride for Tim scheduled for Sept. 13
By Steve Pate Eight years ago, Sept. 15, 2017, Tim Watkins was shot and killed while riding his mountain bike in one of his favorite areas near Mount Herman and Limbaugh Canyon. On Sept. 13, the annual “Ride for Tim” memorial riders and others will meet at 1 p.m. at the Tim Watkins Memorial, 66…
Continue Reading On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Ride for Tim scheduled for Sept. 13
High Altitude Nature and Gardens (HANG) – Fall and the forest: creating soil beds and a blue spruce kitchen treat
By Janet Sellers Forest living needs kitchen-made soil Our local soil has created itself over millions of years for optimal forest growth. We can thank Mother Nature for creating our wonderful natural areas, and it’s our job to take good care of them. When we want to make a garden bed for outside plants, such…
Art Matters – What is art good for?
By Janet Sellers “Drawing helps you see what you cannot imagine and imagine what you cannot see.”—Richard T. Scott, American painter and writer Making art, particularly in a group setting, fosters creativity and social connection by providing a safe space for expression, sharing diverse perspectives, and building a sense of community. This dynamic process allows…
Snapshots of Our Community
Caption Correction In the Aug. 2 issue of Our Community News, we reported that Tommie Plank donated 32% of her sales at Covered Treasures Bookstore to mark the 32nd anniversary of the store. Plank actually donated 32% of her net sales. OCN regrets the error. Buc-ee’s opponents’ meeting, July 27 Above: On July 27, nearly…
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. Be “bear smart”, do…
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…