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Laura Lucero

Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, June 12, 19, 23, and 30 – Stern replaces Havenar as mayor; attempt to stop recalls fails

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

The Palmer Lake Board of Trustees (PLBOT) scheduled four meetings in June: a regular board meeting, an administrative hearing to address a protest against the recall of Trustees Shana Ball, Kevin Dreher and Dennis Stern, a special meeting consisting only of an executive session, and a second board meeting. The second board meeting was moved from June 26 to June 30, after this issue of Our Community News went to press. It will be reported in the August issue of OCN.

At the first regular board meeting, the board accepted the resignation of Mayor Glant Havenar and appointed Trustee Dennis Stern to complete Havenar’s term as mayor. The board voted to hire a third party to preside over a hearing regarding the protest of the recalls of Ball, Dreher, and Stern. The board also heard public comments concerning Stern’s appointment, the proposed Buc-ee’s travel center, and Havenar’s behavior.

At the recall protest hearing on June 19, resident Brian Yavanian challenged the validity of the signatures collected to recall Ball, Dreher, and Stern, arguing that Beth Harris had provided a postal address, not a legal address, and therefore the signatures she collected were invalid.

The special meeting on June 23 consisted of an executive session and a question from a resident.

Publication of texts leads to Havenar’s exit and Stern’s appointment

In the wake of the publication of texts between Havenar, her friend and political ally Darcy Schoening, and Buc-ee’s lobbyist Mark Waller, Havenar submitted her resignation as Palmer Lake’s mayor. The texts showed Havenar mocking, insulting, and demeaning her constituents and the spouse of one of the trustees, often in obscene language, texting with Waller, and texting while she was participating in an executive session, which are closed to the public by law.

At the June 12 meeting, the board voted unanimously to accept Havenar’s letter of resignation. Then Town Attorney Scot Krob explained the legalities of filling the mayoral vacancy. Krob said the vacancy could be filled by appointment or by an election. An appointment could be made immediately, he said, and a current trustee could be appointed, but they would have to resign their seat on the board to be appointed mayor. Resigning a board seat would bring any attempt to recall that board member to an end.

Krob pointed out that there were many sensitive matters before the board; he recommended that the vacancy be filled as quickly as possible by someone who had participated in recent meetings, negotiations, and executive sessions.

Trustee Tim Caves recommended Stern, the current mayor pro tem, to fill the vacancy, calling him “the obvious choice.” Stern said he was willing to resign his seat on the board. Resident Harris asked to speak, but Stern said comments would not be accepted at that time. His decision was a departure from the board’s usual practice of allowing attendees to speak even outside the time allotted for public comments. Some of those present reacted angrily to Stern’s decision.

After Stern gaveled the crowd into silence, Ball moved to accept Stern’s resignation from the board. Ball, Caves, Dreher, Trustee Amy Hutson, and Stern himself voted to accept his resignation; Trustee Atis Jurka voted no. Following that vote, Jurka asked what was best for the town and suggested someone not under the cloud of a recall, as Stern was, would be the better choice. Jurka said he wanted the decision to be open to the citizens.

Jurka’s remarks were applauded by the crowd. Ball said she wanted someone familiar with the annexation that was under consideration by the board, as suggested by Krob. Hutson pointed out that although Stern was under recall, the success of the recall was not certain.

Ball, Caves, Dreher, Hutson, and Stern voted to appoint Stern as mayor. Jurka once again voted no. Following the vote, Town Administrator Dawn Collins administered Stern’s oath of office. Hutson was named mayor pro tem.

Collins suggested a two-week window to accept interest forms for the vacancy on the board created by Stern’s resignation as trustee.

During public comments, El Paso County Commissioner Bill Wysong, who represents Palmer Lake on the El Paso Board of County Commissioners, said in a republic politicians are elected to represent their voters and “you are continuing to stir the pot and it really disappoints me. The people of Palmer Lake I believe deserve to be heard. . .. I hope Palmer Lake can come together.” Wysong’s remarks were met with applause.

Harris, who was applauded when she rose to speak, also expressed her disappointment that a trustee facing a recall had been appointed mayor. She said it was not wise for the board to appoint a mayor. She has since announced her intention to apply for the vacancy on the board created by Stern’s resignation.

Resident Steve Draper reminded the board that Caitlin Quander, a land use attorney with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP, who spoke at the hearing for Buc-ee’s second annexation petition on behalf of the Malone Family Foundation, had argued that the notification requirements for the second annexation eligibility hearing had not been met and she was ignored by the board. Draper asked that the final annexation hearing be postponed because the eligibility hearing was not valid.

Nancy Godbout Jurka, who is married to Trustee Atis Jurka, discussed Havenar’s text messages, arguing they proved the board colluded and wants to silence the community.

Goldman appointed to hear petition protest

Collins said the signatures collected to recall Ball, Dreher, and Stern could be protested during a 15-day period following their submission for validation: that deadline was June 6. The signatures collected to place an initiative on the ballot giving residents a vote on any annexation had a 40-day protest period, which ended on June 16. During the protest periods, signatures which had been verified by the town administrator could be challenged and perhaps invalidated. If enough signatures were to be invalidated, the recall would end. Collins recommended that the petition protest hearings be presided over by a third party, not a member of the town staff.

Collins recommended Karen Goldman to preside over the hearings. Goldman has extensive experience with Colorado election law, having served as deputy city clerk in Aurora, as city clerk in Lakewood and as the secretary of the Senate for the state of Colorado. Goldman has served as an election hearing officer in more than a dozen Colorado towns and cities, provides election training through the Colorado Municipal Clerk’s Association, and conducts election webinars through the Colorado Municipal League.

The board voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 48-2025, which designates Goldman as the hearing officer at a rate of $100 per hour.

Effort to stop recalls falls short

On June 19, Goldman convened a hearing to find facts and hear testimony regarding Yavanian’s challenge to the petitions to recall Ball and Dreher. Since Stern had already resigned his board seat to accept an appointment as mayor, his recall was not considered at the hearing.

Goldman began by reviewing facts and events that preceded the hearing:

  • The recall petitions were approved by Collins as to their legal form on March 24.
  • The minimum number of signatures needed to trigger a recall was 275.
  • The recall petitions with signatures were filed on May 21, one day before the deadline. The Ball recall petition had 304 valid signatures and the Dreher petition had 300.
  • On May 27, Collins determined that the signatures submitted were sufficient for the recalls to move forward.
  • Yavanian filed his protest on June 2.

Goldman explained some of the legalities of the recall. She said the burden of proof was on Yavanian to prove that his allegations were enough to overturn Collins’ determination of sufficiency.

Goldman said Yavanian claimed Harris erred in providing a postal address with a P.O. Box, not a legal address. She said she would hear testimony only on this point, not on the broader issues regarding the recalls. She said Yavanian would testify first and could call witnesses. Then Harris or her representative would testify, and Yavanian would have a chance to respond.

Goldman pointed out that the hearing was an administrative meeting, not a public hearing, so the public would not be able to comment.

Goldman then swore in Yavanian, who testified that the statute governing recalls requires the address of the petition committee members and Harris had used a P.O. Box, which was not a legal address. P.O. Boxes can’t be used to open bank accounts or start businesses, he said, because they prove nothing regarding residency; anyone can get a P.O. Box in any community.

Goldman asked Yavanian if he was aware of anyone who signed the recall petition and then decided they shouldn’t have because Harris had used a P.O Box. Yavanian said he was not. Goldman went on to say it was her understanding that almost everyone in Palmer Lake has a P.O. Box. She asked if Yavanian was alleging that Harris was not a registered elector. He said he was not, but he said he had concerns about Harris’s residency. He did not support those concerns with any facts.

Goldman swore in Collins, who testified that when she received the recall petitions, she involved Judy Egbert of GovPro Consulting to assist her. Collins said she verified that the three members of the recall petition committee—Harris, Dailee Fagnant, and Cody Fouts—were all registered voters by using the Colorado Secretary of State’s website. Goldman asked Collins if Harris’s use of a P.O. Box concerned her; Collins said no since Harris was a registered voter in the town.

Goldman then swore in Grace Foy, a lawyer representing Harris. Foy testified that Harris was a resident of Palmer Lake and a registered voter. The Secretary of State’s website shows both Harris’s P.O. Box and her street address, she said. Foy noted that when the recall petitions were being reviewed for correctness by Collins, the use of a P.O. Box was not a concern and proof of residency was a requirement to obtain a free P.O. Box.

In her concluding remarks, Goldman said she would review documents and testimony and make her decision. She asked Dreher if he wanted to speak as he was one of the trustees being recalled. He said no. Goldman concluded the hearing.

On June 22, Goldman published her conclusion that the recalls of Ball and Dreher can proceed and she instructed the town to set a date for the recall elections.

Above: The Palmer Lake Board of Trustees hired third-party hearing officer Karen Goldman to review protests challenging recall petitions for trustees Shana Ball, Kevin Dreher, and Dennis Stern. Goldman, a former Aurora deputy city clerk and veteran hearing officer, held a public hearing on June 19 at Town Hall. She reviewed petition procedures and Town Manager Dawn Collins’ certification. Resident Brian Yavanian filed a protest, arguing that a petition committee member’s use of a P.O. Box should invalidate the filing. Goldman noted that Stern’s recent resignation and appointment as mayor nullified his recall. Goldman heard testimony from Yavanian, Collins, and attorney Grace Foy, who represented committee member Beth Harris. Collins said she confirmed that Harris was a registered elector and saw no issue with the P.O. Box. Foy noted no objection was raised during the petition review. Dreher attended but declined to testify. On June 22, Goldman ruled the recalls could proceed and directed the town to schedule an election. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Executive session convened; Collins announces last day

On June 23, the board met to hold an executive session. The agenda listed three reasons for the session: to confer with the town’s attorney on legal questions regarding pending litigation, to discuss negotiations regarding filling the town administrator vacancy created by Collins’ resignation, and to receive legal advice and input from the town’s lawyer regarding a possible annexation agreement for a proposed Buc-ee’s development.

In response to a question from a resident, Collins, who had announced her resignation from her position and her acceptance of a job in Blue Earth, Minn. previously, said her last day as Palmer Lake’s town administrator would be July 17.

Correction

The article covering Palmer Lake in the June issue of OCN misquoted Dan Guimond, senior principal at Economic and Planning Systems. Guimond in fact estimated Buc-ee’s water consumption at 1.19 million gallons per month, not 1.19 million gallons per year, as stated in the article.

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The next regular board meetings are scheduled for July 10 and 24. See the town’s website at www.townofpalmerlake.com to confirm times and dates of board meetings and workshops. Meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the Town Hall. Information: 719-481-2953.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other Palmer Lake Board of Trustees articles

Monument Town Council, June 2 and 16 – Council navigates development questions and compensation study; Smith appointed to the council

By Chris Jeub

The Monument Town Council held two meetings in June, addressing key issues ranging from industrial development concerns to comprehensive employee compensation reforms and filling a vacant council seat.

Pikes Peak Rodeo delegation promotes summer events

The June 2 meeting opened with a spirited presentation from representatives of the Pikes Peak Range Riders and the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. Greg Budwin of the Range Riders, along with rodeo board Vice President Lauri Carroll and Girl of the West Emma Considine, invited the council and community to the annual Western Street Breakfast, which was held on June 18th in downtown Colorado Springs. The group promoted the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, scheduled for July 8-12 at the Norris Penrose Event Center, featuring over $1 million in payouts for contestants from the U.S., Canadian, and Mexican circuits.

Willow Springs Ranch development sparks discussion

Planning Director Dan Ungerleider presented a preliminary discussion on the proposed Willow Springs Ranch Filing No. 3, also known as the Rickenbacker property. Developer Tim McConnell of Drexel Barrel & Co. outlined plans for annexing 39.6 acres to develop 38 single-family residential lots of 15,000 square feet or larger—a significant reduction from a previous proposal that called for about 100 lots.

The presentation sparked a procedural debate when Councilmember Ken Kimple questioned the unusual process: “I haven’t seen it done like this that we get a presentation before the Planning Commission.” Kimple asked whether this would become standard practice, noting the difficulty of having a presentation without full debate on the merits.

Mayor Pro Tem Steve King pressed the developer on several concerns, including traffic access issues with the single entrance from Forest Lakes Drive and whether the proposed Rickenbacker Road exit would be permanent or emergency-only. King also insisted on community engagement meetings before formal processing, noting residents in the audience.

Ungerleider explained this approach followed the council’s previous request for preliminary meetings on annexation proposals. King confirmed the background, referencing earlier meetings where a 100-home proposal was deemed “fairly egregious” and appreciated the developer’s willingness to modify plans. No formal action was taken, with the item referred to the Planning Commission for detailed review.

Outdoor storage ordinance approval

The council approved Ordinance No. 10-2025 granting conditional use approval for outdoor storage at 836 Synthes Ave., though not without discussion about screening requirements and height restrictions.

Property owner Chandler Knob emphasized his family’s deep Monument roots, noting his father founded Prescott’s Surgical Microscopes and the family’s long-standing community ties. The Planning Commission had recommended approval with a 30-foot height restriction for stored materials.

King expressed wariness due to past code enforcement issues with outdoor storage in the area, calling it “a giant code issue constantly” that creates ongoing compliance problems. King questioned the 30-foot height allowance, stating it was “too tall for me.”

The debate centered on municipal code requirements versus the Planning Commission’s conditions. Councilmember Laura Kronick suggested following existing code, which requires storage materials to be screened “so as not to be visible from adjacent property or from public right-of-way.” Ungerleider explained that screening height should match fence height under the code, typically 6-8 feet for industrial uses. Councilmember Sana Abbott raised concerns about neighboring crane operations and the precedent this might set.

The council ultimately approved the ordinance 6-0 with modifications removing the 30-foot height restriction and defaulting to municipal code screening requirements.

Water infrastructure investment addresses iron content

The council approved Resolution No. 37-2025, authorizing a construction contract with Native Sun Construction for $582,241 to install iron removal systems at Wells 11, 12, and 13. Director of Public Works Thomas Tharnish explained that iron levels in these wells had been climbing, causing customer complaints about metallic taste and smell.

However, the approval process highlighted ongoing concerns about contract oversight. Mayor LaKind insisted on seeing the actual contract language before final approval, demanding “not to exceed” language be included. “Without a contract this resolution will not go anywhere because I need to see the language of the contract,” he stated. Councilmember Marco Fiorito agreed, noting he thought this was “a resolution to start the proceedings which then would lead to us approving the contract.”

The resolution passed 6-0 with the understanding that the contract would return for final council review before execution, following the town’s updated purchasing policy requiring council approval for expenditures over $25,000.

Comprehensive compensation study addresses market competitiveness

In a move toward professional municipal operations, the council approved Resolution No. 38-2025, adopting a comprehensive salary structure and classification system developed by CBIZ consultant Taylor Sprag. The study revealed that general structure employees are currently at 98.2% of market rate, while sworn police officers are at 92.4% of market rate.

The analysis recommended salary increases for 32 employees totaling $101,000 (1.6% of payroll) and established a new 16-grade salary structure with market-based positioning. The study included a five-year planning component, with CBIZ providing annual planning letters to help the town stay current with market rates.

LaKind questioned the extremely low Grade 1 minimum salary and probed the data sources used for comparison. Police Chief Patrick Regan discussed recent incremental raises, explaining, “We gave the raise that we could afford, we didn’t give the raise to fix,” noting the ongoing strategy to reach market midpoint gradually within budget constraints.

Both King and Kronick praised HR Director Emily Trujillo’s leadership on the project. “I do appreciate the leadership you’ve thrown out there from an HR perspective,” King stated, while Kronick thanked staff for their transparent, employee-first approach.

The resolution passed 7-0 for implementation in the 2026 budget, with recognition that annual adjustments would depend on available revenue.

Chad Smith appointed to fill council vacancy

At the June 16 meeting, the council addressed its vacant seat left by Jim Romanello’s passing. Chad Smith, who has served two years on the Planning Commission including recent service as chair, was the sole applicant for the position.

Smith outlined his priorities as maintaining the current council’s course, emphasizing responsible growth and preserving the town’s improved financial stability. When asked about Planning Commission experience preparing him for the role, Smith cited his land use knowledge, code navigation skills, and leadership development.

Ungerleider endorsed Smith despite losing him from the Planning Commission, noting Smith’s comprehensive plan work and calling for more Planning Commission volunteers: “We need two alternates and we need a sitting member.”

The council approved Resolution No. 42-2025 by a 7-0 vote (counting Smith immediately), and he was sworn in as council member at-large during the meeting.

Above: Chad Smith is switching public service positions. He’s moving from the Monument Planning Commission to the Town Council. He was sworn in on June 16, filling the seat left vacant by the death of Jim Romanello on April 12. The council voted unanimously to appoint Smith who’ll serve until the next regular election on Nov. 2 of next year. Smith had been serving on the Planning Commission since Jan. 16, 2024. His departure leaves an opening that will have to be filled. He told the council he thinks his time on the commission helped him prepare for his new position. Smith said one of his priorities will be to ensure “responsible growth” in the town. In photo, Town Clerk Tina Erickson gives oath of office to Smith. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Professional services agreements enhance financial management

The council approved two significant agreements with Willdan Financial Services to modernize the town’s financial operations. Resolution No. 40-2025 authorized a cost allocation plan and fee study for $39,000, while Resolution No. 41-2025 approved a water rate study for $37,260.

Finance Director Jennifer Phillips explained that the cost allocation plan would replace current lump-sum estimates with specific cost tracking for services like town manager and finance director time allocated to the water fund. The plan would also enable grant administration overhead recovery for projects like Jackson Creek Parkway.

The fee study would update user fees that haven’t been revised since 2016. Phillips emphasized that the study would show full cost recovery for all services, but the council would make policy decisions on actual fee levels. “Let’s say renting a park space turns out to be $50 as full cost recovery and the council says, ‘No way, we want it at $20’—that’s your policy decision,” Phillips explained.

King praised the professional advancement of Phillips and her presentation: “You’ve taken this town from a much lower level into, like, we’re a real town now.” Both resolutions passed 7-0.

Old Denver Road annexation completed

In what Ungerleider called “probably one of the easiest annexations we’ve ever gone through,” the council completed the annexation of Old Denver Road right-of-way that the town already maintains. The two-step process included Resolution No. 43-2025 (findings of fact) and Ordinance No. 11-2025 (actual annexation), both passing 7-0.

The 12.9-acre annexation brings the county right-of-way from West Baptist Road north to the corporate limits into town boundaries. The El Paso Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved waiving the annexation impact report, facilitating the smooth process.

Council addresses development advocacy concerns

During council comments at the June 16 meeting, Mayor Pro Tem King raised concerns about his role in addressing development issues in adjacent municipalities. King explained his dilemma regarding a Beacon Light/County Line property that previously came before Monument for multifamily annexation but was rejected based on neighborhood concerns.

With a “more intense use” now proposed in an adjacent municipality, King sought guidance on speaking to the media about the development’s history. Attorney Bob Cole advised that speaking for the council requires bringing positions to council first and getting delegated authority, while speaking individually requires being clear about personal capacity.

The council unanimously supported King providing factual history about the previous annexation process, with Councilmember Kimple noting, “I’m 100% for Steve giving the history because all that is public information.” King confirmed his intent to speak only about historical facts, not council positions.

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The Monument Town Council usually meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month at Monument Town Hall, 645 Beacon Lite Road. The next meetings are scheduled for Monday, July 7 and 21. For more information, call 719-884-8014 or visit www.townofmonument.org. To view upcoming agendas, complete board packets, or download audio recordings of past meetings, visit http://monumenttownco.minutesondemand.com and click on “Town Council.”

Chris Jeub can be reached at chrisjeub@ocn.me.

Other Monument Town Council articles

Monument Planning Commission, June 11 – June meeting cancelled

By Janet Sellers

The Monument Planning Commission June 11 meeting was cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for July 9 at 6 p.m. in the Town Council chambers at 645 Beacon Lite road, Monument.

Questions regarding the Planning Commission meeting notice for June 11 may be directed to the Monument Planning Department at 645 Beacon Lite Road, Monument or by calling 719-651-5405.

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The Monument Planning Commission advises the Town Council on land use and development issues. The commission’s recommendations are based on local and state laws, zoning, and municipal codes.

The Planning Commission usually meets on the second Wednesday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for July 9. For further information on Planning Commission meetings, please visit www.townofmonument.org/263/planning-commission-board-of-adjustment or call 719-884-8028. A recording with a transcript of the meeting is also available.

Janet Sellers can be reached at JanetSellers@ocn.me

Other Monument Planning Commission articles

Monument Academy School Board, June 12, 27 – Board passes sports fairness policy, joins in suit against CHSAA

By Jackie Burhans

The Monument Academy (MA) School Board met twice in June to pass a policy and join a lawsuit related to gender in sports, discuss increasing roof insurance costs, take actions, and hear committee reports.

Sports policy

Board member Karen Hoida presented a proposed policy along the lines of parental rights and protection. Identical to policies passed in several other districts and charter schools, JBA-MA Preserving Fairness and Safety in Schools asserts that boys have physical advantage over most girls that are significant enough that they would displace girls if permitted to compete.

It also cites safety and privacy concerns, access to scholarships, and a presidential executive order threatening to rescind educational funds. The policy asserts that genetics are determined at birth. The policy forbids boys from playing on girls’ teams and girls from playing on boys’ teams. It also forbids sharing locker rooms or hotel rooms.

The board voted unanimously to pass policy JBA-MA. Board policies are available at bit.ly/ma-policies.

MA joins lawsuit

Board President Ryan Graham provided background on the D49 lawsuit against the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA), saying that MA has observed increasing tension between Title 9 and CHSAA bylaws. He also noted that the Colorado Anti-Discriminatory Act (CADA) says that students must be allowed to participate in sports teams based on their gender identity. MA believes those requirements violate Title 9 and therefore has implemented the policy JBA-MA, and he suggested adding MA’s name as a plaintiff noting that this might bring federal scrutiny.

Vice President Lindsay Clinton moved to approve joining the lawsuit saying that doing so codifies MA’s conviction. She encouraged parents to ask questions, send emails, and make public comments if they are unsure where their school stands. Treasurer Craig Carle said that, as a father of two daughters who are athletes, he is deeply concerned with CHSAA’s policy. He fully supports the inclusion of all students but feels that women’s sports were created so they could train, compete, and excel without being at a biological disadvantage.

The board voted unanimously to add MA’s name as a plaintiff to the lawsuit, which names CHSAA, the Colorado Civil Rights Division, and the state attorney general.

Insurance increases

At the June 10 meeting, the board heard about hail coverage changes in MA’s building insurance policy and reviewed a presentation of coverage options for the following year. Finance Director Laura Polen presented options from HUB International insurance brokers noting that the policy would change from a $25,000 deductible to 5%, which would be an increase to over $2 million. There was an option to buy down the deductible to 3% at a cost of $53,627 she said would save them $800,000 or to buy it down to 2% at the cost of $83,537 and savings of $1.2 million. Polen asked for the board’s guidance. Graham asked if MA could exclude some insurance due to the rubber membrane roof. The board agreed to set a special meeting to discuss this and asked for more information on the current condition of the roofs, and a history of claims over the last 20 years.

The board met again on June 27 to discuss insurance options.

Highlights

Board meeting highlights include:

  • Spotlight. Executive Director Collin Vinchattle spotlighted outgoing board member Karen Hoida, whose term ends on June 30. Vinchattle cited Hoida’s dedicated service and valuable contributions, saying that she saw beyond the conventional and sparked meaningful discussions that led to innovative solutions
  • Executive director. Vinchattle reviewed the year’s accomplishments, which included the organizational audit, development of the education philosophy statement, forging community partnerships, and financial improvements.
  • Finance. Polen said MA completed its budget and shared with D38. She reported that MA had received five quarters of the requested Employee Retention Tax Credit funds and deposited that money into its high-interest COLOTRUST accounts. The board approved removing Glenn Gustafson from the Integrity Bank signature process, leaving Graham, Polen, Carle, and Finance Assistant Dawn Bartlett.
  • Curriculum East. Clinton shared that the committee met on May 20 to review supplemental literature for the high school ethics and morals class, reminding the board that material that is less than 25% of the curriculum does not come to the board for approval. The board approved the Colorado History curriculum.
  • Facilities: The board accepted a proposal from E&K Paving for $37,500 to grade and compact asphalt millings on the West Campus parking lot.
  • Contracts: The board approved a contract with Elevate Education, a company that works with Program Manager Janyse Skalla on the homeschool enrichment program.
  • Handbook updates: The board unanimously approved the modified 2025-26 combined Student Handbook, added a workplace bullying section to the Staff Handbook, and heard the first read of the proposal to modify the Athletic Handbook for middle and high school.
  • Compensation. The board approved a stipend for homeschool enrichment staff who developed the program curriculum and activities. It also increased half-day/Friday pay to $80.
  • Board planning: The board set its retreat date for July 15 from 9 to 3 at MA’s East Campus and moved its regular meeting to Thursday, July 17.
  • Executive session: The board ended its June 10 meeting with an executive session for negotiations regarding contracted financial services. The board ended its June 27 meeting with an executive session to discuss contract negotiations regarding the executive director.

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The MA School Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. The next regular board meeting has moved to Thursday, July 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the East Campus. The agenda and packet are available at bit.ly/ma-boarddocs.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Above: Executive Director Collin Vinchattle spotlighted outgoing board member Karen Hoida for her service and contributions, saying her contributions led to meaningful discussions and innovative solutions. Hoida’s term ended on June 30. In the front row from left are Vice President Lindsay Clinton, President Ryan Graham, Hoida, Treasurer Craig Carle, and board member Matt Ross. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Other Monument Academy School Board articles

Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, June 16 – Board finalizes plans for HSEA structure, approves 2025-26 budget

By Harriet Halbig

The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education approved a contract for the construction of a permanent structure to house the Home School Enrichment Academy (HSEA), approved the 2025-26 district budget, approved participation in the November election, and recognized a number of individuals at its June 16 meeting.

Home School Enrichment Academy structure

Because the Home School Enrichment Academy (HSEA) is currently housed in Grace Best Education Center and that facility is scheduled for demolition, a new facility is required.

Over the past few months, district officials have met with representatives of manufacturers of prefabricated structures with the intent to erect one on district property south of the administration building on the current site of a playground.

Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway and Director of Planning, Facilities, and Grounds Melissa Andrews presented a history of the project and projected expense.

Andrews explained that, since the building will be on a permanent foundation, a site development plan will be required. The proposed structure, consisting of two prefabricated units, will include several classrooms, a large area for multiple uses, and separate restrooms for students and staff. There will also be a security vestibule and an enclosed hallway between the two units.

Andrews said that the district decided in a past meeting that the building will be level to the ground and not require a ramp or stairs to enter. Because of this, and the fact that pipes for plumbing will be below ground, significant excavation is required and insulation is needed to avoid frozen pipes.

To view the PowerPoint on the project, please see boarddocs on the district website, lewispalmer.org, under the board of education tab.

In the course of the discussion, it was estimated that the total cost of the project, including the site plan and services of engineers and all permitting, will equal about $2.9 million.

The approved vendor is Palomar with Wells & West acting as general contractor.

During discussion, board Secretary Dr. Patti Shank expressed concern at the expense considering the relatively small number of students who will use the structure and the limited number of hours per week it would be in use. She suggested considering a previously built commercial building which could be renovated for this use.

Shank said that she home-schooled her son for several years and recognized the need for the HSEA but hesitated at the expense.

Ridgway said that requirements for a building to house students are very rigorous, especially with respect to ventilation and safety features and that renovating an existing building to include these features would exceed the cost of building new.

Following further discussion and the desire of the board to not further delay beginning the project, the board voted unanimously to approve the contract.

It is estimated that the structure will be completed and ready for occupancy beginning the second semester of the 2025-26 school year.

2025-26 budget approved

Before the regular meeting of the board, Ridgway offered a presentation on the district budget for 2025-26. He pointed out that he had updated the budget at each meeting of the board for the past several months.

The presentation was part of a legally required public hearing on the subject. There was no public comment offered during the hearing. To view the PowerPoint presentation, please see boarddocs.

The board voted unanimously to approve the budget.

Election participation

Two seats on the board are up for election this November, from districts 1 and 3. To see a map of the districts, please see the website under the board of education tab.

The board passed a resolution to notify El Paso County of its intent to participate in the Nov. 4 election and notified the public that a call for nominations will be published in August.

Vicki Wood was appointed as the district’s election representative to the county.

Aug. 6 is the first date for circulating petitions. To appear on the ballot, an individual must have resided in the district for at least 12 months and in the district they represent for 12 months. Signatures must be those of electors in the district.

A resident is ineligible to run if convicted of a sexual offence against a child.

Recognitions

The board recognized the Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club for its participation in the club’s Champions program.

Rotary Board members Christy Smith and Owen Schoolsky explained that the program recognizes student athletes in the Pikes Peak Region who excel in their sport, academic excellence, and community service. One male and one female in each sport is recognized. To view a list of athletes from D38, please see boarddocs.

About 150 student athletes are recognized each year and 27 Medallion winners chosen. The highest honor is the Rotary Champions Scholar-Athlete of the Year Scholarship of $10,000. Two athletes from D38 received scholarships, Connick Goodwin, a tennis player from Palmer Ridge High School, and Amara Langstaff, a Lacrosse player from Palmer Ridge High School.

An additional local recognition went to Palmer Ridge High School Athletic Director Lance McCorkle as the top athletic director in the Pikes Peak Region.

Superintendent Amber Whetstine, in her update, said the district was once again accredited with distinction for the past year. Kilmer Elementary School received the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award and Kilmer and Palmer Ridge High School were named John Irwin Schools of Excellence in recognition of exceeding expectations in academic excellence in math, language arts, and science.

Three district teachers were awarded STEM grants from the Rocky Mountain Chapter of Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association. These were Paula Perconti of Prairie Winds Elementary, Amy Robinson of Lewis-Palmer Middle School, and Vicki Nalley of Bear Creek Elementary.

Ted Bauman and Rich Strom of Monument Hill Kiwanis introduced Ruby Taylor of Palmer Ridge High School, an award winner at this year’s Stars of Tomorrow competition. Taylor sang a selection for those assembled.

The Stars of Tomorrow competition was founded to recognize achievements in the performing arts.

Above: At its June 16 meeting, the Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education heard Ruby Taylor, a Palmer Ridge senior, perform a special number from her Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Talent Show in March. Taylor sang a song about a girl who moved to Broadway dealing with her neighbors. Taylor won the second-place high school prize. Ted Bauman and Rich Strom from the Kiwanis Club introduced Taylor. Kiwanis created the talent show to showcase the performing arts students in the district. Photo by James Howald.

Career and Innovation Center update

Director of Innovation Programs Jessica McAllister and Director of Planning, Facilities, and Grounds Melissa Andrews provided an update on the Career and Innovation Center.

McAllister reported that the center had received a $240,000 grant from Innovations in CTE and a donation of equipment from the Adams 14 school district worth about $188,000.

Andrews reported on progress in construction at the center, saying that all inspections are going well and structural work on the interior has begun.

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The Lewis-Palmer D 38 Board of Education generally meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of the month in the district’s learning center, 146 Jefferson St. The board does not meet in July. The next meeting will be on Aug. 18.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.

Above: The D38 Board of Education recognized the Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club for supporting students and staff through programs like Rotary Champions, which spans 10 clubs and 33 schools in the Pikes Peak region. Rotary Champions board members Christy Smith and Owen Schoolsky were introduced by Communications Director Amy Matisek. Each year, the Rotary Champions program honors more than 150 high school scholar-athletes across the Pikes Peak region. Athletic departments nominate students for excellence in academics, athletics, and community service. The Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club also sponsors the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) for students in grades 9-11. RYLA promotes positivity, confidence and leadership, equipping students with tools to lead in school and community. Through an application process and scholarships funded by Rotary and local businesses, students attend at no cost. This year’s camp ran June 6-9 at the La Foret Conference and Retreat Center. Pictured from left: Board members Patti Shank and Ron Schwarz, Board President Tiffiney Upchurch, Smith, board member Todd Brown, Schoolsky, board member Kris Norris, and Superintendent Amber Whetstine. Photo by James Howald.
Above: The Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club recognizes the top athletic director (AD) from the Pikes Peak Region who exemplifies “service above self” at their high school. Rotary Champions donates $500 to the winning AD’s athletic department. Lance McCorkle, Palmer Ridge High School athletic director, was selected by the Rotary Champions to receive this honor for 2025. From left are board members Ron Schwarz, Todd Brown, and Patti Shank; McCorkle; board President Tiffiney Upchurch and Superintendent Amber Whetstine; board member Kris Norris and Palmer Ridge High School Principal Dr. Adam Frank. Photo by James Howald.

Above: The following D38 high school students earned 2025 Rotary Champions Medallion Awards for excellence in academics, athletics, and community service:

Boys Lacrosse – Riley McCrory – Lewis-Palmer
Girls Basketball – Hannah Wagner – Lewis-Palmer
Boys Soccer – Coleson Kovacs – Palmer Ridge
Girls Volleyball – Lauren Clawson – Palmer Ridge
Gymnastics – Braelyn Marr – Palmer Ridge
Spirit – Hannah Lawrence – Palmer Ridge
Boys Tennis – Connick Goodwin – Palmer Ridge
Girls Lacrosse – Amara Langstaff – Palmer Ridge

Goodwin and Langstaff earned the program’s top honor—Athlete of the Year—as the top male and female nominees. Each received a $10,000 scholarship. Since 1985, the program has awarded more than $350,000 in scholarships. From left in the back are Rotary Champions board member Christy Smith, Lewis-Palmer High School Principal Jeff Zick, Palmer Ridge Athletic Director Lance McCorkle, and Rotary Champions board member Owen Schoolsky. From left in front are Goodwin, Kovacs, Langstaff, Wagner, Board President Tiffiney Upchurch and PRHS Principal Dr. Adam Frank. Photo by James Howald.

Other Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education articles

Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, June 9 – 2024 audit finds “clean” finances

By James Howald

In June, Uli Keeley of Prospective Business Solutions LLC, the district’s auditor, gave the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board the results of her audit of the district’s 2024 finances. The board awarded a contract to replace water service saddles. During public comments, resident Jennifer Davis reported errors in her online bill. The board also heard operational reports. The meeting ended with an executive session.

2024 finances deemed “clean”

Keeley told the board her audit of the district’s finances for 2024 resulted in an unmodified or clean opinion, essentially a diagnosis of good financial health. She said there were no significant findings on processes, policies, internal controls, or financial reporting. She noted some audit adjustments around investments, updates to depreciation and payables that were “nothing out of the ordinary.”

Keeley said the district’s Total Net Position, or equity in its assets, in 2024 was just over $73 million, an increase of about $5 million over 2023. She attributed the increase to the $4.4 million in tap fees the district collected in 2024. The district collected $1.6 million in tap fees in 2023. Water and sewer tap fees are one-time charges that developers pay when they connect to the district’s infrastructure. Overall, the district’s actual revenues were close to budgeted expectations, while expenditures were lower than estimated due to land and easement purchases and construction projects that were postponed.

The district ended 2024 with $25.7 million in cash and cash equivalents, an increase of about $1.2 million over the course of the year.

In terms of debt, Keeley said the district continued to pay down $14.7 million in bonds issued in 2021, which are due in full by 2031. The bonds issued in 2021 refinanced bonds issued in 2011 to purchase the Woodmoor Ranch and its water rights at a lower interest rate. District Manager Jessie Shaffer pointed out that the district’s Net Pledged Revenues were $7.6 million, or almost four times the district’s Annual Debt Service Requirements of $2 million. Shaffer said, “We are smashing debt service coverage.”

Call the WWSD office at 719-488-2525 to request a copy of the audit report.

Saddle replacement contract awarded

District Engineer Cydney Saelens told the board that eight bids had been received to replace 121 water service saddles and associated fittings. (Saddles connect residential service lines to water mains.) Saelens said bids for the project ranged from $1.2 million to $614,000, with Iron Women Construction and Environmental Services LLC submitting the low bid. Saelens said she spoke to two of the organizations Iron Women Construction supplied as references and both had favorable long-standing relationships with the company. She recommended that the contract be awarded to Iron Women Construction, adding 10% for contingencies, for a total of $675,738. The board voted to award the contract as Saelens suggested.

Resident reports billing error

Davis told the board she found errors in her online bill in the form of an additional $10 charge. She said the charge was labeled differently on different bills and she had to call the office to have the charge removed. She noted the charge did not appear on her paper bill but did appear on her Xpress Bill Pay bill. She asked why the staff needed to devote time to correcting billing errors and why the district uses a vendor that can’t permanently fix billing issues.

Shaffer said he was discussing the erroneous charges with Office Manager Cory Lynch and Billing Clerk Brittany Petta and they are considering replacing Xpress Bill Pay with another service provider. Board President Brian Bush recommended that if Xpress Bill Pay does not correct the problem quickly the district should move to another provider.

Operational reports

Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine said that two long-term leaks had been located that he believes have contributed to the district’s water loss. The leaks have been repaired and LaFontaine said next month’s water report should show a lower percentage of unaccounted water.

Saelens reported that well 12R drilling was nearing completion, with 1,675 feet completed of the 1,900 feet needed. Once drilling is complete, the casing, screens, and glass beads need to be installed, test pumping needs to be performed, and water quality samples need to be tested.

Saelens also said that the Monument Ridge East residential development, which will be south of County Line Road and east of I-25, had submitted construction documents to WWSD. The development will consist of 340 residences.

LaFontaine said 800 residential water meters remain to be replaced. He asked customers who have not received a new water meter to call the WWSD office at 719-488-2525 to schedule a replacement.

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The next meeting is on July 14 at 1 p.m. Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the district office at 1845 Woodmoor Drive. Please see www.woodmoorwater.com or call 719-488-2525 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District articles

Monument Sanitation District, June 18 Raspberry Point sewage spill resolved

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald

In May, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board met briefly to hear an operational report from District Manager Mark Parker. Parker updated the board on a sewage release by Raspberry Point Townhomes in May that threatened to contaminate Monument Lake. Parker reported on a letter he had received from Buc-ee’s and on the resolution of an issue with the district’s supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software.

Pine tree roots the culprit in sewage overflow

Parker told the board that a video inspection of the service line owned by the Raspberry Point Townhomes that failed on May 14, leading to a sewage spill, showed the line had been blocked by 3 feet of tree roots. An 8-inch cleanout was added to the line and no further problems have occurred, Parker said. He noted a previous repair that was “pretty shoddy at best.”

Immediately following the spill in May, the ownership of the service line was under discussion. The Raspberry Point Townhome Homeowner’s Association (HOA) believed the service belonged to MSD but was unable to produce any documentation to support that belief. MSD had no records showing the district had agreed to be responsible for the line and related manhole. Parker said he was waiting to receive invoices for the work done to repair the line and the manhole before presenting them to the HOA for payment.

County encourages Buc-ee’s to plan Beacon Lite Road work

Parker said he had received a letter from Buc-ee’s regarding work that will need to be done on Beacon Lite Road if its proposed travel center goes forward. The letter said El Paso County, which is planning grading and straightening improvements to Beacon Lite that are independent of the proposed travel center, is pushing Buc-ee’s to get the approvals required for its sewage to be conveyed to MSD’s collection system. Parker said Buc-ee’s would need to plan for both lift stations and gravity flow to handle their sewage. The county’s plans can’t proceed until Buc-ee’s design is approved. Parker said Buc-ee’s letter had been sent to GMS Inc., the district’s consulting engineers.

SCADA issues resolved

Parker said changes to the algorithms used by cellular service providers, that misidentified SCADA alarms as spam, had temporarily interrupted the district’s SCADA system, which operates portions of the district’s infrastructure. The problem was fixed, and the SCADA software is again able send alarms by email and text.

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Monument Sanitation District meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the district conference room at 130 Second St., Monument. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 16. See https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org. For a district service map, see https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org/district-map. Information: 719-481-4886.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

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Donala Water and Sanitation District, June 12 – Positive audit report; inconsistent waste treatment numbers

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

The Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) board met in June to hear an audit report, discuss waste treatment data discrepancies, and hear operational reports. The meeting was relocated due to the temporary closure of the district’s offices. The board heard from a district consultant and learned of an additional board position for its president. The meeting ended with an executive session.

Board receives a clean audit report

Tom Sistare of Hoelting & Company Inc., the board’s auditor, explained the audit process and thanked the district staff for being well-prepared. As in the past, Hoelting has issued an unmodified or clean opinion. The report had no findings of note on internal controls.

Highlights include:

  • Cash and investments are up by $2.8 million, tracking with changes in equity.
  • Liabilities have decreased by $538,000 due to paying debt service as required.
  • Tax revenue increased by 26% due to increased valuation.
  • Capital expenditure was $1.3 million, which was similar to the previous year.

Sistare noted that operational expenses were up 2% compared to a 10% increase the previous year. The largest risk, he said, would be finishing a treatment plant then having the standards rise the following year.

The board voted unanimously to accept the audit.

Discrepancy in waste treatment data

In his report, Waste Plant Operator Aaron Tolman reported that hydraulic loading, which is the volume of wastewater that a treatment facility must process over a given time, had risen from around 50% to 62.9%. The change came after Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) replaced a flume and installed a laser flow meter (see wp.ocn.me/v25n6tmd). Initial readings were exponentially low, at 100,000 to 200,000 gallons per day and then, after adjustments, increased to between 700,000 and over 1 million gallons per day.

General Manager Jeff Hodge said that the total capacity for the Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (UMCRWWTF) is 1.75 million gallons, and the state requires an action plan when the plant goes over 80% capacity. UMCRWWTF is operated by DWSD and jointly owned by DWSD, TMD, and Forest Lakes Metropolitan District. Academy Water and Sanitation District is a customer.

Tolman said if the numbers were correct, they would have had to put a third basin online, but that isn’t happening. Donala is working with Mark Valentine, a project manager at Merrick & Co., to review the data.

Board President Wayne Vanderschuere said there would be a UMCRWWTF owners meeting on July 3 and he would make sure that this was on the agenda.

Operational reports

Hodge reported that he had attended the American Water Works Association 2025 Annual Conference and Expo (ACE) including a pre-conference workshop on collaborative delivery methods. Merrick and Co., the consulting company that provides workflow management for The Loop, presented the project. Burns & McDonnell, the company designing lift stations, pipelines, and water treatment for The Loop, presented a similar project it is doing in Castle Rock.

Superintendent of Water Operations Ronny Wright said the well 7D redrilling project is going well, though a few nearby neighbors had noted the harmonics building when the drill hit clay. Wright said the next steps would be to mobilize SiLibeads, a modern improvement over gravel, to screen out impurities. SiLibeads are unbreakable soda-lime glass that is free of impurities and heavy metals.

Vanderschuere said he had run into contractors for MVEA drilling without a proper water and sewer locate, which could result in breakage of electrical, water, or sewer lines. Jeff Hodge said if any of Donala’s lines were damaged, Donala would repair them and send a bill to the party responsible. Wright said that tickets had been filed on the incident, and he was on good speaking terms with the supervisor and superintendent. Wright also noted that work was going well on the tanks and Well 9A.

Tolman confirmed that UMCRWWTF was ready to host the July meeting of the Donala board. He stated that roads were paved, sidewalks, curbs, and gutters were installed, and landscaping was completed, noting that additional paving is required near a newly constructed roundabout. Additional striping was scheduled, and the bridge is complete, Tolman said. Process control for the plant is running well, he said, giving them opportunities to adjust for efficiency.

Consultant reports

Consultant Brett Gracely of LRE Water provided more detail on the Well 7D redrilling project issues with claystone and breaking equipment and next steps. He also reviewed the status of water rights objector cases LRE is assisting with as well as the successful completion of water exchange into Clear Creek saying that the water is now in the district’s Pueblo Reservoir water account and should be moved through the Northgate interchange and delivered to customers sometime in July or August to prove that the water was put to beneficial use after which a due diligence application could be filed. Hodge said the district would coordinate closely with other projects including water sampling for the Loop project.

Gracely also reported on the status of conversations with the Colorado Division of Water Resources on exchanges with reservoirs in Aurora, but said they had some major cases involving the Lower Arkansas Water Management Association (LAWMA) that seemed to be occupying them. Gracely said that attorneys were discussing the pros and cons of combining the exchanges into one filing vs. multiple filings and said that there might be some advantage to filing before the end of year. Vanderschuere suggested scheduling a work session in the next few months just for this item and inviting the water lawyer.

Finally, Gracely announced that June is his last month of employment at LRE Water. He has accepted a position as water planning practice leader at Plummer and suggested that his colleagues Helen Malenda-Lawrence and Kelsey Briggs act as co-leads in the interim to keep Donala informed. He noted that Plummer occupies the same building as LRE Water on Auraria Parkway in Denver and the two firms have collaborated in the past and have a non-compete agreement.

Director comments

Vanderschuere announced that he is now officially on the MVEA board as a director for District 3 and has attended an orientation meeting and his first regular board meeting on June 17. He will serve in that capacity in addition to his role at DWSD as board president, having confirmed with legal counsel on both sides that there is no conflict of interest. He said that MVEA is concerned about the pending federal budget bill and what would be funded or not, noting that renewables and fiber optics had been getting federal subsidies. This is also a concern for Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association and other peer organizations.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to discuss security arrangements or investigations related to security measures for maintenance technicians and water operators and personnel matters related to maintenance technicians and water operators.

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The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 17 at 1:30 p.m. Generally, board meetings are held the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. and include online access; call (719) 488-3603 or access www.donalawater.org to receive up-to-date meeting information. The district office is located at 15850 Holbein Drive, Colorado Springs.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other Donala Water and Sanitation District articles

Triview Metropolitan District, June 19 – Bond funding approved; director positions assigned

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on June 19, the board approved an amendment to the 2025 budget to incorporate funding for the Higby Road project and up to $12.6 million in bonds to move forward with the project. An economic incentive policy and an updated policy for developer water fees were also approved. The directors assigned board positions and received multiple updates.

The board held an executive session to discuss the purchase and sale of water and land, economic incentive agreements, and agreements with the Town of Monument (TOM) and other governmental and private entities.

Board positions assigned

The board unanimously assigned the board positions.

Above: From left, President Jason Gross, Secretary/Treasurer Amanda Carlton, Vice President Ann-Marie Jojola, and Directors John Gibbons and Erik Demkowicz. Photo by Chris Cummins.

2025 budget amendment

President Jason Gross opened a public hearing on the 2025 budget amendment.

District Manager James McGrady said the amendment was prompted by an influx of cash from the issuance of the $12.6 million bond and additional expenditures from the Public Works Capital Improvement Fund for the construction costs for the Higby Road improvements. The 2025 budget did not include funds for the Higby Road improvements, because the district did not know it would be issued bond financing. The budget needs to be adjusted accordingly, even though the district does not anticipate a bond payment in 2025 but will have two payments in 2026, said McGrady.

General Counsel George Rowley said it is standard procedure to acknowledge that the district will be receiving additional unplanned revenue. State law requires the district amend the budget to reflect the additional funding when the district ends up spending more than anticipated, said Rowley.

Gross closed the public comment hearing on the 2025 budget amendment.

The budget was amended to reflect $8.5 million in the 2025 budget (not the full bond amount). The district does not anticipate spending more than the amended amount on Higby Road in 2025. The project is expected to be completed in 2026.

The board unanimously approved Resolution 2025-10, amending the 2025 budget.

Bond issuance

McGrady requested the board review and consider approving Resolution 2025-07, a resolution of the TMD Board of Directors, issuing a $12.6 million bond for the Higby Road project.

The board unanimously approved the resolution.

Higby Road improvement project

McGrady requested the board approve Resolution 2025-11, a resolution to widen and improve Higby Road. He said the TOM had issued a plat note denying approval of further development in the north of the district without assurance that Higby Road will be widened. The district will present the resolution with the financial plan to the Planning Commission to comply with the plat note. The district has received solid bids with a maximum price of about $12.4 million to build the road. The district occasionally takes on large projects such as the widening of Jackson Creek Parkway for about $6.6 million in 2018. See https://wp.ocn.mev25n6tmd/.

Director Erik Demkowicz said he hopes the town knows that the TMD residents are paying for the road improvements for everyone’s benefit.

Gross said the project is an important safety priority, and the town worked with the district to incorporate the road from El Paso County. Somehow in the agreement the town incorporated the road, but the TMD residents are paying for the project.

The board unanimously approved the resolution.

Economic incentive policy

The board also approved Resolution 2025-08, an economic incentive policy. An economic incentive package was approved in April for the development located south of Monument Marketplace, however the district’s incentive policy required approval and some amendments for future large retail projects. See https://wp.ocn.me.v25n5tmd/.

Rowley said it is a net positive to give up some development proposals to allow for larger retail projects with at least 100,000 square feet of retail space, generating at least $500,000 in sales tax for the district, according to the sales tax share back from the intergovernmental agreement with the TOM, and a minimum of 50 full-time employment opportunities is included in the policy. The district receives 1.5% in sales tax with 0.5% dedicated to renewable water from the TOM for sales tax collected within the district. The policy allows for some fees to be waived, he said.

The board unanimously approved the resolution with two amendments.

Developer fees

The board also unanimously approved Resolution 2025-09, a revised schedule setting water fees and development requirements in lieu of fees for developers.

Operations report

McGrady said the following:

  • The district continues to supply renewable water to customers, with good inflows of water coming in from the district’s water rights.
  • Consumer demands are being met by the Northern Delivery System (NDS), with a little well pumping to maintain the wells, delivering 80% to 90% of the water from renewable sources.
  • The water rights plan is working appropriately, with received flows diverted into the South Reservoir. Any excess flow will be exchanged into Pueblo Reservoir in readiness for the winter months.
  • The augmentation station diversion structure on the Arkansas Valley Irrigation Co. Ditch (Buena Vista) has been completed, and it was scheduled to be operational by June 27.
  • The district received the first invoice for the Northern Monument Creek Interceptor design.
  • The district is working hard to move the Higby Road project forward.

Assistant manager’s report

Assistant Manager Steve Sheffield said:

  • The district has about 15 Badger meters left to be replaced between residential/commercial properties.
  • The district is working on the engineering standards to ensure compliance with the latest construction practices.
  • The Sanctuary Pointe Park sporting field reservations are down from 2024, but the district has received a large number of reservations for the fall season.

Revenue water/non-revenue water

Water Treatment Superintendent Gary Potter said he continues to research water loss, known in the industry as revenue water/non-revenue water. The team is working together to combat the problem from both ends, finding apparent loss, such as meters not entered into the system correctly, incorrect meter input, and active leak detection services. Water loss in a system with 66 miles of distribution pipe is inevitable, and the district will never achieve zero loss, he said. The American Water Works Association used to quote under 10% as acceptable loss but has moved away from that figure because one-size-fits-all does not work for all systems.

The district is at 6.35% loss for May, and when all avenues have been explored over the next several months, the team will need to determine how much water loss is an economically recoverable amount. The degree to which the district puts money into researching water loss will change over time, said Potter.

Sheffield said the average water system loses 15%-20% monthly.

Utilities update

Potter also said the following:

  • The A plant (Oxbow Drive) will be decommissioned due to the two wells being transferred to B plant (St. Lawrence Way). The plant will be used for vehicle storage or sold to another district.
  • A laser flow meter was installed at the Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (UMCRWWTF) to measure the accuracy of the district’s wastewater flumes. The collection of data over the next month will determine flow accuracy.
  • The NDS produced 80% of the district’s water in May, with a little higher well water pumped due to the work taking place at B Plant yard.

Kudos for staff volunteers

Parks and Open Space Superintendent Matt Rayno said the district staff had received a letter of gratitude from the president of the Pikes Peak Soap Box Derby for providing volunteers from the Public Works Department from May 31-June 2. The event closed Higby Road and would not have been successful without the district’s support and Tom Martinez from the Town of Monument.

Pothole reporting

Rayno said pothole patching typically occurs in spring and about 250 pounds of asphalt has been used to repair issues in 2025. Residents can use the district website to report pothole issues that occur within the district’s area of responsibility.

Note: The district is not responsible for the commercial property areas and Baptist Road.

Executive session

The board moved into an executive session at about 8:42 p.m. to discuss the purchase, acquisition, lease, transfer, or sale of real, personal, or other property interests needed by the district, pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) section 24-6-402(a), and to receive legal advice pursuant to CRS section 24-6-402(4)(b), as it relates to water matters and agreements with the TOM, and other governmental and private entities including Creekside Developments, LLC and associated entities. The session also determined the district’s positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations, related to the purchase and sale of water and land, economic incentive agreements, and agreements with the TOM, and other governmental and private entities including Creekside Developments LLC and associated entities, pursuant to CRS section 24-6-402(4)(e).

Sheffield confirmed to this reporter that when the board returned to the regular session at 9:17 p.m., no action was taken by the board, and the meeting promptly adjourned.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at the district office located at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 17 at 5:30 p.m. For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit https://triviewmetro.com.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Triview Metropolitan District articles

El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, June 26 – Board hears progress report

By James Howald

At a brief meeting in June, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) board heard a progress report from its interim Workflow Manager Mark Valentine. Valentine coordinates the work of the consulting and engineering firms the Loop has contracted with, which include: JVA Consulting Engineers, the company responsible for water quality testing; Burns & McDonnell, responsible for the design of lift stations, pipelines and the water treatment facility; BBA Water Consultants Inc., which provides water resource modeling and reservoir sizing analysis; Western States Land Services LLC, which acquires easements and other land as required; and Merrick and Co., where Valentine is a project manager.

The board voted on an amendment to its contract with BBA and heard a financial report from Corbin Fromm of Fromm and Co. LLC, the Loop’s accounting firm.

The meeting ended with an executive session.

Progress report

Valentine told the board that JVA had sampled the water in the Chilcott Ditch, which diverts water from Fountain Creek to the Calhan reservoir, the previous day. Dan LaFontaine, who represents the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) on the Loop’s board, said that a blockage on the Chilcott Ditch required the water sample to be taken from a different location than previous samples. LaFontaine is WWSD’s Operations superintendent. Valentine said that water testing costs have risen temporarily due to more frequent testing. He said he had attended several meetings with Burns & McDonnell to discuss water treatment requirements. The first meeting to discuss lift stations and pipelines was scheduled for early July, Valentine said.

Rebecca Hutchinson, an engineer with Merrick, told the board that the survey control network, a system of land survey markers used by all the consultants to ensure consistent boundaries and locations, was in place and accessible. She said Merrick had circulated a request for proposal regarding reservoir design for comments on behalf of the Loop.

Valentine said he was discussing the potential purchase of the Sundance pipeline with its owner, Cherokee Metropolitan District.

Contract amended

The board voted unanimously to amend its contract with BBA to expand the scope of work that company is responsible for. The contract specifies the new scope of work can be completed for $12,400.

Financial report

Fromm told the board that invoices totaling $98,897 had been received in June, with services from Merrick being the largest cost. The board voted unanimously to authorize Fromm to pay the invoices.

Fromm said the Loop had spent just over $196,000 in 2025 to date, or about 4% of its budget for the year. Shaffer said bringing additional consultants and engineers on board would increase the pace of spending.

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The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 17 at 9 a.m. Regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall at 645 Beacon Lite Road. Workshop meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall. Please see loopwater.org or call 719-488-3603 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

Other Loop articles

Monument Fire District, June 25 – Board vacancy filled; workforce study approved

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District (TLMFPD) dba Monument Fire District (MFD) meeting on June 25, the board filled the vacant board position, approved funding for a workforce analysis study, and received presentations on the MFD and the Donald Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD) 2024 audits. The board received multiple updates and heard about the search for an accreditation manager and the delay in re-occupying the remodeled Station 2 (north Roller Coaster Road).

The board also held a public hearing before approving an inclusion of property, accepted a petition for an inclusion of property, and set a public hearing for July 23.

The meeting was preceded by a MFD (formerly DWFPD) Volunteer Pension Fund Board of Trustees meeting.

Director Randall Estes attended the meeting at 4:40 p.m.

Board director vacancy decision

President Mark Gunderman said the board had reviewed letters of interest from Tim De Leon and Andre Mouton as potential candidates willing to serve the remaining two years of former board Secretary Jason Buckingham’s term.

Both candidates introduced themselves, gave career and neighborhood background information, and answered several questions from board members relating to availability to attend meetings and why they want to serve the community.

Vice President John Hildebrandt said, “It was like the National Football League draft, a difficult decision, both great candidates, and in two years another board vacancy will become available; the district would love to have both candidates.”

In a 4-2 vote (Treasurer Tom Kelly/Estes) the board elected De Leon, deputy chief of Colorado Springs Fire Department.

Note: All seven board members reside in unincorporated El Paso County, with four members residing in the former DWFPD area of coverage.

Financial update

Kelly said the district is at 41.6% of the total budget year to date as of May 31, and presented the following:

  • The combined overall revenue received year to date was about $12.922 million, or about 53.3% of the 2025 income projected annual revenue set at about $24.235 million.
  • Overall expenses year to date were about $7.412 million, and about 39.5% of the projected expense budget set at about $18.764 million.
  • The district had about $22.182 million in total checking/savings with about $16.981 million in the General Operations Fund.

The board accepted the financial report as presented, 5-0

Property inclusion petitions

Gunderman opened a public hearing for a petition for the inclusion of real property into the district, for joint owners Chad Calvert and Sara Hagedorn, for 0 Walker Road, Colorado Springs, or 4165 Vista Heights Drive, Colorado Springs (pending). Hearing no opposition, in a roll call vote the board unanimously approved Resolution 2025-06 granting the inclusion into the district.

The board unanimously accepted a petition for inclusion from Walton Ranch LLC located at 16750 Thompson Road, Colorado Springs, and set a public hearing date for July 23 at 4:30 p.m.

2024 audit presentations

The board received the 2024 audit presentations for DWFPD and MFD from auditor Mitchell Downs of CBIZ. Downs said the document was still in draft form and will undergo three more reviews before being finalized. He said a lot of hard work had gone into the audit compared to previous years, and the presentation was at the request of Director of Administration Jennifer Martin, however no major changes were anticipated.

Martin requested Downs forward a letter to confirm no other issues are found when the audits are finalized.

Workforce analysis study

Fire Chief Andy Kovacs said as part of the accreditation peer team evaluation in May, one of the recommendations was to add staff to help with the burden of all the administrative duties and relieve some of the workload, recommending an administrative assistant to support Martin. When the district seeks accreditation in August, the board will expect to see some recommendations implemented. He said the study would be looking at the following additional positions:

  • Eliminate the rotating executive battalion chief position and replace with a division chief of Operations position to reduce the fire chief’s span of control.
  • Two fire inspectors for 2025 to assist Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction Jonathan Bradley with the Wildland Urban Interface home and commercial building inspections, and public education events.
  • A part-time or full-time administrative assistant in 2025 to assist the director of Administration position.
  • Internal IT director to support the accreditation manager.
  • A district mechanic to maintain the fleet.

Kovacs requested the board approve MiXx Consulting to perform a workforce analysis, not to exceed $20,000, with funding sourced from the administrative expenses/consulting fees budget.

The board unanimously approved the study.

Sun Hills Property

Gunderman said he and Kovacs had discussed the sale of 15000 Sun Hills Drive, the former DWFPD Station 3. Former Wescott Director Charles Fleece had asked about the status of the property. When the district moves into 19775 Mitchell Ave. this year, the Sun Hills property will not be needed for storage, and it is a liability for the district to keep it, Gunderman said. There are no restrictions to selling the property, but the Sun Hills HOA has concerns over the sale of a small parcel property that could lead to 5-acre lots being subdivided. The homeowners association board may have an interest in purchasing the property for a community center if they can meet the price. The property was assessed at about $400,000 during the merger process, said Gunderman. See https://wp.ocn.me.v24n7mfd.

Kovacs said the board may want to consider the impact to Emergency Incident Support, a non-profit group using the property for vehicle and supply storage.

Station 2 remodel update

Division Chief of Administration Jamey Bumgarner said due to the HVAC system not cooling correctly, the re-occupy of Station 2 has been delayed. The final punch list is 98% complete and crews will move in when fully completed, he said.

Chief’s report

Kovacs said:

  • The district is actively recruiting for the accreditation manager position and has received several applications. The position is being vacated by Battalion Chief Scott Ridings, who is retiring from duty on Aug. 9.
  • Lt. Kevin Richmond will retire on July 31 after over 30 years with 15 served in district.
  • The district staff completed 656 hours of training in May.
  • A new ambulance has been received to replace the 6-year-old ambulance at Station 5. The front-line ambulance will be placed into reserve with about 300,000 miles on the odometer.

Note: The chief’s report can be found at www.monumentfire.org.

Department communications

Gunderman thanked board Chair Kiersten Tarvainen of Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) for attending the meeting and said he plans to attend the July 16 BFFRPD Board of Directors meeting in an effort to keep the lines of communication open between the two boards.

The meeting adjourned at 6:09 p.m.

Volunteer Pension Fund Board of Trustees meeting

Trustee Mike Badger said that legally the former DWFPD Volunteer Pension Fund (VPF) is now known as the TLMFPD VPF, as indicated on the financial packet the board received before the meeting. The financial packet was incomplete without the allocation report, and after speaking to the Firefighters Police Pension Association before the meeting, no one has access to the report, but that will be rectified, said Badger.

Badger also said:

  • The pension fund began 2024 at $914,896 and ended the year at $927,462, with a $12,565 increase for the year.
  • Due to all of the volatility in the stock market in the first quarter of 2025, the pension fund is at $912,849, likely due to investments.
  • In the past the pension fund has been gaining funds, but the pension is stock market dependent and will fluctuate.
  • Another former volunteer has become age eligible for a pension and he has applied for a pension. There is one other former volunteer eligible to apply in a couple of years.

By the time the board meets again on Nov. 12 at 4 p.m., the second- and third-quarter figures should be available, along with the actuarial study. In the interim if any other information becomes available, the board will be forwarded the information, said Badger.

The meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.

**********

Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday every month. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 23 at 4:30 p.m. at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For Microsoft Teams virtual joining instructions, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Monument Fire District articles

El Paso County Planning Commission, June 19 – Commission recommends disapproval of Flying Horse East sketch plan

By Marlene Brown

At the June 19 meeting of the El Paso County Planning Commission (EPCPC), Ryan Houser, principal planner, Planning and Community Development, presented a request for approval of the sketch plan from applicant HRGreen representing Flying Horse Land Co. LLC for Flying Horse East, Phase 1. The property is located at Highway 94 and Enoch Road, about 7½ miles east of Falcon and adjacent to Schriever Space Force Base.

Flying Horse East is in the initial planning stage and will have future phases and filings, as the filings get built out, if approved. The Phase 1 plan consists of 1,821.3 acres, to include 818 acres of about 4,500 residential units, 31.2 acres for commercial use, 89.9 acres for institutional use, including schools, police and fire department utilities administration, 521.1 acres of designated land for mixed-use, 47.7 acres of right-of-way, 30.6 acres of open space, 96.6 acres of dedicated stormwater detention and 186.1 acres set aside for preservation of natural floodway that flows through the property.

Upon completion, Flying Horse East is projected to occupy 5,500 acres with hotels, restaurants, a resort with golf course, 30,000 residential units, and over 100,000 residents. The timeline would be at least five to 10 years for approval and beginning construction. See www.flyinghorseeast.com.

A resident of the area spoke at the hearing regarding traffic concerns. Just in the last five years, they said, the traffic on Highway 94 has become bumper to bumper going to and from work at Schiever Space Force Base and more complete traffic studies are sought. The Colorado Department of Transportation has had Highway 94 on its list of future projects but has not begun improvements.

Commissioners expressed concern about the mixed-use units being so close to the base, needing a larger land buffer, according to federal mandates. The EPCPC voted 3-5 against the sketch plan being approved at this time and requested that changes be made to follow federal and state mandates and the county Master Plan. See the Electronic Development Application Review Program (EDARP) at https://epcdevplanreview.com for details and supporting documents for project SKP242 Flying Horse East.

The EPCPC staff has been working on and is scheduled to present updates to the Master Plan on July 17.

**********

The EPCPC normally meets the first Thursday and if required the third Thursday of each month at the Regional Development Center, 2880 International Circle, Colorado Springs. For more information, call 719-520-6300 or to watch the meetings live or recorded go to https://cloud.castus.tv/vod/elpasoco/?page=HOME. Due to vacation schedules, the calendar for EPCPC shows only one meeting in July, on the July 17, and one in August, on August 7.

Marlene Brown can be reached at marlenebrown@ocn.me

Other El Paso County Planning Commission articles

Letters to Our Community – Urgent need for conservatives to run for D38 Board of Education

District 38 needs two conservatives to step up and run for Palmer Lake’s and North Woodmoor’s school board seats this fall. The need is urgent. As with most conservative communities across the country, we have organized progressives here with media-directed axes to grind. They are disproportionately vocal on social media repeating whatever propaganda is served to them, be it forced masking, the Covid jab, DEI, and, above all else, LGBTQ advocacy. If there’s a Facebook frame for it, they will believe it. And push it on the rest of us.

The grip the teachers union has on the country provides an infrastructure for their activism and a pool of volunteers and potential candidates for school boards. Conservatives don’t have this because they didn’t embed themselves into our education system. On the contrary, conservatives have been rooted out.

What a difference it would make if conservatives joined the fight. And our schools taught American exceptionalism instead of multiculturalism, individual responsibility instead of collective guilt, and virtue instead of hedonism.

Sitting back and waiting for the Facebook-frame people to produce your next two board members is a terrible idea. This town is full of intelligent, educated, perceptive, well-spoken conservatives. Please answer the call to help our community. Board members meet twice a month. Candidates need to pick up paperwork and collect signatures in August. Anyone interested looking for more information is free to reach me.

Derek Araje

Our Community News welcomes letters to the editor on topics of general interest to readers in the Tri-Lakes area. Guidelines for letters are found here. The information and opinions expressed in Letters to Our Community are the responsibility of the letter writers and should not be interpreted as the views of OCN even if the letter writer is an OCN volunteer. When there is more than one letter, the letters are arranged in alphabetical order based on the last name of the author.

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Letters to Our Community – Scrub oak (Gambel oak), pine needles and other debris

Let me introduce myself. I have a BS in Forestry (1960) and a PhD in Forestry (1995), which included studies in wildland fire behavior. I first attended a U.S. Forest Service fire and lookout school at age 14 at my dad’s remote ranger station in the Idaho wilderness. That would not be possible today. I continued to attend through age 17 when I was hired as a wildland firefighter on two two-man fires and a 14-man fire. This was before my senior year of high school. I continued as a wildland fire fighter at a Forest Service ranger district in Montana while in college; this included very large fire in central Idaho and a one-man fire when the district ranger ran out of crew. While serving on a range survey crew for the BLM near Madeline, Calif., a fire started nearby on the base of McDonald Peak.

Since I was the only one with wildland fire experience, I became the leader of an ad hoc fire crew. We almost had the fire under control when the wind and sun came up resulting in a 50,000-acre fire. So, it can be said that I know a little about vegetation and wildland fire.

I live in North Woodmoor and it bothers me to see residents raking up pine needles and other debris, except to protect lawns, while continuing to let scrub oak grow. Scrub oak is highly flammable and a danger to our neighborhoods, while pine needles are not. Pine needles should be looked upon as mulch and long-term fertilizer.

John Schumaker PhD

Our Community News welcomes letters to the editor on topics of general interest to readers in the Tri-Lakes area. Guidelines for letters are found here. The information and opinions expressed in Letters to Our Community are the responsibility of the letter writers and should not be interpreted as the views of OCN even if the letter writer is an OCN volunteer. When there is more than one letter, the letters are arranged in alphabetical order based on the last name of the author.

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Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Summer fun has begun

By the staff at Covered Treasures

“Summer’s Lease hath all too Short a Date”—William Shakespeare

It’s time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine! Whether you are a fan of staying close to home or traveling, any of these books will be a great companion. Included are titles that are fun activities for the kids.

Walk: Find Your Path to Happiness and Mindfulness in Nature

By Sholto Radford (Quadrille Publishing) $20

If you aren’t already hooked on the many pleasures of being outside in Colorado, Walk invites you to explore the benefits to be gained from the simple act of walking, hiking, and spending time outdoors. A great natural way to boost your mind, body and soul, walking is simple and free. Without the need for special equipment or personal training, it is just about the easiest way to become more active, lose weight, and get healthier. This book offers guidance and practical exercises to cultivate emotional and physical well-being

Wildflowers of Colorado Field Guide

By Don Mammoser with Stan Tekiela (Adventure Publications) $18.95

With the help of this field guide by professional nature photographer Don Mammoser and award-winning author and naturalist Stan Tekiela you can identify the wildflowers you see while on your walks. This backpack-size book has color photos of about 200 of the most common and important species found in our state. Organized by color, the full-page photographs provide visual detail needed for identification; fact-filled information on each species is included. This book is one of a series of field guides, including Birds of Colorado, Mammals of Colorado, Rocks & Minerals of Colorado, and others.

Family Camping: Everything You Need to Know for a Night Outdoors with Loved Ones

By Charlie Ess (Falcon Press) $25

The ultimate camping handbook—whether you’re with family or friends, camping, or in your backyard—Family Camping has everything you’ll need for a perfect experience. Part inspiration, part practical knowledge, this book is a whole lot of fun. Family Camping offers up food and drink recipes, family activities, nature hacks, expert know-how, and more for the outdoor-lover

Birding Colorado

By High Kingery (Falcon Press) $30

Birding Colorado is a guide to the best bird-watching sites in Colorado, from national parks and wildlife refuges to marshes, mountains, and canyons. Organized by region, each site description informs readers on habitats, visiting information, and birds you’ll encounter. What sets this book apart is the extra information on bird status and bird habitat that has made it more than a mere site guide and earned a place in the Denver Audubon’s curriculum.

Stargazing for Kids: An Introduction to Astronomy

By Jonathan Poppele (Adventure Publications) $13

Author, educator, and naturalist Jonathan Poppele presents a kids’ introduction to the night sky. Ideal for early- and middle-grade readers, this book conveys fascinating information for beginners. Kids gain an understanding of stars, our solar system, and deep sky objects. From there, readers are introduced to more than 25 constellations that are important to know and easy to locate. A season-by-season tour of the night sky provides advice to help experience success while stargazing—with practical tips on locating each constellation. There are also ideas for the entire family to enjoy, a wonderful way to turn stargazing into a shared hobby.

Where’s Waldo? Words on the Go!: Play, Puzzle, Search and Solve—a Hidden Object Activity Book with Crossword Puzzles, Word Search, and Search & Find

By Martin Handford (Candlewick Press) $15

Words, words, words! Get ready to try tricky crosswords and word searches, crack some codes, wrangle with riddles, and come up with puns and acronyms, all while searching for Waldo and his pals. This search-and-find wordplay book also boasts a matching-pairs card game suited for playing solo or with friends and is a great way to keep youngsters occupied while on a car or plane trip.

The Highlights Big Book of Activities for Little Kids: The Ultimate Book of Activities to Do with Kids, 200+ Crafts, Recipes, Puzzles and More for Kids

By Highlights (Highlights Press) $20

This book is packed with over 200 engaging, repeatable activities tailor-made for toddlers and preschoolers to share with their favorite grownups. These fun activities are expertly designed to help kids develop fine and gross motor skills, critical thinking, social-emotional skills, and more. Inviting questions are designed to spur thinking and conversation.

Until next month, happy reading.

The staff at Covered Treasures can be reached at books@ocn.me.

Other Covered Treasures Bookstore articles

Palmer Lake Historical Society, June 15 – Father’s Day Ice Cream Social

Above: The Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS) Annual Father’s Day Ice Cream Social was held at the historic Palmer Lake Town Hall on June 15. The weather was perfect and the afternoon rains held so that families could sit outside in the Village Green and enjoy guitar playing by Nick Davey of Colorado Springs. Photo by Marlene Brown.
Above: Members of the society helped to serve free pie and ice cream to the public. From left are Heather Krueger, Barb Morehead, Kathie Lombardy, Arlene Olson, and Mary Sue Liss. For more information regarding membership and events held by PLHS, go to www.palmerdividehistory.org. Photos by Marlene Brown.

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High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – Gardening with nature’s beautiful bouncers

By Janet Sellers

Here we are, mid-season for landscaping and garden beds. We need to know how to protect them. In our natural local ecosystem, plants and nature co-evolved to thrive. That is their job. But we humans make changes to places. Homes in tracts or ranches can severely imbalance natural spaces. Can we keep what we like and deter what we don’t, including pests of the insect and animal kind?

Key to success is keeping nature’s helpers in the landscape—they work around the clock:

  • Mint: The strong, fresh scent of mint is a well-known deer deterrent; garlic: The smell of garlic effectively keeps deer away. Lavender’s strong, floral scent is disliked by deer. The spicy smell of hot pepper flakes or cinnamon are scents deer, rabbits, squirrels (and cats) tend to avoid. Coffee grounds mask the scent of plants and deter invaders, too.
  • Deer avoid double fencing. Having a second 4-5-foot garden perimeter fence helps, since deer don’t want to get caught or stuck there.
  • Fenced yards with dogs can be a good resource. For millennia, canine companions have had the job of protection for communities, landscapes, farms, and homes. For example, in Scotland, the Sheltie dog had traditional jobs to “bark, herd, and deter,” protecting food gardens from sheep and other animals.

Plant bouncers, decoys, and enforcers

Knowing about plant helpers supports our landscapes amid the natural systems we live in. We need native plants for our places to thrive: milkweed, goldenrod, and so on. Finding the best native plants to add in our gardens is a win-win. They are ready to go to work, thrive, and bloom locally.

Natural insect bouncers function and are safe. (Man-made pesticides, which are actually insecticides, kill all insects, the good and “bad”). Nature already has our answers to issues we wouldn’t have if we actually knew how to do gardening with nature. Nicole Johnsey Burke of Gardenary.com, shares her tips for us such as:

Beautiful bouncers deter by scent: mint (use in pots or it goes all over), basil, lavender, rosemary, sage. Second are garlic and chives (which have gorgeous global flowers, by the way). Garlic can line up alongside the greens, marigolds, particularly the yellow, short French marigolds in the aster family, as good border control.

Decoys, sacrifice plants, feed pests that get through our bouncers: nasturtiums, zinnias, and sunflowers to name a few. Dill, fennel, and carrot family plants attract caterpillars and stop their entry to our favored plants.

We can attract what Burke calls the enforcers, good bugs that powerfully control pests: ladybugs, certain kinds of small parasitic wasps (not bad guys) and others that feast on the pests we don’t want eating our gardens. They are attracted to the flowers of the carrot family (cilantro, parsley, dill) and others, then feast on the bad bugs, larvae, and caterpillars. Adding in pollinator-friendly flowers with pollen such as cosmos, coreopsis, and zinnias attract our garden helpers, too.

Moles are carnivorous and eat insects and grubs, daily consuming up to 100% of their body weight in these. Their presence indicates an overabundance of pests—they are only after the pests. But their digging can damage the garden. Trap-and-release removal (far, far away from the ‘hood) works, but owning a cat that enjoys walking through garden beds is a very effective, historical deterrent to rodents—footsteps leaving predator pheromones and deterring garden pests. Castor oil in a dry spread made with a mix of a pound of clay cat litter and a cup of castor oil works well; repeat after rains. Low-tech methods: kids’ pinwheels placed here and there on the lawn or a homemade plastic bottle thumper with “finned” plastic bottles near a mole entrance.

Janet Sellers shares proven “lazy gardening” tips and ideas to help us thrive in our high altitude desert mountain climate. Contact her at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other Gardening articles

Art Matters – The many benefits of outdoor art and arts events

By Janet Sellers

Public art creates stronger communities and can even help save lives.

Our local monthly Art Hop gives us the chance to make our community a fun place to live and connect with neighbors and visitors. On the fourth Friday of the month, 5-7 p.m., May through September, our Art Hop is a time to be in town and mingle with friends and visitors for hours of art and refreshment. Besides the sculpture park seen from Second Street, there are always numerous sculptures around town at the Monument Town Hall, along Beacon Lite Road and along the Santa Fe Trail and many other places in town. These are visible all the time, too.

Art in public places fosters connection, shared identity, and dialogue, turning spaces into gathering points. It can reduce isolation, inspire hope, and spark critical conversations about social issues. By humanizing environments and promoting inclusion, public art can strengthen communities, improve mental health, and even help prevent violence or despair.

Through art in public places, the way-faring and calming effects of having public art offer intriguing, powerful impacts for public safety and pride of place, especially in placemaking. Art in Public Places is a moniker for artworks available for the public to view outdoors or indoors. These often show diversity in style, imagery, materials, and techniques. Art in Public Places as a genre has a goal to merge the art experience into public spaces.

The art in public places’ official source for the Town of Monument is known as ArtSites, and we can download a phone application that informs about each artwork. The app is called Otocast and in the narrated audio guide, each artist tells in their own words about their artwork: https://app.otocast.com/guide/MonumentCO_ArtSites.

The ArtSites for the Town of Monument makes a call for artists each year, and a jury decides on the winners to be exhibited that year throughout the area. This year in June, new sculptures were installed and can be seen at the Monument Town Hall, along the Santa Fe Trail route as well as in the Sculpture Park lawns at Second and Jefferson Streets.

Many states, counties, cities, and towns mandate capital construction and renovation funds, usually 1% of those funds. For example, in Colorado, the “1% for Art” program, officially the Art in Public Places program, allocates 1% of state capital construction funds for new or renovated state buildings toward the acquisition of public art. This program, administered by Colorado Creative Industries, ensures that public spaces are enhanced with art and aims to support artists and enrich communities. Denver, Boulder and other cities also have their own “1% for Art” programs, which dedicate a portion of city-funded capital improvement projects to public art.

The benefits of the state and local programs provide access to art for all, activate public spaces, grow civic pride, and support artists, especially local artists. Art in public places offers a human scale to larger spaces, invites experiences and interactivity for people walking, illustrates or reflects a story or history of the place, and improves wayfinding. The qr code shown here goes to the link for Otocast and the stories of the artworks narrated by the artists themselves.

Janet Sellers is an artist, writer and speaker, offering talks, workshops, and art in public places for Colorado museums and communities. Contact Janet at JanetSellers@OCN.me.

Other Art Matters articles

Snapshots of Our Community

Schwarz honored for playground

Above: Tamara Schwarz has been honored for all she’s done as executive director of Trinity Community Park in Monument. She’s been named a Daily Point of Light by the Points of Light global non-profit. Daily Point of Light Awards honor individuals and groups who create meaningful change to meet community needs. In Schwarz’s case, she was instrumental in creating the playground that’s described as “the most state-of-the-art inclusive park in the region.” She often volunteers more than 50 hours a week at the park, overseeing other volunteers, and working on expanding the playground. Photo by Kim Marlin.

Eagle Scout project statue dedicated

Above: It took three years, but Colin Saber finally got to dedicate the statue of a P-51 Mustang aircraft that helped earn him his Eagle Scout badge. Nearly 100 people attended the ceremony in front of the Monument Town Hall on a blustery day June 8. Saber raised $55,000 to move the statue from a site in Fort Collins to the front of the Town Hall. His goal was to honor Monument resident Col. Earl Depner, who flew 100 missions in the plane as an Army Air Corps pilot during WWII, as well as sculptor Robert Henderson who created the statue. Depner died in 2022, and Henderson died a year later. Veteran Matthew Giles told the crowd that Col. Depner was “likely smiling down from the stratosphere.” Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

D38 communications wins awards

Above: The School District 38 Communications Team won 11 awards at the Colorado School Public Relations Association (COSPRA) Conference June 4–6 in Breckenridge. Amy Matisek, communications director for Lewis-Palmer School District 38 is on the left. The team’s Social Media Specialist and Photographer Stephanie Gonzalez (right) was named Communications Rookie of the Year. The team’s other awards were for writing, design, photography, and video. The honors were chosen by school public relations professionals from across the country. Photo by Tyler Dumas.

Palmer Lake Fishing Derby, June 7

Above: A record number of young anglers turned out for the Tri-Lakes Lions Club Kids Fishing Derby at Palmer Lake on June 7. Lions Club volunteer Jim Hazuka says 352 children, ages 4 to 14, cast their lines into Palmer Lake. The winner in the 4-to-7-year-old category was Leo Kobeisi (below left photo), who caught a 13.5-inch fish. Among kids 8 to 11, the winner was Noomi Reiss (below middle photo). The top three finishers in that category all caught fish measuring 13.5 inches. A ticket was picked out of a hat to break the tie and name Noomi the winner. In the 12-to-14-year-old category, the winner was McKenzie Fribbs (below right photo), whose winning catch measured 12 7/8 inches. All the victors received a fishing rod, tackle box, hat and a gift card. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Jim Maguire Celebration of Life, June 13

Above: More than 400 people attended a celebration of life for longtime Monument resident Jim Maguire, “the Mayor of Maguireville,” also known to friends as “Jumpin’ Jimmy” and “Brushfire Maguire.” Maguire died May 3 at the age of 96. The ceremony was held outside at his home on a warm and sunny day . Maguire’s son Kevin remembered his dad as a “collector of friends and stuff.” A lot of stuff. Maguire collected thousands of pieces of memorabilia and stored them in his two barns that he named Maguireville. Kevin also had this to say about his father: “He was a hard worker. He was a good husband. He had a fun-loving spirit, and he truly did hate to miss a party. He had a great sense of humor. He was an easy man to like. He loved people. He was a thoughtful, caring, faithful friend to many. He was always interested in other people’s lives. He was a good father, a supportive husband. He had a mischievous twinkle in his eye.” Maguire’s grandson Tyler Powell also spoke, thanking his “grampy” for being an “inspiration to all of us.” Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Above: The ceremony ended with a riderless horse accompanied by members of the Pikes Peak Ranger Rider Pivots. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Hayward and McGrath booksigning

Above: On Saturday, June 14 at Covered Treasures Bookstore, George Hayward, left, author of Party Dolls: The True Tragic Story of Two Americans Attempted Escape from a 1969 Hanoi POW Camp, and Mike McGrath, author of Prisoner of War: Six Years in Hanoi, signed their respective books for patrons, chatted and exchanged many stories of their time in military service. McGrath, at the time a young Navy pilot who was captured in 1967 after being shot down over Vietnam, vividly presents a straightforward and compelling tale of survival, of years of suffering, and of the human will to endure. At the book signing, McGrath told of his time of six years in the POW camp known as the Hanoi Hilton, and of the dire circumstances and powerful comradery of those interned. His book is filled with stories of the courage to live, and his original drawings from that time, including how they saved bread to sculpt needed items albeit contraband to have, wrote notes on toilet paper, and even used a bone from soup to sculpt a religious cross. Hayward wrote stories of the men of The Party Dolls that tells the true, tragic story of an escape code-named the “Party.” The book was awarded the 2021 Best Indie Book Award winner for Nonfiction Military History. Also shown in the picture chatting with the authors on the right are Madeline VanDenHoek and her husband Eric. Photo by Janet Sellers.

Wildfire risk reduction, June 14

Above: Monument Fire Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction Jonathan Bradley led a June 14 presentation at The Barn in Woodmoor on wildfire risk in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)—the zone where development meets or mingles with undeveloped vegetation. Introduced by Woodmoor Improvement Association Director of Forestry Jason Hann, Bradley discussed vegetation management, forest health, evacuation planning, and the role of community participation in wildfire protection. He cited recent regional fires, including the Berry, Waldo Canyon, Black Forest and West Monument Creek fires, and addressed rising insurance costs tied to wildfire threats. Attendees received handouts, including a personal wildfire action plan and a residential safety checklist (bit.ly/wildland-rsg). Bradley also promoted Monument Community Connect (bit.ly/connect-moco), a tool for residents to share information that can help first responders during emergencies. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

WMMI getting new entrance

Above: In mid-June, the North Gate Boulevard improvement project continued at the intersection of Struthers Road. According to the EngageCOS, the City Projects website ((https://parks.coloradosprings.gov/projects), the project “will improve the roadway at the Struthers intersection, installing enhanced infrastructure (convey stormwater into the city’s stormwater system, curbs, water quality vaults, pipes, and swales) and providing fewer lane changes for motorists.” It will “increase roadway safety and remove conflict points for motorists and pedestrians.” An August 2023 demolition and utility plan of the project shows a relocation of the Western Museum of Mining & Industry’s (WMMI) entrance to the signal at North Gate and Struthers through a re-route of the museum’s present driveway and a roundabout on the museum property. WMMI Executive Director Grant Dewey said the museum “is so thankful and excited to receive a new entry as part of the City of Colorado Springs upgrading of North Gate Boulevard. This will provide an easier and safer entry to our cultural campus after 55 years of using our authentic ranch dirt driveway.” Dewey extended appreciation to the Colorado Springs Public Works Department and contractors such as Wildcat Construction for their coordination with the museum. The project is estimated to be completed in September. Photo by David Futey

County Commissioners, June 21

Above: On June 21, El Paso County commissioners Holly Williams, District 1, and Bill Wysong, District 3, held an informal meeting with constituents at Wesley Owens coffee shop in Monument. The commissioners represent Woodmoor, Gleneagle, Black Forest, Palmer Lake, and Monument. About 40 residents, including local board members, councilors, and trustees attended. Williams said the county’s budget is limited due to TABOR and must be shared with local municipalities. Public Works Director Jack Ladley noted it costs about $1 million to pave one mile of road. His budget is around $23 million annually and the county has 2,410 lane miles to maintain. He said inflation drives up costs and warned that conflict in the Middle East could raise oil and asphalt prices. The discussion also addressed how development affects quality of life, with residents saying developers often override community concerns. Attendees questioned aquifer depletion, limited water supply, and the lack of county residents input in town planning decisions. They also raised concerns about wildfire mitigation, evacuation routes, and the need to balance growth with public safety. The group explored solutions such as increased citizen engagement and alternative funding, and requested future meetings be held in a larger venue. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Legacy at Jackson Landing, June 19

Above: The Legacy at Jackson Landing developer and planners held a community meeting June 19 at the Tri-Lakes Chamber Meeting House. Community members spoke with professional engineers Carl Barton, left, and Noah Brehmer, as well as the developer, Chris Hake (not shown). Issues discussed included the color schemes (earth tones), safety for public walkways and parking, green areas, traffic considerations, and site plans and elevations that showed the general look and feel of initial schematic design and design developments. Legacy at Jackson Landing is a 30-acre commercial development which includes a 129,000-square-foot “major” retailer, a potential hotel, restaurants, and additional retail space. It is located next to I-25 just north of Baptist Road. For more information on the project, see wp.ocn.me/v25n6monpc/. Photo by Janet Sellers.

WMMI History Day, June 21

Above: On June 21, the Western Museum of Mining & Industry (WMMI) celebrated its annual History Day. WMMI visitors speak with a military re-enactor who provided information on the history of military rifles. The event was filled with a mix of activities and information from the museum and other organizations. Visitors could take hayrides around the property, ride in a soap box derby car provided by the Pikes Peak Soap Box Derby organization, review military equipment, watch a military re-enactment, speak with re-enactors from the Colorado Military Historical Group Inc. and U.S. Army 250, and learn about other museums such as the Black American West Museum & Heritage Center in Denver and McAllister House Museum located in Colorado Springs. The WMMI operated some of its outdoor equipment including the Yellow Jacket Stamp Mill and the Osgood Steam Shovel. Information on upcoming events at the museum is at www.wmmi.org. Photo by David Futey.

Art Hop, June 27

Above: Being an artist, Daryl Muncey, came up with a creative idea when a tree fell on his fence last year; he built a replica of a one-room schoolhouse where he could hang more of his paintings. The bright blue building even comes equipped with a school bell in front that he rang for people who visited during Art Hop on June 27. The building is part of his Jefferson Studios complex at 215 Chapala Plaza in an alley off Second Street. Photo by Michael Weinfeld

Above: There’s also an artist gazebo where Our Community News volunteer and artist Janet Sellers displayed her brightly colored mural. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Above: Fellow artist, Dan Rich, showed off his art. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Cops and Bobbers, June 29

Above and below: Members of the Monument Police Department (MPD) mingled with young anglers at Monument Lake in an event called Cops and Bobbers on June 29. The event has been held elsewhere in Colorado and other states, but this was Monument’s first shot at it. The hope is that it’ll become an annual event. The aim is to give kids a chance to mingle and get to know members of their local police force while fishing. The children also got to choose from various swag including a junior police officer pin with a flashing red light and an MPD slap bracelet. By the way, for those who aren’t familiar with fishing terms, a bobber is the float that suspends the bait in the water. Above: Community Resource Officer Kelly Reifle and Scheel’s Marketing Director Jacey Sharping stand behind the table filled with MPD swag. Below: One of the kids taking part in the event casts his line. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.

Other Snapshots of Our Community articles

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” and do your part

Secure trash in a garage, shed or other secure structure. Trash bins should only be outside of the secure structure on trash collection days from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. The majority of homes will already meet this requirement with standard practices. For those who cannot store their trash in a secured structure, they will need to obtain a bear-resistant trash can. Certified bear-resistant waste containers can be provided by your trash collection company, or you can purchase bear resistant devices such as locks, ratchet straps, and more including bear resistant trash cans, that also deter other animals like racoons and dogs. Here is a link from Alaska Dept. of Wildlife video to attach a ratchet strap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmnnwkL7T5Y . Trash can ratchet locks are available for as little as under $20. “Bears are smart and they learn quickly that garbage is an abundant and reliable food source,” said Frank McGee, Area Wildlife Manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “But a diet of garbage is terrible for bears and brings them into close proximity to people, which is dangerous for them and us. “By securing our trash, we deny bears easy meals and discourage them from coming into town. We help keep them wild and alive in the forest, where they belong, not in someone’s garage or the path of a car — behaviors that can get them killed.”

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors

Lightning can strike even out of a blue sky. Always keep in mind that if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Seek shelter immediately in a sturdy building or, if a building is not available, a hard-topped vehicle with the windows rolled up. When indoors, refrain from using corded appliances or other equipment or facilities that put you in contact with electrical systems or plumbing. Stay inside until the storms have moved away AND thunder is no longer audible. This is very important, since lightning can and occasionally does strike well away from the thunderstorm itself. Stay alert with weather reports, and curtail your outdoor activities during that time, or ensure that you have constant access to a sturdy, fully enclosed shelter, such as a home or business. Tools for parents and teachers: https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-teachers

Black Forest slash /mulch program

Firewise® mitigation, accepting tree branches, etc., dumping fee for all loads will be $10 payment cash or check made out to SAMCOM. Pine needles are not accepted. Mulch is free to pick up. May through September; Pick up mulch for your garden or property – loader is available most Saturdays to speed up loading. 12375 Herring Rd. Info including fire mitigation, forests, pine beetles, etc., https://bfslash.org.

Colorado EBT benefits available for local produce

Get up to $60 a month back on EBT card with a dollar for dollar match when buying fruits and vegetables at Colorado farmers markets and other locations with the Colorado SNAP produce bonus. Local vendors to the Tri Lakes area are available at the Black Forest area at the Backyard Market and the Backyard Farm Shop, Saturdays, 6845 Shoup Rd. More info: cdhs.colorado.gov/snap-produce-bonus.

El Paso County “Trailability” Program Terrain Hoppers now available

Terrain Hoppers in the Nature Centers at Fountain Creek and Bear Creek areas are off-road mobility vehicles that allow members of the El Paso County community and visiting guests with disabilities to experience trails previously inaccessible to them. Hike 1-3 miles through foothills and wetlands habitats with your friends, family, and a Nature Center staff or volunteer, May through October. Reservations required, participation is free. https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/trailability/. For more information on the Trailability Program, please contact Theresa Odello at 719.520.6981 or by email at theresaodello@elpasoco.com.

Forest and gardening volunteers needed

Friends of Fox Run Park will have some openings for student volunteers (and grownups, too) most of the year for various tasks. Besides tasks, the group offers information and skills demonstrations for each 2-3 hour session, and celebrates volunteers at the park with annual community events. The Tri Lakes Cares on-site garden in Monument also needs volunteers in Fall, Spring and Summer. Gardening tasks include preparing garden beds, weeding, sowing seeds, and developing the compost. Bring gardening gloves, some tools will be provided on the workdays. Contact Janet Sellers at JanetSellers@ocn.me or Marlene Brown at MarleneBrown@ocn.me for more information.

Parents Helping Parents

NAMI Parent and Caregiver Support group is a no-cost, peer support program for parents, caregivers, and other family who provide care and support for youth (ages 19 and younger) who are struggling with mental health issues including depression, anxiety, school or peer pressure, substances and more. Facilitated by trained volunteers who have been in your shoes. Meeting is 2nd Monday of each month from 7:00-8:30 pm via zoom. Register online at namicoloradosprings.org. For more information, call the office at (719) 473-8477 or email info@namicos.org.

Get Help in Larkspur

Larkspur Church has a Food Bank and Care Center that offer a good variety of non-perishable food items, as well as clothing for men, women, and children, some household items available too. We’re here to help. If you are in need, or know someone who is, please reach out to Jeff at gethelp@larkspur.church. If you would like to donate contact Jeff by the same email to arrange a pick up.

Tri-Lakes Cares needs your support

Tri-Lakes Cares is the only food pantry and human services organization serving northern El Paso County through emergency relief and self-sufficiency programs. The community-based, volunteer-supported center is a critical resource for our neighbors in need. The best way to help support Tri-Lakes Cares is to donate. Visit https://tri-lakescares.org/donate to learn how to donate money, medical items, personal supplies, or food. Please check the web for current needs in our food pantry at https://tri-lakescares.org/donate/current-needs. Donation drop-off hours are Mon.-Thu., 9 am-4 pm. For more information about Tri-Lakes Cares or how you can help, contact Tri-Lakes Cares at 719-481-4864 or info@tri-lakescares.org.

Black Forest Log School needs your help

Please help preserve the historic school for another 103 years! New exterior damage was discovered. It has exceeded the budget renovation funds. Friends of the Black Forest Log School, a 501c3 corporation, appreciates your donation. Please send a check or bring cash to Black Forest Community Foundation, 6770 Shoup Rd, Black Forest Colorado 90808. www.bflogschool.com

Monument Academy traffic

To ensure a smoother experience for non-school traffic, it is recommended finding an alternate route if possible that avoids this area during the school drop off pick up times Mon.-Thu. 7-8:30 am and 2:45-4 pm and Fri 7-8:30 am. and 11:30 am-1 p.m.

WMMI needs volunteers

The Museum of Mining and Industry is currently recruiting for Visitor Services Associates and Guides. Please consider sharing your time and expertise. Volunteers must be 18 and older and pass a background check. For information about volunteer opportunities, please call 719-488-0880 or email at volunteer@wmmi.org.

Community volunteers

Many students need volunteer hours for scouting, civics classes, clubs, or would just like to volunteer for the good of it. Friends of Fox Run Park will have some openings for student volunteers (and grownups, too) most of the year for various tasks. Besides tasks, the group offers information and skills demonstrations for each 2-3 hour session, and celebrates volunteers at the park with annual community events. The Tri Lakes Cares on-site garden in Monument also needs volunteers in Fall, Spring and Summer. Gardening tasks include preparing garden beds, weeding, sowing seeds, and developing the compost. Bring gardening gloves, some tools will be provided on the workdays. Contact Janet Sellers at JanetSellers@ocn.me or Marlene Brown at MarleneBrown@ocn.me for more information.

Can you volunteer today?

  • Links to local organizations with an immediate need for volunteers are listed on the county’s website, www.elpasocountyhealth.org/volunteering-and-donations, for groups like Care and Share, Crossfire Ministries, blood donations, Early Connections (volunteer from home opportunity), foster an animal, Medical Reserve Corps of El Paso County, Salvation Army, Silver Key, and United Way (ongoing opportunities).
  • The Colorado State University Extension office in El Paso County has several opportunities for individuals interested in volunteering. https://elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/volunteer-opportunities/
  • El Paso County volunteer-based and nonprofit organizations rely on the hard work of individuals like you. Find out how you can play a part by becoming a volunteer in El Paso County. Get involved in El Paso County volunteering non-profits and organizations! https://www.americantowns.com/el-paso-county-co/volunteer-organizations/.
  • The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Program is composed of a collective citizens group with a true and common desire to partner with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office by volunteering their services while learning more about the internal workings of the law enforcement community. https://www.epcsheriffsoffice.com/volunteer-program-0.
  • The El Paso County Volunteer Program is a wonderful opportunity for citizens to learn about the various functions of county government as well as give back to the community. The County’s numerous boards and commissions need your experience, talents and time. https://bocc.elpasoco.com/volunteer.

Other Our Community Notices articles

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 meeting, Wed., July 16, 6 pm. Usually meets third Wed. Public can join the Skype meeting: Check the website for a link: monthly board meeting is on Skype at this link https://join.skype.com/OfBkDyhucmep, info: Info: Steve Callicott (President) 719-325-9039, http://www.academywsdco.gov/
  • Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District board meeting in person or via Zoom. Wed., July 16, 7 pm. Usually meets third Wed. Visit http://www.bffire.org for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes or contact 719-494-4300.
  • Donala Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Thu., July 17, 1:30 pm, 15850 Holbein Dr. In 2023, meets third Thu., Check the website for the access code for the electronic meeting. Info: 719-488-3603, www.donalawater.org.
  • El Paso County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) regular meeting, usually every Tue., 9 am. View agendas and meetings at www.agendasuite.org/iip/elpaso. Meetings are held at Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Ave., Suite 150, Colo. Springs. Info: 719-520-643. BOCC land use meetings are held the second and fourth Thursdays of the month (as needed) at 1pm Centennial Hall.
  • El Paso County Planning Commission meeting, Thu., July 3 & 17; 9 am. Regional Development Center, 2880 International Circle, Colo. Springs. Meetings are live-streamed on the El Paso County News & Information Channel at www.elpasoco.com/news-information-channel. Normally meets first & third Thu. (as required). Info: 719-520-6300, https://planningdevelopment.elpasoco.com/planning-community-development/2025-hearings-schedule/
  • El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority meeting, Thu., July 17, 9 am, Monument Town Hall Boardroom, 645 Beacon Lite Rd. Normally meets third Thu. Info: 719-488-3603. www.loopwater.org.
  • Forest Lakes Metropolitan District, Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2 & 3 board meetings, usually meets quarterly on the first Mon., 4 pm, via teleconference only. For dial in access and updates, visit www.forestlakesmetrodistrict.com.
  • Lewis-Palmer School District 38 board meeting, Mon., Aug. 18, 66 N Jefferson St, Monument. Meets in the school year, third Mon. The Board of Education meeting will be live-streamed on the district’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/LPSDCommunity, agenda, and supporting documents at https://go.boarddocs.com/co/lewispalmer/Board.nsf/vpublic. Contact Vicki Wood. Phone: 719.481.9546 Email: vwood@lewispalmer.org Website: www.lewispalmer.org.
  • Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee meeting (now PCAC, formerly DAAC), summer recess, next mtg. Sep. 9. Meets six times a year, second Tue, The Learning Center, 146 N. Jefferson St. Info: tmckee@lewispalmer.org.
  • Monument Academy School Board meeting, Thu. Aug. 14, 6:30 pm, East Campus gym, 4303 Pinehurst Circle. Usually meets the second Thu. Info: 719-431-8001, www.monumentacademy.net/school-board.
  • Monument Fire District board meeting, in person or via Microsoft Teams. Wed., July 23, 4:30 pm, Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For up-to-date meeting information, visit www.monumentfire.org for updates and the agenda listing the Microsoft Teams joining codes, or contact 719-488-0911.
  • Monument Planning Commission meeting, Wed., July 9, 6 pm, Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Usually meets the second Wed. To see the options for remote public participation in each meeting, visit www.townofmonument.org/263/Planning-Commission-Board-of-Adjustment. Info: 719-884-8028. www.townofmonument.org.
  • Monument Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., July 16, 9 am, 130 Second St. Zoom meeting. Find joining instructions on the website. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-4886, https://www.monumentsanitationdistrict.org/
  • Monument Town Council meeting, Mon., July 7 & 21, 6:30 pm, Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Normally meets first and third Mon. Info: 719-884-801, www.townofmonument.org/260/Board-of-Trustees for remote attendance links.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Adjustments meeting, Tue., July 8, 5 pm, 28 Valley Crescent St., Palmer Lake. Normally meets first Tue., as needed.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting, Thu., July 10, 24, 6 pm, Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Usually meets second and fourth Thu. Info: 719-481-2953. www.townofpalmerlake.com.
  • Palmer Lake Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., July 9, 9 am, call-in only: 650-479-3208, Access Code 76439078, 120 Middle Glenway. Meets second Wed. Info: 719-481-2732. www.plsd.org.
  • Palmer Lake Town Planning Commission meeting, Wed., July 16, 6 pm, Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-2953, www.townofpalmerlake.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee meeting, Tue., July 8, 10 am , 16510 Mitchell Ave. Meets second Tue. Info: See tlwastewater.com/index.html.
  • Triview Metropolitan District board meeting, in person or via Zoom. Thu., July 17, 5:30 pm, 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302, Monument. Usually meets third Thu. Visit www.triviewmetro.com for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes, or contact 719-488-6868.
  • Village Center Metropolitan District Board Meeting, Tue., July 15, 4 pm, Serranos Coffee Shop, Normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month. If the meeting time/location changes, it will be updated on the District’s website: https://wsdistricts.co/village-center-metropolitan-district/
  • Woodmoor Improvement Association Board Meeting, Wed., July 23, 7 pm, Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Usually meets fourth Wed. Info: 719-488-2693, www.woodmoor.org.
  • Woodmoor Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Mon., July 14, 1 pm, 1845 Woodmoor Dr., Monument. Normally meets second Mon. Info: 719-488-2525, www.woodmoorwater.com.

WEEKLY & MONTHLY EVENTS

  • AARP Black Forest #1100, second Wed., noon. In-person Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Rd. All ages welcome. Info: www.aarpchapter1100blackforest.weekly.com.
  • AARP Local Senior Social, fourth Wed. In-person Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Rd. Info: www.aarpchapter1100blackforest.weekly.com.
  • A.A. Big Book Study, every Thu., 7 pm, Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 W. Baptist Rd. Call 425-436-6200, access code 575176#.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous, every Tue. & Thu., 7:30 pm Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908. AA is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Join us with your questions. Info: bflc@bflchurch.org.
  • Al-Anon for family and friends of alcoholics, every Tue. & Thu., 7:30 pm Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908. Al-Anon members are people, just like you, who are worried about someone with a drinking problem. Join us with your questions. Info: bflc@bflchurch.org.
  • Al-Anon Zoom Meeting, Just for Today Online, every Mon., 9–10 a.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 845 0971 9868, Password 349309
  • Al-Anon meeting: Letting Go, every Thu., 9-10:15 am at Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument. For additional information go to www.al-anon-co.org.
  • Al-anon Meeting: Monument, every Thu., 7-8 pm, Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument. Info: MonumentSerenity@gmail.com.
  • Amateur Ham Radio WØTLM (Tri-Lakes Monument ham radio Association), third Mon. (except December). All amateur ham radio operators or those interested in becoming one are welcome. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Building, 166 2nd Street, Monument. For details, contact Bob Witte, bob@k0nr.com or www.W0TLM.com.
  • American Legion Tri-Lakes Post 9-11, second Wed., 6:30pm, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Community Meeting House, 300 CO Hwy 105, Monument. New members welcome. Info: Visit website at www.trilakespost9-11.org.
  • Benet Hill Monastery: Let us pray with you, walk in the forest, walk the labyrinth, come and visit prayer sites, Group retreats. Every Sun. 10:15 am worship service.. 3190 Benet Lane, 80921.
  • Bingo night, American Legion post 9-11 Tri-Lakes, 2nd and 4th Sat., 6-9 pm, Kings Deer Golf Club, 19255 Royal Troon Dr, Monument.
  • Children’s Literacy Center, every Mon. & Wed., 5:30-6:30 pm. Provides free one-on-one literacy tutoring to Tri-Lakes children in grades 1-6 who are reading below grade level. Tutoring is at Grace Best Education Center, 66 Jefferson St. Monument. For more information, to become a volunteer tutor, or to enroll your child, visit www.childrensliteracycenter.org or contact Rachel Morin, Tri-Lakes Senior Center Coordinator, CLC 610-246-1047 (cell).
  • Colorado Springs Philharmonic Guild Listening Club, third Wed. Free virtual event. Maestro Wilson will conduct monthly hour-long programs. RSVP at www.cspguild.org.
  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group, second Sat., 9:45-11:15 am. Meets in-person, First National Bank Monument ( 581 Highway 105, Monument, CO 80132). Meets monthly, 2nd Sat. Contact: Registration is required, call 800-272-3900 or email khare@alz.org to register.
  • Essential Tremor Support Group. Meets quarterly at Colorado Springs Public Library 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80920. For details, contact: Jim Sanchez, 719-660-7275; jimdjs22@gmail.com.
  • Fellowship of Christ Church, every Sun., 9 am. Monument Academy East Campus, 4303 Pinehurst Circle 80908.
  • Friends of Monument Preserve (FOMP) Trail Repair Work Days. 2nd Thu. Apr. & Oct. 5–7 pm; May-Sept. 6-8 pm. Details: www.fomp.org. Water, gloves, work attire required.
  • Friends of Fox Run Park, Zoom meeting, Join the growing group volunteering at the park: forest safety, trails, trees, education, special events, more; stay tuned! Meets fourth Thu., 7 pm, email friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com, they will email you the link the day of the meeting. Info: friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com.
  • Fuel Church Sunday Service, every Sun., 10:45 am, Mountain Community Mennonite Church, 643 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake. Nursery and kids’ service. Streaming service at www.fuelchurch.org at 11 am Non-denominational, spirit-filled. Need prayer? Email us at info@fuel.org. See ad on page .
  • Gleneagle Sertoma, first and third Wed., 11:45 am to 1 pm. Gleneagle Sertoma is the longest continuously active civic service organization in northern El Paso County. Our regular program presenters address local topics of interest to include local developments, community planning and projects, as well as opportunities to serve your community. Contact Harvey LeCato for meeting location and club information at mbca@comcast.net or 719-331-1212.
  • Gleneagle Women’s Club, membership luncheon, third Fri., (Sep.-June), various venues, 12 activity groups, i.e., hiking, bridge, etc. Guests welcome. For information contact Bev Selby, 719-600-1451.
  • Lions Club Bingo, every Sat. (except the first Sat.), 8:30 am-1 pm and first Mon., 5:30-10 pm Tri-Lakes Lions Club’s portion of the proceeds benefit those in need in the Tri-Lakes community. Updated info and location: Jim Naylor, 719-481-8741 or www.trilakeslionsclub.org.
  • Monument Hill Kiwanis Club meeting, every Sat., 8 am. www.MHKiwanis.org, MonumentHillKiwanis@gmail.com for details, guests are welcome. Service leadership clubs, Key clubs, Builders Club, and K-kids at D38 schools. Memberships are open to the public. Info: RF Smith, 719-210-4987, www.MHKiwanis.org. See ad on page < 8 >.
  • Monument Homemakers, bring a dish to share and your own table service, meet at Chamber of Commerce building, noon. 166 2nd St. Monument. Info and more about the club: Linda Case, 719-354-6575 for reservations.
  • Monument Life Recovery Group, every Mon., 6:30-7:30 pm, The Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd. This faith-based support group is for those seeking freedom from all hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Daycare for children under age 11. Info: www.liferecoverygroups.com/meetings/life-recovery-group-3/
  • Monumental Impact Open House NEW ADDRESS: first Sat., 3-5 pm, 866 Hwy 105, Monument. Interested in technology, engineering and entrepreneurship either professionally or for fun? Interested in competitive robotics for adults and high school students? Come connect with us and ask about programs. Info: www.monumentalimpact.org, See ad on page < 8 >.
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Free virtual support group NAMI Colorado Springs for parents and caregivers of adolescents with mental health issues; facilitated by trained facilitator peers. Participant info: www.namicoloradosprings.org, 719-473-8477.
  • Neighborhood Net Ham Radio, every Sat., 10 am. Amateur ham radio operators practice for emergencies on weekly repeater nets so neighbors can help neighbors. Sign up at www.mereowx.org/neighborhood-net or contactus@mereowx.org.
  • Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO), usually meets bi-monthly (Jan., Mar, May, July, Sep., Nov.) the 2nd Sat., Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Members of local HOAs are welcome. www.nepco.org.
  • Palmer Divide Quiltmakers, first Thu., 6:30-8:30 pm at Monument Chamber of Commerce building, 166 2nd St, Monument, CO.
  • Palmer Lake Art Group, Guests welcome; second Sat. for art programs, social gathering and business meeting. 300 Hwy 105, NE corner of I-25 and 105. 9:30 am. Info: 719-460-4179, www.palmerlakeartgroup.co.
  • Palmer Lake Art Group Open Studio: first Wed. 12–3 pm. Currently a test period to assess the location for light, access, etc., so it is currently for members, and is at Monument Library.
  • Palmer Lake Historical Society, Usually meets the third Thu., 7-8 pm (doors open at 6:30), Palmer Lake Townhall, 42 Valley Crescent. Guest speakers, free to the public. Info: Kokesdm@yahoo.com, or visit palmerdividehistory.org.
  • Pikes Peak Genealogical Society Zoom meeting, Wed. July 9,. 6:30pm: Zoom hangout. 7 pm, meeting starts. Monthly special speaker programs. For zoom meeting details contact: PPGS President@PPGS.org.
  • Ridgeview Baptist Church, every Sun., 10:30 am, temporarily meeting at 9130 Explorer Dr., Colorado Springs, 80920. Info: 719-357-6515 or www.ridgeviewcolorado.org. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • Senior Bingo, third Wed. Silver Key Senior Services, Space is limited to 16. participants. RSVP & info: info@silverkey.org
  • Senior Book Club, second Fri., 11 am-noon, Silver Key Senior Services, all are welcome. Coffee & snacks. RSVP & info: info@silverkey.org
  • Speed puzzle event, first Tue. and third Mon. Trinity Lutheran Church location, Two hours complete a 500-piece puzzle with a partner. Register at www.mindquestpuzzles.com. See ad on page < 17 >.
  • Technology, Techniques and Trends, Monthly discussion groups: Free. Open to the public. 3D Printers, CNCs, Lasers (1st Tue., 5 pm); AI, Cybersecurity, Technology (1st Thu., 5 pm); Competitions in Robotics and Technology (1st Sat., 3 pm). Hosted by Monumental Impact.
  • Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church services every Sun., Contemporary: 9 am; Traditional: 10:30 am. A live stream is available at www.tlumc.org/live. Watch live or replay: www.facebook.com/tlumc, www.youtube.com/tlumc.org. Info: 719-488-1365, www.tlumc.org. 20256 Hunting Downs Way, Monument.
  • Tri-Lakes Church of Christ Wednesday night fellowship classes, every Wed., 6-7:30 pm, 20450 Beacon Lite Road, Monument (corner of Beacon Lite & County Line Roads). Info: 719-488-9613, gregsmith@trilakeschurch.org, www.trilakeschurch.org.
  • Tri-Lakes Cruisers, first Wed., 7 pm. A nonprofit car club. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, with numerous activities and events each month. Club membership applications are now being accepted and are available on the website: tl-cruisers.weebly.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Networking breakfast, first and third Thu., in person or via Zoom 166 2nd Street Monument 7:30-9 am free registration at www.TriLakeschamber.com .
  • Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club meeting, first and third Thu. 6 pm-8 pm. First Thursday via zoom and third Thursday in person at the Chamber of Commerce, 166 2nd St., Monument. Details: www.tlrotary.com, Trilakesdynamicrotary@gmail.com. Guests welcome. We are a service club serving Tri-Lakes. Memberships open to the public. Info: www.tlrotary.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, third Sat., 10 am-noon, Monument Community Presbyterian Church, 238 Third St., Monument. Info: Syble Krafft, 719-488-2669; Barry (group president), 719-351-9485. If you need any help, please call Syble or Barry.
  • Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) monthly meeting, third Fri., 11:30 am. Eisenhower Golf Club, USAFA. To become a member, or learn about the club, visit our website at www.tlwc.net Contact Info: Tri-Lakes Women’s Club membership@tlwc.net.
  • Women’s A. A. Step Study, every Mon., 6:30 pm, meeting remotely, check for details. Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 Baptist Rd. Park in the west lot. Info: 866-641-9190. Al-Anon Zoom Meeting, Just for Today Online, every Mon., 9:00 – 10:00 am Zoom Meeting ID: 889 4142 7446, Password 349309.
  • Vanguard Tri Lakes worship services, every Sun., 10 am, Woodmoor Barn, see ad on page < 4 >.
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7829, third Wed., 7 pm, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, 166 2nd St., Monument. New members welcome. Info: Post Commander and POC Bruce Beyerly, Bruce.Beyerly@gmail.com.
  • VFW Auxiliary to Post 7829, third Wed., 7 pm Meets at Victory Baptist Church, 325 2nd Street, Suite X, Monument. Guests are welcome to join; if you are a relative of a veteran who served on foreign soil during war or other military actions, you would be eligible. For more information please contact Kathy Carlson, 719-488-1902, carlsonmkc@gmail.com or Linda Lyons, 303-579-8114, lindalyons7829@gmail.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

  • VOLUNTEER TODAY! Our Community News: volunteer mailing days, Thu., July 31, approx. 7-8:30 am. We are all volunteers at OCN and need YOUR help, even for an hour or two, getting the papers ready to mail. Contact AllenAlchian@ocn.me or (719) 488-3455.
  • Town of Monument Concerts in the Park, every Wed., 6-8 pm. Limbach Park. June 4 -Aug. 27.
  • Monument Hill Farmers Market, every Sat. , 8-2 pm. D38 Lewis Palmer admin building, 66 Jefferson Street, Monument. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Palmer Lake Farmers Market, every Sun. 10 am-2 pm. Now taking new vendors, info: calvertsminimarket.com. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Art Hop all summer: May through Sep., fourth Fri., 5-8 pm., downtown Monument, see ad on page < 2 >.
  • Checkered Table Talk, hosted by Tri-Lakes Women’s Club, Tue., July 8. Doors Open: 5:00pm Program: 5:30 – 6:30pm, $10 per person: on-line & at the door (based on space availability. Speaker: Alex Kovacs, Acting Director of Aviation Colorado Springs Airport Bring your own picnic. Questions, call: 719-440-8969. Woodmoor Barn Community Center, 1691 Woodmoor Dr.
  • Benet Hill Monastery guided walks: July 8, 6-8 pm. Labyrinth letting love flow, Sat., July 26, 8:30-10:30 am. culturally modified trees: Forgiveness. Sat., Aug. 9, 8:30- 10:30 am. Labyrinth: harvesting hope. See add on page < 3 >.
  • Kiwanis peach sale, orders must be received by Tue., July 22, see ad on page < 8 >.
  • Covered Treasures Bookstore, Art Hop Friday, July 25, 5-8, author Gabriele Ewerts will sign her The Magic Seeds Legend series and Nic Lishko will sign his Little John series. 105 Second Street, Monument.
  • Steam summer camp, July 14-18, Western Museum of Mining and Industry, see ad on page < 12 >.
  • “Power of Print” presented by the Palmer Lake Historical Society, Sat., July 19. noon-3 pm. Graphic Arts Expo – in the Chautauqua Style. Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent Street, Palmer Lake. Free and open to the public. All ages welcome. “Hands-on” demonstrations of letterpress printing by Letterpress Depot. Smocks, ink and paper will be provided. Children really enjoy printing their own art on the press. www.palmerdividehistory.org.
  • Space Foundation Discovery Center 3D modeling and printing workshop July 19, see ad on page < 12 >.
  • Rosie’s diner anniversary car show, Sun., July 27, 9-1 pm. See ad on page < 14 >.
  • Chautauqua and Palmer Lake: the Palmer Lake Historical Society is reviving the Chautauqua tradition with an annual event, aiming to recreate the educational and cultural gatherings of the past. July 28 – Aug. 3, locations in Palmer Lake vary. See website for details: https://chautauquapalmerlake.org/. See ad on page < 11 >.
  • Board of Education Candidate Informational Sessions, Tue., July 29, LPMS, 6–7:30 pm, 1776 Woodmoor Dr., Wed., July 30, PLES, 115 Upper Glenway, Palmer Lake, 6–7:30 pm.
  • Jazz in the park: Wednesdays in July and August from July 9- Sept. 3. 6-8 pm. Bancroft Park 2408 West Colorado Ave., Old Colorado City. PikesPeakjazz.org.
  • Affordable Flooring Connection, special offers. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Gleneagle Candle Company and Drip coffee house, special offers see ad on page < 24 >.
  • Eagle Wine & Spirits, special offers. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Furry Friends pet food and supplies, special offers see ad on page < 10 >.
  • Mesa Health and Aesthetics, special offers. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Monument Cleaners, special offers. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Monumental Med Spa, special offers. See ad on page < 7 >.
  • Noel Relief Centers, special offers. See ad on page < 7 >.
  • Paul’s asphalt service, special offers, see ad on page < 6 >.
  • PeakView Windows, special offers. See ad on page < 24 >.
  • Routes outfitter, Special offers. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Stubby’s dog wash and grooming salon, special offers. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Tri-Lakes Collision and Auto Service Center, special offers. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Tri-Lakes Paint Company, special offers. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • YMCA explorers program, ages 11-15, field trip waste program, register today. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • Lang investment services annual pig roast, Fri., Aug. 8, see ad on page < 12 >.
  • Kings Deer Community Garage Sale Aug. 8-10,
  • Braver Angels & Reclaiming Civility. Sat. Aug. 16. Skills for challenging conversations; lunch; and after lunch debate.
  • Tri-Lakes Cruisers 22nd Annual Benefit Car Show Sun., Aug. 17, 9–2 pm, historic 2nd Street, Downtown Monument. Vendors, food trucks and 200+ cars. General Public free, registration to be in the show: www.trilakescruisers.com/2025-car-show-registration.html. See ad on page < 12 >.
  • Hummingbird Festival, Aug. 22-23. A fun, family friendly event celebrating the Colorado hummingbirds in the Tri-Lakes area. Hummingbird sightings, baby alpacas, children’s games, hummingbird themed talks, vendors, and more. Some vendor spots still open, contact marlene.fourgates@gmail.com. 17435 Roller Coaster road, Monument, on the historic Jackson Ranch.

Our community calendar carries listings on a space-available basis for Tri-Lakes events that are sponsored by local governmental entities and not-for-profit organizations. We include events that are open to the general public and are not religious or self-promotional in nature. If space is available, complimentary calendar listings are included, when requested, for events advertised in the current issue. To have your event listed at no charge in Our Community Calendar, please send the information to calendar@ocn.me or Our Community News, P.O. Box 1742, Monument, Colorado 80132.

Other Our Community Calendar articles

Remembering Jim Maguire

By Michael Weinfeld

To call Jim Maguire a collector would be an understatement.

A collector might fill a curio cabinet with a few dozen figurines. Maguire, who died last month at age 96, filled two barns covering 8,400 square feet with antiques he’d collected since the ‘80s. They include a couple of tuberculosis quarantine huts, a school outhouse, a hearse, a creepy talking prospector, and a sign that says, “Good Stuff.” Various antique farm equipment is also sprinkled about his 25-acre property.

He dubbed the barns Maguireville. He and Donna, his wife of 68 years who died in 2021, were the co-mayors. Asked in a 2019 interview which mayor made the decisions, Maguire told me, “depends on if it’s before supper or after.”

Maguire used to boast that Maguireville was crime-free thanks to the hangman’s noose and a working guillotine that are prominently displayed.

Maguire often teased about annexing the town of Monument into Maguireville, which he admitted made people “a little upset.”

Maguire’s passion for collecting didn’t start when he was a boy. His mother died when he was 5 and Maguire was raised by an aunt and uncle on a farm in northern Illinois where he became familiar with the farm equipment he would eventually display on his land in Monument (anyone driving east on 105 at Knollwood Road can spot some of the antiques).

Donna was the collector initially. When they were first married, living in Syracuse, N.Y. where he worked for the Overhead Door company, Maguire said there were “antiques coming out of your ears out there. We’d go for a ride on a Sunday, and she’d go ‘Oh, there’s an antique shop’ and I’d speed up. Over the years, I started to soften up.”

The first piece he bought was a 1901 wagon jack that was used to lift a wagon so the wheels could be greased. His collection now numbers in the thousands. How many items are there exactly? No one knows. There’s no accurate list of what’s in Maguireville. The Palmer Lake Historical Society spent five years cataloguing the inventory, but that project ended in 2009.

The piece of memorabilia he was most proud of is a money changing gadget that he says was used in department stores in the 1800s. He explained that a store would usually have only one cashier, so when customers would make a purchase, they’d give their money to a clerk who’d put it in a cup and pull a cord that would “shoot it up to the cashier” who’d catch the container, take out the money, and send any change back for the customer.

A lot of the memorabilia came from Waverly, Iowa. He said the town would have sales of farm-related antiques twice a year. He and Donna bought stuff there five or six times. Also, people would pass along their own possessions. They’d tell him, “I’ve got something downstairs in the basement nobody ever sees. It belonged to Uncle Charlie. Would you like that? And he’d say, “Yeah!”

Asked if there were any holes in his collection, Maguire said people would ask, “What are you looking for?” and he would tell them, “We won’t know ‘till we see it.”

Jim and Donna first arrived in Colorado Springs in 1969 to acquire the local Overhead Door distributorship. Maguire was former national sales manager for the Overhead Door Corp. headquartered in Dallas. He and his son, Kevin, became well known for their humorous TV ads.

In 1982, the Maguires moved to Monument. Their property was originally homesteaded for 160 acres in 1875. It was one of three original homesteads in the Monument area in the 1800s and came with the original certificate signed by Ulysses S. Grant. Kevin Maguire says preserving that piece of local history remains important to the family.

The land is populated with willow trees from Iowa, including a huge one in back of the house that came with a paper certifying it as a “Crack Willow.” “Nothing to do with marijuana,” Jim Maguire joked.

The Overhead Door truck became a staple in Monument’s Fourth of July parade. Maguire’s friend Joe Bohler would play the piano on the back of the truck. Maguire said he was able to convince Bohler to play in the hot sun because, “I had enough on him, so he had to say yes.”

As for the satisfaction he gets from collecting, Maguire said, “The thrill is when people come here and say, ‘Oh, my God, we didn’t know that this was out here!” Or “Oh, gosh! Look at that! I remember that at grandpa’s!” Or “We used one of these when I was a kid!”

Finally, I asked Maguire what would happen to his collection after he was gone. Maguire replied, “That’s a problem. We hope that this can be kept together and continue on.” It’s a problem yet to be solved. Kevin Maguire says it’s the “64-million-dollar question.” They have “several options,” including preserving “what we can.”

Michael Weinfeld can be contacted at michaelweinfeld@ocn.me.

Other Perspectives on Our Community

Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, May 19 – Whetstine named superintendent; board receives annual committee reports

By Harriet Halbig

The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education approved the hiring of Amber Whetstine as its superintendent effective July 1. Whetstine has served as interim superintendent for several months and served as assistant superintendent from 2021.

Whetstine was praised for her leadership and actions in regard to the new Career and Innovation Center as well as working to see that projects underway in the district were advanced and completed.

To view the contract with the new superintendent, please see Boarddocs under the Board of Education tab in the district website, lewispalmer.org. Choose May 19 as the meeting date and refer to item B1.

Above: Celebrating Amber Whetstine’s selection as superintendent are (L to R) Board treasurer Ron Schwarz, Director Todd Brown, President Tiffiney Upchurch, Superintendent Whetstine, Secretary Patti Shank, and Vice President Kris Norris Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Annual committee reports

The Parent and Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) was represented by co-chair Renee Butler, who reported that the committee wishes to continue to emphasize its service as an advisory body to the Board of Education. PCAC includes members from each district school, including parents and staff, including Monument Academy, two student representatives and representatives from the community. There are representatives of the Board of Education and the administration.

The priorities in the past year included monitoring school performance, monitoring Career Innovation Center progress, participating in the superintendent selection process by holding a special meeting to review various approaches to the search, advising on the charter school application process, and supporting efforts to improve social and emotional wellness among students.

In the upcoming year, the committee will strive to amplify its connections with the Board of Education by assigning a committee member to attend each board meeting and report back on subjects discussed. It was also suggested that a different member of the board attend each PCAC meeting.

The committee will have discussions at each meeting rather than simply disseminating information. Each priority of the district’s strategic plan will also be discussed and reported on at a meeting of the committee.

The Financial Transparency Committee also reported on its activities. Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway reported that the committee has a number of members from the community and schools, and a goal for the upcoming year is to have a representative from each school. A number of the present members will be leaving the committee as their involvement with the district will come to an end.

Ridgway emphasized the potential role of Building Accountability Committees (BACs) in the budget process by surveying their members regarding spending priorities and the budget process.

He suggested that the BACs explain the budget process beginning on Back to School Nights to demonstrate that the process continues throughout the school year.

Another potential way to inform the community about the budget process would be to publicize committee meetings and to seek community input.

Curriculum adoption

The board approved the purchase of Savvas U.S. history Interactive Reconstruction to Present as a high school history curriculum. This approval follows a process which solicited review from teachers and the community. To see comments from those who reviewed the curriculum, please see boarddocs.

Approval of land purchase agreement

The board received a letter of intent from Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) dated Jan. 21, 2025 seeking to purchase a 2.8-acre parcel of district land. The board voted at that time to create a final land sale agreement.

The agreement includes the statement that this land is surplus and will not be needed in the foreseeable future. Surveying has been completed. One board member requested that the agreement include a statement that the district would have right of first refusal should TLC decide to sell at a later date. Ridgway said he would consult legal counsel about including such a statement. He also said the agreement includes a description of its use.

The Town of Monument still needs to subdivide that property formally. A vote on the sale will be held at a future meeting.

Response to Monument Academy regarding purchase of Grace Best Education Center

The board received a letter of intent from Monument Academy dated March 31, 2025 to purchase Grace Best Education Center.

The board voted at its Jan. 21, 2025 meeting to recommend demolishing the building.

Following discussion at its May 6 work session, the board voted to decline the offer from Monument Academy.

This decision was also supported by the fact that the building was in poor condition and the land has worth to the district for possible intergenerational uses. With this in mind, the property was not declared to be surplus and of no use in the foreseeable future and therefore not for sale.

Recognitions

The Bearbotics team was recognized for its performance in competitions this year. Coaches Matt Middleton and Eric VanDenHoek explained that the program has been in existence since 2011 and is international in scope.

This year, the team attended national and international competitions. At the international competition, the team placed 14th of 75 teams competing. At the regional competition in Oklahoma City, the team placed 81st of 3,190 teams.

The coaches said that the team currently has 29 members, from grades 9 to 12, of whom several were to graduate the next day.

Above: The Bearbotics team was recognized for its performance in competitions this year. Coaches Matt Middleton and Eric VanDenHoek explained that the program, which has been in existence since 2011, is international in scope. This year, the team attended national and international competitions, placing14th of 75 teams competing at the international competition and 81st of 3,190 teams at the regional competition in Oklahoma City. The coaches said that the team currently has 29 members, from grades 9 to 12, of whom several were to graduate the next day. Pictured (left to right): Board President Tiffiney Upchurch, Coach VanDenHoek, four of the students, third from right is coach Middleton, with Superintendent Amber Whestine on the right Photo by Jackie Burhans. Also see Snapshots of Our Community.

Palmer Ridge High School DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) members were awarded Gold Certification for the D38 Enterprise at this year’s International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Fla.

D38 Enterprise occupies a building which has formerly been a preschool in the D38 administrative campus. The Enterprise performs such functions as printing T-shirts and hats, large format banners and stickers, and binding and embroidery services.

The enterprise earned $70,000 this year, all of which stays in the district.

Advisor Brady Hanson (Palmer Ridge Business/Marketing teacher) said the award is for school-based enterprises which are entirely student-run. The certification recognizes outstanding achievement by school-based enterprises and motivates them to strive for excellence and growth.

The three levels of certification are bronze, silver, and gold. D38 Enterprise received gold certification. Hanson displayed the award plaque, pointing out that it had spaces for four more awards.

Above: Palmer Ridge High School DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) members were awarded Gold Certification for the D38 Enterprise at this year’s International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Fla. Pictured (L to R): Board Pres. Tiffiney Upchurch, Team adviser Business/Marketing Teacher Brady Hanson, students Rhett Jones, Claire Monroe, and Rory Palmer, and Superintendent Amber Whetstine. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Lewis-Palmer Middle School teacher Amy Robinson was recognized by the Air and Space Force Association as Teacher of the Year locally and at the state level. She now qualifies to compete at the national level.

Robinson has increased course offerings from seventh grade to include eighth grade in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math.

Above: Lewis-Palmer Middle School Gifted/Talented teacher Amy Robinson was recognized by the Air and Space Force Association as Teacher of the Year locally and at the state level. Pictured (L to R): Director Todd Brown, Treasurer Ron Schwarz, Vice President Kris Norris, Secretary Patti Shank, Amy Robinson, Superintendent Amber Whetstine, Lewis-Palmer Middle School Principal Courtney Harrell, and Board President Tiffiney Upchurch. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Retiring Lewis-Palmer Principal Bridget O’Connor was recognized for her contributions to the district. O’Connor attended D 38 schools from kindergarten through high school.

Former board member Theresa Phillips praised O’Connor for emphasizing connections. She greeted students by name, led district efforts in emphasizing social and emotional wellness, and promoted a culture of unity,

O’Connor thanked the board for the ability to have the freedom to innovate, and thanked her teachers and coaches for their efforts and support.

Above: Retiring Lewis-Palmer Principal Bridget O’Connor was recognized for her contributions to the district. O’Connor attended D 38 schools from kindergarten through high school. Board Treasurer Ron Schwarz, Board President Tiffiney Upchurch, Board Secretary Patti Shank, Lewis-Palmer High School Principal Bridge O’Connor, Superintend Amber Whetstine, Vice President Kris Norris, and Director Todd Brown. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Priority 1: Safe and Healthy Schools

Director of Student Services Rick Frampton and Director of Security Dennis Coates reported on priority 1 of the district’s strategic plan.

The report included results of recent student and community surveys asking whether students felt safe at school and whether there was someone at school with whom they could discuss their problems.

From the parent perspective, the survey asked whether parents feel their children are safe at school.

The goal is to improve scores in these areas by 3 percentile by 2027.

Coates reported on discipline issues such as the plan to regulate cell phone use in class.

He also said that a goal is to reduce the number of office and bus referrals for misbehavior by 5 percentage points.

One behavioral problem to recognize is vaping or smoking in schools. There is a program known as Vape-2-Educate which can reduce the length of suspension for students referred for this behavior.

Coates presented statistics regarding suspensions and expulsions in the district.

To view the PowerPoint of this presentation, please see boarddocs for May 19, agenda item D 2.

**********

The Lewis-Palmer D 38 Board of Education meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at the district’s Learning Center, 146 N. Jefferson St. The next meeting is on June 16. For information, contact vwood@lewispalmer.org.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.

Other Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education articles

Monument Town Council, May 5 and 19 – VanDenHoek sworn in as town manager

By Chris Jeub

After months of consideration, the Monument Town Council finalized the selection of a new town manager on May 19. Madeline VanDenHoek was unanimously appointed as the official Town Manager. VanDenHoek had been serving as interim town manager since June 2024 following the removal of the previous Town Manager Mike Foreman.

Councilmembers emphasized the difficulty of the decision due to the high qualifications of two candidates. King noted that both candidates met qualifications and expressed hope that the candidate not selected (unnamed during the council discussion, but known to be Deputy Town Clerk Sylvia Simpson) would remain involved with the town. Councilmember Laura Kronick highlighted the significance of how candidates described their educational applications during interviews, ultimately recommending VanDenHoek. Abbott acknowledged the challenging nature of the decision-making process but underscored VanDenHoek’s alignment with required skill sets and experience.

Councilmember Kenneth Kimple commended both applicants for their openness and clear vision demonstrated during interviews, affirming VanDenHoek’s alignment with the town’s best interests. Councilmember Marco Fiorito also expressed appreciation for the candidates’ efforts and preparation during the process.

The motion to appoint VanDenHoek passed with a unanimous vote of 6-0 and she was officially sworn in.

Above: Madeline VanDenHoek was sworn in as town manager at the Monument Town Council (MTC) meeting on May 19, nine months after taking over for Mike Foreman on an interim basis. VanDenHoek said she looks forward to “ensuring that we are not only the best place to work, but also the best place to live, have a business and play.” The MTC voted unanimously on May 8 to choose VanDenHoek over the other candidate for the job, Sylvia Simpson, who remains the deputy town clerk. No reason was ever given publicly for why Foreman was let go in August of last year. In the photo from left are VanDenHoek’s son Dane, husband Eric, father Jack Kennedy (in the back), VanDenHoek, and mother Marna Kennedy. Photo by Michael Weinfeld. See video clips at end of article.

Budget concerns

Note: The budget presentation made by Finance Director Jennifer Phillips was not recorded on the town’s YouTube channel due to technical issues. The online video resumed during the council’s discussion following the presentation. The summary of the budget presentation from the slides is as follows:

  • The town maintains various dedicated funds such as the General Fund, Capital Projects Fund, Water Fund, Police Fund, and Community Development Fund.
  • Adjustments were made to correct $1.5 million in duplicate postings due to system changes.
  • General Fund projected revenue increased to $14.6 million, with major sources including sales and property taxes, fees, fines, and investment earnings.
  • Significant amendments include adding a legally obligated sales tax revenue ($2.6 million), transferring back a $400,000 subsidy from 2024, and including a $200,000 grant for a Comprehensive Plan Study.
  • General Fund expenditures increased to $16.4 million, with adjustments including the addition of a sales tax expense to Triview ($2.6 million), reductions in personnel expenses for vacant positions, and removal of certain budgeted expenses.
  • Ending General Fund unrestricted reserve improved to 21% from a previously lower percentage.

After the presentation of the budget notes, Mayor Mitch LaKind expressed gratitude toward Phillips for identifying and addressing financial discrepancies, with Mayor Pro Tem Steve King acknowledging her efforts to rectify past accounting issues.

In response to budget challenges, council members discussed potential reduction strategies. Selling town-owned properties to rebuild financial reserves was proposed, and Mayor LaKind instructed staff to explore additional revenue-generating opportunities. Councilmembers Kenneth Kimple and Sana Abbott emphasized the importance of transparently communicating the town’s financial issues to residents and called for effective community education regarding budgetary concerns.

The council unanimously supported reconsideration of the lodging tax for an upcoming ballot. King underscored the urgency of this measure, noting that the absence of a lodging tax was resulting in significant financial losses for the town, with revenues instead benefiting Colorado Springs.

The council approved Resolution No. 30-2025, appropriating funds for various town activities and services, and Resolution No. 31-2025, which introduced new financial policies aimed at ensuring sustainable town funding. Both resolutions passed with unanimous votes.

Romanello’s seat replacement discussed

The council also addressed the vacancy created by the recent passing of Councilmember Jim Romanello (see May issue of OCN for details). LaKind directed staff to prepare for either an appointment process or a special election to fill the vacant council seat. The council later announced on its Facebook page that it will appoint a replacement for Romanello. It said potential candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and notarized affidavit affirming they meet all the qualifications to the town clerk no later than 5 p.m. June 9. The candidates might then be interviewed at the Town Council meeting on June 16.

Terrazzo-Baja commercial development

Resolution No. 28-2025 approved the final plat for the Terrazzo-Baja Commercial Development, subdividing nine individual lots for sale and future development and dedicating public rights of way for Terrazzo Drive extension and Baja Drive addition. This action aligns with the previously approved Santa Fe Park preliminary planned unit development.

Due to the technical difficulties previously mentioned, discussion and final voting results on this resolution were not recorded, a voting result that left King the sole dissenter. He later clarified his dissent during the May 17 regular meeting. King opposed creating larger lots from previously smaller sizes, expressing concern that larger lots could attract warehouse applications, which he argued would not generate sufficient sales tax or property tax revenue. King emphasized the importance of maintaining smaller lot sizes, allowing potential buyers to request combining lots from the council on a case-by-case basis, preserving town control over lot sizes created just a few years prior.

Strategic plan update

A representative of JTrylch Strategy and Consulting LLC gave an update of the new strategic plan of the town. The plan emphasizes simplicity, clear focus, and accountability. It identifies four equally important strategic priorities:

  1. Ensure Long-Term Financial Health and Sustainability: Focused on efficient services, resilient financial planning, and strategic investments.
  2. Strengthen Community Engagement: Aimed at improving communication, collaboration, and partnership within the community and neighboring areas.
  3. Enable Responsible Community Development: Establish clear processes to foster responsible growth and sustainable development.
  4. Reinforce a Positive Work Culture: Sustain a professional environment that attracts talented staff and promotes excellent community services.

Following the presentation, the Town Council unanimously passed Resolution No. 34-2025 in a 5-0 vote.

Town lawyer position discussed

VanDenHoek sought direction from the board regarding the potential hiring of a permanent town lawyer. Councilmember Laura Kronick emphasized that hiring a staff attorney would be fiscally responsible, noting that current town attorney Bob Cole would still handle larger matters. King inquired about typical tasks for the role, and VanDenHoek explained that routine contract reviews and code details could be handled more economically by an in-house attorney. Kimple questioned potential savings, to which VanDenHoek responded that $100,000 to $200,000 annually might be saved. LaKind directed VanDenHoek to draft a job posting and present it for council review at a later date.

**********

The Monument Town Council usually meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month at Monument Town Hall, 645 Beacon Lite Road. The next meetings are scheduled for Monday, June 2 and 16. For more information, call 719-884-8014 or visit www.townofmonument.org. To view upcoming agendas, complete board packets, or download audio recordings of past meetings, visit http://monumenttownco.minutesondemand.com and click on “Town Council.”

Chris Jeub can be reached at chrisjeub@ocn.me.

Other Monument Town Council articles

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By John Heiser, Publisher, OCN

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Monument Academy School Board, May 8, 9 and 29 – Board adjusts budget for low enrollment, anticipates tax credit revenue

By Jackie Burhans

The Monument Academy (MA) School Board met on May 8 to review the 2025-26 budget, advisory committee recommendations, curriculum, and policies. The board held a special meeting on May 9 to approve its adjusted budget and hear about its Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) claim and hold an executive session.

Budget

At the May 8 meeting, Finance Director Laura Polen presented the proposed 2025-26 budget, based on the Colorado Department of Education’s confirmation that the School Finance Act set per pupil revenue (PPR) at $11,080. The budget assumed a projected enrollment of 1,090.12 full-time equivalent (FTE) students.

Polen reported that General Fund revenues increased by $156,000 due to donations and fundraising, while expenses dropped by $1.4 million following completion of dirt lot and modular purchases. The budget allocates $13 million in local, state, and federal funds, balancing expenses across schools, programs, and object codes. By campus, West Campus shows $178,000 in income, the middle school reports a $183,000 loss due to a large student bubble moving through, and the high school shows $4,798 in income.

At the May 29 meeting, Polen presented an adjusted budget, lowering projected enrollment to 1,075 FTE, reflecting two fewer students in homeschool enrichment, two additional middle school students, and 15 fewer high school students. The high school donation budget was increased to offset PPR, instructional fees, and mill levy override share decreases. She said current full-time equivalent FTE stands at 1,052, with additional enrollment needed to meet projections: 20 more students for the High Performance Program, 8.5 (17 students) for homeschool enrichment, and preschool tuition revenue of $25,000 to balance its budget. Elementary and middle school enrollment exceed projections by five students each, while high school is under by four.

Interim Chief Financial Officer Glenn Gustafson said this year’s budget was tight with the decline in enrollment. He said he knew the board would have liked to give bigger compensation increases and that there were other tight spots in the budget, but he was hopeful that the enrollment would come in as projected. With other things in the hopper, he thinks the budget will work out and he noted that this adopted budget can be modified in December or January after the final enrollment counts.

The board unanimously approved three resolutions:

  • Interfund borrowing to loan funds to the preschool for payroll.
  • Use of beginning fund balances to disclose deficit spending for preschool.
  • Appropriation resolution setting maximum expenditures by fund.

Once signed, MA will post the budget on its website and submit it to District 38, its charter authorizer. Gustafson emphasized the need to develop a sustainable financial model for preschool, as it is currently subsidized by the academy.

Employee Retention Tax Credit approved

Gustafson announced that MA’s ERTC claim was approved for the first of five quarters. The IRS approved $450,000 for the first quarter, plus $150,000 in interest due to processing delays, for a total of $600,000 expected by the end of June. The remaining quarters were smaller, but the total payment could range between $1.8 million and $1.9 million.

He noted the appropriation resolution did not include ERTC funds since approval was uncertain. MA spent $100,000 working with a consultant to submit the claim. He suggested the board prepare for a supplemental appropriation in an upcoming meeting, work session, or retreat.

For short-term management, he recommended placing the funds in a segregated account at COLOTRUST, an investment fund for government entities, to earn interest. Long-term, the board will determine potential uses, such as adding gravel to the West Campus dirt parking lot, increasing staff bonuses, or supporting capital construction efforts. He urged prudence, emphasizing the funds are a one-time resource.

Gustafson stressed that next year will be a critical time for MA as it prepares to refinance its bonds by June 2026. He noted the current unfavorable interest rates and uncertainty about future improvements. He plans to work with Polen to draft a supplemental budget amendment for the fall.

Curriculum

Executive Director Collin Vinchattle introduced two new curriculum proposals for Colorado History and High School Leadership.

For history, he directed the board to documents outlining the course structure, its alignment with state academic standards, and a recommendation from the East Campus Curriculum Committee. A high school teacher proposed the two new courses. The Colorado History course will be available at the West Campus library for parental review over the next three weeks before returning to the board for a vote.

Vinchattle noted that the High School Leadership course will follow a similar review process. While it lacks a specific textbook, a teacher developed a collegiate-level syllabus as a foundation for an emerging leadership program. He said information will be shared through the board’s Simbli platform, where stakeholders can submit feedback via an online form.

Policies

The board reviewed and unanimously approved the following policies:

  • 1501HS High School Dress Code: Updated from a previous proposal after feedback from parents and students. It will be renamed later when other dress code policies are updated.
  • AEP Educational Philosophy: a statement of philosophy as noted in previous discussions.

The board held the first reading of AE-MA Penmanship policy emphasizing MA’s cursive-first approach.

MA’s approved board policies can be found at http://bit.ly/ma-boarddocs

Highlights

Board meeting highlights include:

  • Spotlight: Board member Craig Carle recognized the process champions team, announcing Monument Academy Middle School as a national showcase school for the Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) program. Team members include Thomas Herndon, Lisa Rich, Jesse Davis, and Angela Duca.
  • Executive Director: Vinchattle celebrated the CKH recognition, student capstone presentations on truth and beauty, the high school information night, and the fourth-grade visit to the Colorado History Museum.
  • Finance: Polen reported on March financials noting all three schools had positive income and MA remains on track to meet bond requirements.
  • SAAC East: Board member Jilinda Dygert shared that the Student Accountability and Advisory Committee (SAAC) for East Campus submitted recommendations after reviewing survey results. Priorities include hiring, training, and mentoring staff, improving communication, encouraging consistent Canvas use, directing funds toward infrastructure, and expanding academic offerings.
  • Operational Audit: Vinchattle reviewed completed goals and outlined remaining objectives.
  • Contracts approved: The board finalized its food services agreement with D38 for the 2025-26 school year and approved its Memorandum of Understanding with Monument Police Department for school resource officers.
  • Handbook updates: Vinchattle proposed adding a workplace-bullying section to the staff handbook and will present revisions after legal review. He also led a first reading of a combined student handbook to streamline policies, with a final vote set for June.
  • Campus expansion: The board unanimously approved an Owner’s Representation Agreement with Wember Owner’s Representation as MA prepares for phase two additions at East Campus.
  • Board planning: Members will complete a self-assessment survey ahead of their July retreat, following operational audit recommendations.
  • Executive session: The board closed its May 29 meeting with a session to receive legal advice on HP25-1312, Protecting Transgender Individual Rights, and potential policy decisions regarding girls’ sports.
Above: At its March 17 board meeting, the D38 board honored Laurie Caves of Care. At the May 8 school board meeting, board member Craig Carle recognized the process champion team, highlighting Monument Academy Middle School’s selection as a national showcase school for the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program among 7,000 participating institutions. Executive Director Collin Vinchattle praised the team for fostering strong student relationships. Team members include Thomas Herndon, Lisa Rich, Jesse Davis, and Angela Duca (not pictured). In the front row from left are Davis and board member Jilinda Dygert. Standing, from left, are board members Matt Ross, Vice President Lindsay Clinton, Thomas Herndon, Lisa Rich, board member Karen Hoida, Carle, and board President Ryan Graham. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

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The MA School Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. The next regular board meeting will be on Thursday, June 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the East Campus. The agenda and packet are available at bit.ly/ma-boarddocs.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other Monument Academy School Board articles

D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, May 13 – Budget priorities, 2025-26 committee goals discussed

By Harriet Halbig

The Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) held a special meeting on May 13 to discuss budget matters. The meeting was needed because information on the School Finance Act for the 2025-26 school year, which was unavailable at the time of the April meeting, had been received.

Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway reported on the most recent information from state sources. Revenue from the School Finance Act represents the primary source of school funding through per pupil revenue (PPR).

Ridgway said it is anticipated that PPR revenue would increase by 2.7% for the upcoming year. It was previously estimated to increase by 2.5%. Enrollment is expected to remain flat.

The cost of health insurance is expected to rise by 13.5%. Half of this increase will be absorbed by the district and the other half by employees. Ridgway explained that the cost of health care is affected by the level of use. He said the district continues to consider the option of funding through a statewide consortium. In the coming year, there will be three plans to choose from.

The district is decreasing its annual investment in capital by $500,000 to make possible an average pay increase of 3%. Consideration of capital investment will include a section addressing technology equipment once lifecycle replacement is determined.

Funding for the Career and Innovation Center and location changes for the Home School Enrichment Academy and Transitions Services program is supported by funds freed by SB24-017 and short-term financing.

Ridgway said that the district will continue to emphasize efficiency in spending by using 98% to 100% of budgeted funds.

He said there is currently a 60% shift to student-based funding to recognize the variety of enrollment in each location and the operations based at each location. For example, the nutrition services department is located at Lewis-Palmer High School and there are not preschools at each location.

The Financial Transparency Committee seeks to determine what people want at the various schools by asking the Building Advisory Committees (BACs) to examine spending in non-capital items, non-pay related priorities, addition or deletion of regular and extracurricular programs, and staffing levels, supplies, equipment, and other resources.

To view the PowerPoint on contributions from individual BACs, please see the district website, lewispalmer.org, community resources, district committees, meeting content.

The committee divided into groups to consider how to achieve more input from the schools and community to use in budget planning. The first suggestion was to have the BACs determine their priorities.

The second was to do a staff survey similar to one from a few years ago to determine priorities.

A third was to duplicate the process used by PCAC to consider the superintendent selection process and have an intense meeting to concentrate on one subject and report its results to the Board of Education.

It was also decided that the committee needs to provide the community with information to explain why staffing levels vary from school to school.

A representative from Prairie Winds Elementary said they surveyed community members to learn their preferences and priorities.

The schools should then report back to PCAC and share experiences and best practices. One goal is to increase the public’s understanding of the budget process. Ridgway suggested addressing this at back-to-school nights.

A member of the Staff Collaboration Committee suggested using that committee’s practice of creating a list of priorities and checking them off as they are achieved.

Future PCAC priorities

Committee Co-Chair Renee Butler said the special meeting regarding the superintendent search was a good opportunity to focus on a single issue, and the board responded favorably to receiving the input from the group. She recommended holding such meetings in the coming year. She suggested that the board may be asked what subjects they request feedback on.

Butler also said that it would be good to have a representative from PCAC at each board meeting. This representative could then report back to PCAC regarding priorities of the board.

Board liaison Dr. Patti Shank commented that the board could also request input.

Butler said that, after consulting the committee’s bylaws, it was determined that she and Co-Chair Kirsten Zook could serve an additional year in their positions. The committee voted to approve their willingness to continue.

Butler then announced that there will be two vacancies on the Board of Education in November and that several people are planning to leave the Financial Transparency Committee as their involvement in the schools is coming to an end. PCAC may be instrumental in seeking volunteers for these vacancies.

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The Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee meets six times per year. This was the final meeting of the 2024-25 school year.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbi@ocn.me.

Other D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee articles

Monument Planning Commission, May 14 – Commission recommends approval of 30-acre commercial development

By Janet Sellers

At the Monument Planning Commission meeting on May 14, the focus was on two projects that needed recommendations for approval by the commission. Commissioners present were Vice Chair Chad Smith, Ray Egly, Cathy Green, Danny Ours, Corey Peterson, Donna Hatch, Planner 1 Rey Medina, and Planning Director Dan Ungerleider. Chair Martin Trujillo was absent.

Storage at 836 Synthes

The first hearing and meeting item for the Monument Planning Commission included a public hearing for a request for conditional use approval for outdoor storage as part of the development at 836 Synthes Ave.

During the public portion of the hearing, questions were raised about landscaping and lighting for the proposed development.

The applicant, introduced as Mr. Chandler, confirmed that a row of trees would be maintained to ensure privacy and that lighting would be designed to face downward. Inquiries about outdoor storage were addressed, with Chandler explaining that the storage would comply with town regulations and would primarily involve service-related items.

The planning commissioners discussed the anticipated service industry uses which may include landscaping and utility storage. Concerns were raised about height restrictions confirming a 30-foot limit for buildings but not for equipment. The need for conditions on height and lighting were to protect nearby residential areas, and future compliance was suggested with any new lighting ordinances.

Commissioner Green commented for discussion regarding lighting (possible light pollution) even in terms of downward-facing lights that may cause a concern. Green made a motion to make a recommendation to approve the conditional use for outdoor storage at 836 Synthes Ave. as supported by the attached finding of fact with the conditions that the outdoor storage must not exceed 30 feet in height, which is the maximum building height for light industrial zoning. Commissioner Egly seconded the motion, and it passed with a vote 5 to 1.

Legacy at Jackson Landing

The sketch plan for the Legacy at Jackson Landing proposes a 30-acre commercial development which includes a 129,000 square foot “major” retailer, a potential hotel, restaurants, and additional retail space. It is located next to I-25, just north of Baptist Road. The public hearing on the sketch plan was opened and closed with members of the public present. There were no public comments.

A staff presentation was made by Ungerleider, who presented the project to the Planning Commission, and a detailed presentation was made by the representatives of Legacy at Jackson Landing that included speakers from Legacy Development partners, specifically Carl Barton, Chris Hake, and Noel Bremer representing Kimley Horn Engineering and Development Team that includes Legacy Development Partners, the Garrett Companies, RSP Architects, and others.

They stated their focus is on designing “innovative real estate solutions with a focus on high-growth markets across the United States. They specialize in the development and redevelopment of single tenant out parcels, multi-tenant shop buildings, grocery-anchored projects, and mixed-use developments.”

The presentation included information regarding creating a regionally significant destination retail development to bring visitors and dollars to Monument, using a national anchor retailer, quality site amenities and landscaping, convenient and safe parking circulation, optimizing economic impact, and bringing in local and visitor dollars. The development includes intended open space for safe pedestrian circulation.

The commissioners discussed clarification on the project’s design guidelines and the lack of residential elements. It was confirmed that the project would consist of a consolidated preliminary and final planned unit development without residential components. The signalized intersection at Jackson Creek Parkway was discussed as an improvement and planned for Blevins Buckle Trail. A traffic study would determine the need for a signal that is likely to be required for safe traffic flow, and concerns were expressed by the commissioners regarding potential congestion and safety hazards without guaranteed traffic signals.

Developers for this project discussed with the commissioners the importance of multiple access points for the new development, emphasizing the commitment of a major anchor tenant that will drive interest from other businesses. This engaged a discussion of traffic concerns for the Baptist Road at Jackson Creek Parkway intersection which was acknowledged with plans for further analysis. A strong interest for a sit-down restaurant into the development to meet community needs was also expressed by the commission.

In the interest of addressing potential effects on local infrastructure, there was discussion regarding a comprehensive traffic impact study due to the significant development being highlighted for the area. Public outreach was also addressed, and the commission discussed possible public engagement meetings for the community and was encouraged before any final approvals. Concerns were also raised about the town’s revenue situation with implications of an Economic Development Incentive Agreement on local finances.

Until a full-service traffic signal is required, a right-in right-out traffic condition was advocated for the intersection due to the necessity of having the traffic light installed at the beginning of the project rather than waiting for future phases. This conversation of the commission underscored the significance of traffic control measures in terms of the development’s initial phase.

The Planning Commission unanimously approved the Legacy of Jackson Landing sketch plan with incorporation of conditions outlined by the planning director in the draft resolution. Commissioner Smith made a motion to approve the sketch plan for Legacy Jackson Landing as supported by an attached finding of fact. Commissioner Ours seconded and the motion passed unanimously. There was some discussion on getting more community participation for the Planning Commission and on the requirements for living in the local boundaries, and the time frame of living in the town to be involved with the planning issues. As that was the final issue to review for recommendation, the meeting was then adjourned at 8:16pm.

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The Monument Planning Commission advises the Town Council on land use and development issues. The commission’s recommendations are based on local and state laws, zoning, and municipal codes. The Planning Commission usually meets on the second Wednesday of each month. The next meeting of the Monument Planning Commission was scheduled for June 11 but has been canceled, according to the Planning Commission website. For further information on Planning Commission meetings, please visit www.townofmonument.org/263/planning-commission-board-of-adjustment or contact 719-884-8028. A recording with a transcript of the meeting is also available.

Janet Sellers can be reached at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other Monument Planning Commission articles

Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, May 5, 8, 22, and 29 – Revised Buc-ee’s annexation eligibility petition approved

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

In May, the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees (PLBOT) took up a second, revised petition to annex a 24-acre plot of land south of County Line Road and west of I-25, which is the proposed site of a 74,000-square-foot Buc-ee’s travel center. The site is about 1.8 miles east of the current town boundary. The board held a workshop to review studies addressing the impact of the proposed travel center on the town’s finances, water infrastructure and traffic. The board held a special meeting on May 29 that included a public hearing on the second annexation petition and a vote on a resolution regarding eligibility for annexation.

Studies of finances, water, and traffic presented

On May 5, the PLBOT held a nearly five-hour special meeting to review three independent reports, all funded by Buc-ee’s. All board members attended, along with the town administrator, attorney, police chief, fire chief, and more than 50 residents, The reports analyzed the revenue, water, and traffic impacts if Buc-ee’s moves forward. Board members and attendees asked questions after the presentations. Based on feedback from this meeting, the fiscal report was updated on May 21. Find all three final reports at bit.ly/buc-ees-reports.

Senior Principal Dan Guimond presented Economic & Planning Systems’ (EPS) fiscal impact report. He outlined EPS’s analysis of the proposal, its timing, and estimated general fund revenue and expenses over several years.

Revenues from taxable retail sales are projected at $31.8 million in 2027, generating about $995,000 in sales taxes at current rates. However, municipalities often negotiate a 1.1% sales tax incentive with Buc-ee’s, potentially reducing revenue by $326,000. Gas sales are excluded, as those taxes go to the state. EPS estimates the one-time use tax during 18 months of construction to be $379,500. Property taxes are expected to rise significantly post-construction, reaching $400,000 in 2027, to be collected in 2028.

Expenses fall into three categories: town operating costs, capital costs for town departments that may or may not be reimbursed, and development-related capital costs that the developer covers. Guimond outlined operating and capital cost estimates for Palmer Lake Police, Fire, and Public Works. Operating costs would rise by $1 million, plus $5.9 million in one-time capital expenses.

Buc-ee’s is expected to spend $10.52 million on transportation upgrades, including improvements to I-25 and County Line Road, interchange ramps, signals, and turn lanes. Costs to extend the town’s water infrastructure would be $5.5 million and may be shared.

Guimond addressed board questions submitted by email. He said the sales tax incentive was discretionary and negotiable. EPS could not use data from Johnstown Buc-ee’s as it lacked full-year data, and there was no public data to review. The board asked why Buc-ee’s would cover only 25% of water upgrades. Guimond cited a GMS water report estimating Buc-ee’s annual usage at 1.19 million gallons per year, compared to total town consumption. Fire Department staffing estimates, he said, came from the Fire Chief John Vincent.

Havenar questioned why the report showed the town covering costs the developer should pay, calling some expenses inflated and revenue estimates conservative. She emphasized that development typically funds itself, per the Palmer Lake Master Plan.

Other board members asked about general fund expenditures, Fire Department estimates, and whether increases accounted for annexing properties along County Line Road. Public comments covered assumptions, actual costs, Buc-ee’s financial responsibility, and whether Monument Fire Department could continue servicing the property. Guimond said the report outlined assumptions and distinguished between pre-existing needs and Buc-ee’s impact. He noted EPS estimated costs, but did not address financing.

GMS Inc., an engineering firm that has advised Palmer Lake regarding water infrastructure, presented the second report. Senior Engineer and Project Manager Mark Morton summarized findings on Buc-ee’s increased water demands and necessary improvements. He said the report also accounts for long-term population growth and existing deficiencies. GMS listed $10.4 million in needed improvements including a waterline extension costing $5.6 million and facility upgrades for $4.8 million.

The board questioned recycling gray water vs. reclaiming water, the number and locations of wells, xeriscaping, and whether Buc-ee’s could proceed without annexing into Palmer Lake. In the public question portion, Rachel Zancanella, Division 2 engineer for the Colorado Division of Water Resources (DOWR), offered to meet and review Palmer Lake’s water portfolio and rights.

A resident raised concerns about depleting aquifers, long-term sustainability, and rising pumping costs. Morton expressed interest in further discussions with DOWR and emphasized the need for renewable water from non-tributary sources. Morton clarified that Buc-ee’s would connect to Monument Sanitation District for wastewater, not Palmer Lake Sanitation District.

Traffic Engineer Max Rusch of Stolfus & Associates presented the final report. He noted that Buc-ee’s conducted its own traffic study, which the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) would review for the I-25 interchange. Stolfus analyzed traffic at the I-25 ramps, the Beacon Lite Road and County Line Road intersection, and the Spruce Mountain Road and County Line intersection near town, finding little impact at the Spruce Mountain Road intersection.

Rusch said Stolfus conducted its own traffic counts and trip-generation analysis to assess Buc-ee’s proposed improvements. To account for summer peak volumes, Stolfus adjusted its traffic counts. Key findings showed that I-25 would function more efficiently with Buc-ee’s upgrades, full access should be allowed in and out of the church at Beacon Lite Road, and Buc-ee’s may need to modify its middle access left turn to accommodate queueing.

Rusch addressed board-submitted questions on residential driveways along Beacon Lite and left turns onto County Line. He said Stolfus did not anticipate egress issues and noted a dedicated through lane for left turns. While Stolfus did not conduct a formal safety study, Rusch did not expect Buc-ee’s to impact I-25 operations. The firm did not examine Beacon Lite and Highway 105, as it does not anticipate significant southbound traffic from Buc-ee’s. Attendees then asked about the traffic study used, count dates, seasonal adjustments, and whether Stolfus accounted for future development which it did not.

Readers can find links to the agenda, packet, and meeting videos at bit.ly/250505-plbot-special.

Public hearing on annexation petition

On May 29, the board held a special meeting that included opening remarks from Town Attorney Scott Krob and a public hearing that began with a presentation from Nina Ruiz of Vertex Consulting Services, who represented the annexation petitioner Monument Ridge West LLC. The meeting included public comments and ended with a vote on Resolution 46-2025, which confirmed annexation eligibility.

The meeting was held in the Palmer Lake Town Hall. In anticipation of a large turnout, the hall was reconfigured, moving the trustees up to the area in front of the fireplace and adding extra seating for up to 120 attendees. A large-screen TV with a livestream of the meeting was installed on the patio of the Town Hall for those who could not be seated. At least 30 people listened from outside the hall, trying to stay dry as light rain fell. Some of them complained to the board that they had trouble hearing the livestream.

Above: Buc-ee’s annexation eligibility hearing in Palmer Lake Town Hall, May 29. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Attorney addresses litigation

In his remarks preceding the public hearing, Krob addressed litigation filed by Integrity Matters (IM), a local nonprofit watchdog group. Krob argued board meetings had met the requirement of the state’s “sunshine laws,” which simply require meetings to be announced 24 hours before they are held. Krob said a temporary restraining order requested by IM requiring the special meeting to be moved to a larger venue had been denied by the court, which also denied a second motion from IM which claimed the meeting was in fact a closed meeting because everyone could not be seated. Krob said the court agreed the special meeting was an open meeting and everyone who wanted to be heard would be heard.

Krob addressed other concerns about the annexation process that had been raised by the community. He said the town was required to have a three-mile plan in place before the final decision to annex, not before the annexation eligibility hearing. He explained the second annexation petition before the board at the special meeting sought to annex the entire width of County Line Road, not just the southern half, which means the necessary contiguity can be achieved with three annexations instead of six. He stressed the special meeting was only to address the question of eligibility, and other issues would be addressed during a later meeting at which the final decision about whether to annex would be made. He reviewed the state statutes governing eligibility for annexation.

Petitioner’s presentation

Following Krob’s remarks, Mayor Glant Havenar opened the public hearing and Ruiz discussed the legal requirements that must be met for eligibility. Ruiz said the petition met the requirements of C.R.S 31-12-104, specifically:

  • There is one-sixth contiguity between the town and the property to be annexed.
  • There was no intent to use the land, which is vacant, for agricultural purposes.
  • It was practical for the town to extend water service to the property on the same basis those services were provided to other citizens.
  • The property was within the three-mile limit.

She went on to address the requirements of C.R.S. 31-12-105, arguing:

  • The land to be annexed is under the ownership of a single person who has signed the annexation petition.
  • The land is not being annexed into two municipalities at the same time.
  • The annexation will not impact school district boundaries.
  • The annexation will not extend municipal boundaries by more than three miles.
  • An appropriate three-mile plan is in place.
  • Owners of adjacent land have been notified.
  • There are no additional requests to annex land along the path of the annexation.
  • The request seeks to annex both sides of County Line Road, even though it is not platted and this requirement does not apply.
  • Access is not denied by the annexation.
  • The owners have signed the annexation request.

Public comments

Havenar then opened the hearing to comments from the public. Many of the speakers raised issues outside the limits of eligibility, such as water availability, light pollution, loss of property value, and a potential increase in crime. Despite the efforts of Havenar and Trustees Kevin Dreher and Dennis Stern to limit remarks to eligibility, many speakers were determined to make their points, resulting in the speaker and the mayor or board member talking over each other. In two instances these exchanges became so heated that Havenar called five-minute recesses to allow tempers to cool. Most of the speakers were opposed to the travel center.

Marty Brodzik questioned the legality of the hearing, since necessary documents had not been prepared 25 days before it was held.

Linda Von Matre said the integrity of the annexation procedure was compromised, because some attendees of the hearing on Dec. 12 had been forced to stand outside the too-small venue in cold weather. She said she believed the outcome was predetermined and faulted Havenar for meeting with Buc-ee’s lobbyist Mark Waller when the rest of the board was not present.

Caitlin Quander, an attorney speaking on behalf of the Malone Family Foundation, which was instrumental in the creation of the Greenland Open Space just north of property, cited concerns with the ability to integrate the site into the town and with open space, wildlife, and dark skies. She said requirements to announce meetings had not been met and the resolution to declare the property eligible for annexation listed the owner of the property incorrectly. The Malone Family Foundation had spent more than $90 million on the open space, she said, and is prepared to do what is necessary to protect it.

Kat Gayle, chief legal counsel of Integrity Matters, argued the hearing needed to abide by open meetings laws and questioned whether a real “community of interest” could exist between the town and the travel center.

Darren Fike asked how the property could be eligible for annexation if the travel center would violate the town’s ordinances regarding light pollution.

Roy Martinez argued the notices to adjacent landowners were premature and therefore invalid.

Christie Beverly said the community of interest requirements, which are more stringent for “flagpole” annexations, were not met because the site could not be urbanized as the law requires due to the protected open space to the north and the residences to the south.

Todd Messenger, a lawyer representing the United Congregational Church, which owns land between the town and the property to be annexed, also questioned whether the community of interest requirements were met.

Trustee Amy Hutson asked Krob to clarify the concept of “community of interest.” Krob said there was confusion in the community on this point and that the term means there is a common interest between property to be annexed and the town, potentially in the areas of traffic or tax revenue, and it does not mean the annexation is in the best interest of the community. That is addressed in the next step of the annexation process, he said.

Krob addressed some of the points raised by the public comments. He explained the conservation easement affects the north side of the property and restricts commercial development within the easement. The applicant doesn’t intend to use that part of the property for commercial purposes, he said. He argued the proposed travel center meets the requirement for urbanization.

Ruiz said she agreed with Krob’s conclusions.

Approval by the board

Following the public hearing, the board voted on a version of Resolution 46-2025, which had been amended to show the correct name of the property owner. Trustees Shana Ball, Tim Caves, Dreher, Hutson, Stern, and Mayor Havenar voted in favor; Trustee Atis Jurka voted nay. With six votes, the resolution passed. The vote was met with boos and shouts from the crowd.

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The next regular board meetings are scheduled for June 12 and 26. See the town’s website at www.townofpalmerlake.com to confirm times and dates of board meetings and workshops. Meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the Town Hall. Information: 719-481-2953.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other Palmer Lake Board of Trustees articles

Monument Fire District, May 28 – Lease/purchase agreement revised; board secretary recognized; board vacancy

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District dba Monument Fire District (MFD) meeting on May 28, the board recognized Secretary Jason Buckingham for serving nine years as a board director, welcomed Director Cody Peterson, allocated the board positions, and discussed filling the seat vacated by Buckingham.

The board approved revised financing terms for the $18 million lease/purchase agreement for the rebuild of Station 3 and an engagement letter with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP for the lease/ purchase agreement. The board accepted a petition for inclusion of property, approved district finance guidelines, and received multiple updates including the status of the stations and the district administrative offices.

Director Randy Estes attended via Microsoft Teams.

Board director recognized

Fire Chief Andy Kovacs recognized Buckingham for serving in various capacities as a board director. Buckingham moved out of the district’s area of coverage in May and is no longer eligible to serve as a director. He thanked Buckingham for supporting the district, and he presented a commemorative plaque in recognition of his service to the district.

Battalion Chief Micah Coyle presented Buckingham with a commemorative firefighter statue on behalf of the Local 4319 International Firefighters Association members. He thanked Buckingham for his years of service and contributions to the district and said it is through dedicated board directors like Buckingham that the district has become a different organization over the past nine years.

Buckingham said the district has changed quite a bit since first joining the board and that the administration team has done a fabulous job turning the organization around. The last few years have been exciting with all the changes made, he said, with new stations and remodels, and he thanked the board and staff.

Above: From left, Battalion Chief Micah Coyle, Secretary Jason Buckingham, and Fire Chief Andy Kovacs are pictured at the May 28 Board of Directors meeting after recognizing Buckingham for his service to the district. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.

Board positions assigned

Kovacs welcomed Director Cody Peterson, a battalion chief at Hudson Fire Protection District. Peterson is filling the seat vacated by former President Mike Smaldino, and he requested the board assign the director positions.

The board unanimously approved the following board positions:

  • President Mark Gunderman
  • Vice President John Hildebrandt
  • Treasurer Tom Kelly
  • Secretary Duane Garrett

Board vacancy

Kovacs said the district has four residents known to the district with an interest in serving the remaining two years of Buckingham’s term. The board should consider letters of interest from the interested residents and interview the candidates before the next board meeting to allow the vacant seat to be filled within the allotted 60 days, said Kovacs.

In response to this reporters suggestion to consider a director that resides within the town limits, Hildebrandt said, “The board had entertained looking at different geographical areas when the districts came together with the merger.” Kovacs said the district does not currently elect directors via geographical areas, but it could be considered during this process.

The board unanimously approved of the four interested residents submitting letters of interest to Kovacs before board review.

Note: The board is made up of three directors from the former Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, and the remainder reside in unincorporated El Paso County.

Station 3 revised financing terms

Background: The board approved financing with Flagstar for the rebuild of Station 3 on April 23, with a lease/purchase agreement for $18 million at a fixed interest rate of 4.40%. The total cost to rebuild Station 3 is expected to be about $20.249 million, with $3 million already allocated in the 2025 budget. See https://wp.ocn.me/v25n5mfd./

Bond counsel Tim David said that because Flagstar will not be earning any income from the escrow funds, it is required to increase its interest rate by 10 basis points. This changes the approved 4.40% to 4.50%. The prior annual payment would have been almost $1.372 million, but will increase by $11,969, for an annual payment of almost $1.384 million. Flagstar has waived the $10,000 fee and is unable to hold the escrow account. He suggested the board decide on one of three presented escrow account choices.

In a roll-call vote, the board unanimously approved the revision to the Station 3 financing terms, and approved COLOTRUST as the escrow account holder.

The board also unanimously approved an engagement letter with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP for the lease/purchase agreement.

Financial update

Treasurer Tom Kelly said all revenue streams look good as the district is at 33.3% of the total budget year to date as of April 30. Impact fees are lagging but that will come along, he said. The combined overall revenue received year to date was about $9.330 million, or about 38.5% of the 2025 income projected annual revenue set at about $24.2 million. Overall expenses year to date were about $5.952 million, and about 31.7% of the projected expense budget set at about $18.7 million. The district had about $20.392 million in total checking/savings with about $14.721 million in the General Operations Fund, said Kelly.

The board unanimously accepted the financial report as presented.

Accreditation process

Kovacs said, “The Peer Team site visit from the Center for Public Safety Excellence for the accreditation program had gone well. The team are unpaid but compensated for travel, lodging, and food by the district. Accolades to Battalion Chief Scott Ridings for working diligently to prepare the district for the accreditation process. The team appreciated the district’s honesty, transparency, and hospitality, and made 14 recommendations to initiate before the district answers the commission’s questions in August. The district will have five years to complete the recommendations.”

Gunderman said, “The peer team indicated 14 recommendations, that is nothing compared to other districts seeking accreditation; kudos to the staff and Ridings for their hard work.”

District finance guidelines

Kovacs requested the board approve the district finance guidelines, and thanked Director of Administration Jennifer Martin for developing basic written guidelines for future staff to follow and in support of the district seeking accreditation. The accreditation program encouraged the district to create documents to explain district practices within each department, said Kovacs.

The board unanimously approved the district’s finance guidelines.

Community Wildfire Protection Plan

Division Chief of Community Risk Jonathan Bradley said the district’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan document was under final draft review by the Colorado State Forest Service and El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. The document describes the district, outlines risk assessment pertaining to wildland fires, shows how the district prioritizes mitigation projects and protects roadways’ ingress/egress, vegetation management, evacuation plans, and how the district works with governmental and non-governmental agencies. The document will help the district stay on task and prioritize, and allows access to grant money. The final draft will be used in planning for the 2026 budget, he said.

El Paso County Hazardous Materials Unit

Division Chief of Administration Jamey Bumgarner said that during the now-complete accreditation program, the district was required to identify the potential hazards within the district area of responsibility such as I-25, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway, and the Air Force Academy. The district has a partnership with the El Paso County hazmat team, and they requested the district host a team truck, already striped for the district, maintained by the county. The district staff are trained to respond to hazmat situations as certified hazmat operators, he said.

Station/construction updates

Bumgarner gave the following updates and said:

  • The district is on track to break ground for the Station 3 rebuild and is still projecting site prep and earth moving to begin in September/October. The construction phase is expected to take 12 months, for a late 2026 completion.
  • Crews are expected to re-occupy Station 2 on June 16. The remodel includes a fire pole to be installed in late June. A grand reopening is planned for July.
  • The district continues to work through the process of replatting the Station 1 property to accommodate a training center. The district has worked through the size of the building and what the district needs to fit on the site, and is waiting to receive the preliminary grading plan and pricing before approaching the TOM again for approval. Nothing will likely happen on the site until late August/September. The grading will likely be completed in time to install a training tower in July 2026.
  • Construction has begun at the rental property at 19775 Mitchell Ave. The building is receiving additional offices and bathrooms to accommodate all of the administrative staff. The property’s existing offices could be occupied in July by staff, and the construction phase is expected to be complete in August. The board approved up to $500,000 for the remodel project. See https://wp.ocn.me/v25n1mfd/.

Kovacs said the Administrative Office Suite 102 at 16055 Old Forest Point is being rented back to the district by the new property owner until the move is made to the Mitchell Avenue property.

Chief’s report

Kovacs said the staff will recommend an increase to impact fees during the 2026 budget, for implementation Jan. 1, 2026. And said:

  • The district is actively recruiting for FF/EMT and FF/Paramedic positions.
  • The Local 4319 presented four local high school students with $1,500 scholarships for higher education purposes.
  • The district staff completed 1,000 hours of training in April.
  • Black Forest Fire Protection District (BFFRPD) received 36 applications, with some out-of- state applicants, for the permanent fire chief position. He will be involved with the selection process in June.
  • The district responded to 12 EMS calls in the jurisdiction of BFFRPD in April, as part of a closest-unit response agreement between the districts.

Petition for inclusion

The board unanimously accepted a petition for inclusion of real property for joint owners Chad Calvert and Sara Hagedorn, and set a public hearing date of June 25, at 4:30 p.m., for 0 Walker Road, Colorado Springs, or 4165 Vista Heights Drive, Colorado Springs (pending).

The meeting adjourned at 6:14 p.m.

Above: From left, President Mark Gunderman and Firefighter Chris Harrison take a bucket ride on the new Pierce ladder tower truck/Engine 531 on May 28 at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105, Monument.
Above: The ladder was operated by Driver Operator/Engineer Tyler Brickell (pictured below the ladder). Vice President John Hildebrandt and Treasurer Tom Kelly also took a trip above the station in the bucket before the board meeting. Photos by Natalie Barszcz.

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Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday every month. The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 25 at 4:30 p.m. at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For Microsoft Teams virtual joining instructions, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

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Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, April 28, May 6 and 12 – Board awards well drilling contract, elects officers

By James Howald

At a special board meeting on April 28, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board approved a design for well 12R and awarded a drilling contract to Hydro Resources. The board held a second special meeting on May 6 to swear in two board members and elect board officers. At its regular board meeting on May 12, the board considered a license agreement with Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) to allow CSU to access one of its pump stations via land owned by WWSD. The board also heard operational reports. The meeting ended with an executive session.

Board chooses enhanced design for well

Rachael Frei, a project engineer with Bishop-Brogden Associates Inc., gave the board an overview of the project to drill a new well in the southwest corner of the South Woodmoor Preserve, adjacent to a cul-de-sac between two residential properties. Well 12R would replace well 12, which was constructed in 1990 and which suffered a loss of structure in 2022. Well 12 exceeded its projected 30-year life by two years, Frei said. It will be converted to a monitoring well.

Frei said well 12R will be drilled at one of the best locations in the district, where the Arapahoe aquifer is most productive, and is projected to provide about 200 gallons per minute, about 12% of the district’s annual well production. The location will reduce costs because it will minimize the length of the transmission line needed to convey the well’s water for treatment.

Frei said well 12R should be in production by 2027 and was projected to cost about $1.9 million. Some equipment that was purchased for well 12 in 2024 could be reused in well 12R, she said.

Frei presented two designs for the board to consider: a traditional municipal well design using a 40-slot stainless steel screen with silica sand gravel pack, and an enhanced municipal design using a 50-slot screen with glass bead gravel pack. Screens are the portion of the well casing that allow groundwater to enter the well and are designed to prevent sand from damaging pumps and to minimize energy consumption.

Glass beads increase well efficiency and yield, speed up well development, reduce mineral and biological fouling and mechanical plugging, and do not compact as the well ages. Glass beads are about 6% more expensive than silica sand and come from China or Germany, Frei said, and their availability and cost could be affected by tariffs. The enhanced design would cost about $600,000 more than the traditional design, according to Frei. She recommended the enhanced design, and the board voted to approve that choice.

Hydro Resources, KP Ventures, and Layne Christensen submitted bids to drill well 12R, Frei said. Hydro Resources submitted the low bid at $1.17 million for the enhanced design. Layne Christensen’s bid was $2.3 million and KP Ventures bid was $1.26 million. Frei recommended the board award the contract to Hydro Resources, which the board did with a unanimous vote.

Two board members sworn in; officers elected

At the May 6 meeting, Tom Roddam and Dana Franzen took their oaths of office. Roddam is serving his second term; Franzen is new to the board, replacing Director Dan Beley. Bill Clewe and Brian Bush were sworn in before the May 6 meeting.

Board Treasurer Roy Martinez nominated Bush for another term as president, arguing that the district was at a critical point in its history and needed a president who would provide continuity and “could hit the ground running.” The board voted unanimously to re-elect Bush as president.

Martinez nominated Franzen to replace him as treasurer due to Franzen’s background as an accountant, and the board elected Franzen to that role.

Clewe was excused from the meeting but had previously indicated his willingness to continue as secretary. The board voted to keep him in that position. Clewe was also elected to serve as the board liaison with the Joint Use Committee, which oversees the operations of the Tri-Lakes Waste Water Treatment Facility, which WWSD shares with the Towns of Monument and Palmer Lake.

Roddam and District Manager Jessie Shaffer were elected to continue as WWSD’s representatives on the Chilcott Ditch Co. board.

Board grants CSU access

Shaffer asked the board to consider executing a license agreement with CSU that would allow CSU to access its Williams Creek Pump Station through a portion of the Woodmoor Ranch, which is southeast of the Town of Fountain. CSU sought access so its staff could make operational adjustments and perform maintenance at the pump station without a more lengthy drive to the station on Highway 94. The agreement does not permit use of WWSD land by construction equipment or by CSU subcontractors without written permission from WWSD, Shaffer said. The board voted unanimously to provide the access requested.

Operational reports

In his first financial report, Franzen commented on the strength of the district’s balance sheet. He noted a $170,000 charge for insurance, which Office Manager Cory Lynch explained was paid upfront and amortized through the year. The board approved Franzen’s report.

Reporting on the Woodmoor Ranch, Shaffer said 2025 was the last year the district would be re-establishing native grasses as required by the conversion of the water rights at the ranch from agricultural to municipal uses. In 2026 and 2027 the district would switch to maintenance issues such as weed control and mowing. Shaffer said the district employees who have been working at the ranch might transition to new jobs maintaining water and sewer pipelines and providing backup for other employees.

In his Manager’s Report, Shaffer gave the board an update on the Loop, a water reuse project in which WWSD is one of three participating districts. Contracts to design and pilot test the Loop’s water treatment plant, and to engineer the project’s pipelines and pump stations, have been awarded, he said. Merrick and Co. is working on a request for proposal (RFP) to do a feasibility study of reservoir expansion. That RFP should be published by the end of May and a contract awarded in June, according to Shaffer.

Shaffer also mentioned that the Loop was discussing financing methods with several companies that specialize in public-private partnerships, which are collaborations in which the private partner finances, plans and executes projects needed by governmental entities such as water and sanitation districts.

Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine told the board that the meter for well 22 had been replaced and two leaks had been identified, one on White Fawn Drive and one on Higby Road, which would require traffic control plans to be drawn up before repairs could begin. LaFontaine also commended Woodmoor Public Safety officers for reporting an unpermitted contractor who was using water from a district hydrant without permission.

Executive session

The May 12 meeting ended with an executive session to determine negotiating positions and receive legal advice about potential agreements with Lewis Palmer School District 38.

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The next meeting is on June 9 at 1 p.m. Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the district office at 1845 Woodmoor Drive. Please see www.woodmoorwater.com or call 719-488-2525 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

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Donala Water and Sanitation District, May 5 – Directors sworn in; district offices temporarily closed

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

The Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) board met in May at the Fairfield Inn to swear in directors and appoint officers of the board. The meeting was relocated due to the temporary closure of the district’s offices. The board considered changes to the method used to calculate sanitation charges. The board heard operational reports and ended the meeting with an executive session.

Judd returns to board; officers remain unchanged

Wayne Vanderschuere and Kenneth Judd took their oaths of office at the May meeting. Vanderschuere is able to serve another term on the board due to the recent removal of term limits for DWSD board members by the district’s voters. Judd has previously served as a DWSD director and is returning after a four-year absence from the board.

The board voted to keep its slate of officers in place: Vanderschuere was elected to another term as president, and Bill George and Kevin Deardorff will continue as vice president and secretary.

Above: At its May 15 board meeting, Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) swore in Directors Wayne Vanderschuere and Kenneth Judd. Vanderschuere was re-elected after a special election removed term limits for board members. Judd returns to the board after a four-year absence. The meeting was held at the Fairfield Inn because of the temporary closure of DWSD’s headquarters on Holbein Drive due to a well drilling. From left are Vanderschuere, Accounts Payable Specialist Christina Hawker, and Judd. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Offices closed while drilling underway

Due to the well 7D redrilling project in the parking lot of the district offices on Holbein Drive, the district offices are temporarily closed for safety reasons. The parking lot is closed and there will be no public access to the district offices until the project is complete in about five to six weeks. The drop box for payments has moved to the secondary driveway west of the office building, accessible from Holbein Drive, and customers can call 719-488-3603 to contact district staff with questions or to make payments by phone. A second payment drop box is available at the King Soopers on Baptist Road.

Check the DWSD website at www.donalawater.org for updates about the office closure and the location of board meetings.

Above: Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) well 7D-R re-drilling is underway. With 40-foot sound walls visible from Baptist Road, the DWSD headquarters on Holbein Drive is temporarily closed until drilling is complete. The payment box has been moved to the western driveway, and a second payment box is available at the King Soopers on Baptist Road. Customers are encouraged to call 719-488-3603 with any questions and check the website at www.donalawater.com for updated information. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Sanitation rate calculation reconsidered

The board discussed changes to the method it uses to calculate sanitation charges to address two problem cases: where a water leak is present during the charge calculation period, resulting in too high a charge, and when “snowbirds”—customers who spend the winter months outside the district—have no water usage during the calculation period, resulting in too low a charge. Sanitation charges are calculated based on water usage during the winter months and assume that every gallon of water delivered during those months will result in a gallon of wastewater produced because customers will not be using any water for outdoor irrigation during the winter months.

Accounts Payable Specialist Christina Hawker proposed that the district add a sanitation charge adjustment request form that customers could use to ask for a review when a water leak occurs during the months when the usage is calculated. If a water leak was proven, the district should calculate the charge using a different but comparable month, Hawker said. For snowbirds, Hawker suggested the use of a minimum rate that would be calculated annually by averaging the water usage of the first quartile of all customers. Hawker estimated about 400, or about 15%, of the district’s customers would be affected by the changes. She said she would draft the policy changes for the board to consider at its July meeting and pointed out if the policy changes were approved, the district would have to announce them 30 days before they took effect.

Operational reports

In his financial report, General Manager Jeff Hodge noted the district had received half of the revenue it expects from property taxes. Expenses will increase as projects proceed. The board approved Hodge’s report.

In his manager’s report, Hodge summed up recent developments in the Loop, a water reuse project in which DWSD is one of three participating districts. He said a “request for proposal” to design the pipelines and pump stations needed to convey water from Fountain Creek to customers had been published. A kickoff meeting with Burns & McDonnell, the company that will design and pilot test the water treatment facility for the Loop, had been held.

Ways to finance the Loop were being investigated, Hodge said, adding the Loop’s board was discussing options with Piper Sandler, the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority, Tallgrass Water, Holman Capital, and Meridiam. Public-private partnerships were being considered as well as traditional funding methods.

Superintendent of Water Operations Ronny Wright told the board that conditions were very dry at Willow Creek Ranch, one of the district’s sources of renewable surface water. Wright said new pumps that would allow the automatic dispensing of chemicals based on water flows were being discussed for the Holbein Water Treatment Facility.

Waste Plant Operator Aaron Tolman noted the equipment for ultraviolet disinfection had been replaced and the wastewater treatment plant’s 35-year-old generator had undergone repairs and was being tested more frequently than it had been previously.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to give Hodge his annual review.

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The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 19 at 1:30 p.m. Generally, board meetings are held the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. and include online access; call (719) 488-3603 or access www.donalawater.org to receive up-to-date meeting information. The district office is located at 15850 Holbein Drive, Colorado Springs.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

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El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, May 15 – Board officers elected

By James Howald

The May meeting of the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) board was the first held following a change to the authority’s charter that requires each participating district to name two representatives to the Loop board when there are three or fewer districts participating in the project.

The Donala Water and Sanitation District is now represented by Jeff Hodge, its general manager, and Christina Hawker, its Accounts Payable specialist; the Town of Monument by Madeline VanDenHoek, its town manager, and Tom Tharnish, its director of Public Works; and the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District by Jessie Shaffer, its district manager, and Dan La Fontaine, its Operations superintendent.

The board appointed officers and heard financial and operational reports.

Officers elected

The board elected Shaffer to another term as board president. Hawker was elected as treasurer and Tharnish as secretary. At the recommendation of Nicole Peykov, the Loop’s attorney, all board members were elected as assistant secretaries.

Financial report

Corbin Fromm, of Fromm of Fromm and Co. LLC, the Loop’s accountants, told the board that invoices totaling $54,000 had been received in April for engineering, legal and accounting work. The board voted unanimously to authorize Fromm to pay the invoices.

Fromm said he had submitted a request for $138,000 to the El Paso Board of County Commissioners and was preparing another request for $110,000. The requests are being made against the $4 million provided by the Biden administration’s American Recovery Plan Act to get the Loop project through its beginning stages. The Loop had spent about $141,000, or about 3%, of its 2025 budget, Fromm said. Shaffer commented that he expected invoices from the engineering firms with whom the Loop has contracted to arrive soon, at which time expenses will increase.

Operational report

Mark Valentine, the Loop’s interim workflow manager, told the board he met with Burns and McDonnell, the company selected to design and test the Loop’s water treatment plant, to discuss scoping and contracting.

Valentine updated the board on requests for proposal (RFPs) that are out for bid or being written. The RFP to design the 28 miles of pipelines and five pumping stations required to convey water from Fountain Creek to customers in the participating districts has been published and companies are submitting questions to him. Valentine said he expected proposals for the board to review as soon as the next day.

An RFP to study the feasibility of expanding the Calhan Reservoir was being prepared and would be ready for the board to comment on in a week, Valentine said. Western States Land Services LLC was working on acquiring easements, he said.

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The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 19 at 9 a.m. Regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall at 645 Beacon Lite Road. Workshop meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Monument Town Hall. Please see loopwater.org or call 719-488-3603 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

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Monument Sanitation District, May 21 – Manhole overflow threatens Monument Lake

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald

In his Manager’s Report at the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) meeting in May, District Manager Mark Parker spoke about a wastewater release that required an emergency response from the district and led to a discussion about ownership of the manhole in question. The board heard comments from its auditor on the 2024 draft audit, welcomed Shannon Clark to the board, and elected officers.

Raspberry Point Townhomes manhole fails

Parker told the board that while he was traveling in Arizona in April he was contacted by Cheran Allsup, MSD’s accounts administrator, concerning a manhole that was releasing wastewater. He determined that the manhole was privately owned by the Raspberry Point Townhomes, which are on Raspberry Lane just north of Monument Lake. Parker decided to involve the district in addressing the issue due to the possibility that the wastewater could reach the lake. He called a contractor to clear the service line to the manhole and deal with standing wastewater. He reported the wastewater release to the state and determined that MSD does not have the manhole listed on its maps.

On May 14, the district received another call regarding an overflow from the same manhole. Parker had the service line examined by video camera and found a second portion that needed to be cleaned out. A belly, or low point, in the line was also detected. He called a contractor that got the line flowing a second time.

The homeowners association (HOA) for the Raspberry Point Townhomes believes that the service line and manhole belong to MSD, but there is no documentation establishing ownership, Parker said. The HOA told Parker it had a verbal agreement with a previous MSD district manager that MSD owns the manhole.. MSD has spent $5,000 to $7,000 on the problem, Parker said, adding the total cost is not clear yet because not all the invoices have been received.

Parker said he would continue to work with the HOA to determine ownership and would keep the board informed. He also thanked the Town of Monument and the Triview Metropolitan District for providing equipment that was used to keep the spill from reaching the lake.

2024 draft audit

Derek Watada, of Olson, Reyes & Sauerwein LLC, the district’s auditors, gave the board preliminary results of the 2024 audit. Watada said there were no major issues but noted that some bank accounts were not accurately reconciled and needed to be adjusted. He said the small size of the district’s staff made it challenging to segregate duties but he felt the district was properly mitigating this by having the entire board review the district’s finances.

Watada said the district was handling its accounts payable on a cash basis but its financial reporting on an accrual basis. He recommended moving to an accrual basis across the board and said his company or Haynie & Co., the district’s accountants, could help to make the district’s financial matters consistent. The board voted to approve Watada’s audit report.

Clark joins the board; officers elected

Shannon Clark joined the board at its May meeting, having been sworn in the previous day along with Director Skip Morgan. Clark replaces John Howe, who was term limited after serving two terms. Clark said she had served on the Town of Monument’s Home Rule Commission but had never served on any other board.

The board voted to elect Dan Hamilton to serve a second term as board president and to elect Janet Ladowski to remain as board secretary. Tony Archer was elected treasurer, a role previously held by Howe. Morgan will continue as the board liaison with the Joint Use Committee (JUC), which oversees the Tri-Lakes Waste Water Treatment Facility. The Town of Monument operates the facility jointly with the Town of Palmer Lake and the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District. Clark will serve as Morgan’s alternate on the JUC.

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Monument Sanitation District meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the district conference room at 130 Second St., Monument. The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 18. See https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org. For a district service map, see https://MonumentSanitationDistrict.org/district-map. Information: 719-481-4886.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

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Triview Metropolitan District, May 22 – Bond passes; new board directors welcomed

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on May 22, the board approved a resolution to reimburse the district for expenses incurred before the approved $12.6 million bond is issued for the Higby Road widening project. The board heard a traffic study was in progress, and that the consumer confidence water study was complete and available to the public. The board also received an update on the efforts to reduce the unaccounted/unbilled water loss, welcomed the recently elected directors, and bid farewell to the outgoing directors. The board held an executive session to discuss the purchase and sale of water and land, economic incentive agreements, and agreements with the Town of Monument (TOM), and other governmental and private entities.

Election results

The district held an election on May 6 to determine three board of director positions from a pool of four candidates vying for three seats to be vacated due to the district’s eight-year term limitation policy. The election judges’ abstract of votes for the four-year term candidates were:

  • Erik Demkowicz 337 votes
  • John M Gibbons 345 votes
  • Ann-Marie Jojola 334 votes
  • Michael Gerald McEwen 318 votes

Gibbons and Jojola were sworn in as board directors during the May board meeting. Demkowicz signed his oath of office on May 20, and a public swearing-in ceremony will take place at the June meeting. The board decided to defer assigning board positions until June. The election results can be found at: www.triviewmetro.com.

Note: Ballots were mailed to each eligible voter residing in the district’s 2,315 homes.

Bond issuance

The May 6 ballot included a $12.6 million bond question to widen Higby Road from Jackson Creek Parkway through to Harness Road. Ballot question A passed with 60.42% yes and 39.58% no, or 344 votes for and 230 votes against.

District Manager James McGrady said, “The district is working with a bond underwriter to develop an official statement and expects to market the bonds in early to mid-July, sell the bonds late July, and potentially close the bonds for Higby Road late July. The bond market is unstable, and it did not help that Moody’s downgraded the U.S. government credit rating; the markets are in a bit of turmoil during the tariff impacts and the “big, beautiful bill” impact. The district will be watching the market and may delay the 30-year bond to late August before issuing the bonds, in an effort to lock in an interest rate lower than 4.96%. Everything may calm down, and maybe the Federal Reserve will lower the interest rate again. The district had bids on the project of about $6 million three years ago, and now the cost has doubled.”

McGrady said a common practice is to have a resolution to allow the district to reimburse itself should costs be incurred for the Higby Road widening project before the issuance of the $12.6 million bond. He requested the new board review and consider approval of Resolution 2025-06, a resolution of the TMD Board of Directors, declaring its official intent to reimburse itself with the proceeds of tax-exempt bonds for certain capital expenditures undertaken or to be undertaken by the district in relation to costs and purchases for the Higby Road project.

The board unanimously approved the resolution.

Traffic study underway

McGrady said Kimley-Horn is conducting a traffic study in the area of Lyons Tail Road and Jackson Creek Parkway to determine traffic control methods to improve safety and traffic flow. The study is expected to cost about $23,000, lower than anticipated due to a recent traffic study completed by Kimley-Horn for the developer of the proposed commercial area south of Blevins Buckle Trail that included traffic from Lewis Palmer High School during the school year, said McGrady. See https://wp.ocn.me.v25n5tmd/.

Assistant manager’s report

Assistant Manager Steve Sheffield said he had attended CPR and first aid training with the entire field staff, and he thanked Public Works and Parks and Open Space Superintendent Matt Rayno for setting up the one-day certification. The district felt this was a good certification for the district crews who interact with the public. And he said:

  • The district has 31 old commercial meters remaining to be replaced with Badger meters. It is hoped that the new meter replacements will shrink the amount of unbilled water.
  • He and district Water and Sewer Line Inspector Kevin Fackerell is working on the engineering standards to ensure compliance with the latest construction practices.
  • The RESPEC team is updating the district’s Water and Sewer Master Plan. The plan looks at projections for both water and sewer and advises staff on how to plan accordingly for growth. The completed revised plans are expected by the end of 2025.

2025 water quality reports available

Water Treatment Superintendent Gary Potter said the district’s statement and 2025 Consumer Confidence Report, using 2024 data, are available at www.triviewmetro.com and this year include the Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) water quality report. The majority of the district’s water is being conveyed, treated, and delivered by CSU, and the annual water quality reports are required by the state, said Potter.

Unaccounted/unbilled water

Potter said the district produced 18.881 million gallons of water during the April billing cycle, of which 16.940 million gallons were sold to customers, leaving about 1.9 million gallons unaccounted. The staff is trying to determine if the loss is perceived loss or actual loss, and after verifying the accuracy of the production meters, in an effort to narrow the gap that is down for the past couple of months, the staff is also:

  • Working toward completing the meter replacement program to verify the accuracy of customer meters. Typically, ageing water meters allow more water through than they meter, so it is in the customers’ favor and not an actual loss.
  • Using a district-wide pressure map of six water zones, the staff is able to target areas to locate and repair leaks in the district’s irrigation service lines.
  • Working with Timber Line Electric and Control Corp. to integrate some additional meters into the SCADA reporting system.
  • Also:
  • The May water loss report will break down the water loss by pressure zone to help narrow the gap.
  • The aim is to track how many gallons are missing against tracking percentages throughout the year. The percentage varies from high to low season, when irrigation is not in use.

Demkowicz asked if the fire hydrants are metered within the district’s construction zones.

Potter said, “The hydrants are metered and construction companies are required to collect a fire hydrant meter from the district, and those meter numbers are then reported to the billing staff. There have been instances when Monument Fire Department (MFD) [has] used fire hydrants unmetered during training activity, and in an emergency, you do what you have to do. The district does not charge MFD for using fire hydrant water and continues to work with MFD to help account for the district’s water use.”

McGrady said, “The price to deliver the district’s water to the district via CSU is $9.39 per 1,000 gallons, so when thousands of gallons of water are spewing out unmetered during firefighter training, it is real money. The district is paying a pretty penny for the convey, treat, and deliver service from CSU and does not want a big gap between produced water and sold water. The rate studies conducted to assess consumer rates assume there is a closed balance, and the unaccounted 2 to 3 million gallons found over the past few months does not help the district’s finances. MFD [has] a meter to use for training, and the Fire Department [is] now reporting the gallon usage after opening the fire hydrants for training purposes.”

Utility update

Potter said the following:

  • The Forest Lakes Metropolitan District Sanitary Survey was completed in early May.
  • The district’s Sanitary Survey is anticipated later this summer.
  • The wastewater flume has been recalibrated and appears to be reading accurately at the Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (UMCRWWTF). A laser flow meter will be installed upstream of the flume to verify accuracy. Historically, the effluent meters were not matching the two combined influent meters to the UMCRWWTF.
  • The Northern Delivery System produced 91% of the water for the district in April with 1.64 million gallons produced by wells.

Financial update

The board accepted the April financial report and approved 20 checks over $5,000 for almost $1.344 million. Of note was the payment of $627,922 for a budgeted capital project: enterprise water improvements for the Arkansas Valley Irrigation Co. augmentation station/diversion structure/recharge pond.

McGrady said, “This time last month the district was substantially trailing 2024 in sales tax revenue, collected under the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between the TOM and TMD. The district receives 1.5% of the 3% sales tax revenue collected by the TOM from businesses within TMD, and a portion of Monument Police Department sales tax. The district has about $11 million in the bank, with only a little revenue received since October 2024. Funds will increase dramatically as the water sales grow during the summer months. The district initially had to charge 35 mills for the debt service, but with increased growth the district has lowered the mills to 14. The district is making serious progress and has less than 20 years to go before the debt service is paid down.”

The board unanimously approved the checks and accepted the financial report.

Executive session

The board moved into an executive session at 8:51 p.m. to discuss the purchase, acquisition, lease, transfer, or sale of real, personal, or other property interests needed by the district, pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) section 24-6-402(a), and to receive legal advice pursuant to CRS section 24-6-402(4)(b), as it relates to water matters and agreements with the Town of Monument (TOM), and other governmental and private entities. The session also determined the district’s positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations, related to the purchase and sale of water and land, economic incentive agreements, and agreements with the TOM, and other governmental and private entities pursuant to CRS, section 24-6-402(4)(e).

Sheffield confirmed to this reporter that when the board returned to the regular session at 9:33 p.m., no action was taken by the board, and the meeting promptly adjourned.

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Above: From left, Vice President Anthony Sexton, Secretary/Treasurer James Barnhart, and President Mark Melville appear at the TMD Administrative Offices after receiving hand-blown crystal commemorative plaques in recognition of their eight-year service to the district. The plaques read: “Great achievements are nurtured with the cooperation of many minds with a common vision working toward a common goal.” McGrady thanked the board for its contribution to the district and said the board had been the easiest to work with and he cannot thank them enough for trusting him to do the right thing for the district’s future. Gross read a letter of thanks to the outgoing board directors during the farewell ceremony. Photo by Natalie Barszcz. See also the Letter to Our Community from the Triview board.

Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at the district office located at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302. The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 19 at 5:30 p.m. A board workshop is scheduled June 20 from 9 to noon, to update the board directors on Special District Association matters. For meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit https://triviewmetro.com.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

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Woodmoor Improvement Association, May 28 – Board announces fire education

By Jackie Burhans

The Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) board met on May 28 to discuss fire education and mitigation efforts and upcoming changes to rules and regulations, and to revisit prairie dog infestation.

Fire education

Director of Forestry Jason Hann announced the first education seminar, hosted by the Monument Fire Department, on June 14 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Barn. Division Chief Jonathan Bradley will cover wildfire hazard management, vegetation and forest health, area features, and ingress/egress. RSVP by June 6 to justin@woodmoor.org, denise@woodmoor.org, or 719-488-2693.

Hann also reported on free chipping days at Lewis-Palmer High School on June 21-22 and July 26-27. The site will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Residents may drop off wood, branches up to 8 inches in diameter, pine needles, pine cones, and junipers. The contractor will not accept trash, weeds, yucca, nails, wire, rocks, grass clippings, or bagged leaves. For details, contact Forestry Administrator Justin Gates.

Prairie dogs return

President Brian Bush said the board received a request to repeat prairie dog mitigation in the South Woodmoor Preserve. Last September, after research and discussion, the board chose carbon monoxide over aluminum phosphide due to environmental concerns. Though not a permanent solution, he said they didn’t expect the issue to return so soon.

Vice President Peter Bille noted that Architectural Control Administrator Bob Pearsall received a quote similar to last year’s, as the treatment covers the same number of holes, though the activity status is unclear. Pearsall will secure a second quote before the board reviews it in June.

Bush urged the board to reconsider aluminum phosphide, a lower-cost option. Bille confirmed its USDA approval but noted the requirement for warning signs. Bush voiced concerns about mitigating amid ongoing construction. Director of Common Areas Steve Cutler warned that waiting until September would reset conditions and suggested leveling mounds post-mitigation.

Updates to rules and regulations

Director of Public Safety Brad Gleason requested that WIA’s next rules update include electric vehicle regulations for common areas. Hann noted rising unicycle use, while Cutler opposed mini-bikes but supported pedal-assist e-bikes.

Highlights

  • Treasurer: Bush, speaking for Treasurer Pete Giusti, reported strong finances and lower expenses.
  • Covenants: Director Jennifer Davis reported 21 cases, three unfounded complaints, and 16 ongoing or resolved issues. No hearings occurred in May or are scheduled for June. Bush asked the covenants administrator to verify a tall weeds complaint and send a mowing request letter. He also urged residents to document loose dogs in the Preserve and notify Woodmoor Public Safety at 719-499-9771.
  • Public Safety: Gleason warned of increased mail theft during graduation season. He recommended USPS Informed Delivery (usps.com) and lockable mailboxes. He said new WPS vehicles have arrived and will be outfitted by the end of the month. The board approved an extended warranty for the newest car.
  • HOA: Administrator Denise Cagliaro requested approval to replace windows and an external door, citing insulation issues. The board approved the low bid of $38,100 from a contractor who previously worked on the Barn. Bush noted the money would come from reserves.
  • Architectural Control: Director Ed Miller reported 52 project submissions in April, 35 of which were approved administratively and 16 by the Architectural Control Committee—a 29% drop from last year while maintaining a 96.7% approval rate. Bush noted positive community feedback.
  • Forestry: Hann said Gates is handling numerous fire mitigation grant inquiries. WIA completed 10 forestry and Firewise visits in April.
  • Common Areas: Cutler reported that a Boy Scout had installed three benches along the Preserve trail for his Eagle Scout project.

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The WIA Board of Directors usually meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Barn at 1691 Woodmoor Drive, Monument. The next meeting will be on June 25.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

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Letters to Our Community – Thank you to the outgoing board members

Over the past eight years, Triview Metropolitan District has been transformed from a region facing critical water shortages with limited preparation for the future to one with sufficient renewable and reuseable water resources for our grandchildren and beyond. This would not have been possible without the leadership and vision of the outgoing members of the Triview Board of Directors: President Mark Melville, Vice President Anthony Sexton, and Secretary/Treasurer James Barnhart.

Their hard work led to the purchase of more than 2,100 acre-feet of renewable water resources, covering 95% of Triview’s future water needs. In collaboration with Colorado Springs Utilities and Forest Lakes, Triview developed the Northern Delivery System to deliver water from as far away as Buena Vista and Pueblo to Triview customers. Triview can also develop two reservoirs which will enable us to store 19,500 acre-feet of water, making Triview drought resistant and an excellent partner for other municipalities.

They foresaw the need to improve Triview’s roads. In 2019 they directed the widening of Jackson Creek Parkway. It would cost twice as much to build today. This award-winning improvement anticipated the arrival of new commercial partners to provide services and reduce the tax burden on Triview’s homeowners. They led the charge to widen Higby Road, which will result in safety improvements around Lewis-Palmer High School and ease emergency response and community evacuation in case of wildfires.

Mark, Anthony, and James, thank you for setting Triview up for success. And to our friends and neighbors, if you see Mark, Anthony, or James, please give them a big thank you. The investment you have made in your home and community is more secure due to their efforts.

Amanda Carlton, Erik Demkowicz, John Gibbons, Jason Gross, and Anne-Marie Jojola Triview Board of Directors

Our Community News welcomes letters to the editor on topics of general interest to readers in the Tri-Lakes area. Guidelines for letters are found here. The information and opinions expressed in Letters to Our Community are the responsibility of the letter writers and should not be interpreted as the views of OCN even if the letter writer is an OCN volunteer. When there is more than one letter, the letters are arranged in alphabetical order based on the last name of the author.

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Letters to Our Community – Tri-Lakes Women’s Club gets thanks

Thank you to the Tri-Lakes Women’s Club for granting the money to purchase a box set of 10 Bouncy Bands. The Bouncy Band chair bands slide onto the legs of student desks or chairs and allow students to fidget quietly using their feet and stay focused without distracting other students. Studies have shown that students stay on task nearly 10% longer with the chair bands! I am so grateful to have the Tri-Lakes Women’s Club’s support. Having chair bands helps students focus and relieve stress. I currently have some chair bands, but not enough for every student’s desk, and my students have been begging for all of my chairs to have their own Bouncy Bands! My students love having a Bouncy Band on their desk, and now everyone will have their own, thanks to the Tri-Lakes Women’s Club! My students and I are very grateful for your support!

Mrs. Molly Ketchell, LPHS math teacher

Our Community News welcomes letters to the editor on topics of general interest to readers in the Tri-Lakes area. Guidelines for letters are found here. The information and opinions expressed in Letters to Our Community are the responsibility of the letter writers and should not be interpreted as the views of OCN even if the letter writer is an OCN volunteer. When there is more than one letter, the letters are arranged in alphabetical order based on the last name of the author.

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A Perspective on Our Community – Flying Horse North change of plans

By Terry Stokka

Reprinted by permission of the New Falcon Herald

It isn’t often that a developer spends a lot of money designing a residential development that is approved and then completely changes his mind and spends a lot more money designing a totally different development that is also approved and then changes his mind once again, going back to the original plan. The whole process and all it entails is expensive and mind boggling.

The owner of this complicated story is Classic Homes and the development is Flying Horse North. The original plan was for 283 lots 2.5 acres or larger. The lots covered only half of the parcel, so the remaining acreage was an 18-hole golf course and park space. The total area was 1,410 acres with a density of 5 acres per lot. The Black Forest Land Use Committee accepted the plan despite wishing the open space could be undeveloped trees and wildlife habitat, but the developer desired the “open space” to be the golf course and the county commissioners approved it.

Filing 1 for the development was for 81 lots and the golf course. Those lots are almost completely built-out with large, beautiful homes. Filing 2 was for just one lot under a special circumstance. For many months no further filings were submitted. Then a totally new sketch plan was submitted that changed the remaining 201 lots into 846 city-size lots plus a luxury 275-room hotel. The Land Use Committee was shocked at this change. The new plan would build a small town in the middle of Black Forest.

The negative consequences would be a five-fold increase in traffic through Filing 1 with the attendant congestion, light pollution, drainage problems, and a few other issues. The new plan would require a central water and wastewater system encompassing several deep wells, piping, water treatment, and massive expenditures for the infrastructure. As expected, the county commissioners approved the new sketch plan with the startling statement that they believed the new plan “generally conformed” to the old plan.

The new plan required many additional months of planning, dealing with water and wastewater issues and fleshing out the details. They then submitted Filing 3 under the old, approved plan since the new plan had not yet been fully approved. Now we are working under two plans at the same time. Filing 3 had lots of 2.5 acres surrounding the golf course.

Several months later, Filing 4 was submitted with lots 2.5 acres or larger. Soon after that, Filing 5 was submitted with lots 2.5 acres or larger. This was all in the area where the second plan had envisioned about 400 city-size lots.

In March 2025, Classic submitted Filings 6 and 7 for the remainder of the property composed of all 2.5-acre lots or larger, so that completes the story of the return to the original plan. The area where the hotel had been envisioned was labeled “golf course.” Classic Homes has gone back to the original plan of lots 2.5 acres or larger.

We are breathing a collective sigh of relief to not have the town of Flying Horse North in the middle of Black Forest with associated streetlights, traffic, green lawns, and congestion. We will be able to be proud of Flying Horse North and its beautiful homes on large lots. We say thank you to Classic Homes for going back to the original plan. Who knew that this development would jump through so many hoops and spend so much money on two different plans, only to return to the original plan.

Terry Stokka may be reached at contact@friendsofblackforest.org.

Note: OCN uses A Perspective on Our Community to run opinion pieces that are too long to run as Letters to Our Community, which are limited to 300 words.

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Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Let’s get cooking!

By the staff at Covered Treasures

“The secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.”—Mark Twain

Start the summer off with some fun cookbooks! Whether you are cooking for one person or for the whole family, here are some you will want to explore.

The Complete Cookbook for Teen Chefs: 70+ Teen-Tested and Teen-Approved Recipes to Cook, Eat and Share

By America’s Test Kitchen (America’s Test Kitchen Kids) $22

For the first time ever, America’s Test Kitchen Kids is bringing its rigorous testing, kitchen knowhow, and hands-on learning to teenagers in the kitchen. Fiercely independent and searching for culinary adventure, teen chefs are ready for exciting, global recipes made to share with friends and family—with the support of fundamental kitchen techniques and approachable instruction. This book is filled with over 70 recipes that have been tested and approved by thousands of teens from across the country.

Easy Weeknight Dinners: 100 Fast, Flavor-Packed Meals for Busy People Who Still Want Something Good to Eat

By Emily Weinstein (Ten Speed Press) $35

For busy people who want something good to eat, culinary powerhouse New York Times Cooking makes meal planning easy, with thousands of recipes to explore in the app. In Easy Weeknight Dinners, editor-in-chief Emily Weinstein has curated some of the greatest hits—100 favorite dishes that you can make in as little as 10 minutes. Whether you’re seeking a standout meal for one, crowd-pleasers for picky kids, or something special for company, Easy Weeknight Dinners offers versatile, flavor-packed meals for busy lives.

Super-Italian: More Than 110 Indulgent Recipes Using Italy’s Healthiest Foods

By Giada de Laurentiis (Rodale Books) $35

From the day Giada De Laurentiis started cooking professionally, her fundamental formula for making meals memorable has not changed: Good cooking = technique + ingredients + ambience. This same formula is the key to good health when you choose ingredients that promote wellness, cook them simply, and eat them joyfully. In her skillful hands, a pantry of Italian superfoods is the starting point to better health and longevity. By using carbs and fats mindfully and amplifying vegetables, lean proteins, and flavor-boosting superfoods at every meal, De Laurentiis shows how easy it is to eat like an Italian. With 100 stunning photographs of finished meals and their superfood components, De Laurentiis teaches us that when you start with truly excellent, minimally processed ingredients, simply prepared, you can have your pasta and eat it too!

Pretty Delicious: Simple, Modern Mediterranean, Served with Style

By Alia Elkaffas (Clarkson Potter Publishers) $33

This debut cookbook from social media sensations The Food Dolls, with more than 110 simply sophisticated, fresh, and vibrant dishes with a Mediterranean twist. Originally from Egypt and now living in the Midwest, sisters Alia and Radwa Elkaffas created their Food Dolls platform to answer the question of how to put an exciting and healthful meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. Fresh, streamlined, healthful, and proven family-friendly, Pretty Delicious will inspire you with dozens of ingenious ways to level up dinner.

Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy

By Tieghan Gerard (Clarkson Potter Publishers) $33

In her fourth cookbook, Gerard returns with a collection of more than 120 recipes that reflect the way she cooks now: simple ingredients, easy to get on the table, short on time yet big on flavor. This collection leans into the comfort food she’s known for, but with an eye toward getting it ready in a hurry. With many recipes doable in one pot or pan, most in under 45 minutes, and a more-is-more focus on flavor (but not ingredients), you’ll be feasting fast.

Cooking for One: Scaled Recipes, No-Waste Solutions, and Time-Saving Tips

By Kate Morton (Mariner Books) $20

Cooking for One helps you make cooking for yourself special without becoming a chore with unfussy yet utterly appealing meals that rely on ingredients you already have on hand. Taking care to prepare a meal for yourself is a different experience than cooking for others. It can be a fun, casual, and (of course) delicious affair, but there are challenges, from avoiding a fridge full of half-used ingredients to ending up with leftovers that become boring after the third reheat.

Until next month, happy reading.

The Covered Treasures Bookstore staff can be reached at books@ocn.me.

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June Library Events – Summer Adventure reading program begins, special programs offered

By Harriet Halbig

The annual Summer Adventure presented by Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District began on June 2 and will continue until July 31. This year, all ages including adults are welcome to participate with a variety of exciting grand prizes and registration prizes.

This year’s theme is Color Our World.

Upon registration, children up to age 12 receive a book of their choice and teens receive a book or journal. After completing 30 days of reading, creating, and exploring, those up to 3 receive a bath toy and entry to grand prize drawing, ages 4 to 12 receive a reading award medal, teens ages 13-18 receive an additional book or journal, and those 19 and older receive a packet of wildflower seeds, a can cooler, and an entry into the grand prize drawing.

The grand prizes this year are exciting and family oriented, including four-packs of tickets to Air Force Academy athletic events, family memberships to the YMCA, passes to Skate City, and a variety of gift cards to Dave & Buster’s, Scheels, Poor Richard’s and restaurants.

To register for the program, go to the district website, ppld.org., or in person at the library. To track your progress, you may pick up a game card at the library or print one from the website.

At the Monument Library from 10:30 to 11:15 on June 13, there will be a Peter Rabbit program presented by Theatre Across Borders. This program is for all ages and features a story about Peter Rabbit and his adventures in Mr. McGregor’s garden. No registration is required but space is limited so you are advised to arrive early.

On June 16 from 4:30 to 5:30 teens and tweens will design their own terrarium featuring Animal Crossing characters and stickers. Registration is required. Please call 719-488-2370 or register online at ppld.org, events and happenings, and choose Monument Library.

On June 18 from 3 to 4:30, there will be a teen program (ages 13 to 18) titled Faerie Magic and Lore Workshop. Learn about the origins and how to encounter faeries, pixies, brownies, and other creatures. Learn to understand the different types and how to interact with them. Registration is required.

On June 19 from 3 to 4:30, there will be a teen program to create a fantasy map and paint a playable Dungeons and Dragons figurine. Each participant will leave with their own map and figurine. Registration is required

On June 21 from 11 to 12:30, will be a program for adults addressing artificial intelligence and how it works. Registration is required.

On June 23 from 5:30 to 6:30, there will be an adult class addressing protection orders. Colorado Legal Services will provide a general overview on Civil Protection Orders and when they may or may not be necessary. Registration is required.

On June 27 from 10:30 to 11:15, there will be a family program featuring Katherine Dines and her Hunk-ta-Bunk-ta music on a summer reading adventure. No registration required.

Palmer Lake Library programs

On June 19 from 10:30 to 11:15, those up to age 12 are invited to the Palmer Lake Library to meet some friendly animals from Wishing Star Farms. This is an outdoor program.

On June 20 from 3 to 3:45, kids ages 5 to 12 are invited to an Idea Lab addressing bridge science. Explore the science behind bridge building and engineer your own bridge. Accept the challenge to build a bridge that will support as much weight as possible over a 16-inch span.

On June 25 from 11 to 12:30, there will be an adult class to make woven picture frames. Create and decorate your own loom and learn how to weave pictures into it for a unique way to display photos. Please bring a few photos for the project (we will make copies to use in the project) and weave these memories into a masterpiece. Registration is required.

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Please note that all Pikes Peak Library facilities will be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbi@ocn.me.

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Palmer Lake Historical Society, May 15 – Author recounts life of Nikola Tesla

By Marlene Brown

At the May 15 meeting of the Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS), the topic of the evening was Nikola Tesla and Why He Chose Colorado Springs by author and historian Patric Ryan, who moved to Colorado Springs seven years ago and has been researching Tesla. He is writing a book series and a play, Mark Twain and the War of Wizards, written about Tesla’s rivalry with Thomas Edison, narrated by Mark Twain, who happened to be one of Tesla’s good friends.

Ryan said that Tesla’s (1856-1943) family left Serbia under the Ottoman empire for Croatia, which was part of the Austrian Empire. Born at midnight on July 10, 1856 during a lightning and thunderstorm, the midwife declared, “He’ll be a child of the storm” and his mother responded “No, of light.”

While growing up, Tesla had several flashes of inspiration which led to many discoveries and inventions. He began to work on the alternating current (A/C) theory while studying engineering and physics at the university, and he worked at several electrical plants and power houses before becoming employed at the Edison Works in Ivry, a suburb of Paris. After unsuccessfully raising money to work on his A/C motor, he secured passage to New York. Two days after landing he was working for Thomas Edison at Edison Works. The next several years was spent working and troubleshooting for several companies, including Westinghouse, and developing his own inventions such as wireless transmission.

Ryan said Westinghouse won the electrical contract for the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. Tesla had an exhibit there demonstrating several of his inventions and was introduced as the “Wizard of Physics.” After the World’s Fair, he moved on to Colorado Springs to construct a wireless station for scientific research.

In 1899-1900 Tesla built his research station on Knob Hill, which was all prairie at the time, near where Pikes Peak Avenue would be (North Foote Avenue and Kiowa Street) between the School for the Deaf and the Blind (built in 1876) and the Union Printers Home (built in 1892). After nine months of experiments, Tesla was ready to increase power for his magnifying transmitter.

When he gave the signal to his assistant, Kolman Czito, to throw the switch, there was a rumble that grew to a roar that could be heard 15 miles away. There was total blackout by the El Paso Electric Co. in Colorado Springs. Tesla had short-circuited the generator, and the power station was on fire. They had a second back-up generator on-site. The electric company told Tesla it was up to him to fix the generator and they would bill him for the additional damage. Though it has been said that Tesla left Colorado Springs without paying the bill, Ryan showed PLHS a copy the “paid” invoice.

Ryan said Tesla went back to New York to continue his work and lived to be in his 80s. He appeared on the cover of Time in July 1931. Although many of his ideas would be dismissed, a hundred years later many of his inventions and discoveries are being used today, wireless telephone, x-ray, fluorescent lighting, and remote control, according to Wikipedia.

Above: Patric Ryan, author and historian, presented Nikola Tesla and Why He Chose Colorado Springs to the Palmer Lake Historical Society on May 15. Photo by Marlene Brown

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PLHS will hold a Father’s Day Ice Cream Social on Sunday, June 15, 2-4 pm at the Palmer Lake Town Hall and Village Green. It is free and open to the public. Bring family and friends, lawn chairs, and blankets and enjoy music, ice cream, and pie. Tables will be set up inside the Town Hall. This event is sponsored by John Spidell of the Spidell Foundation. PLHS meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at 7 to 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at the Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent St. Free and open to the public. For more info regarding memberships and future programs, go to www.palmerdividehistory.org/events.

Marlene Brown can be contacted at marlenebrown@ocn.me.

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High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – Enjoying nature in summer, high altitude landscaping, and weed control

By Janet Sellers

“We often forget that we are nature. Nature is not something separate from us. So when we say that we have lost our connection to nature, we’ve lost our connection to ourselves.”—Andy Goldsworthy

With recent much-needed rains, many landscapes—especially at our high altitudes—are flourishing, along with an abundance of weedy grasses. Controlling these grasses is crucial for fire safety and reducing pests like ticks and fleas. Fortunately, safe, natural, and inexpensive methods are available that protect families, pets, and local wildlife. Mowing and weed control are essential steps.

One effective approach is biodynamic gardening, which is gaining popularity for its simplicity and productivity. Rooted in traditional practices, biodynamic farming views the garden as a self-sustaining organism, integrating soil, plants, animals, and humans. European vineyards using biodynamics—just 1% of farmland—win 60% of wine prizes, showing the method’s impact.

Biodynamic methods avoid synthetic chemicals, relying instead on composting, mulching, and natural preparations made from herbs and minerals. These practices build long-term soil fertility, reduce effort over time, and support a thriving ecosystem. They also align with natural growth and decay cycles, creating a closed-loop system that boosts plant health naturally.

In contrast, synthetic herbicides like glyphosate, though widely used, pose serious risks. Glyphosate harms soil microbes, reduces beneficial fungi and bacteria, and contributes to herbicide-resistant weeds. The World Health Organization’s IARC classifies it as “probably carcinogenic to humans” raising concerns especially for children and pets exposed via skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion.

Instead, gardeners can turn to natural weed control methods like vinegar and mulch. White vinegar, particularly with 10-20% acetic acid, acts as a desiccant, breaking down plant cell membranes and effectively killing many broadleaf weeds—especially in hot, dry weather. Adding dish soap helps the solution adhere to leaves for better results. While household vinegar (5% acetic acid) is less potent, it can still work with repeated applications. However, like chemical herbicides, vinegar is non-selective and must be applied carefully to avoid damaging desirable plants.

Washington State University’s Linda Chalker-Scott confirms vinegar’s effectiveness as a natural herbicide, supporting its use as an eco-friendly alternative. These methods help reduce environmental impact and safeguard health.

Mulch, however, remains one of the most effective and long-lasting weed control methods. It blocks sunlight, conserves moisture, and suppresses weed germination. Another lesser-known method is steam weeding, which uses intense heat to kill weed cells. This is especially effective in larger areas like parks, playgrounds, and organic farms, and even small-scale steamers like carpet cleaners can be useful for home gardeners.

For a relaxing, low-effort summer garden, integrated natural methods—such as mowing, mulching, vinegar application, and biodynamic principles—offer a safe, sustainable way to control weeds and reconnect with nature.

Janet Sellers is an avid lazy gardener who follows nature’s lead. Contact her at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other Gardening articles

Art Matters – On being a sketchy person in the art and cultural sector

By Janet Sellers

“Art in schools shouldn’t be sidelined… it should be right there right up in the front because I think art teaches you to deal with the world around you. It is the oxygen that makes all the other subjects breathe.”

—Alan Parker, filmmaker

Much of art learning includes sketching, the ability to draw out ideas visually. Sketching is integral to design, painting, sculpture, architecture—almost all creative visual efforts—and even includes movies and town planning. As an artist, I support being a sketchy person in that creative vein. And being an artist is integral to the trillion-dollar economy of the art and cultural sector. That sector grew more than twice the rate of the total economy between 2022 and 2023, according to new data from the Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account (ACPSA), a product of the National Endowment for the Arts and the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).

Studying and seeing art helps us generate new ideas and connect disparate concepts, unlocking ideas and innovations that can be brought to fruition in the material world. With art study and going out to appreciate art in the real world, we activate our “novelty brain” for creative potential and problem solving. Using fine motor skills in art creation, we activate many areas of our brain—our internal antenna—to make connections, find and solve creative problems, and apply the solutions to real-world problems. This has also been found to improve human performance all around, including academic performance and much more.

The stamped-in learning model of STEM is seeing an exploding industry interest (think: Google and Alphabet Inc.) for very creative science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEaM) creatives for user experience (UX). Google and Alphabet focus their creative labs on pushing creative boundaries and exploring new ideas.

This team includes roles like Creative Technologist, Visual Designer, and Social Creative/Copywriter. They use Creative Technology and Development to combine creativity with technical skills to prototype interactive experiences and explore new technologies. Building Google’s brand involves creating engaging content that reflects its core values and mission.

Our area is home to myriad artists and art opportunities that include arts events such as art fairs, classes, and art groups. Our monthly Friday Art Hops (the next one is June 27) are one source of art exposure, and coming up this summer there will be more with our local Chautauqua, the Hummingbird Festival of Arts, and other events with the Palmer Lake Arts Council. Stay tuned with the Our Community News calendar section for events, updates, and calls for artists.

Janet Sellers is an artist, writer, and speaker, offering talks, workshops, and art in public places for Colorado museums and communities. Contact Janet at JanetSellers@OCN.me.

Other Art Matters articles

Snapshots of Our Community

Bearbotics at World Championships

Above: Monument’s robotics team (in photo) made it to the World Championships in April. Coach Eric VanDenHoek says the Bearbotics team had never made it that far. Their performance “exceeded our season goals.” Bearbotics traveled to Oklahoma to compete against 48 other teams. Their showing earned them a trip to Houston to compete against 601 of the best teams in the world. They finished 82nd out of 3,690 teams. They ranked 63rd out of 2,927 teams in the U.S. and second in Colorado. Student Carter Grizzle says it was “a life-changing event.” Photo courtesy of Eric VanDenHoek.

Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares fundraiser

Above: On May 14, Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) held its annual Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares, a major fundraiser for the 41-year-old nonprofit, at Spruce Mountain Events in Larkspur. This year’s sold-out event was supported by 27 sponsors and attracted 400 paid attendees who sampled cuisine from 14 Tri-Lakes and Colorado Springs area restaurants. Racquel Garcia, founder and chief innovation officer of Hard Beauty, a whole-life drug and alcohol substance recovery organization and new owner of Lake & Lantern in Palmer Lake, delivered a moving keynote presentation regarding TLC, the support it provided to her at a difficult time in her life, and the subsequent collaborations to support the community in need including the 2013 Black Forest Fire. Chef Shane Lyons, a Los Angeles-area chef and son of Tri-Lakes Cares Director of Development & Planning Bill Lyons, performed cooking demonstrations using TLC pantry items and provided information on food waste, stating 40% of grown food is wasted each year with the most preventable food waste occurring in the household. The evening concluded with a paddle raise fundraiser that generated an initial donation of $30,000 followed by increments down to $50 with a goal of raising $125,000. TLC Executive Director Haley Chapin expressed “gratitude for all the support the event received from the participating restaurants, sponsors of the event, and the attendees.” Pictured are, front row, from left, Shelly Ruedin, Kelly Epstein, and TLC Executive Director Chapin. In the middle row are Indy Frazee, Derek Wilson, and Mark Steinberg. In the back row are Benny Nasser, board President Rich Schur, and Carol Foster. Not pictured: Kim Anderson-Grigg. Photo by David Futey.

High School artists honored, May 14

Above: Lewis-Palmer High School honored graduating seniors who intend to continue their fine and performing arts studies in college. The seniors were recognized in a May 14 ceremony similar to the ceremonies held for senior athletes who signed letters of intent to pursue sports in college. Interim Superintendent Amber Whetstine says the event “represents the significance of the arts in the Tri-Lakes community.” Arts Education Advisory Council member Theresa Phillips told the students their talents are “inspiring.” Their teachers were also honored. The students will study a range of subjects including theater, sound engineering, music business, and film production. One student, Jaithan McEchron, will study both violin and chemistry. Front row from left to right are Hope Muldoon, Abigail Sjobeck, Chloe Howver, Isadora Hayes, Bella Kappel, Tabor Hayes, and Penny Stafford. Back row from left to right are Sophia Schulz, Ashley Forsyth, Annabelle Erminger, Isabel Doyle, Luke Bridges, Keegan Owen, Jaithan McEchron, Sky Swenson, and Elliot Swiatek. Photo by Tyler Dumas.

Lake and Lantern Grand Opening

Above: In the space once occupied by Speedtrap Bistro, a new venue held its grand opening on May 17. The Lake and Lantern, owned by Racquel Garcia, opened its doors to serve food and non-alcoholic drinks to a full house. Charlie Searle and his band and ASHTONZ provided music to help launch the live music season. Photo by Steve Pate. See video clip below.

Art Hop Book Signings, May 23

The first Art Hop of the season featured two book signings at Covered Treasures Bookstore in Monument on May 23. Michael Weinfeld and John Howe signed copies of their book Shootouts, Killings, and War Heroes: The History Hidden in Monument’s Cemetery. They were invited back after a very successful signing last November. Also at the store for Art Hop was Karen Koepcke Morgan, who signed two of her children’s books, Can You Hide Like a Chameleon? and Are You Stronger Than an Ant? Photos by Charlie Searle. In upper photo, seated from left, are Howe and Weinfeld. From left in the back are bookstore owner Tommie Plank, store manager Paula Primavera and employee Claire Deeds. In the lower photo, Karen Koepcke Morgan with her children’s books.

Palmer Lake sculpture installation

Above: The Palmer Lake Arts Council (PLAC) facilitated its first-ever installations of two sculptures for the art year 2025-26 on May 23, with two artists new to the program: Diego Harris and Bill Bunting. Attending Palmer Lake Arts Council members are, from left, Lynn Roth, Amy Hudson, and Tim Brannaman (starring as event welder) shared the happy event with sculptor Harris and his steel sculpture, Serpent Obelisk. Harris makes steel sculptures in Weathering steel, a process that forms its own patina when exposed to the elements. This eliminates the need for painting and offers enhanced corrosion resistance. Harris’ sculpture is available for purchase, with portions of the funds supporting the PLAC. Bunting, cowboy poet and sculptor, shared his sculpture Love for the Land with his poetry. Bunting created the steel sculpture by cutting small pieces of steel and welding them together into the plow shape. He included his poems about the sculpture, both honoring the stewards of the lands of the West. Photo by Janet Sellers.

Memorial Day in Monument

The skies were gloomy, befitting the somber occasion, as a few hundred people attended the Memorial Day ceremony in Monument Cemetery on May 26. The rain held off as local and state officials spoke and the names of veterans buried in the 5 acres of land were read aloud, each name followed by the ringing of a bell. The ceremony ended with the playing of taps by Michael Carlson on his bugle. This is Carlson’s last year performing at the ceremony. He’ll be attending college in South Dakota next Memorial Day. Above: Members of VFW Post 7829, American Legion/Tri-Lakes Post 9-11, Boy Scout Troop 17, and others salute the flags. Photo by Michael Weinfeld. See video clips below.

Pikes Peak Soap Box Derby

Above: On June 1, a portion of Higby Road in Monument was converted into a downhill racecourse for the 20th annual Pikes Peak Soap Box Derby. This is the first time the derby has been in Monument; previous years it was held on Costilla Street in Colorado Springs. Race Director Jim Taylor said, “We have a total of 43 racers from across the state, from Pueblo, Denver, Centennial, Woodland Park, Longmont, Brighton, and Colorado Springs.” Taylor was very appreciative of the supportive response from sponsors, the Town of Monument, and the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD). Taylor said TMD General Manager “James McGrady was instrumental in securing permits, coordinating the Higby Road closure for 3 1/2 days and assisting with the course setup.” The course was 650 feet in length with racers clocked at speeds up to 22 mph. The winning racer in the dual heats sometimes came down to thousandths of a second. The Stock division (ages 7-13) winner was Blake Elston and the Super Stock division (ages 9-18) winner was Ethan Elston after a double elimination bracket was conducted in each division. The brothers will head to Akron, Ohio in July to compete in the Soap Box Derby World Championship. Photo by David Futey. See video clips below.

PLAG annual scholarship awards

Above: On May 23, Bella Art and Frame Gallery hosted the Palmer Lake Art Group’s (PLAG) annual celebration of young artists with scholarship awards. From left are Clyde Smith of the Scholarship Committee, event judges Mark Dixon and Bonnie Sands, scholarship recipient Isadora Hayes, and events coordinator Rita Bates. Photo by Janet Sellers.

Above: From left, Micaela Cimino, co-owner of Bella Art and Frame Gallery, and scholarship winner Isadora Hayes stand near Hayes’s winning artworks at the PLAG scholarship exhibition celebration on May 23. Photo by Janet Sellers. Bonus photo not included in the printed copy of the OCN.

Monument Farmers Market

Above: The first Monument Hill Farmers Market of the season opened May 24 under threatening skies. Lucky for the vendors and the large crowd that turned out, it didn’t rain, though it got very windy at times. The market is open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend to early October. It’s held in front of Big Red at 66 Jefferson St. in Monument. Mike and Sherree Hrdlichka first opened the market in 2007. In the photo, from left are Filter Press Publisher Julie VanLaanen, and authors John Howe and Michael Weinfeld at their booth promoting their book Shootouts, Killings and War Heroes: The History Hidden in Monument’s Cemetery. Photo by Tia M. Mayer. See ad on page 5.

New sidewalk in Monument

Above: Walking into downtown Monument from the west side is safer now. There’s finally a sidewalk from the corner of Mitchell Avenue and Second Street across the train tracks to the Limbach Park parking lot. No more having to choose between navigating a ditch or walking on the road. Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek says the project had been in the works for “many, many, many years,” but it finally happened because of the “persistence” of Civil Engineering Inspector Tom Martinez of the Monument Public Works Department. Martinez was able to “work something out” with the BNSF Railway so that the town didn’t have to pay $50,000 for permits and other things. The $60,000 cost of the project was covered by leftover federal grant money for drainage improvement. Drainage pipes were installed beneath the sidewalk. VanDenHoek hopes the sidewalk will eventually begin at the crosswalk on Mitchell Avenue. Photo by Michael Weinfeld. See the video clip below.

USAFA Graduation, May 29

Above: They missed out on the traditional flyover and air show, but the more than 900 Air Force and Space Force cadets went home with something more important—their diplomas. The graduation ceremony on May 29 at Falcon Stadium at the US Air Force Academy (USAFA) ended with the traditional hat toss (in photo), but not a performance by the Thunderbirds who were grounded by fog and low-lying clouds. Spectators did get to see the acrobatic flight team practice the day before. Dr. Troy E. Meink, the 27th secretary of the Air Force, was the main speaker at the graduation. Photo by Michael Weinfeld. See video clips below.

Palmer Lake Farmers Market

Above: On Sundays, the Palmer Lake Farmers Market welcomes the public with food, goodies, gifts, and music in its fun, festive atmosphere. Here, on June 1, a stand offered lemonade made fresh on site, sweetened to taste. The market is open Sundays 10-2 all summer at the lake near the bandstand. The market is also accepting new vendors. Details at Calvertsminimarket.com. Photo courtesy Stephanie Calvert. Caption by Janet Sellers. See ad on page 2.

Other Snapshots of our Community articles

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 program

Firewise® mitigation, accepting tree branches, etc., dumping fee for all loads will be $10 payment cash or check made out to SAMCOM. Pine needles are not accepted. Mulch is free to pick up. May through September; Pick up mulch for your garden or property – loader is available most Saturdays to speed up loading. 12375 Herring Rd. Info including fire mitigation, forests, pine beetles, etc., https://bfslash.org.

Colorado EBT benefits available for local produce

Get up to $60 a month back on EBT card with a dollar for dollar match when buying fruits and vegetables at Colorado farmers markets and other locations with the Colorado SNAP produce bonus. Local vendors to the Tri Lakes area are available at the Black Forest area at the Backyard Market and the Backyard Farm Shop, Saturdays, 6845 Shoup Rd. More info: cdhs.colorado.gov/snap-produce-bonus.

El Paso County “Trailability” Program Terrain Hoppers now available

Terrain Hoppers in the Nature Centers at Fountain Creek and Bear Creek areas are off-road mobility vehicles that allow members of the El Paso County community and visiting guests with disabilities to experience trails previously inaccessible to them. Hike 1-3 miles through foothills and wetlands habitats with your friends, family, and a Nature Center staff or volunteer, May through October. Reservations required, participation is free. https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/trailability/. For more information on the Trailability Program, please contact Theresa Odello at 719.520.6981 or by email at theresaodello@elpasoco.com.

Forest and gardening volunteers needed

Friends of Fox Run Park will have some openings for student volunteers (and grownups, too) most of the year for various tasks. Besides tasks, the group offers information and skills demonstrations for each 2-3 hour session, and celebrates volunteers at the park with annual community events. The Tri Lakes Cares on-site garden in Monument also needs volunteers in Fall, Spring and Summer. Gardening tasks include preparing garden beds, weeding, sowing seeds, and developing the compost. Bring gardening gloves, some tools will be provided on the workdays. Contact Janet Sellers at JanetSellers@ocn.me or Marlene Brown at MarleneBrown@ocn.me for more information.

Parents Helping Parents

NAMI Parent and Caregiver Support group is a no-cost, peer support program for parents, caregivers, and other family who provide care and support for youth (ages 19 and younger) who are struggling with mental health issues including depression, anxiety, school or peer pressure, substances and more. Facilitated by trained volunteers who have been in your shoes. Meeting is 2nd Monday of each month from 7:00-8:30 pm via zoom. Register online at namicoloradosprings.org. For more information, call the office at (719) 473-8477 or email info@namicos.org.

Get Help in Larkspur

Larkspur Church has a Food Bank and Care Center that offer a good variety of non-perishable food items, as well as clothing for men, women, and children, some household items available too. We’re here to help. If you are in need, or know someone who is, please reach out to Jeff at gethelp@larkspur.church. If you would like to donate contact Jeff by the same email to arrange a pick up.

Tri-Lakes Cares needs your support

Tri-Lakes Cares is the only food pantry and human services organization serving northern El Paso County through emergency relief and self-sufficiency programs. The community-based, volunteer-supported center is a critical resource for our neighbors in need. The best way to help support Tri-Lakes Cares is to donate. Visit https://tri-lakescares.org/donate to learn how to donate money, medical items, personal supplies, or food. Please check the web for current needs in our food pantry at https://tri-lakescares.org/donate/current-needs. Donation drop-off hours are Mon.-Thu., 9 am-4 pm. For more information about Tri-Lakes Cares or how you can help, contact Tri-Lakes Cares at 719-481-4864 or info@tri-lakescares.org.

Black Forest Log School needs your help

Please help preserve the historic school for another 103 years! New exterior damage was discovered. It has exceeded the budget renovation funds. Friends of the Black Forest Log School, a 501c3 corporation, appreciates your donation. Please send a check or bring cash to Black Forest Community Foundation, 6770 Shoup Rd, Black Forest Colorado 90808. www.bflogschool.com

Monument Academy traffic

To ensure a smoother experience for non-school traffic, it is recommended finding an alternate route if possible that avoids this area during the school drop off pick up times Mon.-Thu. 7-8:30 am and 2:45-4 pm and Fri 7-8:30 am. and 11:30 am-1 p.m.

WMMI needs volunteers

The Museum of Mining and Industry is currently recruiting for Visitor Services Associates and Guides. Please consider sharing your time and expertise. Volunteers must be 18 and older and pass a background check. For information about volunteer opportunities, please call 719-488-0880 or email at volunteer@wmmi.org.

Community volunteers

Many students need volunteer hours for scouting, civics classes, clubs, or would just like to volunteer for the good of it. Friends of Fox Run Park will have some openings for student volunteers (and grownups, too) most of the year for various tasks. Besides tasks, the group offers information and skills demonstrations for each 2-3 hour session, and celebrates volunteers at the park with annual community events. The Tri Lakes Cares on-site garden in Monument also needs volunteers in Fall, Spring and Summer. Gardening tasks include preparing garden beds, weeding, sowing seeds, and developing the compost. Bring gardening gloves, some tools will be provided on the workdays. Contact Janet Sellers at JanetSellers@ocn.me or Marlene Brown at MarleneBrown@ocn.me for more information.

Can you volunteer today?

  • Links to local organizations with an immediate need for volunteers are listed on the county’s website, www.elpasocountyhealth.org/volunteering-and-donations, for groups like Care and Share, Crossfire Ministries, blood donations, Early Connections (volunteer from home opportunity), foster an animal, Medical Reserve Corps of El Paso County, Salvation Army, Silver Key, and United Way (ongoing opportunities).
  • The Colorado State University Extension office in El Paso County has several opportunities for individuals interested in volunteering. https://elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/volunteer-opportunities/
  • El Paso County volunteer-based and nonprofit organizations rely on the hard work of individuals like you. Find out how you can play a part by becoming a volunteer in El Paso County. Get involved in El Paso County volunteering non-profits and organizations! https://www.americantowns.com/el-paso-county-co/volunteer-organizations/.
  • The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Program is composed of a collective citizens group with a true and common desire to partner with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office by volunteering their services while learning more about the internal workings of the law enforcement community. https://www.epcsheriffsoffice.com/volunteer-program-0.
  • The El Paso County Volunteer Program is a wonderful opportunity for citizens to learn about the various functions of county government as well as give back to the community. The County’s numerous boards and commissions need your experience, talents and time. https://bocc.elpasoco.com/volunteer.

Palmer Lake Parking Restrictions

When there is an accumulation of two inches or more of snow, the parking restrictions are in effect. No person may stop, stand, or park any vehicle on any portion of a snow route, or leave, abandon, or permit to remain stalled any vehicle, which is stalled on any portion of a snow route and must take immediate action to park the vehicle lawfully. Parked vehicles must be removed from all streets within the town, including those which are not designated snow routes. Parking information details: www.townofpalmerlake.com/pw/page/parking-restrictions-during-snow.

Neighborhood safety

What qualifies as suspicious activity? “If you see something, say something.” It’s vital to report to local law enforcement. Suspicious activity can refer to any incident, event, individual or activity that seems unusual or out of place. Some common examples of suspicious activities include: A stranger loitering in your neighborhood or a vehicle cruising the streets repeatedly. Someone peering into cars or windows. Here’s what local authorities and Colorado Department of Public Safety says is needed information: Who did you see; what did you see; when did you see it; where did you see it; why it is suspicious. Call 911 or your local law enforcement agency.

Do not remove trail blazes/markers

You will be seeing some trail markers in Fox Run Regional Park on trees. The trail markers help protect the delicate forest ecosystem because we can stay on the trail and not damage the ecosystem underneath our feet or with bicycles or horses, etc. These are traditional trail markers, especially useful and necessary in snowy, icy weather when we cannot see the actual trail. Our high desert forest clime is dependent on its skin of soil and plants to survive. When we honor this part of the forest we cannot see, the part we can see has a better chance to thrive amid us humans, the invasive species. Please be a good citizen and help us to protect our park from unnecessary erosion. Fox Run Regional Park is heavily used and is located in a fragile ecosystem vulnerable to serious erosion when the forest duff is disturbed. Please respect and protect the park for everyone’s enjoyment by staying on marked and well established trails. A very obvious trail in the summer becomes surprisingly invisible after a moderate snowfall. In winter, a wrong turn taken by the first visitor after a snowstorm can quickly become a misleading scar on the landscape. The silver and light blue rectangles that you see attached to trees serve to identify the only trails to use in the park. Please don’t tamper with or remove trail blazes/markers as they are placed on the trees to identify and distinguish trails and help locate the trails after a snowstorm. The main loop trail uses light blue and silver rectangles. Sub-loops will eventually be marked in different colors to help visitors unfamiliar with the park to find their way and recognize which loop they are on.

Highway 105A Update

El Paso county construction is expected to continue into spring 2025. The project extends the four-lane section of Highway 105 just east of Jackson Creek Parkway to Lake Woodmoor Drive providing greater mobility by accommodating more traffic. The new configuration will be two lanes in each direction with left and right turn lines; the project also includes multi-use shoulders and pedestrian improvements, sidewalk connectivity, replacement of the traffic signal at Norwood Boulevard, a new underground drainage system and water quality pond, and a new roundabout at the Knollwood /Village Ridge Point intersection. The new roundabout, constructed by Monument Academy, is designed to keep traffic moving and reduce the traffic backups on Highway 105 that previously occurred in this area.

Looking for something fun to do?

Space Foundation Discovery Center: www.discover space.org.

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 meeting, Wed., June 18, 6 pm. Usually meets third Wed. Public can join the Skype meeting: Check the website for a link: monthly board meeting is on Skype at this link https://join.skype.com/OfBkDyhucmep, info: Info: Steve Callicott (President) 719-325-9039, http://www.academywsdco.gov/
  • Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District board meeting in person or via Zoom. Wed., June 18, 7 pm. Usually meets third Wed. Visit http://www.bffire.org for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes or contact 719-494-4300.
  • Donala Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Thu., June 19, 1:30 pm, 15850 Holbein Dr. In 2023, meets third Thu., Check the website for the access code for the electronic meeting. Info: 719-488-3603, www.donalawater.org.
  • El Paso County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) regular meeting, usually every Tue., 9 am. View agendas and meetings at www.agendasuite.org/iip/elpaso. Meetings are held at Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Ave., Suite 150, Colo. Springs. Info: 719-520-643. BOCC land use meetings are held the second and fourth Thursdays of the month (as needed) at 1pm Centennial Hall.
  • El Paso County Planning Commission meeting, Thu., June 5 & 19; 9 am. Regional Development Center, 2880 International Circle, Colo. Springs. Meetings are live-streamed on the El Paso County News & Information Channel at www.elpasoco.com/news-information-channel. Normally meets first & third Thu. (as required). Info: 719-520-6300, https://planningdevelopment.elpasoco.com/planning-community-development/2025-hearings-schedule/
  • El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority meeting, Thu., June 19, 9 am, Monument Town Hall Boardroom, 645 Beacon Lite Rd. Normally meets third Thu. Info: 719-488-3603. www.loopwater.org.
  • Forest Lakes Metropolitan District, Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2 & 3 board meetings, usually meets quarterly on the first Mon., 4 pm, via teleconference only. For dial in access and updates, visit www.forestlakesmetrodistrict.com.
  • Lewis-Palmer School District 38 board meeting, Mon., June 16, 66 N Jefferson St, Monument. Meets in the school year, third Mon. The Board of Education meeting will be live-streamed on the district’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/LPSDCommunity, agenda, and supporting documents at https://go.boarddocs.com/co/lewispalmer/Board.nsf/vpublic. Contact Vicki Wood. Phone: 719.481.9546 Email: vwood@lewispalmer.org Website: www.lewispalmer.org.
  • Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee meeting (now PCAC, formerly DAAC), summer recess, next mtg. Sept. 9. Meets six times a year, second Tue, The Learning Center, 146 N. Jefferson St. Info: tmckee@lewispalmer.org.
  • Monument Academy School Board meeting, Thu. June 12, 6:30 pm, East Campus gym, 4303 Pinehurst Circle. Usually meets the second Thu. Info: 719-431-8001, www.monumentacademy.net/school-board.
  • Monument Fire District board meeting, in person or via Microsoft Teams. Wed., June 25, 4:30 pm, Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For up-to-date meeting information, visit www.monumentfire.org for updates and the agenda listing the Microsoft Teams joining codes, or contact 719-488-0911.
  • Monument Planning Commission meeting, Wed., June 11, 6 pm, Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Usually meets the second Wed. To see the options for remote public participation in each meeting, visit www.townofmonument.org/263/Planning-Commission-Board-of-Adjustment. Info: 719-884-8028. www.townofmonument.org.
  • Monument Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., June 18, 9 am, 130 Second St. Zoom meeting. Find joining instructions on the website. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-4886, https://www.monumentsanitationdistrict.org/
  • Monument Town Council meeting, Mon., June 2 & 16, 6:30 pm, Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Normally meets first and third Mon. Info: 719-884-801, www.townofmonument.org/260/Board-of-Trustees for remote attendance links.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Adjustments meeting, Tue., June 3, 5 pm, 28 Valley Crescent St., Palmer Lake. Normally meets first Tue., as needed.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting, Thu., June 12 & 26, 6 pm, Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Usually meets second and fourth Thu. Info: 719-481-2953. www.townofpalmerlake.com.
  • Palmer Lake Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., June 11, 9 am, call-in only: 650-479-3208, Access Code 76439078, 120 Middle Glenway. Meets second Wed. Info: 719-481-2732. www.plsd.org.
  • Palmer Lake Town Planning Commission meeting, Wed., June 18 , 6 pm, Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-2953, www.townofpalmerlake.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee meeting, Tue., June 10, 10 am , 16510 Mitchell Ave. Meets second Tue. Info: See tlwastewater.com/index.html.
  • Triview Metropolitan District board meeting, in person or via Zoom. Thu., June 19, 5:30 pm, 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302, Monument. Usually meets third Thu. Visit www.triviewmetro.com for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes, or contact 719-488-6868.
  • Village Center Metropolitan District Board Meeting, Tue., June 17, 4 pm, Serranos Coffee Shop, Normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month at. If the meeting time/location changes, it will be updated on the District’s website: https://wsdistricts.co/village-center-metropolitan-district/
  • Woodmoor Improvement Association Board Meeting, Wed., June 25, 7 pm, Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Usually meets fourth Wed. Info: 719-488-2693, www.woodmoor.org.
  • Woodmoor Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Mon., June 9, 1 pm, 1845 Woodmoor Dr., Monument. Normally meets second Mon. Info: 719-488-2525, www.woodmoorwater.com.

WEEKLY & MONTHLY EVENTS

  • AARP Black Forest #1100, second Wed., noon. In-person Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Rd. All ages welcome. Info: www.aarpchapter1100blackforest.weekly.com.
  • AARP Local Senior Social, fourth Wed. In-person Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Rd. Info: www.aarpchapter1100blackforest.weekly.com.
  • A.A. Big Book Study, every Thu., 7 pm, Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 W. Baptist Rd. Call 425-436-6200, access code 575176#.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous, every Tue. & Thu., 7:30 pm Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908. AA is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Join us with your questions. Info: bflc@bflchurch.org.
  • Al-Anon for family and friends of alcoholics, every Tue. & Thu., 7:30 pm Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908. Al-Anon members are people, just like you, who are worried about someone with a drinking problem. Join us with your questions. Info: bflc@bflchurch.org.
  • Al-Anon Zoom Meeting, Just for Today Online, every Mon., 9–10 a.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 845 0971 9868, Password 349309
  • Al-Anon meeting: Letting Go, every Thu., 9-10:15 am at Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument. For additional information go to www.al-anon-co.org.
  • Al-anon Meeting: Monument, every Thu., 7-8 pm, Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument. Info: MonumentSerenity@gmail.com.
  • Amateur Ham Radio WØTLM (Tri-Lakes Monument ham radio Association), third Mon. (except December). All amateur ham radio operators or those interested in becoming one are welcome. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Building, 166 2nd Street, Monument. For details, contact Bob Witte, bob@k0nr.com or www.W0TLM.com.
  • American Legion Tri-Lakes Post 9-11, second Wed., 6:30pm, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Community Meeting House, 300 CO Hwy 105, Monument. New members welcome. Info: Visit website at www.trilakespost9-11.org.
  • Benet Hill Monastery: Let us pray with you, walk in the forest, walk the labyrinth, come and visit prayer sites, Group retreats. Every Sun. 10:15 am worship service.. 3190 Benet Lane, 80921.
  • Bingo night, American Legion post 9-11 Tri-Lakes, 2nd and 4th Sat., 6-9 pm, Kings Deer Golf Club, 19255 Royal Troon Dr, Monument.
  • Children’s Literacy Center, every Mon. & Wed., 5:30-6:30 pm. Provides free one-on-one literacy tutoring to Tri-Lakes children in grades 1-6 who are reading below grade level. Tutoring is at Grace Best Education Center, 66 Jefferson St. Monument. For more information, to become a volunteer tutor, or to enroll your child, visit www.childrensliteracycenter.org or contact Rachel Morin, Tri-Lakes Senior Center Coordinator, CLC 610-246-1047 (cell).
  • Colorado Springs Philharmonic Guild Listening Club, third Wed. Free virtual event. Maestro Wilson will conduct monthly hour-long programs. RSVP at www.cspguild.org.
  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group, second Sat., 9:45-11:15 am. Meets in-person, First National Bank Monument ( 581 Highway 105, Monument, CO 80132). Meets monthly, 2nd Sat. Contact: Registration is required, call 800-272-3900 or email khare@alz.org to register.
  • Essential Tremor Support Group. Meets quarterly at Colorado Springs Public Library 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80920. For details, contact: Jim Sanchez, 719-660-7275; jimdjs22@gmail.com.
  • Fellowship of Christ Church, every Sun., 9 am. Monument Academy East Campus, 4303 Pinehurst Circle 80908.
  • Friends of Monument Preserve (FOMP) Trail Repair Work Days. Monthly, 2nd Thu. Apr. & Oct. 5–7 pm; May-Sept. 6-8 pm. Details: www.fomp.org. Water, gloves, work attire required.
  • Friends of Fox Run Park, Zoom meeting, fourth Thu., 7 pm, email friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com, they will email you the link the day of the meeting. Join the growing group volunteering at the park: forest safety, trails, trees, education, special events, more; stay tuned! Info: friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com.
  • Fuel Church Sunday Service, every Sun., 10:45 am, Mountain Community Mennonite Church, 643 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake. Nursery and kids’ service. Streaming service at www.fuelchurch.org at 11 am Non-denominational, spirit-filled. Need prayer? Email us at info@fuel.org. See ad on page .
  • Gleneagle Sertoma, first and third Wed., 11:45 am to 1 pm. Gleneagle Sertoma is the longest continuously active civic service organization in northern El Paso County. Our regular program presenters address local topics of interest to include local developments, community planning and projects, as well as opportunities to serve your community. Contact Harvey LeCato for meeting location and club information at mbca@comcast.net or 719-331-1212.
  • Gleneagle Women’s Club, membership luncheon, third Fri., (Sep.-June), various venues, 12 activity groups, i.e., hiking, bridge, etc. Guests welcome. For information contact Bev Selby, 719-600-1451.
  • Lions Club Bingo, every Sat. (except the first Sat.), 8:30 am-1 pm and first Mon., 5:30-10 pm Tri-Lakes Lions Club’s portion of the proceeds benefit those in need in the Tri-Lakes community. Updated info and location: Jim Naylor, 719-481-8741 or www.trilakeslionsclub.org.
  • Monument Hill Kiwanis Club meeting, every Sat., 8 am. www.MHKiwanis.org, MonumentHillKiwanis@gmail.com for details, guests are welcome. Service leadership clubs, Key clubs, Builders Club, and K-kids at D38 schools. Memberships are open to the public. Info: RF Smith, 719-210-4987, www.MHKiwanis.org. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Monument Homemakers, bring a dish to share and your own table service, meet at Chamber of Commerce building, noon. 166 2nd St. Monument. Info and more about the club: Linda Case, 719-354-6575 for reservations.
  • Monument Life Recovery Group, every Mon., 6:30-7:30 pm, The Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd. This faith-based support group is for those seeking freedom from all hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Daycare for children under age 11. Info: www.liferecoverygroups.com/meetings/life-recovery-group-3/
  • Monumental Impact Open House, first Sat., 3-5 pm, 55 Adams St, Downtown Monument. Interested in technology, engineering and entrepreneurship either professionally or for fun? Interested in competitive robotics for adults and high school students? Come connect with us and ask about programs. Info: www.monumentalimpact.org
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Free virtual support group NAMI Colorado Springs for parents and caregivers of adolescents with mental health issues; facilitated by trained facilitator peers. Participant info: www.namicoloradosprings.org, 719-473-8477.
  • Neighborhood Net Ham Radio, every Sat., 10 am. Amateur ham radio operators practice for emergencies on weekly repeater nets so neighbors can help neighbors. Sign up at www.mereowx.org/neighborhood-net or contactus@mereowx.org.
  • Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO), usually meets bi-monthly (Jan., Mar, May, July, Sep., Nov.) the 2nd Sat., Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Members of local HOAs are welcome. www.nepco.org.
  • Palmer Divide Quiltmakers, first Thu., 6:30-8:30 pm at Monument Chamber of Commerce building, 166 2nd St, Monument, CO.
  • Palmer Lake Art Group, Guests welcome; second Sat. for art programs, social gathering and business meeting. 300 Hwy 105, NE corner of I-25 and 105. 9:30 am. Info: 719-460-4179, www.palmerlakeartgroup.co.
  • Palmer Lake Art Group Open Studio: first Wed. 12–3 pm. Currently a test period to assess the location for light, access, etc., so it is currently for members, and is at Monument Library.
  • Palmer Lake Historical Society, Usually meets the third Thu., 7-8 pm (doors open at 6:30), Palmer Lake Townhall, 42 Valley Crescent. Guest speakers, free to the public. Info: Kokesdm@yahoo.com, or visit palmerdividehistory.org.
  • Pikes Peak Genealogical Society Zoom meeting, Wed. Jun 11. 6:30pm: Zoom hangout. 7 pm, meeting starts. Program: Blaine Bettinger J.D. will talk about generative AI prompts for genealogists. For zoom meeting details contact: PPGS President@PPGS.org.
  • Ridgeview Baptist Church, every Sun., 10:30 am, temporarily meeting at 9130 Explorer Dr., Colorado Springs, 80920. Info: 719-357-6515 or www.ridgeviewcolorado.org. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • Senior Bingo, third Wed. Silver Key Senior Services, Space is limited to 16. participants. RSVP & info: info@silverkey.org
  • Senior Book Club, second Fri., 11 am-noon, Silver Key Senior Services, all are welcome. Coffee & snacks. RSVP & info: info@silverkey.org
  • Speed puzzle event, third Mon. Trinity Lutheran Church location, $30 per pair Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Two hours complete a 500-piece puzzle with a partner. Register at Eventbright.com: https://tinyurl.com/Jigsaw-Madness. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • Technology, Techniques and Trends, Monthly discussion groups: Free. Open to the public. 3D Printers, CNCs, Lasers (1st Tue., 5 pm); AI, Cybersecurity, Technology (1st Thu., 5 pm); Competitions in Robotics and Technology (1st Sat., 3 pm). Hosted by Monumental Impact. See ad on page < 9 >.
  • Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church services every Sun., Contemporary 9 am; Traditional 10:30 am. A live stream is available at www.tlumc.org/live. Watch live or replay: www.facebook.com/tlumc, www.youtube.com/tlumc.org. Info: 719-488-1365, www.tlumc.org. 20256 Hunting Downs Way, Monument.
  • Tri-Lakes Church of Christ Wednesday night fellowship classes, every Wed., 6-7:30 pm, 20450 Beacon Lite Road, Monument (corner of Beacon Lite & County Line Roads). Info: 719-488-9613, gregsmith@trilakeschurch.org, www.trilakeschurch.org.
  • Tri-Lakes Cruisers, first Wed., 7 pm. A nonprofit car club. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, with numerous activities and events each month. Club membership applications are now being accepted and are available on the website: tl-cruisers.weebly.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Networking breakfast, first and third Thu., in person or via Zoom 166 2nd Street Monument 7:30-9 am free registration at www.TriLakeschamber.com .
  • Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club meeting, first and third Thu. 6 pm-8 pm. First Thursday via zoom and third Thursday in person at the Chamber of Commerce, 166 2nd St., Monument. Details: www.tlrotary.com, Trilakesdynamicrotary@gmail.com. Guests welcome. We are a service club serving Tri-Lakes. Memberships open to the public. Info: www.tlrotary.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, third Sat., 10 am-noon, Monument Community Presbyterian Church, 238 Third St., Monument. Info: Syble Krafft, 719-488-2669; Barry (group president), 719-351-9485. If you need any help, please call Syble or Barry.
  • Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) monthly meeting, third Fri., 11:30 am. Eisenhower Golf Club, USAFA. To become a member, or learn about the club, visit our website at www.tlwc.net Contact Info: Tri-Lakes Women’s Club membership@tlwc.net.
  • Women’s A. A. Step Study, every Mon., 6:30 pm, meeting remotely, check for details. Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 Baptist Rd. Park in the west lot. Info: 866-641-9190. Al-Anon Zoom Meeting, Just for Today Online, every Mon., 9:00 – 10:00 am Zoom Meeting ID: 889 4142 7446, Password 349309.
  • Vanguard Tri Lakes worship services, every Sun., 10 am, Woodmoor Barn, see ad on page < 4 >.
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7829, third Wed., 7 pm, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, 166 2nd St., Monument. New members welcome. Info: Post Commander and POC Bruce Beyerly, Bruce.Beyerly@gmail.com.
  • VFW Auxiliary to Post 7829, third Wed., 7 pm Meets at Victory Baptist Church, 325 2nd Street, Suite X, Monument. Guests are welcome to join; if you are a relative of a veteran who served on foreign soil during war or other military actions, you would be eligible. For more information please contact Kathy Carlson, 719-488-1902, carlsonmkc@gmail.com or Linda Lyons, 303-579-8114, lindalyons7829@gmail.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

  • VOLUNTEER TODAY! Our Community News: volunteer mailing days, Thu., July 3, approx. 7-8:30 am. We are all volunteers at OCN and need YOUR help, even for an hour or two, getting the papers ready to mail. Contact AllenAlchian@ocn.me or (719) 488-3455.
  • Town of Monument Concerts in the Park, first Wed., 6-8 pm. Limbach Park. June 4 -Aug. 27. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • Monument Hill Farmers Market, every Sat. , 8-2 pm. D38 Lewis Palmer admin building, 66 Jefferson Street, Monument. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Palmer Lake Farmers Market, every Sun. 10 am-2 pm. Now taking new vendors, info: calvertsminimarket.com. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • MVEA annual meeting and appreciation event. Thu., June 5, Palmer Ridge High School. See ad on page < 8 >.
  • Benet Hill Monastery, Forest guided walks, Tue., June 10, 10 am-noon culturally modified trees Sacredness of all creation and June 20, 6-8 pm, labyrinth and seeking balance in our lives; June 27-29, culturally modified trees, forest bathing. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Model home grand opening, Campbell homes, June 11-15. See ad on page < 10 >.
  • Lewis-Palmer School District 38 public budget hearing, Mon., June 16, 6 pm See ad on page < 6 >.
  • Father’s Day Ice Cream Social, Sun. June 15, 2-4 pm. free, open to public. Palmer Lake Town Hall and Village Green. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the music, ice cream and pie. Enjoy a relaxing day with your loved ones. Sponsored by John Spidell with the Spidell Foundation. Lucretia Vaile Museum will also be open. www.palmerdividehistory.org/events
  • Covered Treasures Bookstore, Sat. June 14 1-3, authors George Hayward ( Party Dolls: The True Tragic Story of Two Americans Attempted Escape from a 1969 Hanoi POW Camp) and Mike McGrath (Prisoner of War: Six Years in Hanoi). Fri., June 27, 5-8, authors Cynthia Swanson (Anyone But Her) and Lisa C. Taylor (The Shape of What Remains). 105 Second Street, Monument.
  • Duck Dash in Palmer Lake, Sat., June 14, the race supports wildlife and the migratory bird flyway. Link to sign up and convivial pursuits after the race: https://tinyurl.com/duckdash2025.
  • Legacy at Jackson Landing Community Meeting, Thu., June 19, 5:30-6:30 pm at the Tri-Lakes Chamber Meeting House, 300 Highway 105 in Monument 80132. Legacy at Jackson Landing is 30-acre commercial development which includes a 129,000 square foot “major” retailer, a potential hotel, restaurants, and additional retail space. It is located next to I-25, just north of Baptist Road. For more information on the project, see the Monument Planning Commission Article in our June 7th issue: wp.ocn.me/v25n6monpc/ and attend the community meeting June 19.
  • Art Hop all summer: May through Sept., fourth Fri., 5-8 pm., downtown Monument, see ad on page < 2 >.
  • Front Range Maker’s Market, Sat.-Sun., June 7-8, Sat., 9 am-4 pm & Sun., 10 am-3 pm, Indoors at Lewis-Palmer HS, Shop 125+ local makers & artisans! FRmakersmarket.com. See ad on page < 24 >.
  • Poetry Book Launch and Summer Solstice party, Fri., June 20, Bliss studio and gallery, Downtown Monument. See ad on page < 14 >.
  • Grand opening Furry Friends Inc., Sat., June 21 (giveaways and prizes) pet food and supplies, see ad on page < 10 >.
  • History Day – Western Museum of Mining and Industry Sat., June 21. See ad on page < 12 >.
  • Tri Lakes Church of Christ Free Vacation Bible School Mon.-Thu., June 23-26, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, pre-meal at 5:30. See ad on page < 9 >.
  • Restyle Your Furs Event, Mon.-Tue. June 30-July 1. 10 am-5 pm. See ad on page < 11 >.
  • Affordable Flooring Connection, special offers. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Gleneagle Candle Company and Drip coffee house, special offers see ad on page < 24 >.
  • Eagle Wine & Spirits, special offers. See ad on page < 3 >
  • Kiwanis 4th of July parade registration now open details at mhkiwanis.org, See ad on page < 8 >.
  • Mesa Health and Aesthetics, special offers. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Monument Cleaners, special offers. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Monumental Med Spa, special offers. See ad on page < 7 >.
  • Noel Relief Centers, special offers. See ad on page < 7 >.
  • PeakView Windows, special offers. See ad on page < 24 >.
  • Plumb Smart Plumbing Services, special offers. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Routes outfitter, Special offers. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Sootbusters chimney sweeps. special offer. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • Stubby’s dog wash and grooming salon, special offers. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Tri-Lakes Collision and Auto Service Center, special offers. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Tri-Lakes Paint Company, special offers. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • The Vanity Box special offers. See as on page < 3 >.
  • Windows Well Covered special offers, see ad on page < 10 >.
  • YMCA youth sports camps,register today. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • Kiwanis 4th of July events. See ad on page < 8 >.
  • Palmer Lake July 4 Fun Run. See ad on page < 14 >.
  • Braver Angels & Reclaiming Civility. Sat. Aug. 16. Skills for challenging conversations; lunch; and after lunch debate. See ad on page < 11 >.
  • Tri-Lakes Cruisers 22nd Annual Benefit Car Show Sun., Aug. 17, 9 – 2 pm, historic 2nd Street, Downtown Monument. Vendors, food trucks and 200+ cars.General Public free, registration to be in the show: https://www.trilakescruisers.com/2025-car-show-registration.html.

Our community calendar carries listings on a space-available basis for Tri-Lakes events that are sponsored by local governmental entities and not-for-profit organizations. We include events that are open to the general public and are not religious or self-promotional in nature. If space is available, complimentary calendar listings are included, when requested, for events advertised in the current issue. To have your event listed at no charge in Our Community Calendar, please send the information to calendar@ocn.me or Our Community News, P.O. Box 1742, Monument, Colorado 80132.

Other Community Calendar articles

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 request for annexation was withdrawn and resubmitted in a slightly different form, making a second eligibility hearing necessary. The board considered an ordinance authorizing the transfer of two parcels of land owned by the town and an ordinance authorizing a collection service to be used to collect unpaid fees. The process for determining future uses of the Elephant Rock property was discussed.

At its April 24 meeting, the board heard a presentation about the Pikes Peak Regional Transportation Authority (PPRTA) from Contract Manager Rick Sonnenberg. The board heard administrative reports. A resolution to extend a conditional use permit for Diacut was debated by the board. The board approved the addition of fees for use of the town’s pickleball courts to its Master Fee Schedule and reviewed proposals from trash collection services. The board returned to its discussion of the Elephant Rock property and planned to complete its land use code.

Both meetings included executive sessions.

Buc-ee’s annexation eligibility hearing back on agenda

The board addressed Resolution 35-2025, which initiates annexation proceedings and schedules a special board meeting at 6 p.m. on May 29 at the Palmer Lake Town Hall to determine the eligibility for annexation of a property adjacent to I-25, which has been proposed as the future site of a Buc-ee’s travel center.

Town Attorney Scott Krob told the board that the resolution was only procedural; once a petition for annexation is received, the town clerk must refer it to the board and the board must schedule an annexation eligibility hearing that will be held between 30 and 60 days of the date of the resolution, which is April 10. May 29 was suggested for the eligibility hearing to give owners of adjacent properties at least 45 days to request inclusion in the annexation.

The board packet from April 10 contains three annexation maps that show the land to be annexed, which includes a portion of County Line Road, a portion of Beacon Lite Road and a 24.7-acre parcel adjacent to I-25.

Trustees Shana Ball, Tim Caves, Kevin Dreher, Amy Hutson and Dennis Stern voted in favor of the resolution. Mayor Glant Havenar also voted in favor. Trustee Atis Jurka voted no and stated he felt the annexation was not right for the town.

Krob gave the board an update on the three impact studies commissioned as part of the annexation process. He said that the studies, which address traffic, financial matters, and water availability, were provided as professional services and therefore did not require a competitive bidding process. When completed, the studies would be published on the town’s website, Krob said. Note: The studies have been published and can be found here: bit.ly/bucees-reports.

During the public comment portion of the April 10 meeting, resident Roger Moseley questioned the independence of contractors writing the impact studies. He said the board was not properly managing the contracts with the authors of the studies.

Town property transferred

Ordinance 1-2025 authorizes the transfer of two small parcels of land owned by the town to Lynn Jack via a quitclaim deed. The two parcels are west of Highway 105 and north of Peakview Boulevard. One of the parcels is 0.7 acre; the other is 0.3 acre. Craig Dossey, representing Jack, said the land in question had no use. Krob told the board it was unclear how the town came to own the land and the title was uncertain. He said the sale via quitclaim deed would free the town of liability. The board voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance.

Collection service to be used for unpaid town fees

Town Administrator Dawn Collins told the board that in the past, unpaid municipal court fees were collected by the county government, but that is no longer the case. She asked the board to consider Ordinance 2-2025, which authorizes the town to use a collection service to collect unpaid fees. She recommended Integral Recoveries Inc. in Denver. The collection service would retain 25% of any money collected. The board approved the ordinance unanimously.

New plan for Elephant Rock buildings

Havenar said Cave and Hutson are working on a plan for the Elephant Rock property. The board packet says the property is zoned Planned Development, which requires the development of a sketch plan and other documents. The main lodge and two other structures will be addressed by a request for proposal (RFP) to be developed by Cave and Hutson. The town’s consultants will contribute to the plan, which will come before the board for approval.

PPRTA presentation

Sonnenberg told the board the PPRTA was a collaborative effort with six members: the cities of Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs, El Paso County, and the towns of Green Mountain Falls, Ramah, and Calhan. It was formed under a state statute that allows the voters of two or more entities to establish a Regional Transportation Authority. PPRTA was established in 2004, and voters approved a 1% sales tax to support PPRTA projects. The funds raised are divided among capital projects, maintenance, and transit. The capital projects portion of the PPRTA has been extended by the voters twice: in 2012 and again in 2022 and a total of $2 billion in revenue has been collected. The maintenance and transit portions of the PPRTA do not sunset.

The revenues from PPRTA have funded more than 70 projects in the region, including improvements to County Line Road east of I-25, improvements to Baptist Road east and west of I-25, and the widening of I-25 between Monument and Castle Rock.

Sonnenberg estimated that if Palmer Lake joined the PPRTA, it could raise as much as $400,000. The 1% sales tax is distributed among PPRTA members by population. Palmer Lake projects would need to go on a ballot measure that all participating entities would vote on. Hutson pointed out that Palmer Lake voters would have to approve joining the PPRTA.

Later in the meeting, the board agreed to hold a workshop in July on joining the PPRTA.

Administrative reports

In his administrative report, Krob told the board that the traffic study commissioned for the proposed Buc-ee’s travel center had been completed and was posted on the town’s web page. The fiscal study and the water study would be completed and posted within two days, Krob said. The studies are available here: bit.ly/bucees-reports.

Collins reported that repairs to the town’s water tank were estimated to cost $250,000. She anticipated the 2025 budget would need to be amended. The Public Works Department had purchased a dump trailer for $9,563. An Operator in Responsible Charge for the Water Department had been hired, Collins said, which brought the town up to full staff. Air Force Academy cadets finished a bridge at the Elephant Rock property, and a dedication ceremony was planned for May 7 at 10:30 a.m.

Temporary conditional use permit for Diacut extended again

Bruno Furrer, owner of the property at 773 Highway 105, asked the board to extend a temporary conditional use permit that was put in place to allow Diacut to use the location to store hay for its wholesale business. The conditional use permit was required because the property is zoned C-2 for commercial uses, but outdoor storage requires industrial zoning. Furrer said the Planning Commission was willing to extend the permit on a year-by-year basis indefinitely if Loren Burlage, the owner of Diacut, would extend the screened fencing surrounding his business and meet some other requirements. The permit has been extended twice in the past.

Hutson pointed out that Diacut’s wholesale business did not generate any sales tax revenue to the town. Havenar and Dreher expressed frustration that the permit had already been extended and a permanent solution had not been found.

A vote to extend the permit resulted in a tie vote, so the resolution failed. Krob said without an extension, Diacut would need to cease use of the property for outdoor storage by the end of May.

Following further discussion, the board voted on an amended resolution that extends the permit for one year, with the stipulation that Diacut’s use of the property for outdoor storage would end when the extension expires.

Pickleball fees added to schedule

Collins presented a set of proposed fees to reserve the town’s pickleball courts. She emphasized the fees could change as the staff gains experience with court reservations. The fees were proposed by the Parks and Trails Commission, she said.

According to materials in the board packet, two of the six courts will not be available for reservations and will instead use the “paddle up” system. The remaining courts will have defined times when they can be reserved for use. Courts 1 through 4 will be blocked for play by members of the Palmer Lake Pickleball Club. All courts will be open on Saturdays.

Individual residents will pay an hourly fee of $10 per court; non-residents will pay $20 per hour. Instructors, camps, special groups, tournaments, and corporate events will pay higher rates.

By noon each day, reservations will close for the next 48 hours and staff will post a list of the courts reserved.

John Tool, representing the Parks and Trails Commission, pointed out that most towns have staff to monitor their courts but Palmer Lake does not. The commission’s goal was to generate revenue for maintenance and ensure equitable access, Tool said.

The board voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 38-2025, which establishes the fees and schedule for reservations.

Trash collection discussion

In response to questions board members asked at the April 10 meetings, Collins asked Apex Infinite Disposal, Republic Services, and Waste Connections about the percentage of business each has in Palmer Lake and if their prices would change if less than 100% of the residents decide to use their service. She collected their responses in a table published in the April 24 board packet.

The board considered the information collected but did not select a trash collection service.

Elephant Rock RFP takes shape, includes sale of land

Hutson said she and Cave were considering an RFP addressing potential uses for the main lodge and two other buildings at the Elephant Rock property that would provide a three- or four-month period for businesses to present the ways in which they could use those structures. For the first time the possibility of selling the three acres on which the buildings sit will be considered, Hutson said. Inability to purchase the land has made it difficult to find financing for previous proposals. Residential uses or additional buildings would not be considered, she said.

Krob recommended getting an appraisal.

Collins said an RFP would be drafted for consideration at a future board meeting.

Completion of land use code seen as critical

Collins told the board that the town’s land use code was still in disrepair despite previous work to redraft it. In 2023, the town got a $25,000 matching grant from the state Department of Local Affairs to rewrite its land use code. Just under half the code has been rewritten but those funds have all been spent, Collins said.

She asked the board to approve an additional $30,000 to complete the rewrite. The consultant would agree to complete the rewrite for that amount, she said. She added the town will not be reimbursed for money already spent until the project is complete, and the 2025 budget would need to be amended to make the necessary funds available.

Collins said the deadline for completion would be extended for a year, but the town is in a difficult position without a complete land use code.

Krob said extensive discussions with the Planning Commission had added to the cost of the rewrite.

Resident Roger Moseley criticized the board for allowing the project to drag on for 22 months and said the public did not have enough input into the work.

The board did not vote but approved Collin’s plan to complete the project.

Executive sessions

Both board meetings included executive sessions during which the board received legal advice concerning amendments to the property lease agreement for the Eco Spa at the Elephant Rock property and the possible annexation agreement for the proposed Buc-ee’s travel center.

**********

The next regular board meetings are scheduled for May 8 and 22. See the town’s website at www.townofpalmerlake.com to confirm times and dates of board meetings and workshops. Meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the Town Hall. Information: 719-481-2953.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other Palmer Lake Board of Trustees articles

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 the announcement of Interim Superintendent Amber Whetstine and Palmer Ridge High School Principal Adam Frank as finalists for the position of superintendent.

Board President Tiffiney Upchurch encouraged members of the board and selection advisory committee to submit questions to be used at interviews of the candidates on May 6. She said the questions should be submitted directly to Human Resources Director Alicia Welch.

The same questions will be asked of both candidates.

The final decision will be made at the board’s regular meeting on May 19, at which time a contract will be signed.

Amber Wetstine

Adam Frank

Relocation of Home School Enrichment Academy

Following the board’s decision to demolish Grace Best Elementary School, the district’s HSEA and Transitions program will need to be relocated.

It was decided that the Transitions program can be housed in available space in the new Career and Innovation Center.

Representatives of the HSEA have requested the use of seven classrooms, an art room, a science room, access to a cafeteria, space for gym classes, and office space.

Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway and Director of Planning, Facilities, and Grounds Melissa Andrews explained the process of analyzing space in existing buildings and determining the most cost-effective new construction options.

Ridgway explained that all existing school facilities were analyzed to determine whether the academy could be located in one of them.

The two most likely locations would be Ray Kilmer Elementary and Lewis-Palmer Elementary School.

In both cases, classrooms would be reallocated from their current use to offer access to contiguous rooms. At Kilmer, analysis revealed that five classrooms could be made available. In addition to this being fewer rooms than requested, population fluctuations in that part of the district made it unlikely to be a permanent solution.

The fact that the academy does not meet every day also could pose scheduling problems.

At Lewis-Palmer Elementary, four rooms looked possible. Palmer Lake Elementary was not considered as it will soon house a preschool.

Ridgway showed a slide detailing the comparative costs of various solutions, including purchase of an existing building, building a stick-built structure or a steel structure, or building a prefabricated pod structure.

Of these alternatives, the pod is by far the most affordable. The pod would consist of seven classrooms, a dedicated art room, a dedicated science room, and a multi-purpose room which could be used as a gym. Office space would also be included.

In addition to the lower expense, Andrews and Ridgway pointed out that some of the spaces could be made available to the community for rent when not in use by the academy.

Two possible locations on district property were considered for the structure.

The first would be immediately south of the district administration building. Access to utilities exists as there had been a previous modular in the space. The existing playground would be replaced as it has reached end of life. Ample parking is available.

The alternate location would be on the grounds of Bear Creek Elementary School, where provision was originally made for construction of a second school. Again access to utilities is provided and the structure could be expanded if needed.

This site would require construction of parking and road access.

In answering questions, Andrews said the project lifespan of a pod building is 40 to 50 years if it is well maintained and not moved. When asked what the resale value might be in 10 years, she said it would be about $1 million of the original $2.5 million. She said that the district often receives calls asking if we have modulars available for purchase.

Andrews also pointed out that at additional cost there are various surface options and that the pod could be at ground level rather than requiring stairs or ramps.

The board voted to construct a pod structure at the location near the administration building. To view the presentation on this subject, go to boarddocs under the board of education tab on www.lewispalmer.org.

Budget discussion

Ridgway reported on the current state of the district’s budget, saying that it is spending 98.5% of the budgeted revenue.

Reminding the board that 72% of the district’s revenue comes from the School Finance Act, he said there will be a projected 2.5% increase in revenue for the 2025-26 year. In addition, by reducing district budgeting for capital improvements from $3 million to $2.5 million, this should allow for a potential salary increase of 2.8%. Those in the lower-paid categories would receive a higher percentage increase than those in administration.

The cost of the health benefit plan is projected to rise by 13.5%. Historically, the district paid 70% of the cost and employees 30%. Ridgway said that this year there would be a choice of three health insurance plans rather than the previous four. The district is considering shifting to a self-funded plan through a statewide Colorado Employees Benefits Fund.

He said that by moving to the fund, the district would see less volatility in rate changes from year to year.

Ridgway reminded the board that the cost of the Career and Innovation Center was offset by funds freed by SB2024-17.

The board must vote on a budget for the coming year at its June meeting. To view the presentation on this subject, go to boarddocs under the board of education tab on www.lewispalmer.org.

Priority 2 update: Academic Excellence

Director of Assessment Dr. Michael Brom and district Literacy Specialist Peggy Griebenow reported on district efforts in support of Priority 2 of the district’s strategic plan.

To view the presentation, please see boarddocs and the article on the Parent and Community Advisory Committee on page < 7 > of this issue.

A concern of Brom’s is the fact that district students do not receive matriculation credit for earning college credit during high school. An additional concern is the relatively low participation in state assessments, which could threaten the district’s accreditation with distinction if current legislation succeeds. We currently have an 83rd percentile participation of the 85th percentile required.

Board recognitions

The board recognized athletes from the D38 Unified Basketball Team who earned second place at the Special Olympics State Championship in March. Team coach Brandy Doan introduced team members and fellow coaches.

Above: At the School District 38 board meeting on April 22, coaches and student athletes from the D38 Unified Basketball Team were recognized for their accomplishments on the court this sports season. On March 7, the team earned second place at the Special Olympics State Championships at Gold Crown Field House in Lakewood. Unified Team coach Brandy Doan introduced team players from Palmer Ridge High School, Lewis-Palmer High School, and Transition Services. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

The board recognized staff members Robyn Hudson (postsecondary counselor at Lewis-Palmer High School and Angela Dawson (career and college counselor at Palmer Ridge High School) for planning and executing career fairs at their schools.

The events were supported by grants from the School Counseling Corps, the HER Society, and the D38 Foundation.

Hudson and Dawson were also recognized by the Colorado Department of Education for receiving the School Counselor Corps Grant.

Above: On April 22, the School District 38 school board honored Robyn Hudson, Lewis-Palmer High (LPHS) postsecondary counselor, and Angela Dawson, Palmer Ridge High School (PHRS) career and college counselor, for organizing career expos at their schools. The winter events, Career Compass at LPHS and Pathway Palooza at PRHS, introduced students to various career opportunities. Hudson and Dawson also earned the Colorado Department of Education’s School Counselor Corps Grant award for exceptional school counseling contributions. The expos, supported by a School Counseling Corps Grant and co-sponsorships from the HER Society and the D38 Education Foundation, connected learning with future careers. Special recognition also went to HER Society representatives Sara Colangelo and Bre Rinkema, alongside Foundation Executive Director Stephanie Palzkill. Pictured from left are Interim Superintendent Amber Whetstine, Colangelo, Rinkema, Hudson, and Board President Tiffiney Upchurch. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

The board recognized recipients of Advance Grants from the D38 Education Foundation and thanked the Tri-Lakes Lions Club for their contributions.

Above: On April 22, the D38 school board recognized Stephanie Palzkill, executive director of the D38 Education Foundation, for the foundation’s Advance Grant Awards. The Tri-Lakes Lions Club, a key contributor to the grants, was also honored for its partnership with the foundation and the district. Pictured from left are board President Tiffiney Upchurch, Palzkill, D38 Foundation Trustee Holly Rollins, Lions Club President Curtis Jack, Lions Club members Melinda and Gordon Reichal, and Interim Superintendent Amber Whetstine. Photo by Jackie Burhans
Above: D38 recognized teacher recipients of the Foundation’s Advance Grants, which awarded up to $5,000 for professional development and continuing education. Honorees included Hannah Dykes, Dianna Harris, Jennifer Kalbron, and Shelby Turck (Bear Creek Elementary); Heather Boyd and Meghan Harrop (Ray Kilmer Elementary); Melissa Anderson and Anne Tellez (Lewis-Palmer Elementary); Melissa Lindemann (Lewis-Palmer High); Jackie Cirbo (Lewis-Palmer Middle); Kate Gosling and Bobetta Young (Monument Academy); and Nathan Nors (Prairie Winds Elementary). Pictured from left are board President Tiffiney Upchurch, D38 Foundation Trustee Holly Rollins, Lindemann, Harris, Dykes, Cirbo, Boyd, D38 Foundation Executive Director Stephanie Palzkill, and Interim Superintendent Amber Whetstine. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Student representatives at the meeting were Maren Stickrath and Jonathan Lilly of Lewis-Palmer High School. Student representatives may ask questions and participate in discussions but may not vote.

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The Lewis-Palmer Board of Education usually meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of the month in the district’s learning center at 146 N. Jefferson St. The next meeting will be on May 19. For information, please contact vwood@lewispalmer.org.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriesthalbig@ocn.me.

Other Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education articles

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