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Articles from Vol. 26 No. 1 - January 3, 2026

Vol. 26 No. 1 – January 3, 2026 – Photos

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Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Dec. 2, 11 – Beltran appointed; Caves, Krob, and Boyett resign

Highlights

  • The Palmer Lake Board of Trustees held a December workshop to interview candidates for a vacant seat, appointing Tony Beltran after Katherine Keeley did not attend.
  • Beltran emphasized growth, tax revenue, natural resources, civic duty, rebuilding public trust, and preserving small-town values as his priorities.
  • At a later meeting, Trustee Tim Caves and Town Attorney Scott Krob resigned, and the board moved to settle a lawsuit with Integrity Matters while grappling with annexation election timing.
  • The board also amended the 2025 budget, approved the 2026 budget and related appropriations, and split the Water Fund into separate Water Operating and Water Capital funds.
  • Beltran's appointment to fill Hutson's seat would last until the November 2026 coordinated election, while Caves explained his resignation as a response to ongoing divisiveness and recalls.
  • Krob announced his resignation as town attorney, citing professional concerns and a desire for a stable transition, and noted his long-standing municipal and water-law experience.
  • During the meeting, the board approved settling the Integrity Matters lawsuit by having CIRSA drop its cost-recovery claim in exchange for IM waiving its right to appeal the dismissal.
  • They also debated whether to seek a declaratory judgment on the annexation timing, ultimately directing the issue to court for a decision.
  • The 2025 budget amendment and the 2026 budget package also moved forward, with adjustments to fund management and anticipated interest income increases from new reserve transfers.
  • On December 12, Trustee Mike Boyett resigned for health-related reasons stemming from the stress of service.
  • The board will reconvene for meetings on January 8 and 22 to continue addressing governance, budgeting, and annexation-related questions.
  • Takeaway: Palmer Lake is experiencing leadership changes and ongoing debates over fiscal management, annexation timing, and how to best serve the town's growth while preserving its character, with new appointments and resignations shaping the board's direction.

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

The Palmer Lake Board of Trustees (PLBOT) held a workshop meeting on Dec. 2 to interview candidates to fill the board seat vacated by Amy Hutson’s resignation. At a special meeting following the workshop, Tony Beltran was appointed to replace Hutson.

At a nearly seven-hour meeting on Dec. 11, Trustee Tim Caves and Town Attorney Scott Krob read their letters of resignation. The board voted to settle a lawsuit with Integrity Matters but tried and failed to decide how to interpret the annexation ordinance passed earlier in the year on the issue of the timing for the annexation election that the ordinance put in place. The board voted to amend its 2025 budget, approve its budget for 2026, and appropriate the required funds, but not without concerns raised by Trustee Roger Moseley. The board also voted to separate the Water Fund into a Water Operating Fund and a Water Capital Fund.

On Dec. 12, Trustee Mike Boyett resigned.

Beltran interviewed and appointed

Mayor Dennis Stern opened the workshop intending to interview two candidates for the vacant board seat: Tony Beltran and Katherine Keeley. Keeley did not attend the workshop, so only Beltran was interviewed. The board asked Beltran a list of questions like those asked of other recent candidates for board seats.

In his opening statement, Beltran said his focus was on growth, tax revenue, and the town’s natural resources. His experience as an airline pilot for Frontier Airlines led him to believe that serving the traveling public mirrors government service, Beltran said. He mentioned that he holds two college degrees in aviation.

Beltran said he was motivated by a sense of civic duty and a desire to serve the community. In response to a question from Trustee Beth Harris, he said rebuilding public trust in the board, managing ecological resources, and planning for economic development were his top issues. Preserving “small town values” was also important, Beltran said.

Public comments were not taken at the workshop.

Note: Beltran’s interview is on the town’s website here: https://tinyurl.com/3tftcucn.

At the special meeting following the workshop, Stern noted that the candidate appointed would serve until the next coordinated election, which will be held in November 2026. He opened the meeting to questions from the public.

Local homebuilder Kurt Ehrhardt recounted his experience trying to build a Dollar General store within the town limits, which included him and his family being attacked on social media. He said the board needed to learn to compromise and asked what if Buc-ee’s struck a deal with El Paso County and the town received no revenue from the travel center.

Resident Keven Dreher, who was recently recalled from a seat on the board, faulted the board for being biased against the proposed travel center and for lacking transparency in its conversations.

Bill Bass, who served a term as mayor and was previously interviewed for the vacant board seat, sought to correct an impression that he was unfamiliar with the town’s master plan. He said when he was mayor, he and the board did a lot of work to update the master plan.

Town Clerk Erica Romero, who is responsible for coordinating the town’s special elections, recommended that the board make an appointment that night rather than using an election to fill the vacant seat, pointing out that the last special election had cost the town about $26,000, not including staff time and resources. Another special election might require temporary staff to be hired, Romero said. She pointed out that an appointment would restore the board to full status immediately.

Moseley pointed out that a recall of Caves was underway and suggested Caves should resign.

Harris moved to appoint Beltran. The motion passed with Boyett, Caves, Harris, Trustee Atis Jurka and Stern voting in favor. Moseley voted no.

Caves resigns

At the Dec. 11 meeting, the board considered Resolution 73-2025, which sets out the details of the special election to recall Caves. Romero said the petition to recall Caves had been submitted on Nov. 12, the signatures had been verified on Nov. 17, and no protests had been filed, requiring the board to set a date for a special election to complete the recall. The resolution passed unanimously, setting the election date for March 10.

Caves took the opportunity in the Board Reports agenda item to address the people of Palmer Lake. Saying he had worked to ensure fiscal responsibility, create community, and advocate for the creation of a conservation easement at Lakeview Heights, he said his service had been guided by stewardship and a sincere desire to protect the character of the town.

He said that a small group was steering Palmer Lake toward fiscal instability and relied on personal attacks and recalls rather than engaging in honest debate. Caves said the town was being led away from a revenue opportunity that was not about luxuries but about the fundamentals that safeguard Palmer Lake and its way of life. He said he was called to serve where knowledge is respected and truth is not twisted, and in the current climate, such service was no longer possible, so he resigned, effective Dec. 12. He thanked those who supported him and his wife, Laurie, for being by his side.

Note: Caves’ complete statement on his resignation is on the town’s website here: https://tinyurl.com/5d3ktvap.

Town Attorney Scott Krob resigns

The Dec. 11 meeting was slated to end with an executive to discuss the town’s position in connection with the legal representation provided by Krob Law Office LLC. Moseley said the resolutions was about the firm, not about Town Attorney Scott Krob directly. Krob noted that he had received nine complaints and wished to discuss the issue in public rather than in an executive session, which was his right to request.

Krob noted that he had asked Moseley for clarification on some of the complaints but had never received a response. He said that this discussion concerned the termination of the town attorney and that the town code had provisions governing the appointment and removal of town officers. He noted that any officer may be removed for cause by a vote of four current trustees, but that there could be no removal without a charge in writing and an opportunity for a hearing.

Krob said if the trustees were to decide on the matter, they should know who he was professionally. He noted that there was a representation agreement between the town and his firm since 2019 and that the current hourly rate of $175 was 60% of his firm’s rate for private clients. He reviewed his resume, saying he had graduated from Colorado College and then Duke Law School in 1980, when he began his practice. He was appointed as the youngest county judge in 1983 and has extensive experience as a municipal attorney with 40 years as a member of the Colorado Municipal League (CML) attorney section and serves on the Amicus Committee that decides whether to get involved in legislation that affects municipalities. He also has extensive experience in water law, serving as a water referee for the Colorado Division of Water Resources Division 6, and is experienced in water litigation and water rights, serving cities such as Evans, Cortez, Thornton, Grand Lake, Granby, and the state of Wyoming.

Krob said his legal practice seeks to find clients it meshes with and establish long-term relationships. Citing 30-plus year relationships with the towns of Granby and Grand Lake and the Upper Big Sandy Water District, whose aquifers sit above the Denver Basin aquifers that serve Palmer Lake, he said there is a benefit to having a historical perspective. He is also a trained mediator and has been an adjunct professor on legal ethics, he said, providing ethics codes and codes of conduct to the PLBOT, which he said the board needed since it was dysfunctional.

Krob responded to the nine complaints including concerns about the budget; communication about the indictment of his son Matt; rubber stamp votes on traffic, water, and fiscal impact reports paid for by Buc-ee’s and on the United Congregational Church (UCC) disconnecting from the town; allowing open meetings violations at the Dec. 12, 2024 meeting; inserting language in the master plan to allow trustees to make exceptions; failure to advise about the improper appointment of Dennis Stern as mayor; and his advice about the interpretation of the initiated ordinance on a public vote on annexations.

Noting that Moseley had come up to him after a meeting and said that he appreciated that Krob always acted professionally, he said he could not return the compliment. He said that Moseley’s conduct, both off and on the board, created problems as an individual and even more so as a trustee. Noting that Moseley had asked him to be fired and saying that he could ask that Moseley resign, Krob instead asked that Moseley be a good trustee and use his energy positively. He closed by reading a document tendering his resignation, saying that representing the town had been an interesting adventure and that his goal had always been to pursue the best interest of the town as directed by the board. He offered to continue to provide legal advice until they replaced him during the transition.

Stern asked if the board had the option of refusing to accept Krob’s resignation. Krob said it did not.

Note: Krob’s statement regarding his resignation is on the town’s website here: https://tinyurl.com/3was2c85.

Above: At the Dec. 11 meeting of the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Mayor Dennis Stern and Trustee Mike Boyett turn their backs on Trustee Roger Moseley as Moseley responds to Town Attorney Scott Krob’s defense of his legal guidance to the town regarding the proposed Buc-ee’s travel center. Boyett resigned from the board the next day; in his letter of resignation, he said, “I exhibited behavior that was unbecoming for a trustee by turning my back to a sitting trustee when he spoke at the lectern against our town attorney.” Screen capture from the video provided by the town.

Moseley came off the dais to give a public comment expressing surprise at Krob’s resignation and reiterating some of his concerns. He said he didn’t think Krob was bad or evil but that he sometimes had given the board bad advice or missed the point, which resulted in turmoil the town does not need.

Integrity Matters lawsuit settled

Earlier in the meeting, before his resignation, Krob gave the board an update on the lawsuit that Integrity Matters (IM) had brought against the town. That lawsuit had been dismissed, Krob said, and following the dismissal, the Colorado Intergovernmental Risk Sharing Agency (CIRSA), which insures the town and was involved in trying the suit, sued IM to recover $32,000 in legal costs. Krob said IM had offered to waive its right to appeal the dismissal in return for CIRSA dropping its request to recover its legal costs for participating in the lawsuit.

Following a discussion by the board members and residents, Caves moved to refuse to settle, arguing the town had plenty of time to continue the suit. His motion failed. Harris then moved to accept IM’s offer to waive its right of appeal in return for CIRSA dropping its request to recover legal costs, with Beltran, Harris, Jurka and Moseley voting in favor and Boyett, Cave and Stern voting against.

Board fails to decide timing of annexation elections

Since the Palmer Lake voters approved an initiated ordinance requiring all annexations to be approved or denied in a special election, the board has struggled with the question of when the special election should be held, some arguing the voters should weigh in early in the annexation process and others arguing the vote should take place only after all the details of the annexation, including zoning, have been decided. At the Dec. 11 meeting, the board returned to this question.

Krob told the board he believed the election should be held after the eligibility hearing or after the details of the annexation agreement had been decided.

Stern said the board had been unable to decide this question and suggested the board seek a “declaratory judgment”—in effect asking a court to make the call. Krob agreed that was an option to decide the timing of the annexation election. Moseley said he was still opposed to having the election “in the middle of things.”

Resident Martha Brodzik argued the current laws require the election to be “the last step once the voters know what they are voting on.”

Following a lengthy discussion of this issue by board members, Palmer Lake residents, and other interested parties, Stern moved to direct Krob to put the question to a court for a declaratory judgment to decide what the annexation ordinance means. The motion passed, with Beltran, Boyett, Caves, Moseley, and Stern voting yes and Harris and Jurka voting no.

2025 budget amended, 2026 budget approved

Interim Town Administrator Glen Smith presented Resolution 70-2025, which amends the 2025 budget. Management Specialist Christi Birkeland said the only change is to the property tax line,

which needed to be reduced because the state is not providing funds to backfill property taxes as expected.

Moseley said the amended budget was missing $64,000, and that the water enterprise fund “is not appropriated money.” Birkeland said she was not prepared to address the question of the allegedly missing funds. Krob said using the term “appropriated funds” was not a problem.

The board passed the resolution with the stipulation that any mistakes would be corrected.

The board also passed Ordinance 07-2025, which adopts the 2026 budget and appropriates the required funds, and Resolution 71-2025, which certifies the town’s mill levies.

The board voted unanimously to approve Resolution 72-205, which changes the management of water funds to generate increased interest income. Excess funds from the current Water Checking Account at Community Banks of Colorado will be transferred to a Water Reserve Account and a Water Capital Reserve Account at COLOTRUST to earn more interest and meet target balances. The analysis of the changes included in the meeting packet anticipates an additional $17,128 in income expected from the changes.

Boyett resigns

On Dec. 12, the next day after the board meeting, Boyett resigned from the board, citing health concerns resulting from the stress of serving as a trustee.

Note: His resignation letter can be found on the town’s website here: https://tinyurl.com/2s4dxber.

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The next regular board meetings are scheduled for Jan. 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

Monument Planning Commission, Dec. 10 – Commissioners recommend approval of 2026 zoning map, show appreciation for outgoing members

Highlights

  • The Monument Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the 2026 official zoning map after a brief staff presentation and a public hearing with no comments from citizens.
  • Planning Director Dan Ungerlieder explained that the map incorporates all annexations, rezonings, subdivisions, and boundary changes from the past year, and he credited GIS specialist Connie Driedger for maintaining the mapping system that supports decision-making and public access; the map will go to the Town Council for approval on Jan. 5.
  • Commissioners asked a few questions about the Old Denver Road annexation and potential future zoning changes from forthcoming comprehensive plan updates, with Ungerlieder noting the annexation clarifies maintenance responsibilities and may aid future incorporation efforts, while development activity will likely drive incremental map changes over time.
  • During the meeting, longtime commissioner Danny Ours announced his early resignation to join the town's new Economic Development Committee, and commissioners acknowledged Cathy Green's departure and thanked both for their service.
  • The town plans to finalize the 2026 Planning Commission roster in January, with a joint Town Council-Planning Commission session tentatively set for Jan. 14.
  • Recruitment continues for two alternate seats and one full commission seat, and the commission will reconvene at its next meeting on Jan. 14 to continue advising the Town Council on land use and development issues, with meeting details and recordings available to the public.

By Janet Sellers

The Monument Planning Commission held its final meeting of the year on Dec. 10 and unanimously recommended approval of the town’s 2026 official zoning map following a brief presentation from staff and a public hearing with no citizen comments.

With Commissioner Cathy Green absent, Alternate Commissioner Valerie Baumer was seated as a voting member for the evening. The commissioners first approved the minutes from the previous meeting before turning to the night’s primary agenda item: the annual adoption of the zoning map required under the Monument Municipal Code.

Planning Director Dan Ungerlieder presented the map, noting that it incorporates all annexations, rezonings, subdivisions, and boundary changes approved over the past year. He credited town GIS specialist Connie Driedger for maintaining the town’s mapping system, which he said supports decision-making and public access to information. The map is expected to go before the Town Council for approval on Jan. 5.

No members of the public offered comments in person or online during the hearing. The commissioners raised a few questions, including clarification on the recently completed annexation of portions of Old Denver Road and whether future comprehensive plan updates may prompt zoning modifications. Ungerlieder said the annexation ensures clearer maintenance responsibility and may support future incorporation requests. He added that development applications and annexations may continue to drive incremental map changes over time.

The meeting also included discussion of commission appointments and upcoming schedules. One longtime commissioner, Danny Ours, formally explained his decision to resign a year early to serve on the town’s new Economic Development Committee, citing the need to give any of the upcoming new commissioners time to understand and participate in the ongoing comprehensive plan and anticipated code updates. Commissioners also acknowledged Green’s departure and expressed appreciation for both outgoing members’ service.

The town will finalize the 2026 Planning Commission roster in January, and a schedule of 2026 meeting dates has been provided to members, including a joint Town Council-Planning Commission session planned for Jan. 14.

The meeting adjourned following approval of the motion to close. Recruitment continues for two alternate commission positions and one full commission seat. Commissioners Green and Ours will step down at year-end, with a farewell reception planned.

The 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.

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The Planning Commission usually meets on the second Wednesday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for Jan.14. For further information on commission meetings, please visit www.townofmonument.org/263/planning commission-commission-board-of-adjustment or contact 719-884-8028. A recording with a transcript of each meeting is also available.

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

Other Monument Planning Commission articles

Monument Town Council, Dec. 1 and 15 – Council considers a variety of requests

Highlights

  • Monument Town Council discussions on December 1 focused on fiscal planning, infrastructure, and resident concerns, with Mayor LaKind stressing transparent governance and public participation.
  • Planning officials sought approval for the Santa Fe Business Park Final PUD on 10 acres near Baptist Road and Old Denver Road, addressing building height, square footage, and bay openings, with a continuance approved to give the applicant time to address issues.
  • The Planning Department continued updating the Land and Building Code, including ADUs under House Bill 24-1152, and the council unanimously approved Ordinance 23-2025 related to ADU wording, along with several building code ordinances.
  • The council reviewed the 2026 budget, highlighting funding for public safety, road maintenance, and parks, and considered proposed road and intersection upgrades to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety, while committing to regular progress reports and prioritizing school and high-traffic areas.
  • Residents raised concerns on traffic, snow removal, downtown parking, and local business support, prompting discussions on improved municipal services and ongoing community engagement, as the council moved to further study land development plans along Old Denver Road and approved ongoing refinements to noise and short-term rental regulations.
  • Conclusion: The meetings laid groundwork for balanced growth with attention to fiscal prudence, infrastructure, public safety, and community input, aiming to preserve Monument's small-town character while expanding services and amenities.

Corrections

Two corrections are needed to the Monument Town Council article that ran starting on page < 6 > of the December 6th issue of Our Community News. First, the Water Utility Franchise Fee restatement is an internal accounting entry and does not affect residents’ bills. Second, the Town of Monument HR Director’s name is Emily Trujillo (not Laura). OCN regrets the errors.

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By Marlene Brown

On Dec. 1, the Monument Town Council (MTC) discussed issues ranging from the budget to new development proposals and community engagement initiatives, setting the stage for an agenda focused on fiscal planning, infrastructure, and resident concerns. Mayor Mitch LaKind emphasized the importance of transparent governance and active participation by council members and the public.

Dan Ungerleider, director of planning, explained that approval was sought for the Santa Fe Business Park Final Planned Unit Development (PUD). The site is near the northeast corner of Baptist Road and Old Denver Road and sits on 10 acres. Plans are to build six buildings for industrial, office, and warehouse space. Several concerns were discussed during the hearing, including building code heights and square footage, and bay and dock openings. A motion was made to continue the public hearing to the Jan. 5 regular MTC meeting, giving the applicant more time to address the issues. The vote was unanimous to approve the continuance.

The Planning Department is continuing to update the Land and Building Code, including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). The state requires in House Bill 24-1152 that local governments define ADU according to specific development standards. A motion for approval of Ordinance 23-2025 regarding wording for ADUs was made and approved unanimously. Several other ordinances were passed regarding building codes. For more information, see townofmonument.org/planning-department.

Other topics discussed were the state-required second Restated 2025 Budget. The first one was in June 2025, and the second one was due Dec. 31. Finance Director Jennifer Phillips presented a breakdown of anticipated 2026 revenues and expenditures, highlighting key areas such as public safety, road maintenance, and parks and recreation. Council members raised questions about the allocation for emergency services, seeking assurance that the police and fire departments would receive adequate funding to meet the town’s growing needs.

Infrastructure improvement was another significant focus. The council reviewed a proposal to upgrade several major roads and intersections to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Representatives from the Public Works Department provided an update on ongoing projects, including the installation of new traffic signals and sidewalk repairs.

Community members attending the meeting expressed support for these initiatives but voiced concerns about construction timelines and potential disruptions. The council agreed to provide regular progress reports and to prioritize work near schools and high-traffic areas. The council voted to approve the budget, with a commitment to review spending mid-year to address any unforeseen expenses for 2026.

Land development and zoning changes were addressed as developers presented plans for a new residential community along the west side of Old Denver Road. Council members asked detailed questions about the environmental impact, housing affordability, and infrastructure support needed for the proposed development. Several residents expressed concerns about increased traffic and the preservation of natural spaces. The council voted to table the proposal for further study, requesting additional information from developers and scheduling a public forum to gather more feedback from the community.

The council also considered updates to local ordinances, including revisions to noise regulations and short-term rental policies. These changes were prompted by increased complaints from residents regarding disturbances and the growing popularity of vacation rentals in Monument. After discussion, the council approved stricter enforcement measures and set guidelines for rental property owners to ensure compliance with town standards.

During the public comment period, residents raised issues such as snow removal, downtown parking, and support for local businesses during the holiday season. The council acknowledged these concerns and discussed strategies to improve municipal services, including enhanced communication with residents and partnerships with local organizations. Mayor LaKind encouraged ongoing community involvement and invited residents to participate in upcoming town events and volunteer opportunities.

Council members reflected on the progress made throughout the year and shared their goals for 2026, emphasizing collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to quality of life for Monument residents. Decisions made during the session set the stage for continued growth and improvement in the coming year.

The council moved into executive session to discuss with the town attorney the details regarding the Inter-Governmental Agreement establishing the Loop Water Authority (LWA). Upon returning, LaKind asked the council for a motion to pay the LWA invoice. The expense was allocated as part of the 2025 budget. The council voted unanimously to approve the payment.

Dec. 15 meeting

At the Dec. 15 meeting, the MTC addressed several critical matters. Local officials and residents discussed ongoing projects and new proposals that ensure that Monument continues to thrive as it grows.

Public comment was encouraged, with several residents voicing their support or concerns regarding local initiatives. The council reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and open communication, urging citizens to remain engaged in municipal affairs

Development proposal

Meritage Homes asked to replat the approved Conexus Phase 2 and 3 Preliminary PUD Plan to the Conexus Lot 2 Final PUD Plan. The council reviewed progress on several ongoing infrastructure projects, including road improvements, water system upgrades, and enhancements to public spaces. Updates were provided on construction timelines, funding sources, and anticipated community benefits. New development proposals were introduced, with discussions focusing on zoning regulations, environmental impact assessments, and public input sessions. The council emphasized the need to balance growth with the preservation of Monument’s small-town character. It voted to approve the Final Planned Unit Development for Conexus Filing No. 4, replacing and replatting Conexus Filing No. 2 Lot 2 for Meritage Homes.

Public safety and emergency preparedness

Public safety was another key topic, as the police chief and Fire Department representatives presented reports on recent activities and outlined future initiatives. Council members commended first responders for their dedication and discussed strategies for enhancing community safety, such as improved emergency communication systems and disaster preparedness plans. The meeting also addressed the importance of neighborhood watch programs and community engagement in crime prevention efforts.

Environmental initiatives and sustainability efforts

The council reaffirmed its commitment to environmental stewardship by discussing current and future sustainability initiatives. Topics included the expansion of recycling programs, the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, and partnerships with local organizations to promote conservation. Residents were encouraged to participate in upcoming tree-planting events and educational workshops aimed at fostering environmental awareness.

As the meeting concluded, council members summarized the key decisions made and outlined action items for the coming months.

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Regular meetings are typically held on the first and third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall located at 645 Beacon Lite Road, Monument 80132. If the meeting falls on a holiday, the meeting will be held the following Tuesday.

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

Other Monument Town Council articles

Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Dec. 2 and 15 – Officers elected; recognitions; approval of annual mill levy

Highlights

  • The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board held a special meeting on December 2 to elect officers, swear oaths, and sign confidentiality affidavits, with Patti Shank serving as chair pro tem, Ron Schwarz as president, Shank as vice president, Tim Bennett as treasurer, and Ginger Schaaf as secretary; Todd Brown was named director.
  • A regular meeting followed on December 15, including an executive session about safety and security; district schools were closed on December 16 due to an unspecified threat, with staff working remotely and a rapid return to operations the next day.
  • Recognition highlights include several District 38 students chosen for the Colorado All-State Choir and LPHS teacher Jaci Schatz receiving SHAPE APE Teacher of the Year, along with other awards for students and staff from Harbor Freight tools.
  • Board priorities focus on valuing staff, fiscal stewardship, and open communication, with updates on retention efforts, recognition programs, surveys showing strengths and areas for improvement, and plans to improve compensation, budget transparency, and resource allocation.
  • The board approved a partnership with Eastern Colorado Bank for capital lease financing and updated policies on tobacco-free schools and student activities funds, including establishing separate deposit accounts for activity funds and using district funds for comprehensive student programs.
  • Additionally, the board approved the 2025 mill levy at 6 mills, noting the district's assessed value exceeded $1 billion, and adjusted meeting dates to accommodate holidays, with a January 2026 meeting moved to January 26 and a potential February 17 meeting canceled in favor of a single February 10 session.
  • Conclusion: The December actions reflect leadership changes, safety responses, student and staff recognitions, financial and policy updates, and calendar adjustments, all aimed at sustaining district operations and supporting staff, students, and community oversight.

By Harriet Halbig

Correction

The article on the board of education in the December 6, 2025 issue of Our Community News stated that as part of the new organization Innovate Pikes Peak, the district’s Career and Innovation Center would allow students from other participating districts to attend classes at the CIC. That is not the case. Innovate Pikes Peak is a group of districts, chambers of commerce, and other entities devoted to collaboratively equip students for life after high school while strengthening the workforce in the area. OCN regrets the error.

The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education held a special meeting on the morning of Dec. 2 to elect officers, swear oaths of office, and sign affidavits of confidentiality.

Dr. Patti Shank, former board secretary, was elected to serve as chairman pro tem for the meeting.

Former board Treasurer Ron Schwarz was elected president. Shank was nominated and elected vice president. New member Tim Bennett was appointed treasurer, and new member Ginger Schaaf was appointed secretary. Todd Brown will serve as a director.

Bennett and Schaaf were sworn in. Chief Business officer Brett Ridgway will serve as assistant treasurer and Vicki Wood will serve as assistant secretary.

Above: The D38 board members were sworn-in at their Dec. 2 meeting. From left, Todd Brown, treasurer; Patti Shank, vice president; Tim Bennett, director; Ginger Schaaf, secretary; and Ron Schwarz, president. Photo courtesy D38.

All members signed affidavits of confidentiality.

Following the brief meeting was a board retreat.

Regular meeting, Dec. 15

Before the regular meeting was an executive session to discuss safety and security procedures. District schools were closed on Tuesday, Dec. 16, due to an unspecified threat to district property.

In response to the threat, district school resource officers and the security team worked with local law enforcement to share any useful information.

Staff worked remotely on that day. Schools reopened the following day.

Recognitions

Several District 38 students were selected to participate in the all-state choir. They are:

  • From Lewis-Palmer High School, Gavin Hawk, Liliah Arellano, Lindiwe Gichuki, Finn Clark, Jonathan Lilley, and Linda Reyes.
  • From Palmer Ridge High School, Winn Sienkowski, Benton Miles, Krew Sloan, and Ruby Taylor.
  • From Lewis-Palmer Middle School, Stella Boyd, Aadya Mohan, and McKay Peterson.
Above: At the Dec. 15 D38 board meeting, students who made the All State Choir were recognized. From left are board President Ron Schwarz, students who made All State Choir, and Superintendent Amber Whetstine. Photo courtesy D38.

These students will participate in the Colorado All-State Choir in Denver in February. They performed a brief holiday selection.

Staff and student recognition were given to Lewis-Palmer High School (LPHS) physical education instructor Jaci Schatz for her receipt of the SHAPE (Society of Health and Physical Education of Colorado) APE (Adaptive Physical Education) Teacher of the Year.

Above: At the D38 board meeting Dec. 15, Lewis-Palmer High School physical education instructor Jaci Schatz was recognized for her receipt of the SHAPE (Society of Health and Physical Education of Colorado) APE (Adaptive Physical Education) Teacher of the Year. Three students, Chloe Jarrett, Molly Schatz, and Chase Gavin, also received awards from the organization. Pictured left to right: Patti Shank, VP of the board, student Chloe Jarrell, Jaci Schatz, student Molly Shatz, and Superintendent Amber Whetstine. Photo courtesy D38.

Three students, Chloe Jarrell, Molly Schatz, and Chase Gavin, also received awards from the organization.

Staff recognition

Industrial Technology instructor Andy Vrieze of Lewis-Palmer High School was awarded a $10,000 grant from Harbor Freight Tools for Schools. Vrieze received a $50,000 award from Harbor Freight in 2023 in acknowledgement of his teaching excellence and for elevating career and technical education. He gave a brief statement about his activities.

Above: At the D38 board meeting Dec. 15, Industrial Technology instructor Andy Vrieze of Lewis-Palmer High School was recognized for winning a $10,000 grant from Harbor Freight Tools for Schools. Pictured from left to right: Ginger Schaaf, board secretary, Vrieze, and. Superintendent Amber Whetstine. Photo courtesy D38.

Lewis-Palmer High School student representatives Gabi Zimmerman and Elleigh Clark spoke of activities at their school, including the annual Harvest of Love and the upcoming Snow Ball. Student representatives may participate in board discussions and ask questions but may not vote.

Board priority 3: valuing our people

District Human Resources Director Michaela Vanderheiden and Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway updated the board on progress in achieving goals in reference to results of staff surveys into such areas as staff retention, acknowledgment for good work, and open and honest communication.

Some actions in support of staff retention include conducting 30-day and 90-day stay interviews, listening tours, and employee experience and district services surveys.

In support of improving the level of acknowledgment, a recognition program will be established within each school or department, and all employees will be provided with meaningful and growth-producing feedback, Vanderheiden said. The annual evaluation experience will be improved with the addition of clear timelines, training for supervisors, and other guidance.

In support of improved open and honest communication, the Staff Collaboration Committee will continue to meet, sharing notes with school and department leaders, gathering feedback from schools and departments, and members will bring back takeaways from their constituencies.

Referring to survey results, Ridgway showed charts of levels of participation by school and department and responses organized by question. Some strong points were that individuals believe their work positively impacts those they serve, that they have a strong understanding of their expectations, that leaders in the immediate work environment are genuinely concerned about their welfare, and that they feel a sense of pride when they tell people where they work.

Lowest-scoring questions include seeing progress being made to create a culture of success for employees across the district, feeling that district culture supports open and honest communication, and feeling that district-level resources are allocated to maximize effectiveness across the organization.

Improvements sought include providing better compensation, increasing transparency around the budget, and improving how resources are allocated.

Board priority 5: fiscal stewardship

Director of Finance Ron Sprinz spoke about supporting fiscal stewardship in the district. He works with a team that includes principals, the manager of maintenance, analysts, and Ridgway.

Goals include improving overall financial results, such as operating within the window of spending 98-100% of the budget, and continuing to engage with the Financial Transparency Committee, the Staff Collaboration Committee, and the District Leadership Team. In progress is an effort to monitor class sizes.

A second goal is to increase payroll and processing accuracy to 99.99%. Sprinz acknowledges that time sheets are sometimes written by hand, and sometimes the individual who reviews them is on leave or ill. In response, the district has hired a part-time employee as payroll specialist.

Monthly balance sheet account reconciliations are designed to ensure accurate and timely reporting, and tracking reports will be distributed and reviewed with department and school leaders.

Financial planning and analysis

Ridgway provided detailed information to board members ahead of time to include enrollment figures, recommended courses of action, and data in support of approving an Authorization of Partnership with Eastern Colorado Bank.

Regarding approval of a partnership with Eastern Colorado Bank, Ridgway explained that it is useful to have a partnership with an institution that can support district needs for capital lease financing. Other local banks have been approached and declined to participate. The district has approved only the opening of a deposit account. Other account types must be approved separately.

The board approved the partnership with Eastern Colorado Bank.

Policy actions

Executive Director of Student Services Rick Frampton presented revisions to policies involving tobacco-free schools and student activities funds.

The tobacco-free schools policy defines tobacco as any product that contains nicotine or tobacco or is derived from tobacco and intended to be ingested, inhaled, or applied to the skin or an electronic device that delivers nicotine.

The policy specifies schools as school property, including stadiums, school-sponsored activities off campus, and school vehicles.

The policy defines disciplinary actions for students and staff.

The board approved the policy.

A policy addressing student activities funds requires that each activity have a separate deposit account administered by the district as part of the total fiscal operation. The funds are to be used to finance a program of authorized school activities. Funds derived from the student body as a whole must be used to benefit the entire student body. Funds derived from clubs and organizations must be used to benefit those specific groups.

Approval of annual property tax mill levy

Ridgway explained that the mill levy is a process by which the district levies taxes to generate funds required by the Colorado School Finance Act and collect override revenue and bond repayment revenue.

The assessed value in property in the district has exceeded $1 billion for the first time. Ridgway stressed that this is the assessed value, not resale value.

The mill levy for the tax year 2025 is 6 mills.

Note: To view the presentation on this subject, please see boarddocs under the board of education tab on lewispalmer.org.

Changes in meeting dates

Board President Ron Schwarz proposed that the date of the January 2026 board meeting be changed to Jan. 26 from Jan. 20. This is to accommodate the Jan. 19 Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

He also proposed that the February meeting on the 17th be cancelled in favor of a single meeting on Feb. 10, combining a work session and regular meeting.

Both changes were approved.

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The Lewis-Palmer D 38 Board of Education usually meets in the Bauman Learning Center at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of the month at 146 Jefferson St. in Monument. The January meeting will be held on Jan. 26 to accommodate the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

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

Other District 38 Board of Education articles

Monument Academy School Board, Dec. 11 – MA retains BB- credit rating

Highlights

  • The Monument Academy board discussed its current credit rating, noting a BB- rating influenced by refinancing timing and enrollment, which affects borrowing costs and investor options.
  • Board members explained MA plans to refinance its 2019 bonds within the next 30 to 60 days and proceed with the Track & Field project, starting with a first tier that includes the track, field, and a compliant press box, followed by a second tier for bleachers and lights funded by a capital campaign.
  • A contract to move the Track & Field design into construction was approved unanimously, with RJ LaForge of Wember Inc. serving as owner's representative and Brian Risley of CRP Architects as the project architect.
  • Capturing Kids Hearts, presented by Mark McKinney, is being used to build leadership and school culture at MA, with claims of improved connection, discipline, and teacher retention based on CKH surveys and the program's EXCEL framework.
  • CKH has been implemented at the elementary and middle school levels and is expanding to the high school, which MA leaders say aligns with the district's vision of security, character, connection, growth, and excellence.
  • The board recognized a high school Turning Point USA Club America group, acknowledging student leaders who planned a 5K to honor Charlie Kirk and presenting each student with certificates.
  • Policy updates were approved in several areas, including staff decision-making, contracts and compensation, overtime, fringe benefits, and the meet-and-confer status, while a related policy on instructional materials was tabled for deeper discussion in January.
  • Updates and highlights from the meeting noted enrollment activity, fundraising plans, and financial actions, including a mid-year budget showing a deficit that is smaller than projected thanks to adjustments and anticipated refinements, with a final budget review planned for January.
  • In conclusion, the board highlighted ongoing growth initiatives, CKH implementation, and financial planning as MA advances its Track & Field project and school improvements into the new year.

By Jackie Burhans

The Monument Academy (MA) board met on Dec. 11 and heard an update on its S&P credit rating, approved a contract for its Track & Field project, heard a presentation on Capturing Kids Hearts (CKH), recognized a high school club, and updated policies.

No change to credit rating

Finance Director Laura Polen reported that she had heard back from Standard & Poor’s (S&P) on the school’s credit rating and took that information back to MA’s bond counsel. She said the BB- rating was due, in part, to the lack of refinancing but that MA had been waiting to refinance until it got its new credit rating, describing it as a chicken-and-egg situation. MA’s enrollment numbers also played a factor in keeping the bond rating at BB-, she said. S&P describes BB- as being below investment grade, in the speculative category, noting that it is less vulnerable in the near term than lower-rated entities but faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse conditions (see https://www.spglobal.com/ratings/en/credit-ratings/about/understanding-credit-ratings). Credit ratings can impact borrowing costs and limit the investor base and the strictness of bond covenants.

In the Finance Committee meeting report, board member Craig Carle said that in talking to other charter schools, a BB- rating was becoming common in their growth phase. He said that MA doesn’t want to lose steam of its momentum. Carle said that there are a lot of good, positive things happening, and MA is making strong progress.

Board President Ryan Graham said that MA will be refinancing its 2019 bonds and should pull the trigger in the next 30 to 60 days if not sooner. He also said MA would be breaking ground soon on its new Track & Field.

CRP contract proposal

Graham introduced RJ LaForge of Wember Inc. as the owner’s representative, while Brian Risley of CRP Architects would be the architect for the new Track & Field. Graham reminded the board that it had previously approved a schematic design. LaForge said he was seeking approval of a contract to take the design into the construction phase and was available to answer questions about funding.

Polen said the funds for the contract would come from the refinancing. Graham said that the board had some revisions that were brought back to the committee that would be implemented and that the project would be done in two tiers. The first tier would include the track, field, and a press box that meets CHSAA criteria. The second tier would work on a capital campaign to raise money for bleachers and lights.

The board voted unanimously to approve the contract with CRP for the final design.

Capturing Kids Hearts presentation

Mark McKinney, senior leadership strategist from CKH, gave a presentation about the program and how it aligns with Monument Academy. CKH is a program used at MA and D38 schools that equips teachers, coaches, administrators, and district leaders to improve school culture and academic performance. McKinney said that everything CKH teaches is in the context of leadership, and MA wants to build leaders, not followers.

CKH uses the initialism EXCEL to describe its framework: E for Engage, X for eXplore; C for Communicate, E for Empower, and L for Launch. McKinney said public schools with CKH experienced 17% more connection and 40% growth as well as a 22% reduction in discipline referrals and 18% higher teacher retention rate than the national average. McKinney said that these statistics came from surveys at the beginning and middle of the school year. Surveys go to teachers, staff, students, and families.

McKinney explained that CKH’s discipline model asks: What are you doing? What are you supposed to be doing, and what are you doing about it? MA’s vision statement talks about valuing security, character, connection, growth, and excellence, all of which fall in line with CKH, he said. A lot of programs tell teachers you need to have good relationships with your students—CKH gives specific tools, McKinney noted.

Vinchattle said CKH was brought to MA before he started and is fully implemented at the elementary and middle school levels. MA’s middle school was named CKH national showcase school in 2025. Vinchattle said that implementation was underway at the high school. Graham asked if there was board training, saying he’d like to sit through a staff presentation.Note: For more information, see www.capturingkidshearts.com.

Board recognizes high school club

Vice President Lindsay Clinton said that in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, a group of high school students at MA began forming a Turning Point USA Club America chapter. They were the first in D38 to complete the process and sponsored a 5K that had 250 participants to honor Kirk, she said. Club America’s program educates young people about the importance of limited governments, free markets, and freedom, she said, encouraging students to be leaders in their communities. Clinton said this student-led club meets after school and includes students from eighth to 12th grade. She said the board wanted to honor the group of students and thank their teacher supervisor.

Above: At its Dec. 13 meeting, board Vice President Lindsay Clinton recognized the high school students who helped to found MA’s Turning Point US Club America after-school club. The club, which includes eighth through 12th grades, educates young people about the importance of limited governments, free markets, and freedom, and encourages students to become leaders in their communities, she said. From left are Serena Krell, board President Ryan Graham, Grace Dunston, board member Matt Ross, Aneliese Verones, Kainoa Smith, Joshua Deniston, Clinton, and board member Craig Carle. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Clinton called up the students in attendance and presented them each with certificates and a group photo. The students included Joshua Deniston, Grace Dunston, Serena Krell, Kainoa Smith, and Aneliese Verones.

Policy updates

The board tabled policy IJ-MA Selection of Instruction Materials and Textbook Policy and Procedures at its related exhibit after hearing from Vinchattle that there was confusion during the feedback period. Reviewers wanted a deeper discussion on pacing and the process of adopting a new textbook edition, he said. The board will discuss this policy at its January meeting.

The board unanimously approved the following policy updates as described by Vinchattle:

  • GBB-MA Staff Involvement in Decision-Making describes the system in place for teachers to communicate during the decision-making process stated in plain terms.
  • GCBA-MA Instructional Staff Contracts/Compensation/Salary Schedules speaks to how MA approaches contracts, compensations, and salary schedules. Vinchattle said that MA does not have a true salary schedule.
  • GCBC-MA Professional Staff Supplementary Pay Plans/Overtime describes how MA approaches overtime for hourly and salary staff. MA primarily uses stipends, a different approach than D38 uses for coaches.
  • GCBD-MA Professional Staff Fringe Benefits speaks to the benefits MA provides its staff, which is a little different than D38. Some benefits are mandated by the state, Vinchattle noted.
  • GCBDA-MA Licensed Staff Meet and Confer Process, which states that MA does not meet and confer, because it doesn’t have a union.

Note: Board policies can be found at https://tinyurl.com/ma-policies.

Highlights

Board meeting highlights include:

  • Executive director. Vinchattle noted that Intent to Return forms had been sent to families asking that they fill them out, because it helps with the planning process. Enrollment was underway, he said, with some full elementary grades on a waitlist. He reported on holiday goings-on, including craft fairs, concerts, and spirit week.
  • Finance Director Polen reviewed the October financials, noting that they represented 33% of the school year. She noted that there were large dollar expenditures, which were purposeful deficit spending, which would use its Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) funds, including preconstruction expenses that would be recouped when MA refinances its East Campus bonds, staff bonuses, and revenue losses due to enrollment differences from the budgeted amount. On a year-to-date basis, MA is at a net loss of $591,000 but after adjusting for the ERTC fund usage, it is at $89,400 in net income overall.
  • Student Accountability and Advisory Committee (SAAC) West. Clinton said the school survey is live until Jan. 12, and MA is seeking responses from West Campus families. There will be rewards by grade level for 50% or higher participation, she noted.
  • Resources and Development. Clinton said save-the-date cards for MA’s annual fundraising gala went home, and ticket sales will open in January. She thanked Operations Manager Jake Dicus for his assistance in applying to the Charter School Facility Assistance Program (CSFAP) through the Colorado Department of Education.
  • Pre-School Handbook and tuition. Director Kristy Hayes said the handbook added a visitor’s policy in line with the elementary school and added information about the Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program. She also proposed a small increase in monthly tuition of $100 per month. She noted that families who qualified for 15 or 30 hours of free UPK tuition would not have to pay unless they exceeded those hours. Families signing up for the Friday enrichment program would see an increase from $50 to $100 per month. The board unanimously approved the increase in tuition.
  • Mid-year budget. Polen provided an initial presentation showing a $40 increase in per-pupil revenue and a decrease of 29 in enrollment projections. The income was also adjusted for instructional fees, donations, the mill levy override (MLO), payments for Walden, and the state CSFAP grant, as well as staff bonuses. She transferred $15,000 to the preschool fund and added interest from UMB bank. The net income will be $144,000 less than the original budget. Expense changes include bonuses, staffing changes, $75,000 for the Inkyma marketing contract for the year, stipends for after-school clubs, class trips, West Campus building repair, back taxes, modulars, etc. The bottom line shows $184,000 in deficit spending, which is less than the $580,000 projected. Polen said she would bring this budget back for approval at the January meeting

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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 Jan. 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the East Campus. The agenda and packet are available at tinyurl.com/ma-boarddocs.

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

Other Monument Academy articles

Donala Water and Sanitation District, Dec. 11 – 2026 budget adopted

Highlights

  • The Donala Water and Sanitation District finished its 2026 budget process, set fees and mill levies, appointed a DWSD representative to the Loop Water Authority, discussed security upgrades, and planned to search for a new general manager.
  • The 2026 budget includes 5% rate increases for water and sewer, with operating and administrative expenses projected at $7.1 million and debt service at $751,000, while capital projects are expected to cost about $1.8 million and total revenue is estimated at $11.6 million.
  • Mill levies were set: 21.296 mills for the bulk of the district and 10.648 mills for six properties near Stuthers Loop that receive only water service from DWSD, with both levies approved unanimously.
  • Director William George was appointed to represent DWSD on the Loop Water Authority board, replacing Jeff Hodge who is on paid administrative leave, while Christina Hawker will remain a second DWSD representative and Cade Pennington will be the alternate.
  • In other business, the board debated security upgrades and authorized Hawker to obtain an upgrade plan with two quotes, noting a recent alarm event, EPA compliance needs, and a potential cost range from $47,000 to $150,000.
  • The meeting also covered operational reports, such as potential grant reimbursement for Well 7D, a ranch trespass issue near Willow Creek Ranch, manganese reporting concerns, and routine treatment plant maintenance, ending with an executive session about a water court case.
  • The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 15 at 1:30 p.m., with details available through DWSD's website or by phone.

By James Howald and Jackie Burhans

In December, the Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) board completed work on the district’s 2026 budget and set its fees and mill levies. It appointed a new member to the Loop Water Authority’s board and discussed upgrades to its security. The board heard operational reports and set a goal to begin a search for a new general manager. The meeting ended with an executive session.

2026 budget wrapped up

Board President Wayne Vanderschuere opened a public hearing on the budget, rates, and fees for 2026.

Interim General Manager Christina Hawker said the budget includes 5% rate increases for water and sewer service as discussed in previous meetings.

The Budget Message included in the packet for the meeting notes that the district’s operating and administrative expenditures are anticipated to be $7.1 million, with $751,000 earmarked for long-term debt service payments. Capital improvement projects, including tank and well rehabilitation, sewer line inspections, and water rights expenses, are expected to cost $1.8 million. Total operating and non-operating revenue is estimated at $11.6 million.

Following Hawker’s presentation, the board voted to approve Resolution 2025-8, which adopts the budget and Resolution 2205-9, which appropriates the required funds.

Mill levies set

Resolution 2025-10, which the board passed unanimously, sets the mill levy for the bulk of the district at 21.296 mills. Resolution 2025-11, also passed unanimously, sets the mill levy for six properties near Stuthers Loop at 10.648 mills. Those properties have a lower mill levy because they receive only water service from DWSD.

Director appointed to Loop board

The board appointed Director William George to represent DWSD on the Loop Water Authority board, replacing General Manager Jeff Hodge, who is on paid administrative leave (see https://wp.ocn.me/v25n9dwsd/ for details). Hawker will continue as DWSD’s second representative on the Loop board. Water Operator Cade Pennington is DWSD’s alternate.

New general manager sought

During Director’s Comments, Vanderschuere asked the board to begin thinking about how to appoint a new permanent general manager in the first quarter of 2026.

Security upgrade

Hawker told the board she had been looking into improving the district’s physical security and its emergency response plan. Because the cost might exceed $50,000, Hawker required board approval and two quotes for the work. Hawker said a recent alarm event brought to her attention a gap in the district’s camera footage, and the Environmental Protection Agency is putting rules in place in 2026 with which DWSD’s emergency response plan must comply.

Hawker said the quotes for the work were far apart; the lower was $47,000 and the higher was $150,000. The board voted to authorize Hawker to continue her comparison and move forward with the best option.

Operational reports

In her acting general manager’s report, Hawker mentioned she was trying to determine if Well 7D is eligible for reimbursement under a grant for radium abatement.

Hawker said she had received a call from a trusted source regarding unauthorized hunting on the district’s Willow Creek Ranch. The board recently discussed granting access to the ranch to nearby residents in return for their agreeing to contact the district in the event of unauthorized uses of the ranch. Hawker contacted Colorado Parks and Wildlife to begin a poaching investigation and advised the board to press trespassing charges. She said she had communicated with the person in question to let him know he did not have permission to use the ranch.

Hawker noted that high manganese levels had initiated a Discharge Monitoring Report, but Waste Plant Operator Aaron Tolman believed the reporting method had been misinterpreted and the district was not in violation.

In his report, Tolman said he was working on clarifying the manganese reporting, and all other wastewater measurements were within limits.

Superintendent of Water Operations Ronny Wright noted that water sales were slow. He reported on an issue with a hatch gasket on a water storage tank that required the tank to be disinfected and refilled. He said the Holbein treatment plant and the R. Hull treatment plant were scheduled for backwashing and filter replacement over the next few months.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to confer with legal counsel regarding the district’s pending water court application in Case 24CW3019. No actions were taken following the executive session.

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The next board meeting is on Thursday, Jan. 15, at 1:30 p.m. Generally, board meetings are held on 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, Dec. 11 – Water and wastewater rates increase; 2026 budget approved

Highlights

  • The Triview Metropolitan District held public hearings on the 2026 utility rates, fees, and the 2026 budget, and ratified an agreement with PFM Consulting LLC.
  • A rate forecast was presented for water and wastewater services, followed by approval of Resolution 2025-15 to set 2026 rate tables, with details available in the district's December newsletter.
  • The 2026 budget aims to increase cash reserves, advance the Higby Road widening project, offer strong employee benefits with a 3.5% COLA, invest in equipment, maximize renewable water use, maintain facilities, complete the district's operations building, participate in NMCI, and pursue infrastructure projects like a roundabout at Jackson Creek Parkway and Lyons Tail Road.
  • The board also approved the property tax debt service mill levy of 13.5 and the operations mill levy of 7, totaling 20.5 mills, along with related measures including administrative resolutions, an amended contract with FLMD, an audit engagement letter, an MVEA undergrounding work order, an easement with Stonewall Springs Reservoir Co., and an agreement with PFM Consulting LLC for real property matters.
  • Water operations showed Northern Delivery System delivering roughly 69% of the district's water in November and expected to do so in December, with a small amount of non-revenue water, while a water storage tank project at Plant B remains on hold until spring 2026.
  • In an executive session, the board discussed water matters, TOM agreements, NMCI funding timelines, and related negotiations, per Colorado law.
  • The next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 15 at 5:30 p.m., and meeting details are available on the district's website.

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) meeting on Dec. 11, the board held a public hearing on the 2026 utility rates, fees, connection charges, public works fees such as drainage fees, parks and open space fees, and road and bridge fees, and a public hearing on the district’s 2026 budget. The board ratified an agreement with PFM Consulting LLC.

The board held an executive session to receive legal advice regarding water matters, pending litigation, agreements with the Town of Monument (TOM) and other governmental and private entities, the Central Reservoir, the acquisition of a right-of-way for Blevins Buckle, and the Northern Monument Creek Interceptor (NMCI) project.

Director John Gibbons was excused.

Water and wastewater rates

The board received a rate forecast presentation from consultants Andrew O’Brien and Payton Gibson of Waterworth. O’Brien explained the timeline for the suggested rate increases and the management of revenue through 2030. Waterworth provides a software platform to manage and predict the future revenues needed to maintain the district’s level of services to its customers.

After holding a public hearing with no comments during or received before the meeting, the board reviewed and approved Resolution 2025-15 establishing rates and fees for the provision of water and wastewater services for TMD. For the rate tables effective Jan. 1, 2026, and other updates, see the TMD December newsletter at www.triviewmetro.com.

2026 budget

District Manager James McGrady said the budget goals are:

  • Increase cash reserves to the fullest extent possible, start and complete the Higby Road widening project (could extend into 2027).
  • Provide strong benefit packages to reward employees and foster employee retention with a 3.5% COLA increase.
  • Provide equipment and vehicles to ensure jobs can be performed.
  • Maximize the use of the district’s renewable water resources.
  • Ensure the district’s facilities, including roads, parks, open space, reservoirs, diversion structures, wells, and pump stations, are maintained and enhanced.
  • Complete the district’s utility operations and administration building.
  • Fund and participate in the NMCI.
  • Maximize the use of existing infrastructure in order to maximize revenues and build a roundabout on Jackson Creek Parkway at Lyons Tail Road.

After holding a public hearing with no comments, the board reviewed and approved Resolution 2025-16, certifying the district’s property tax debt service mill levy set at 13.5 mills, and the property tax operations mill levy used to pay for the voter-approved Higby Road project bond payments, set at 7 mills, for a total of 20.5 mills.

In a 4-0 vote, the board approved the 2026 budget, appropriating the funds for the district.

McGrady said the district also receives revenue via a sales tax share back with the TOM for operations, and the Specific Ownership Tax (vehicle registrations) and other revenue from building permits, use tax, Forest Lakes Metropolitan District (FLMD), Colorado Conservation Trust Fund, grants, programming fees from Sanctuary Pointe Park, and interest earnings.

In a 4-0 vote, the board also approved the following:

  • Resolution 2025-17, the annual administrative resolution.
  • The fifth amendment to an agreement between FLMD and TMD for Contract Operation Services (provided by the district), effective Jan. 1, 2026.
  • An audit engagement letter between TMD and Haynie and Co. to perform the district’s 2025 financial audit in 2026.
  • An approval for Mountain View Electric Association Inc. (MVEA) work order 230923 for the undergrounding of about 5,500 feet of overhead power line from Jackson Creek Parkway to a point about 600 feet east of Harness Road in the amount of $993,838.
  • An easement agreement between TMD and the Stonewall Springs Reservoir Co., a Colorado Mutual Water Company, and the district.
  • The board approved an agreement with PFM Consulting LLC. to provide consulting services at a rate of $150 per hour plus expenses relating to mining, environmental permitting, and all related matters associated with real property at the Stonewall Springs Reservoir complex located in Pueblo.

Water operations update

The report submitted by Water Treatment Superintendent Gary Potter stated that the Northern Delivery System produced 69% of the district’s water in November, and the same percentage is expected for December in keeping with the budget. The district produced about 14,257gallons in the October billing cycle and sold about 13,883 gallons to customers, leaving 337,847 gallons or about 2.62% of non-revenue (unbilled) water. Potter is optimistic that Triview is at the start of a new trend after two months in a row of very low water loss.

Additional water storage

Assistant Manager Steve Sheffield said the water storage tank project at Plant B in Promontory Pointe is on hold until spring 2026. The construction of the tank will be determined after the project goal of preparing the site for the construction of the concrete tank is completed. The site requires the installation of additional underground piping, new stormwater alignments, and final grading in 2026.

Executive session

The board moved into executive session at about 7:54 p.m. to receive legal advice pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) section 24-6-402(4)(b), as it relates to water matters and agreements with the TOM and other governmental entities, acquisition of right-of-way for Blevins Buckle, NMCI project funding timeline and discussions with DWSD, and the Monument 2040 Plan. The session also involved determining positions related to matters that may be subject to negotiations, developing strategies for negotiations, and instructing negotiations as it relates to the previously mentioned subjects, pursuant to CRS section 24-6-402(4)(e).

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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 board meeting is scheduled for Jan. 15 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

Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Dec. 15 – 2026 budget adopted and rates set

Highlights

  • The Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District held a December public hearing on 2026 rates and concluded the budget hearing from the prior meeting, while also renewing its contract with the Chilcott Ditch Co. and considering supplemental water service for a new Monument Fire District station.
  • During the rate hearing, the district announced increases for water and sewer taps of 10% and 3%, respectively, with base water and sewer charges rising 7% and 5%, while the Renewable Water Infrastructure Fee stays at $40 per month.
  • In the budget discussion, District Manager Jessie Shaffer noted 2026 expected revenue of just over $14 million and expenditures of $19.5 million, needing about $5.4 million from reserves, with total reserves projected at $18.5 million by year-end 2026, and the board approved two resolutions setting 2026 rates and adopting the budget.
  • Monument Fire District requested 2.7 acre-feet per year of supplemental water at $34,500 per acre-foot per year, and the board asked Shaffer to draft an agreement for later approval.
  • The Chilcott Ditch Co. contract was renewed without changes, maintaining WWSD's role in management and ditch rider services as part of the Loop water re-use project.
  • Woodmoor Ranch revegetation, managed by contractor Paul Flack, was nearly complete with 98% of the land restored to native grasses; the remaining 2% could not be revegetated due to high water tables and natural runoff.
  • Flack plans to prepare a formal report to a water judge, and a thank-you note highlighted his strong work and suggested honoring him with a named warehouse at the ranch.
  • Operational updates described ongoing Loop water re-use project work, including a preliminary design for a water treatment facility and anticipated completion of pipeline and pump design in January, with plans to expand the Calhan Reservoir and coordinate access with the Sundance Pipeline.
  • The meeting closed with a short executive session to discuss potential legal agreements with LWA and MFD, after which no action was taken, and the district announced its next meeting for January 12 at 1 p.m. at the district office.

By James Howald

At its December meeting, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board held a public hearing on its rates for 2026 and concluded a public hearing on its budget opened at its previous meeting. It discussed a request for supplemental water service from the Monument Fire District (MFD) for a new station it plans to build on the west side of Jackson Creek Parkway and renewed WWSD’s contract with the Chilcott Ditch Co.

Paul Flack, the contractor managing the revegetation project at Woodmoor Ranch, gave the board a final report on the 10-year effort. The board heard operational and financial reports from District Manager Jessie Shaffer, Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine, board Treasurer Dana Franzen, and District Engineer Cydney Saelens. The meeting ended with an executive session.

Rate increases and budget approved

At the public hearing on rates, Shaffer told the board that water and sewer tap fees would increase by 10% and 3%, respectively. The base fee and volumetric rates for water service would increase by 7% and the base fee for sewer service would increase by 5%. The Renewable Water Infrastructure Fee would remain unchanged at $40 per month. A complete schedule of fees for 2026 is on the district’s website here: https://tinyurl.com/4hwwt2ts.

There were no comments from the public, and the hearing was closed.

At the continuation of the hearing on the 2026 budget, Shaffer said there were few changes to the draft presented at the November meeting, just some adjustments to when the district would pay retainage fees to contractors. He said he added documentation to the November draft for the board’s information.

Shaffer said the 2026 budget anticipated revenue just above $14 million and expenditures of $19.5 million, requiring about $5.4 million to be spent from reserves. Total reserves of $18.5 million were expected at the end of 2026, Shaffer said.

The budget hearing was closed, and the board voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 25-04, which sets the rates and fees for 2026, and Resolution 25-05, which adopts the budget and appropriates the required funds.

Supplemental water requested by MFD

MFD Division Chief of Support Services Jamey Bumgarner asked the board to consider providing 2.7 acre-feet per year of supplemental water service to a new fire station planned for a site west of Jackson Creek Parkway and north of the Tri-Lakes YMCA. Supplemental water service costs $34,500 per acre-foot per year. Bumgarner said MFD’s request complied with WWSD’s water demand methodology.

Board President Brian Bush directed Shaffer to draft an agreement with MFD for the board to approve at a later meeting.

Contract with Chilcott Ditch Co. renewed

Shaffer asked the board to consider renewing the district’s contract with the Chilcott Ditch Co. The contract, which is renewed every year, obligates WWSD to provide management, administrative, and ditch rider services to the company. WWSD is the largest shareholder in the ditch company, and the Chilcott Ditch, which conveys water from Fountain Creek to shareholders and to the Calhan Reservoir, will be used as part of the Loop water re-use project. Shaffer told the board there were no changes to the previous year’s contract, and the board voted unanimously to approve it.

Woodmoor Ranch revegetation project complete

In his introduction of Flack, Shaffer told the board that the work to revegetate Woodmoor Ranch with native grasses, required by the district’s conversion of the ranch’s water rights from agricultural to municipal uses, was substantially complete and had met the terms and conditions of WWSD’s water decree. The active part is done, Shaffer said, and now the focus would be on stewardship and land management practices around weed management. He thanked Flack for doing a phenomenal job.

Flack gave the board an overview of the report he will write on behalf of the district. The report will be written to sum up the project to a water judge in the unlikely event that the work is ever disputed.

Flack said 98% of the ranch had been successfully revegetated with native grasses and explained why the other 2% could not be revegetated. Some portions could not be revegetated because the water table was too high, making the land too salty to allow grass to grow. Another portion was not suitable for revegetation because it was naturally irrigated by runoff from nearby hills.

In his conclusion, Flack gave Shaffer some tools and notebooks that survived a tornado at the ranch in 2019 as keepsakes. Bush suggested that the warehouse at the ranch be named in Flack’s honor.

Operational reports

In his manager’s report, Shaffer said 2026 would be a busy year for the Loop water re-use project. He said Burns & McDonnell had submitted a preliminary design for the water treatment facility, and the Loop’s board had provided comments that Burns & McDonnell were incorporating into its design. Shaffer said the design of the pipelines and pumps, also assigned to Burns & McDonnell, was expected to be completed in January. The plan to enlarge the Calhan Reservoir is 30% complete, and the Loop board is discussing access to the Sundance Pipeline with its owner, the Cherokee Metropolitan District. “We are wound tight,” Shaffer said.

In response to a question from Director Roy Martinez, LaFontaine explained some of the technical details of the water treatment plant design. He explained that after an initial filtration, the Loop’s water would be filtered again through Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), which can remove so-called “forever chemicals,” pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors, and other emergent contaminants. LaFontaine said the use of GAC “future-proofed” the water treatment design. A further stage of treatment would keep the level of Total Dissolved Solids at an acceptable level, LaFontaine said. The treatment plant would initially have two filtration trains providing redundancy and capable of delivering 2 million gallons of treated water daily. The design anticipates the addition of another two filtration trains at buildout, LaFontaine said.

In his financial report, board Treasurer Dana Franzen said revenue from water sales would not reach projected levels for the year, and revenue from tap fees was also less than expected. Expenses were in line with revenues, Franzen said, adding, “Everything looks good.” Shaffer commented that there had been less legal work related to water rights in 2025 than expected. Professional fees related to Woodmoor Ranch were also falling, he said.

District Engineer Cydney Saelens reported that the drilling for Well 12R is complete, and welders were brought in to address structural issues with the south water tank so that recoating can continue. She said that the Northbay development, which is just north of Lake Woodmoor and east of The Cove, is active again and a Planned Unit Review had been submitted for zoning review. The number of homes in the development has been reduced from 28 to six, Saelens said. The Monument Ridge East project had just submitted another round of plans for review by WWSD, addressing just the single-family homes planned for the east edge of the property, Saelens said,

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session for the board to receive legal counsel regarding potential agreements with the LWA and the MFD. No action was taken following the executive session.

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The next meeting is on Jan. 12 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, Dec. 17 – 2026 budget approved; compensation debated

Highlights

  • The Monument Sanitation District board approved the 2026 budget and the 2026 rates and fees, with the only changes to the fee schedule being higher lien filing and certification fees to cover El Paso County's processing costs.
  • The budget projects a starting fund balance of $934,000, about $1.37 million in income, $2.31 million in expenditures, and an ending balance of roughly $976,000. The public hearing closed without comments.
  • During the meeting, the board approved Resolution 12172025-1 for the budget and noted that a 5% salary increase was included in the budget but would be decided later, as part of a separate discussion on compensation and potential cost-of-living adjustments.
  • Director Shannon Clark abstained from the vote on the budget resolution due to insufficient information, while the rest of the board voted in favor.
  • On compensation, board member Dan Hamilton and Director Clark reviewed pay levels at comparable districts and pushed to align MSD's compensation more closely with those benchmarks by March, noting the current use of bonuses was unusual.
  • Hamilton proposed a 3% cost-of-living increase for Parker starting January, plus $1,000 for Parker and $750 for Allsup as cash gifts to maintain continuity with past practices, and the board unanimously supported those moves as a step toward restructuring compensation away from bonuses.
  • Conclusion: The district moves forward with a balanced 2026 budget and adjusted compensation plans, aiming for greater alignment with peer districts while maintaining stable lien-related fees and a measured approach to wage adjustments. The next meeting is January 21, with details available on the district's website.

By Jackie Burhans and James Howald

At its December meeting, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board concluded its work on its 2026 budget and approved rates and fees that are unchanged except for lien fees. It also discussed how to align its compensation with similar districts.

Budget approved and funds appropriated

Board President Dan Hamilton opened a public hearing on the proposed 2026 budget and on the rates and fees, both of which the board had hammered out at a workshop meeting and at its November meeting. Parker noted that the only changes to the fee schedule were increases to the fees for filing and certifying liens. Parker explained that the increases were due to El Paso County (EPC) increasing what it charges to handle the liens that MSD files against delinquent accounts. The fees compensate EPC for the work it does to collect the liens. EPC deposits the money due to MSD in MSD’s bank account, Parker explained.

The 2026 budget specifies a beginning fund balance of $934,000. It anticipates $1.37 million in income and $2.31 million in expenditures, for an ending fund balance of $976.

There were no comments from the public, and the hearing was closed.

The board considered Resolution 12172025-1, which adopts the 2026 budget and appropriates the required funds. Parker said the budget allowed for 5% salary increases. Hamilton said he wanted to discuss cost-of-living increases and bonuses included in the budget later in the meeting during the Director’s Matters agenda item.

Director Shannon Clark said she intended to abstain from the vote on the resolution because she didn’t have enough information. She noted that other sanitation districts were increasing wages by only 3%, and she didn’t understand why MSD was budgeting for a 5% increase.

Parker explained that, while the budget contained funds for a 5% increase, any increase would be decided as a separate issue later. Director Janet Ladowski said that was the process used the previous year.

The board, including Clark, voted to approve the resolution.

The board then took up Resolution 12172025-2, which approves the rates and fees for 2026. Parker said he had researched the fee schedules of surrounding districts and thought MSD’s fees were in line with the districts he investigated.

The board voted unanimously for the resolution.

Compensation to be reviewed

Hamilton said he and Clark had reviewed the compensation in place at some comparable districts, and as a result, he and Clark were not sure MSD’s compensation for Parker and Accounts Administrator Cheran Allsup aligned with other districts. He said he wanted to continue to study that issue with the goal of aligning MSD’s compensation by March. He said he wasn’t going to push for major changes at the December meeting because he did not have all the facts. He noted that he has not been doing annual performance reviews with Parker. Hamilton said MSD was alone in its use of bonuses, which were “left over from the past.”

Clark handed out compensation schedules she had collected from comparable sanitation districts. Hamilton pointed out that the salaries for district managers varied from $73,000 to $343,000—a huge range.

Hamilton moved to give a cost-of-living increase of 3% for Parker, to begin in January. He also recommended cash gifts of $1,000 to Parker and $750 to Allsup, because he did not want to depart from previous years’ practice too abruptly. Hamilton said he wanted to move away from bonuses and gifts by getting Parker’s compensation properly set. The board voted unanimously in favor of Hamilton’s motion.

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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 Jan. 21. See MonumentSanitationDistrict.org. For a district service map, see www.MonumentSanitationDistrict.org/district-map. For information: 719-481-4886.

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

Other Monument Sanitation District articles

El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Dec.18 – Board considers hiring executive director

Highlights

  • The El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority board discussed the possibility of hiring an executive director to handle day-to-day operations, with plans to relieve directors who already balance full-time district roles.
  • The idea envisions the executive director as the Loop's first employee to manage coordination of contractors, calls, and meetings for a busy 2026.
  • Several directors supported the move, while one member suggested keeping design committees staffed for continuity.
  • A draft job posting and salary range of $145,000 to $185,000 were discussed, with a note to avoid using American Recovery Plan Act funds to prevent added regulatory burdens.
  • William George was welcomed as the replacement for Jeff Hodge on the Loop board, representing the Donala Water and Sanitation District, though he was excused from the December meeting due to travel.
  • Hutchinson provided updates on the Geotech drilling plan and Burns & McDonnell designs, noting a $119,000 addition for 12 soil bores and a 30% completion milestone for the pumps and pipelines design by January 22.
  • Fromm reported November invoices totaling $123,000 and a $138,000 reimbursement from the El Paso County Board of Commissioners, with 21% of the 2025 budget spent to date.
  • The board unanimously approved posting the executive director position and accepted Fromm's financial report, with the next meeting scheduled for January 25 at 9 a.m. at Monument Town Hall.

By James Howald

At its meeting in December, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) board discussed hiring an executive director. The board acknowledged a replacement for one of the Donala Water and Sanitation District’s (DWSD) representatives on the Loop’s board. Patricia Hutchinson, a civil design engineer with Merrick and Co., who is acting as the Loop’s workflow manager and coordinating the work being done by the consulting and engineering companies contributing to the project, gave the board an update. The board heard a financial report from Corben Fromm, of Fromm & Co. LLC, the Loop’s accountant.

Executive director to ease workload

Board President Jessie Shaffer asked the board to consider hiring an executive director to take on day-to-day administrative work currently done by the directors, each of whom has a full-time job with one of the participating districts in addition to their responsibilities with the Loop. If the board adds the position, the executive director would be the Loop’s first employee; previously, all Loop tasks have been handled either by the Loop directors, who are appointed by the boards of the participating districts, or by contractors.

Shaffer said 2026 would be a busy year for the project, requiring lots of coordination of contractors, calls, and meetings. He suggested adding a full-time executive director to handle the Loop’s business. Shaffer noted that much of the directors’ time was dedicated to working on the committees overseeing large aspects of the Loop project, such as the design of the water treatment plant and the expansion of the Calhan Reservoir. He said he had discussed the possibility with some of the Loop’s directors and had drafted a job posting. Shaffer said it might take time to find the right candidate.

Directors Christina Hawker and Madeline VanDenHoek, who represent DWSD and the Town of Monument, respectively, agreed with Shaffer’s suggestion.

Director Dan LaFontaine, who represents the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, said, for the sake of continuity, the staffing of the design committees should remain unchanged.

Tom Tharnish, who represents the Town of Monument, asked Shaffer to send his draft of the job responsibilities to all the directors. Shaffer said he would do so, adding that he thought a salary of $145,000 to $185,000 would be appropriate.

Attorney Nicole Peykov suggested that the executive director not be paid with funds from the American Recovery Plan Act, as doing so would add a regulatory burden.

The board voted unanimously to authorize Shaffer to post the position.

DWSD’s William George to succeed Jeff Hodge

The board welcomed William George as the replacement for Jeff Hodge, who, until recently, had represented DWSD on the Loop’s board. George, who was traveling, was excused from the December meeting.

Merrick update

Hutchinson told the board that she had received an update to the Loop’s agreement with Geotech that included drilling 12 bores to categorize the soils at the site of the water treatment facility, at the Calhan Reservoir, and at the Chilcott Ditch, at an additional cost of $119,000. Shaffer questioned the need for 12 bores and asked Hutchinson to ask Geotech why so many were needed.

Hutchinson said the design for the water treatment facility being done by Burns & McDonnell had been reviewed the previous week, and changes were being considered based on the feedback from that review.

The design for required pumps and pipelines, also being done by Burns & McDonnell, was planned to be 30% complete by Jan. 22, Hutchinson said.

Financial report

Fromm told the board that invoices totaling $123,000 had been received in November. The invoices were from accounting, legal, and engineering companies, with Burns & McDonnell being the primary service provider. The board approved payment of the invoices.

He noted that the Loop had received a check for $138,000 from the El Paso Board of County Commissioners, as reimbursement for the Loop’s expenses during the first quarter of 2025. Fromm expected reimbursement checks for the second and third quarters to be received soon.

Fromm said the Loop had spent 21% of its budget for 2025.

The board voted unanimously to accept Fromm’s financial report.

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The next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 25 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. 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 El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority articles

Monument Fire District, Dec. 3 – December meeting canceled

By Natalie Barszcz

The Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District (TLMFPD) dba Monument Fire District (MFD) meeting scheduled for Dec. 3 was canceled because of inclement weather. The meeting was not rescheduled due to the short agenda that will be included in the regular Jan. 28, 2026, meeting.

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Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday every month. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 28 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, Board of County Commissioners – Planning Commission recommends JJ Ranch, Gleneagle View, Hidden Creek for approval

Highlights

  • The article covers recent activity in El Paso County planning and development meetings, including several subdivision final plats and rezoning requests.
  • First, the JJ Ranch subdivision at 10155 Hardy Road sought Final Plat approval, with the Planning Commission recommending approval ahead of a public hearing at the Board of County Commissioners meeting.
  • Next, the Gleneagle View Final Plat would combine three tracts into one commercial lot near Northgate and Struthers Roads, with staff reporting all documents filed and the Planning Commission recommending approval for a BOCC hearing.
  • The Hidden Creek Rezone, formerly 3405 Hay Creek Rezone, requests a switch from RR-5 to RR-2.5, and the commission also supports approving Final Plat Filing 2 for six residential lots with a waiver to allow a private road in place of a public road, with the BOCC hearing set for January 8.
  • Additionally, the Skye Vista subdivision near Steppler Road received Final Plat approval after a public hearing, featuring 13 lots with well, septic, and public roads, and the Planning Commission's staff recommendation aligned with the BOCC's subsequent approval on December 15.
  • Finally, the Board of Adjustments addressed a variance request for an accessory structure at 4675 Red Forest Rd, and the Board of Commissioners approved consent agenda items involving memoranda of agreement and temporary construction easements related to Highway 105B, with notes about EDARP and contact information for local planning offices.
  • Conclusion: The county is moving forward with several subdivision developments, rezonings, and related easements, with multiple approvals anticipated or already granted and ongoing opportunities for public input.

By Marlene Brown

El Paso County Planning Commission, Dec. 11

Consulting Services, represented by Nina Ruiz, was seeking Final Plat approval for the JJ Ranch three-lot subdivision located at 10155 Hardy Road near Black Forest. The Planning Commission (PC) recommended that the application be approved, and a public hearing was held Dec. 18 at the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) regular meeting.

Gleneagle View Final Plat, owned by TKA Properties LLP of Omaha, Neb., requested that three tracts be combined into one lot. Located on the corner of Northgate and Struthers Roads next to the 7-Eleven Lot, it is zoned commercial. Staff reported that all documents had been filed for the Final Plat. The PC recommended that the application be approved for a public hearing at the Dec. 18 BOCC regular meeting.

Hidden Creek Rezone, previously known as 3405 Hay Creek Rezone, requested a rezone from RR-5 to RR-2.5. The PC signed the resolution to recommend approval at the Jan. 8 BOCC meeting. The applicant requested approval of the Final Plat to create six residential lots in Hay Creek Filing 2. The PC stated that the petition of 3405 Hay Creek LLC had met all criteria for submitting the request for Final Plat Filing 2 Hidden Creek Estates and recommends that the BOCC approve the filing with the waiver to allow a private road to be constructed in lieu of a public road. BOCC will hold a hearing at the Jan. 8 meeting.

Board of County Commissioners approves Skye Vista subdivision, Dec. 11

Applicant Matrix Design Group Inc., represented by Luke Bonner, requested Final Plat approval of Skye Vista subdivision at 16850 Steppler Road, north of Hodgen Road and adjacent to Settlers Ranch Road. Included are 13 lots with well, septic, and public roads. Staff for the PC reported that all filing criteria and documents had been met and filed and recommended approval from the BOCC at the Dec. 11 regular meeting. After a public hearing with the BOCC, the project was approved Dec. 15.

County Board of Adjustments, Dec. 11

Applicant owner David P. Weltz requested dimensional variance at 4675 Red Forest Rd. The applicant requested that the Board of Adjustments allow an accessory structure closer to the front setback than the principal structure. Staff reported that all project data requests and criteria had been met and approved at the Dec. 11 public hearing. The project closed Dec. 15.

Board of County Commissioners, Dec. 9

On the consent agenda, items were approved regarding resolutions on a Memorandum Agreement and Temporary Construction Easements associated with Highway 105B (Lake Woodmoor Drive and Martingale Road). The agreement is between the Public Works Department and the owners of subsequent property and utility easements at 145 Tall Pine Lane in the Woodmoor subdivision.

Resolutions were approved regarding the Memorandum Agreement and Temporary Easements associated with Highway 105B and the replacement and planting of three ponderosa pine trees. The agreement is between the Public Works Department and the owners at 18045 Martingale Road in the Arrowwood Subdivision.

Note: The files and documents for these and other projects for unincorporated El Paso County can be found at the Electronic Development Application Review Program (EDARP) epcdevplanreview.com.

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The Planning Commission usually meets on the first and third Thursday of the month at 9 a.m. at the Regional Development Center, 2880 International Circle, Suite 110, Colorado Springs. Call 719-327-2880 for more information.

The Board of County Commissioners meets every Tuesday at 9 a.m. at 200 S. Cascade Ave., Suite 100, Colorado Springs. BOCC Land Use meets on the second and fourth Thursday, and the Board of Adjustment meets directly after the BOCC. Call 719-520-7276 for more information.

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

Other El Paso County articles

Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Resolve to take care of yourself in 2026

Highlights

  • As the year turns, many people set resolutions for 2026, and this list suggests books that can support mind, body, or spirit on that journey.
  • Wintering by Katherine May invites embracing difficult times and learning from emotional retreat, viewing life as cyclical rather than linear.
  • The Book of Hope by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams argues that hope requires action, and small, purposeful deeds can make a real difference.
  • We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle, Abby Wamback, and Amanda Doyle offers a guidebook for navigating life's big questions with shared wisdom from diverse voices.
  • Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman encourages accepting our imperfections and focusing on what truly counts amid daily challenges and distractions.
  • The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl is a yearlong literary devotional that invites noticing nature and finding beauty in small, radiant moments.
  • How to Winter by Kari Leibowitz uses mindset science to help readers embrace winter and apply its lessons to mental wellbeing year-round.
  • Stretching: 40th Anniversary Edition by Bob and Jean Anderson provides practical, illustrated stretches to improve posture and physical ease, including "tech neck" and computer use.
  • Not Too Sweet by Jessica Seinfeld offers dessert recipes that accommodate gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and low-sugar needs, so you can still enjoy treats.
  • Always Remember by Charlie Mackesy features a small fable about friendship and resilience, reminding readers that hard times aren't permanent and support is available.
  • In closing, the piece encourages turning to these books for guidance, growth, and comfort as you begin 2026, and wishes readers a healthy year ahead.

By the staff at Covered Treasures

As we leave another year behind, many of us make resolutions, hopeful we can be better versions of ourselves in 2026. Here are a few books that might help, whether our goal is for mind, body, or spirit.

Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times

By Katherine May (Penguin Random House) $28

Unforeseen circumstances like an abrupt illness, the death of a loved one, a break up, or a job loss can derail a life. These periods of dislocation can be lonely and unexpected. Drawing on her own life’s difficult periods, May offers a guide to leaning into fallow times and savoring the lessons of hardship. She models an active acceptance of sadness and encourages ways to find nourishment in emotional retreat, joy in the hushed beauty of winter, and encouragement in understanding life as cyclical, not linear.

The Book of Hope

By Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams (Celadon Books) $29

How do we stay hopeful when everything seems hopeless? How do we cultivate hope in our children? What is the relationship between hope and action? Jane Goodall reminds us that hope is not simply passive wishful thinking, that real hope requires action and engagement, and that actions, however small they seem, truly make a difference.

We Can Do Hard Things: Answers to Life’s 20 Questions

By Glennon Doyle, Abby Wamback, and Amanda Doyle (Dial Press) $34

When you travel through a new country, you need a guidebook. When you travel through the challenges of life—love, heartbreak, joy, parenting, friendship, uncertainty, aging, grief, new beginnings—you need a guidebook, too. The three authors asked each other and 118 of the world’s “most brilliant wayfinders:” As you’ve traveled these roads, have you collected any wisdom that might help us find our way? This book is their guidebook for being alive.

Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts

By Oliver Burkeman (Picador USA) $19

Addressing the fundamental questions about how to live, Meditations for Mortals offers a powerful new way to take action on what counts: a guiding philosophy of life. Accepting our “imperfectionism” helps us tackle challenges as they crop up in our daily lives: our finite time, the lure of distractions, the impossibility of being perfect.

The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year

By Margaret Renkl (Spiegel and Grau) $32

Margaret Renkl’s “howling love letter to the world,” published in 2023, presents a literary devotional: 52 chapters that follow the creatures and plants in her backyard over the course of a year. Perhaps this is the year for you to move through the seasons with her, becoming more aware of nature in your own backyard. From the crow and its resourcefulness and sense of community, to the sparrow singing in the pine tree next to your driveway, let her help you become more aware of the “radiant things … bursting forth in the darkest places, in the smallest nooks and deepest cracks of the hidden world.”

How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, Difficult Days

By Kari Leibowitz, PhD (Viking) $29

Do you find coping with the shorter days and colder temperatures of winter to be especially difficult? Do you experience a slump every January and February? Psychologist and winter expert Kari Leibowitz uses mindset science to help readers embrace winter as a season to be enjoyed, not endured—and in turn, learn powerful lessons that can impact our mental wellbeing throughout the year. Inspired by cutting-edge psychological and behavioral science research as well as cultures worldwide that find warmth and joy in winter’s extremes, How to Winter provides readers with concrete tools for making winter wonderful wherever they live and harnessing the power of small mindset changes to help readers embrace every season of life.

Stretching: 40th Anniversary Edition

Bob and Jean Anderson (Shelter Publications) $23.95

Written and illustrated by Tri-Lakes residents Bob and Jean Anderson, Stretching is one of the most popular fitness books in the world, having sold over 3.75 million copies in 40 years, and has been translated into 23 languages. There are stretches for improving the bad posture attributable to cell phone usage (“tech neck”) and for people using computers. The 150 stretches include simple instructions and one- or two-page graphic illustrations to help you utilize the proper postures for your stretches.

Not Too Sweet

By Jessica Seinfeld (Simon & Schuster) $32.50

Many of us come away from the holidays promising ourselves to cut back on our sugar (or fat, or wheat—you name it) intake. If you are still craving that sweet bite, consider this collection of dessert recipes tailored for sweet tooths and dietary restrictions of most requirements—from gluten-free to vegan, dairy-free, less sugar—so you can have your cake and eat it, too. Each recipe page is headed with its dietary restriction features: “gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, no added sugar.”

Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm

By Charlie Mackesy (Penguin Random House) $27

“One day you’ll look back and realise how hard it was, and just how well you did.” Charlie Mackesy’s four unlikely friends are wandering through the wilds again. They’re not sure what they are looking for. They do know that life can be difficult, but that they love each other, and cake is often the answer. When the dark clouds come, can the boy remember what he needs to get through the storm? Sometimes a slim little book has the words to remind us that we’re stronger than we think.

Sit back, take a deep breath, and enjoy this time of new beginnings. If you get stuck on a resolution, or a promise, grab a helpful book. Until next month, happy reading, and wishing you a healthy 2026!

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

Other Book Review articles

January Library Events – Winter Adult Reading Program, homeschool program, adult book swap

Highlights

  • Regularly occurring programs resume in January, starting with Storytime on Tuesdays for ages 3 to 7 and their caregivers.
  • Toddler Time for ages 1 to 2 runs on Wednesdays, with sessions in the morning, followed by Socrates Café, an adult discussion group, every Tuesday afternoon.
  • Paws to Read returns on Tuesdays, offering children a chance to practice reading with therapy dogs, and the Teen Advisory Board meets on Thursday evenings to build leadership skills and shape library programs.
  • A special kaleidoscope crafting program for ages 5 to 12 is set for Friday, Jan 9, inviting kids to explore light and sound through hands-on design.
  • Teens ages 13 to 18 can learn mosaic art in celebration of Colorado's 150th anniversary, with a session on Monday, Jan 12, requiring prior registration.
  • Device Drop-in Help on Jan 15 provides a no-registration opportunity to get help with laptops, smartphones, tablets, and the library catalog.
  • The Teen Dungeons and Dragons group gathers Jan 15 for a session open to new and returning players, with space limited and registration required.
  • Homeschoolers can attend Terrific Tangrams on Jan 21, blending math, storytelling, and art for ages 5 to 12, while a book swap on Jan 24 invites adults to trade recent fiction and nonfiction titles.
  • A series of open houses marks Colorado's and the nation's anniversaries, with Passport stamps and prizes to collect across library locations throughout 2026.
  • Note that the library will be closed Jan 16 for staff training and Jan 19 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and information about ongoing events can be found via the library's contact channels.

By Harriet Halbig

Regularly occurring programs will resume in January. These include:

  • Storytime every Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:15 for children ages 3 to 7 and their parents or caregivers.
  • Toddler Time every Wednesday from 9:30 to 10 and 10:30 to 11 a.m. for toddlers ages 1 to 2 and their parents or caregivers.
  • Socrates Café every Tuesday from 1 to 3. This adult discussion group covers a different subject each week. All are welcome to attend.
  • Paws to Read every Tuesday from 4 to 5 p.m. Practice reading aloud and improve fluency by sharing a story with our lovable volunteer Paws to Read therapy dogs.

The Teen Advisory Board will meet from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan 6. This group, open to teens ages 13 to 18, helps to develop leadership skills and earn volunteer hours while giving input on what you would like to see happen at the library. Regular attendance is recommended. You must fill out a volunteer application online to participate.

On Friday, Jan. 9, from 4:30 to 5 p.m., explore the science of light and sound by making your own kaleidoscope. Create and test different designs. This program is open to ages 5 to 12.

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Colorado, teens ages 13 to 18 are invited to learn the art of mosaics by transforming Colorado icons into artworks. This program will be offered from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, and registration is required at ppld.org or by calling 719-488-2370.

Do you need help with your laptop, smartphone, tablet, or the library’s new online catalog? Come to the library from 11 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Jan. 15, for Device Drop-in Help. No registration is required. Please bring your device and power cords. We cannot help with installing software, removing viruses, or setting up devices.

The Teen Dungeons and Dragons group will meet from 3:30 to 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15. Join your fellow teens on an adventure in the world’s greatest role-playing game. New players and veterans alike are welcome to participate. This group is open to ages 13 to 18, and registration is required. Space is limited to eight participants.

Homeschoolers are welcome to participate in Terrific Tangrams on Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 3 to 4 p.m. Learn about Tangrams (a classic Chinese shape puzzle) through a story about a triangle on a quest where listeners follow along and make geometrical configurations with their own set of polygons. This program combines mathematical concepts with story and art. Ages 5 to 12 are welcome to attend.

Enjoy a book swap on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your clean, gently used adult fiction and nonfiction books and swap them for new-to-you titles. Please only bring adult titles published within the last five years. No textbooks, manuals, or magazines. Ages 18 and up. This is offered as part of the Winter Adult Reading Program. If you have items to donate that don’t meet the criteria, consider donating to the Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District. All books left after the program will be donated to the Friends for its book sale.

The Monument Fiber Arts Group will meet on Friday, Jan. 30, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Interested in stitching, knitting, crocheting, and more? Bring your project and socialize with other crafters. Fiber Arts groups are open to everyone ages 18-plus and are a great opportunity to learn about new crafts and get to know more about PPLD. No registration is required, and the group is facilitated by PPLD staff.

The Winter Adult Reading Program opens for online registration starting Thursday, Jan. 1, and in person starting Friday, Jan. 2, at all PPLD locations. Anyone ages 18 and up can register for this reading challenge to complete 30 days of reading and activities from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28. Participants will receive a calendar with historic photos from our region when they register (while supplies last) and will receive a limited edition Winter Adult Reading Program mug and coupon for a free dessert at Crumbl when they complete the challenge (both while supplies last). Those who complete the challenge will be entered into a grand prize drawing. Anyone who registers between Jan. 1 and 15 will be entered to win a four-pack of Crumbl desserts every week for a year.

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood and the 250th anniversary of the United States, PPLD is hosting a series of open houses at different library locations throughout 2026. Library users can also pick up a co150/USA250 Passport and bring it to each library location for a stamp. Collect seven stamps to earn a prize and another prize when you collect all 16. For the first open house, visit Regional History and Genealogy located in the historic 1905 Carnegie Library building attached to Penrose Library in downtown Colorado Springs. Enjoy activities and refreshments and complete a scavenger hunt to win a gift card from Poor Richard’s.

Please note that all Pikes Peak Library District facilities will be closed on Friday, Jan. 16, for a staff training day and on Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

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

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High Altitude Nature and Gardens – Mini outdoor greenhouses, cinnamon to protect soil and seedlings

Highlights

  • January can be a good time to start long-season plants, whether indoors or outdoors, especially if roots need time to establish underground before spring growth.
  • A practical method is the zip bag technique, using gallon freezer bags, potting soil, water, and seeds, with the key being barely-moist, fluffy soil that holds together loosely to support seed germination and microbial activity.
  • Cinnamon is highlighted as a natural soil and plant treatment, acting as a safe fungicide, deterring pests, and helping prevent damping-off by applying lightly to the soil surface and ensuring good airflow and proper watering.
  • The guidance emphasizes using cinnamon as a preventive measure in winter, not as a cure-all, and to avoid applying it directly to roots or overly damp conditions that can hinder growth.
  • In summary, starting seeds with minimal moisture in zip bags and using cinnamon to support soil health are presented as practical, natural approaches for a lazy gardener seeking simple, year-round gardening success.

By Janet Sellers

January can be a month to start some of our plants, especially those that need a long growing season. Where we live, plants that need a long growing season to establish roots and develop themselves underground can be started indoors or outdoors, even in winter. I used to try to start seedlings indoors, but there were issues with my efforts. I found some new ways to try this year.

Mini greenhouse/cold frame from zip bags

The zip bag technique has been used nationwide for quite some time. We can try this out even in January. Basically, you need gallon-size freezer zip bags, potting soil (not garden soil), water, and seeds. To start, put about a third of the bag full of the potting soil. The key to success is the minimal moisture of the potting soil. Spray with plain water and then pick up a handful, check if it holds together but can easily fall apart, and that’s probably just the right amount of moisture. Too much water (if you can form it into a solid ball) could later dry out and become impervious to watering. It must be moist and stay fluffy to support microbes and seed sprouting.

Cinnamon an effective soil and plant treatment

Benefits of cinnamon:

  • Natural fungicide: Cinnamon’s antifungal properties help control various molds and mildews.
  • Safe for edibles: It’s a natural, safe option for vegetable and herb gardens.
  • Deters pests: It can also help repel fungus gnats and ants.
  • Use cinnamon as a preventive measure in winter to keep your soil healthy and prevent powdery mildew from taking hold in the spring, especially in the humid environment of a greenhouse.

Some gardeners lightly sprinkle dry powdered cinnamon over the top of the moist soil, dusting the surface lightly. This can prevent damping off, a common, often fatal disease in young seedlings. Apply topically to seed starting mixes to stop fungal diseases affecting seedlings. For existing mold, remove visible mold, then sprinkle cinnamon on the spot and increase air circulation. Some gardeners suggest cinnamon can inhibit root growth, so focus on the soil surface rather than burying it deep or applying directly to roots. Cinnamon works best with proper plant watering and good airflow. It’s not a magic bullet if conditions remain overly damp and humid.

Janet Sellers is an avid “lazy gardener” using simple, natural ways to support gardening efforts all year. Contact her at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other High Altitude Nature and Garden articles

Art Matters – How Gen Z influences our cultural and financial future

Highlights

  • Gen Z, born 1997 to 2012, is poised to shape the future of art and culture through a preference for experiences, live engagement, and artist-led activities like workshops and gallery visits.
  • They are the art collectors of the future, blending traditional art with digital forms and even artificial intelligence, while valuing financial prudence, job stability, and purpose-driven work over impulse buying.
  • A US government report shows Gen Z and Millennials have the highest arts participation, with Gen Z particularly drawn to digital art, film and video art, and diverse collectibles, alongside buying shifts from digital platforms to traditional venues.
  • Wokewaves Magazine notes that constant digital input from platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok accelerates their creative development and broadens audience reach without traditional gatekeepers, contributing to a more online, interconnected art market.
  • Experts project the online art market to reach about $17.76 billion by 2030, fueled largely by Gen Z engagement, signaling a resilient and evolving creative landscape that benefits artists and culture alike.
  • Takeaway: Gen Z's mix of experiential values, digital fluency, and social awareness is driving a shifting art world toward new formats, platforms, and opportunities for creative expression.

By Janet Sellers

“If I were to wish for anything, I should not wish for wealth and power, but for the passionate sense of the potential for the eye which, ever young and ardent, sees the possible. Pleasure disappoints, possibility doesn’t. And what wine is so sparkling, what so fragrant, what so intoxicating, as a possibility!”

—Søren Kierkegaard

One wonders about the future of cultural expression and its direction. Our next generation of economic interests seems to rest with the up-and-coming generation, Gen Z. I found some good news for handmade arts from the National Library of Medicine: Gen Z values experiences, they enjoy visiting galleries and museums, attending a live painting session, or participating in an artist-led workshop, as these provide a sense of engagement that online interactions lack.

Gen Z are the art collectors of the future. They are the social demographic born between 1997 and 2012, in the age range now of 13-28 years old. Not just a trend but a way of life, they make their aesthetic impressions on things, including fashion, home décor, and entertainment, and brands are taking notice. You could say that more than previous generations, Gen Z prizes experiences over material possessions. Having grown up as digital natives in a world where they feel the need to be financially prudent, they are also more economically and socially prudent.

These are the ones that have grown up in a digital world and seamlessly blend traditional art forms with innovation, including digital forms and even artificial intelligence. Yet, they are socially conscious and generally hold socially progressive views, advocate for equality, and are concerned with sustainability and climate change. They value job stability, are less prone to impulse buying, and research extensively before purchasing, often preferring flexible, purpose-driven work over traditional corporate ladders.

A comprehensive U.S. government report on arts participation across generations shared detailed data showing that Gen Z and Millennials report the highest arts participation rates, both attending and creating art. Their broader generational report focused on trust, cultural engagement, community participation, and niche aesthetics for Gen Z. This understanding reveals how identity and subcultures shape artistic preferences. Younger collectors differ in interests, with Gen Z showing higher engagement in digital art, film/video art, and diverse “collectibles” compared with older generations. Survey data on where Gen Z buys art (digital platforms vs. traditional auction houses) show how this generation’s preferences differ from legacy collectors.

Wokewaves Magazine reports that this generation of creatives is consumers exposed to vast amounts of information and diverse perspectives from a young age, which accelerates their creative development. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have democratized content creation, allowing Gen Z to reach global audiences and gain recognition for their talents without traditional gatekeepers. Immersion in digital culture seems to integrate creative activity into daily life more than previous generations.

Media platforms that didn’t exist a generation prior offer constant creative input and stimulation, creating a fluidity amid a wide variety of art forms, from traditional to the newest cutting-edge trends, and with the market changing into an online market. This is causing traditional markets to embrace and adapt. The projected value of the online art market is expected to reach a staggering $17.76 billion by 2030, driven largely by this generation’s engagement. They are strong and active in reshaping the creative art landscape. That sounds like good news for art, artists, and our creative cultural future.

Janet Sellers is an artist, writer, and speaker, communicating how art matters for our social, cultural, and financial well-being. Contact her at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

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Snapshots of Our Community

Dinosaurs spotted in Monument

Above and below Anyone driving south on I-25 recently might have been surprised to see a herd of dinosaurs congregating on the west side between the highway and Old Denver Road. They’re the first of what will be many such creatures that will populate the Lost Island II Adventure Park including a T-Rex as shown at the right. The park will include four 18-hole miniature golf courses, a 40,000-square-foot indoor multi-level playground and trampoline park, as well as a full-service restaurant and tiki bar. The project was approved by the Monument Town Council in July of last year. Director of Planning Dan Ungerleider says it’s scheduled to open in the spring of 2027. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.

North Pole Arts & Crafts Fair, Dec. 6

Above: On Dec. 6, the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club held its 19th Annual North Pole at Tri-Lakes Arts & Crafts Fair at Bear Creek Elementary. It featured live music, over 50 booths, baked goods, arts and crafts, and Santa Claus. Admission was free with donations of food, money, and games, all going to Tri-Lakes Cares for sporting equipment that was donated by 4KidzSports. For more information regarding this and other community events put on by the local Kiwanis Club, go to monumenthillkiwanis.org. Photo by Marlene Brown

NASTaP Gift Wrapping, Dec. 6

Above: Big thanks to our community of warm hearts—and happy hands—who rallied to the cheerful cause and brought in holiday gifts to the Holiday Gift Opportunity. Friends of the Native American Sacred Trees and Places (NASTaP) held a gift reception and wrapping event at Serranos Coffee Co. on Dec. 6. Nearly 200 gifts for children, teens, and seniors arrived just in time for gift wrapping, ready for their trip to the Ute Mountain Ute reservation holiday powwow in southwestern Colorado. Our Tri-Lakes area is ancestral land of the Ute Nation amid our forests and mountains. NASTaP shares its local and regional education and tours in our area and throughout the Southwest. Photo by Janet Sellers.

Monument Tree Lighting, Dec. 6

Above: Limbach Park was packed on Dec. 6 for the Monument Tree Lighting celebration. The crowd turned out despite a wind and snow squall that passed through just as the various booths were being set up. A choir of D38 students from Lewis-Palmer High School and Middle School and Palmer Ridge High School serenaded families as they got their pictures taken in front of seasonal backdrops. Kids decorated cookies and ornaments as they waited for Santa and Mrs. Claus to arrive.
Above: The legendary couple showed up as usual by hitching a ride on a fire truck. After counting down to the tree lighting, the Clauses spent a long time listening to requests from children.
Above: Kalen van Zoeren eats a cookie he decorated at the Club Pilates booth. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.

LPHS and PRH Combined Choir, Dec. 10

Above: The Lewis-Palmer and Palmer Ridge High School choirs performed a combined concert in the Lewis-Palmer auditorium on Dec. 10. Lewis-Palmer’s two Mixed Choirs and a Treble Voices choir, and Palmer Ridge’s two groups of Chamber Singers and a Women’s Ensemble presented holiday pieces, and some of these performances were done in the language written by the composers. Both high school choirs are directed by Madeline Douthit. The final pieces included all choir students and an audience sing-along. Photo by Steve Pate.

Bionic Sharks qualify for State

Above: Monument’s high school robotics team, the Bionic Sharks, is heading to the Colorado FTC State Championship. The team earned the First Place Control Award at the Metro Qualifier on Dec. 13 in Littleton. They’re now preparing for their next competition in Manitou Springs on Jan. 24. Then, they head to the Colorado School of Mines in Golden to compete in the state championship. In the photo from left are Anushka Nandwalkar, Alexandra Gonzalez, Pranav Balaji, Corey Cinalli, and Brandon Johnson. Photo by Mike Hinkle
Above: Monument’s high school robotics team, the Bionic Sharks, is heading to the Colorado FTC State Championship. The team earned the First Place Control Award at the Metro Qualifier on Dec. 13 in Littleton. They’re now preparing for their next competition in Manitou Springs on Jan. 24. Then, they head to the Colorado School of Mines in Golden to compete in the state championship. In the photo from left are Anushka Nandwalkar, Alexandra Gonzalez, Pranav Balaji, Corey Cinalli, and Brandon Johnson. Right (L to R): Nandwalkar and Gonzalez work on a robot. Photo by Mike Hinkle.

Wreaths Across America, Dec. 13

Above: On Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. Wreaths Across America and members of the community laid wreaths at the headstones of the veterans at the Monument Cemetery. At the same time, more than 5,600 locations across the United States and abroad were laying wreaths. They honored the veterans and their families for service to our country. For more information on how to get involved, either as a volunteer or to sponsor a wreath, go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. Pictured: Maddie Mills and sons Mason, 9 years old, and Myles, 5 years old, Fisher lay a wreath on Paul Ducommun’s grave. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Above: On Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. Wreaths Across America and members of the community laid wreaths at the headstones of the veterans at the Monument Cemetery. At the same time, more than 5,600 locations across the United States and abroad were laying wreaths. They honored the veterans and their families for service to our country. For more information on how to get involved, either as a volunteer or to sponsor a wreath, go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. Pictured (L to R): Monument Mayor Mitch LaKind (U.S. Army and Navy veteran) and Councilman Kenneth Kimple (retired U.S. Navy master chief petty officer) participated in the Wreaths Across America ceremony. Photo by Marlene Brown.

Reindeer in Monument, Dec. 14

Above: Kids got to pet and feed a real reindeer in Monument on Dec. 14. Jingles the reindeer made an appearance at the Front Street Square parking lot. He was brought to town by the Hilltop Reindeer Ranch in Peyton. The event was part of the special activities scheduled in Monument leading up to Christmas. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kids got to pet and feed a real reindeer in Monument on Dec. 14. Jingles the reindeer made an appearance at the Front Street Square parking lot. He was brought to town by the Hilltop Reindeer Ranch in Peyton. The event was part of the special activities scheduled in Monument leading up to Christmas. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Palmer Lake Yule Log Hunt, Dec. 14

Above and below: This year was the 92nd Annual Palmer Lake Yule Log Hunt. Children and adults ran up Sundance Mountain on a snowy day, Dec. 14, above Palmer Lake. Within 15 minutes, three boys could be heard shouting “over here” as they stood over the 8-foot-long pine that had been notched and tied with a ribbon. This year the Yule Log was found by Jude Karas pictured at right. The hunters then tied long ropes to the log, and the winners and friends straddled the Yule Log for their ride back into town. The tradition is that the same two-man saw used to cut the town’s first Yule Log in 1933 is still in use today. Hunters sawed the log in two and saved half to start the following year’s ceremonial fire. The other half was carried into Town Hall and set ablaze in the stone fireplace built by Palmer Lake’s volunteer firemen in 1936 strictly for the annual celebration. For more information, see palmerdividehistory.org. Photos provided by the Palmer Lake Historical Society and the Palmer Lake Yule Log Hunt.

Santa on Patrol, Dec. 23

Above: On Tuesday, Dec. 23, as Monument was decked out with flashing lights and wailing sirens, Santa cruised through town riding alongside the Monument Fire Department, Palmer Lake Fire Department, Palmer Lake Police, and Monument Police as part of the annual Santa on Patrol event. This festive convoy isn’t just about the noise and excitement—it’s all about spreading joy. With Toys for Tots loaded up, Santa and the first responders deliver gifts to kids around the community, lighting up faces with smiles and holiday cheer. It’s a fun, lively way to celebrate the season, bringing together the whole town with lights, sirens, and the spirit of giving. Pictured: Community member Harlee DeLong jams out with Soul Santa. Photo by Erica Burt.
Above: The Grinch causes his usual Christmas chaos while tormenting Palmer Lake Police Department Officer Bobby Perry as Sgt. Gene Ramirez enjoys the show. Photo by Erica Burt.

Monument carolers, Dec. 6

Above: Residents at the Village at Monument community got a treat the evening of Dec. 6. A group of eight people serenaded them with Christmas carols. Most of the carolers wore Santa hats, and some were dressed in Victorian outfits. They went door to door, entertaining anyone who was home. The event was organized by Village of Monument HOA Social Director Joanna Anaradian. From left are Jill Steinke, June Zelkin, Mary Beth Pryde, Anaradian, Angela Curtis, Matt Steinke, Laura Kronick, and Amy Adams. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Other Snapshots of Our Community articles

Our Community Notices

Highlights

  • El Paso County has launched a new Property Protection Program to alert property owners if a document is filed using their name, helping to prevent fraudulent deed transfers and real estate scams.
  • Owners can register multiple name variations and household members, and the program currently monitors filings only after enrollment, with plans to expand coverage in the future.
  • Residents can also review property records in person at the County Clerk and Recorder's Office, and more information or registration is available on the PPP webpage linked in the article.
  • Trail markers will be placed in Fox Run Regional Park to guide visitors and protect the forest ecosystem, especially in snowy or icy conditions when trails are harder to see.
  • Palmer Lake imposes parking restrictions when snow accumulates and requires vehicles to be moved from streets, with details available on the town's parking page.
  • Property owners in Palmer Lake must keep the area between the sidewalk and the gutter clear of snow and debris within 24 hours after snowfall, with specific areas excluded from clearing.
  • Colorado's winter safety notes include handling black ice carefully and following the traction law from September 1 to May 31, allowing tire socks as an alternative to chains under certain conditions.
  • Colorado also enforces strict school bus safety rules, and some districts use stop arm cameras to catch drivers who illegally pass stopped buses, while Academy School District 20 uses such cameras to enhance safety.
  • Additionally, resources are listed for car seat inspections, accessibility through the El Paso County Trailability program, Tri-Lakes Cares donation needs, the Black Forest Log School fundraiser, and Larkspur Church's food bank and care center.

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.

El Paso County Property Protection Program

El Paso County has launched a new Property Protection Program to help prevent fraudulent deed transfers and real estate scams. The program alerts property owners whenever a document is filed using their name on any property, so owners can quickly verify whether the filing is legitimate or the result of attempted fraud. Residents may register multiple name variations and household members. At this time, the program can only monitor filings made after you enroll, but officials are exploring options to expand coverage. Property records can also be reviewed in person at the County Clerk and Recorder’s Office. To learn more or register, visit the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Property Protection Program webpage. For more information on the PPP program, go to this link: https://clerkandrecorder.elpasoco.com/recording/property-protection/

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.

Palmer Lake Parking Restrictions during snow

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.

Palmer Lake requirement to keep sidewalks and adjacent areas clean

It is the duty of all owners or occupants of every premises to keep the entire area between (a) the edge of the sidewalk closest to the building and (b) the gutter free and clear of snow, ice, mud, dirt, debris, rubbish, and filth. The area to be cleared includes, but not be limited to, the sidewalks and curbs in front of the building, graveled areas, bricked areas, and areas around planters, benches, trees and bushes. The area to be cleared does not include flowerbeds, elevated planting areas, or other similar elevated areas. The area to be cleared must be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours following the snowfall or accumulation of a snowdrift or ice. Details of the town requirements: TownofPalmerLake.com.

Black ice safety

If you hit black ice, stay calm, ease off the gas, and steer gently in the direction of the skid, avoiding sudden braking or sharp turns. Use light, steady pressure on the brakes (or pump them if you don’t have ABS) to slow down, and aim for areas with more traction like snow or sand if possible, as the goal is to let the vehicle slow down naturally and regain control

Traction law requirements in effect September 1 to May 31

Colorado’s winter traction law allows tire socks (like AutoSock) as an approved alternative to chains, especially during severe storms when the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law (Code 15) is enacted, requiring devices for all vehicles unless equipped with specific winter tires (M+S/mountain snowflake) and adequate tread, with hefty fines for non-compliance. All vehicles must have a minimum 3/16-in tread depth on all tires, plus one of these on all tires: winter tires (Mountain snowflake icon), all weather rated tires, or mud and snow tires.

School Bus Safety

Drivers who pass a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended and flashing lights constitute a dangerous and life-threatening violation of traffic laws. In Colorado, you must (A) stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, stopping at least 20 feet away, unless you are on the opposite side of a highway divided by a physical, raised, or depressed median; (B) On a two-lane road or one where painted lines, but no physical barrier, separate lanes, you must still stop; (C) After stopping, you must remain stopped until the bus’s lights stop flashing and it begins to move again. Colorado school buses are increasingly being equipped with automated stop arm cameras to record and catch drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus. Recent legislation allows for the installation and use of these systems by school districts. Academy School District 20 in Colorado uses school bus cameras, including the stop arm camera system and interior cameras, to enhance student safety and to document drivers who pass a stopped school bus with flashing lights and an extended stop arm.

Car seat update

Parents can visit CarSeatsColorado.com to locate a nearby car seat inspection station, register their car seat and learn how to properly install their car seat or booster seat. If you can’t afford a car seat for your child(ren), WeeCycle, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and SafeKids Colorado Springs have programs through which families can get a free or low-cost car seat. Visit their websites for more information.

El Paso County “Trailability” Program

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.

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

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.

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., Jan. 21, 6 pm-9 pm. Usually meets third Wed. Public can join the Skype meeting: Monthly board meeting is on Skype at this link https://join.skype.com/OfBkDyhucmep Info: Steve Callicott (President) 719-325-9039 https://www.academywsdco.gov.
  • Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District board meeting, Wed., Jan. 21, 7 pm-10 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., Jan. 15, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm; Thu., Jan. 15, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm. Meets third Thu. Check the website www.donalawater.org for the access code for the electronic meeting. Info: 719-488-3603
  • El Paso County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) regular meeting, Tue., Jan. 6, 9 am-10 am; Tue., Jan. 13, 9 am-10 am; Tue., Jan. 20, 9 am-10 am; Tue., Jan. 27, 9 am-10 am; Tue., Feb. 3, 9 am-10 am. Usually every Tue. 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., Jan. 15, 9 am-12 pm; Thu., Feb. 5, 9 am-12 pm. Normally meets first & third Thu. (as required). 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. Info: 719-520-6300
  • El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority meeting, Thu., Jan. 15, 9 am-12 pm. Normally meets third Thu. No meeting in Dec. Monument Town Hall Boardroom, 645 Beacon Lite Rd. Info: 719-488-3603 or https://www.loopwater.org.
  • Lewis-Palmer School District 38 board meeting, Mon., Jan. 26, 6 pm-9 pm. 6 pm. Meets in the school year, third Mon. 66 N Jefferson St, Monument. 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 (PCAC), Tue., Jan. 13, 6 pm-8:30 pm. Formerly known as the District Accountability Advisory Committee (DAAC). Jan. 13, 2026 meeting at Palmer Lake Elementary School, 115 Upper Glenway, Palmer Lake. Meets six times a year at a different school each month. Check D38 website for location or contact tmckee@lewispalmer.org
  • Monument Academy School Board meeting, Thu., Jan. 8, 6:30 pm-10:30 pm. Usually meets the second Thu. East Campus gym, 4303 Pinehurst Circle. Info: 719-431-8001 or https://www.monumentacademy.net/school-board.
  • Monument Fire District board meeting, Wed., Jan. 28, 4:30 pm-6:30 pm. Meets 4th Wed. in person or via Microsoft Teams. 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., Jan. 14, 6 pm-9 pm. Usually meets the second Wed. Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. 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.
  • Monument Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Jan. 21, 9 am-12 pm. Meets third Wed. In-person at 130 Second St. Also available on Google Meet. Find joining instructions at https://www.monumentsanitationdistrict.org/. Info: 719-481-4886
  • Monument Town Council meeting, Mon., Jan. 5, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm; Mon., Jan. 19, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm; Mon., Feb. 2, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm. Normally meets first and third Mon. Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Info: 719-884-801 for remote attendance links. www.townofmonument.org/260/Board-of-Trustees
  • Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO), Sat., Jan. 10, 10 am-12 pm. 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 Lake Board of Adjustments meeting, Tue., Jan. 6, 5 pm-8 pm; Tue., Feb. 3, 5 pm-8 pm. Normally meets first Tue., as needed. 28 Valley Crescent St., Palmer Lake. https://www.townofpalmerlake.com
  • Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting, Thu., Jan. 8, 6 pm-9 pm; Thu., Jan. 22, 6 pm-9 pm. Usually meets second and fourth Thu. Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Info: 719-481-2953 or https://www.townofpalmerlake.com.
  • Palmer Lake Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Jan. 14, 9 am-12 pm. Meets second Wed. Call-in only: 650-479-3208, Access Code 76439078, 120 Middle Glenway. Info: 719-481-2732 or www.plsd.org.
  • Palmer Lake Town Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Jan. 21, 6 pm-9 pm. Meets third Wed. Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Info: 719-481-2953 or https://www.townofpalmerlake.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee meeting, Tue., Jan. 13, 10 am-1 pm. Meets second Tue. 16510 Mitchell Ave. Info: See tlwastewater.com/index.html.
  • Triview Metropolitan District board meeting, Thu., Jan. 15, 5:30 pm-8:30 pm. Usually meets third Thu. In person or via Zoom. 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302, Monument. 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., Jan. 20, 4 pm-7 pm. Normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Serranos Coffee Shop. If the meeting time/location changes, it will be updated on the District’s website: https://villagecentermd.colorado.gov
  • Woodmoor Improvement Association Board Meeting, Wed., Jan. 28, 7 pm-10 pm. Usually meets fourth Wed. Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Info: 719-488-2693. www.woodmoor.org
  • Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District board meeting, Sun., Jan. 11, 1 pm-5 pm. Normally meets second Mon. 1845 Woodmoor Dr., Monument. Info: 719-488-2525. www.woodmoorwater.com.

WEEKLY & MONTHLY EVENTS

  • A.A. Big Book Study, Thu., Jan. 8, 7 pm-9 pm; Thu., Jan. 15, 7 pm-9 pm; Thu., Jan. 22, 7 pm-9 pm; Thu., Jan. 29, 7 pm-9 pm; Thu., Feb. 5, 7 pm-9 pm. Every Thu., 7 pm, Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 W. Baptist Rd. Call 425-436-6200, access code 575176#
  • AARP Black Forest #1100, Wed., Jan. 14, 11:30 am-1 pm. Second Wed., In-person Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Rd. All ages welcome. Info: http://www.aarpchapter1100blackforest.com
  • AARP Local Senior Social, Wed., Jan. 28, 1 pm-4 pm; Wed., Jan. 28, 1 pm-4 pm. In-person Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Rd. Info: http://www.aarpchapter1100blackforest.com
  • Al-Anon for family and friends of alcoholics, Tue., Jan. 6, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Jan. 8, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Jan. 13, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Jan. 15, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Jan. 20, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Jan. 22, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Jan. 27, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Jan. 29, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Feb. 3, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Feb. 5, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm. 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 meeting: Letting Go, Thu., Jan. 8, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Jan. 15, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Jan. 22, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Jan. 29, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Feb. 5, 9 am-10:15 am. 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 Serenity, Thu., Jan. 8, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Jan. 15, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Jan. 22, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Jan. 29, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Feb. 5, 9 am-10:15 am. Every Thu., 7 pm, The Church at Woodmoor, 18125 Furrow Road, Monument. For additional information go to www.al-anon-co.org...
  • Al-Anon Zoom Meeting, Just for Today Online, Mon., Jan. 5, 9 am-10 am; Mon., Jan. 12, 9 am-10 am; Mon., Jan. 19, 9 am-10 am; Mon., Jan. 26, 9 am-10 am; Mon., Feb. 2, 9 am-10 am. Every Mon., 9–10 a.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 845 0971 9868, Password 349309
  • Alcoholics Anonymous, Tue., Jan. 6, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Jan. 8, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Jan. 13, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Jan. 15, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Jan. 20, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Jan. 22, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Jan. 27, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Jan. 29, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Feb. 3, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Feb. 5, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm. 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.
  • Amateur Ham Radio WØTLM (Tri-Lakes Monument ham radio Association), Mon., Jan. 19, 6 pm-10 pm. Third Mon. (except December). We will open the doors at 6:00 PM for Connect Time, where members can socialize, meet new people, seek out help, or connect with an Elmer. The business meeting will start at 7:00 PM – a brief business session followed by an educational presentation. Our meetings provide: (1) Information about public service and fun activities, license classes, emergency support, and more. (2) Technical presentations to advance your knowledge of diverse Amateur Radio topics. 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, see www.W0TLM.com.
  • American Legion Tri-Lakes Post 9-11, Wed., Jan. 14, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm. Second Wed., 6:30 pm, 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 Sunday Worship Service, Sun., Jan. 4, 8 am-5 pm; Sun., Jan. 11, 8 am-5 pm; Sun., Jan. 18, 8 am-5 pm; Sun., Jan. 25, 8 am-5 pm; Sun., Feb. 1, 8 am-5 pm. Every Sun., 10:15 am worship service. Let us pray with you, walk in the forest, walk the labyrinth, come and visit prayer sites, Group retreats. 3190 Benet Lane, 80921. Info: (719) 633-0655
  • Bingo night, American Legion post 9-11 Tri-Lakes, Sat., Jan. 10, 6 pm-9 pm; Sat., Jan. 24, 6 pm-9 pm. 2nd and 4th Sat., 6-9 pm, Kings Deer Golf Club, 19255 Royal Troon Dr, Monument.
  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group, Sat., Jan. 10, 9:45 am-11:15 am. Meets monthly, second Sat., 9:45-11:15 am. Meets in-person. Free and open to the public. The Oct. 2025 through Feb. 2026 meetings will be at Falcon’s Nest at Jackson Creek Senior Living, 16601 Jackson Creek Parkway, Monument, CO 80132. Jackson Creek Senior Living has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter to host a six-month in-person support group for families, spouses and caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. The prior meeting place was the First National Bank Monument ( 581 Highway 105, Monument, CO 80132). Registration is required, call 800-272-3900 or email khare@alz.org to register.
  • Friends of Fox Run Park, Thu., Jan. 22, 7 pm-9 pm. Zoom meeting, fourth Thu., 7 pm. Join the growing group volunteering at the park: forest safety, trails, trees, education, special events, more; stay tuned! Email friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com. We will email you the link the day of the meeting.
  • Gleneagle Service to Mankind (Sertoma), Wed., Jan. 7, 11:45 am-1 pm; Wed., Feb. 4, 11:45 am-1 pm; Wed., Jan. 21-Thu., Jan. 22. First and third Wed., 11:45 am to 1 pm. A chapter of Sertoma International, Inc., this is the longest continuously active civic service organization in Northern El Paso County. Serving Together, Growing Community. First Wednesday lunch meetings include a program speaker of current local interest.  The third Wednesday events vary,  generally evening functions. Youth & Youth Leadership, First Responders, and Hearing & Speech Healthcare, the sponsorship projects’ objectives.  Contact Larry Oliver for meeting location and other information. lco69@icloud.com or 719-313-6357.
  • Gleneagle Women’s Club, membership luncheon, Fri., Jan. 16-Sat., Jan. 17. Third Fri., (Sep.-June), various venues, 12 activity groups, i.e., hiking, bridge, etc. Guests welcome. For information contact Marcie at 520-205-0578.
  • Lions Club Bingo, Mon., Jan. 5, 5:30 pm-10 pm; Sat., Jan. 10, 8:30 am-1 pm; Sat., Jan. 17, 8:30 am-1 pm; Sat., Jan. 24, 8:30 am-1 pm; Sat., Jan. 31, 8:30 am-1 pm; Mon., Feb. 2, 5:30 pm-10 pm. 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, Sat., Jan. 3, 8 am-10 am; Sat., Jan. 10, 8 am-10 am; Sat., Jan. 17, 8 am-10 am; Sat., Jan. 24, 8 am-10 am; Sat., Jan. 31, 8 am-10 am; Sat., Feb. 7, 8 am-10 am. 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.
  • Monument Life Recovery Group, Mon., Jan. 5, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm; Mon., Jan. 12, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm; Mon., Jan. 19, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm; Mon., Jan. 26, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm; Mon., Feb. 2, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm. 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: What do you want to make? , Mon., Jan. 5, 3 pm-6 pm; Tue., Jan. 6, 3 pm-6 pm; Thu., Jan. 8, 3 pm-6 pm; Mon., Jan. 12, 3 pm-6 pm; Tue., Jan. 13, 3 pm-6 pm; Thu., Jan. 15, 3 pm-6 pm; Mon., Jan. 19, 3 pm-6 pm; Tue., Jan. 20, 3 pm-6 pm; Thu., Jan. 22, 3 pm-6 pm; Mon., Jan. 26, 3 pm-6 pm; Tue., Jan. 27, 3 pm-6 pm; Thu., Jan. 29, 3 pm-6 pm; Mon., Feb. 2, 3 pm-6 pm; Tue., Feb. 3, 3 pm-6 pm; Thu., Feb. 5, 3 pm-6 pm. Open Hours: every Mon. 3:30-6:30 pm, Tue. & Thu., 3-6 pm except Holidays, open to the public. A nonprofit enabling a community of makers, artists, tinkers and entrepreneurs sharing equipment resources like 3D Printers, lasers, CNCs and more.  Hosted by Monumental Impact. 866 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake. Info: https://monumentalimpact.org  
  • Neighborhood Net Ham Radio, Sat., Jan. 3, 10 am-1 pm; Sat., Jan. 10, 10 am-1 pm; Sat., Jan. 17, 10 am-1 pm; Sat., Jan. 24, 10 am-1 pm; Sat., Jan. 31, 10 am-1 pm; Sat., Feb. 7, 10 am-1 pm. 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), Sat., Jan. 10, 10 am-12 pm. 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, Thu., Jan. 8, 8 am-5 pm; Thu., Feb. 5, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm. First Thu., 6:30-8:30 pm (doors open at 6 pm) at Monument Hill Church, 18725 Monument Hill Rd, Monument, CO 80132.. Note: Dec. 4, 2025 meeting 5:00-7:30 pm at the Woodmoor Barn Community Center, 1691 Woodmoor Dr, Monument, CO 80132. https://palmerdividequilters.com.
  • Palmer Lake Art Group, Sat., Jan. 10, 9:30 am-11:30 am. Second Sat., 9:30 am. 300 Hwy 105, NE corner of I-25 and 105. For art programs, social gathering and business meetings. Guests welcome. Info: 719-460-4179, https://palmerlakeartgroup.co...
  • Palmer Lake Historical Society, Thu., Jan. 15, 7 pm-8 pm. The PLHS normally meets (open to the public) on the third Thursday at 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Palmer Lake Town Hall, 42 Valley Crescent St. Guest speakers, free to the public. Info: Kokesdm@yahoo.com, or visit www.palmerdividehistory.org
  • Pikes Peak Genealogical Society, Wed., Jan. 14, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm. Zoom meeting, second Wed., 6:30pm: Zoom hangout. 7 pm, meeting starts. Monthly special speaker programs. For zoom meeting details contact: president@ppgs.org. Info: www.ppgs.org.
  • Relentless Recovery, Recovery Gathering, Mon., Jan. 12, 7:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Jan. 26, 7:30 pm-8:30 pm. 2nd and 4th Mon., 7:30-8:30 pm, hybrid zoom and in person at Lake & Lantern Cafe, 84 CO-105 #2, Palmer Lake. “All humans welcome.” To register: https://hardbeauty.life/dyr/.
  • Ridgeview Baptist Church, Sun., Jan. 4, 10:30 am-12 pm; Sun., Jan. 11, 10:30 am-12 pm; Sun., Jan. 18, 10:30 am-12 pm; Sun., Jan. 25, 10:30 am-12 pm; Sun., Feb. 1, 10:30 am-12 pm. Every Sun., 10:30 am, temporarily meeting at 9130 Explorer Dr., Colorado Springs, 80920. Info: 719-357-6515 or www.ridgeviewcolorado.org.
  • Senior Book Club, Fri., Jan. 9, 11 am-12 pm. Second Fri., 11 am-noon, Silver Key Senior Services, all are welcome. Coffee & snacks. RSVP & info: info@silverkey.org
  • St. Matthias Sunday Services, Sun., Jan. 4, 10 am-11:30 am; Sun., Jan. 11, 10 am-11:30 am; Sun., Jan. 18, 10 am-11:30 am; Sun., Jan. 25, 10 am-11:30 am; Sun., Feb. 1, 10 am-11:30 am. 10 am. Join us at St. Matthias Episcopal Church, 18320 Furrow Road, Monument. Traditional worship and meaningful fellowship in a loving church community. https://www.saint-matthias.org. 
  • Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfast, Thu., Jan. 15, 7:30 am-9 am; Thu., Feb. 5, 7:30 am-9 am. 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 Cruisers, Wed., Jan. 7, 7 pm-10 pm; Wed., Feb. 4, 7 pm-10 pm. 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: https://www.trilakescruisers.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club Meeting, Thu., Jan. 15, 6 pm-8 pm; Thu., Feb. 5, 6 pm-8 pm. 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, Sat., Jan. 17, 10 am-12 pm. 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, Fri., Jan. 16, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. Third Fri., 11:30 am. 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.
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7829, Wed., Jan. 21, 7 pm-10 pm. 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, Wed., Jan. 21, 7 pm-10 pm. 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.
  • Women’s A. A. Step Study, Mon., Jan. 5, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Jan. 12, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Jan. 19, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Jan. 26, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Feb. 2, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm. 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.

SPECIAL EVENTS

  • Mind Quest Puzzle and Game Store Opening, Sat., Jan. 3, 10 am-8 pm. Mind Quest Puzzles and Games. 872 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO. 80133. Events, puzzles, Games for the whole family! Mon.-Sat. 10-8, Sun. 10-6. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic Youth Hockey Camp, Sat., Jan. 10, 9 am-12 pm. Palmer Lake Recreation Area Hosted at the Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic. Join the Lewis-Palmer Hockey team for a special Youth Hockey Camp at the iconic Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic! Ages: 8–14; Jerseys Provided! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to skate with the team, build skills, and have fun outdoors!
  • Spaghetti Dinner & Bake Sale Fundraiser – Scout Troop 17, Sat., Jan. 10, 5 pm-7:30 pm. St. Peter Catholic School’s Jaeger Hall (Gym), 124 1st St., Monument. Scout Troop 17 of Monument kicks off its 75th Year of dedicated Service to the Tri-Lakes region with a night of food and fun! Meal includes Homemade Spaghetti & Meatballs, Salad, French Bread, Dessert and Drink. There’s also a big Bake Sale so you can take some Sweet Treats home with you. Tickets sold at the door. Adults: $12, Children 5-13: $6, 4 and Under: FREE, Family Maximum: $50. Cash, Venmo or Credit Card accepted. Proceeds go toward replacing Camping and Cooking Gear and a summer full of Adventure for our Scouts. Info: 719-659-3267.
  • Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic CHSAA Foundation Hockey Game, Sat., Jan. 10, 6 pm-9 pm. On the Ice in Palmer Lake. Faceoff: 6:00 pm. Now entering its 5th year, the Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic has become a cherished tradition and small-town community event. Food trucks, fireworks, and thousands of fans filling the lakeside, turning a small-town event into a winter celebration unlike any other. Each winter, four Colorado high schools face off in a spirited competition for “The Star” trophy—a symbol of sportsmanship and small-town rivalry. At the heart of the event is Lewis Palmer Hockey, which uses the high school foundation game as its primary fundraiser. This year’s matchup will feature Liberty, Chatfield, and Chaparral High Schools. 
  • St. Matthias Special Sunday School Program – The Sermon on the Mount, Sun., Jan. 11, 9:45 am-11 am. Join us at St. Matthias Episcopal Church, 18320 Furrow Road, Monument for a Special Sunday School Program – The Sermon on the Mount. Preschool through 5th grade welcome! For more info: stmatthias@comcast.net, 719-426-9809.  https://www.saint-matthias.org. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic Adult Hockey Tournament, Sun., Jan. 11, 3 pm-6 pm. Registration opening soon. Faceoff 3 pm 6 players max; (4 players minimum) $799/team; Due at registration four game minimum. Team Jersey & One Goat Patch Brewing Drink Ticket per player included with registration. USA Hockey Number required to play from all participants. Limited Spots Available. Palmer Lake Recreation Area, Old School Pond Hockey.
  • Monumental Med-Spa Botox Event, Thu., Jan. 15, 9:30 am-6 pm. At the Barn, 88 Highway 105, Palmer Lake 80133. Botox only $11 per unit. Must RSVP. 719-271-0999. See ad on page < 7 >.
  • YMCA Spring Youth Sports Early Registration Starts, Mon., Jan. 19-Tue., Jan. 20. Practice begins week of March 30. For questions or more information: ppymca.org/sports. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • First Tech Challenge Robotics Tournament, Sat., Jan. 24, 7:30 am-6 pm. Manitou Springs High School, 401 El Monte Place. Come see area robotics teams compete like our local FTC Team 19541 Bionic Sharks from Monumental Impact.  More details at https://monumentalimpact.org/competitive-robotics/
  • St. Matthias Special Sunday School Program – The Sermon on the Mount, Sun., Jan. 25, 9:45 am-11 am. Join us at St. Matthias Episcopal Church, 18320 Furrow Road, Monument for a Special Sunday School Program – The Sermon on the Mount. Preschool through 5th grade welcome! For more info: stmatthias@comcast.net, 719-426-9809.  https://www.saint-matthias.org. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • St. Peter Catholic School Open House, Sun., Jan. 25, 11:30 am-1 pm. 124 First Street, Monument 80132. 719-481-1855. https://www.petertherockschool.org. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Restyle Your Fur, Mon.-Tue., Feb. 2-3, 10 am-5 pm. The Love Shop, 252 Front St., Downtown Monument. restyleyourfur.com. Info: 407-341-4740. See ad on page < 9 >.
  • Our Community News: volunteer mailing days, Thu., Feb. 5, 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.
  • OCN Publication, Sat., Feb. 7. We are all volunteers at OCN and need YOUR help. Become an OCN reporter! Help us report ‘What was discussed and what was decided.’ Contact me TODAY! JohnHeiser@ocn.me or (719) 488-3455.
  • Western Museum of Mining and Industry, Super Saturday, Geology Day, Sat., Feb. 21, 10 am-2 pm. 225 Northgate Blvd, Colorado Springs 80921. Join us for a fun-filled Geology Day the whole family will love! Explore hands-on, immersive exhibits and discover the exciting world of rocks, minerals, and mining together. wmmi.org. info@wmmi.org. 719-488-0880. See ad on page < 9 >.
  • Palmer Lake Arts Council “Off the Wall” Event, Sat., Feb. 21, 6 pm-9 pm. Secret Window, 47 3rd St, Monument. This fun, fast-paced fundraiser supports the Palmer Lake Arts Council in providing art opportunities for our community. Each time a ticket is drawn, a name is called and that person will have just 30 seconds to choose a piece of artwork “Off the Wall.” One $65 ticket includes: One ARTWORK (donated by a local artist. Appetizers, drinks & desserts for up to 2 people. Musical entertainment from 6 to 7 p.m. UPGRADE for a better chance to win your FAVORITE artwork! Three drawing pools are available: Regular Pool (1 ticket = $65 total) Sprinter’s Pool (1 ticket + $60 = $125 total) Eat-My-Dust Pool (1 ticket + $110 = $175 total) The random drawings begin with the Eat-My-Dust pool, proceed with the Sprinter’s Pool and end with the Regular Pool. Limited number of tickets. Buy tickets and preview art pieces online at plartscouncil.org. Info: 719.460.4179 or info@plarts.com.
  • Our Community News: volunteer mailing days, Thu., Mar. 5, 7 am-8:30 am. 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.

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.

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