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Volunteers reporting on community issues in Monument, Palmer Lake, and the surrounding Tri-Lakes area

OCN > blog > Our Community Newsletter #16 – August 22, 2025

Our Community Newsletter #16 – August 22, 2025

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Palmer Lake Planning Commission Delays Buc-ee’s Annexation Vote

By Jackie Burhans

After a six-hour meeting Aug. 20 attended by more than 100 people, the Palmer Lake Planning Commission voted to postpone its recommendation on the proposed Buc-ee’s annexation . The commission heard a presentation by the applicant on the annexation, a Planned Development Plan, and a subdivision sketch plan. Public comments were overwhelmingly opposed, with only two speakers supporting the project. Town Attorney Scott Krob addressed concerns about Commission Chair Charlie Ihlenfeld’s public support for the annexation, clarifying that the matter is legislative, not quasi-judicial and Ihlenfeld is entitled to speak on the matter.

Todd Messenger, attorney for United Congregational Church, said a competing annexation petition filed Aug. 18 takes precedence and halts further action on Buc-ee’s. Commissioners cited the late delivery of an 844-page packet and a revised annexation agreement as reasons for the delay. A motion to continue the meeting until Aug. 27 failed in a tie vote. The commission unanimously agreed to submit questions to the applicant by Aug. 27, with responses due Sept. 1 and convene a special meeting Sept. 3. Look for detailed coverage of the Aug. 20 meeting in our Sept. 6th issue.

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

Gleneagle News Donala Water & Sanitation District’s General Manager Jeff Hodge put on administrative leave

A special meeting was held Aug. 22 to address the topic. The agenda and board packet including a draft resolution authorizing an investigation into complaints about workplace culture and leadership are posted at https://www.donalawater.org/2025-08-22-board-meeting. Details coming in our Sept. 6th issue.

Upcoming Local Events

Readers should assume that event information published in this issue is subject to change and information should be confirmed a day or two before the event by calling the information number or checking the organization’s website.

See our new on-line calendar or page < 22 > and page < 23 > for event locations and other details of these and many other local events.

  • Town of Monument Concerts in the Park, every Wed., 6:30-8:30 pm. Limbach Park.
  • Monument Hill Farmers Market, every Sat., 8-2 pm. D38 Lewis Palmer admin building, 66 Jefferson Street, Monument. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Funky Little Theater Co. presents Tuesdays with Morrie, Fri. & Sat., Aug. 8-23, matinees at 1 pm, evening performances at 7 pm. See ad on page < 21 >.
  • Hummingbird Festival, Aug. 22-23. 17435 Roller Coaster road, Monument, on the historic Jackson Ranch. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Benet Hill Monastery, Labyrinth Retreat, Aug. 22-24, See ad on page < 3 >.
  • WMMI Super Saturday, Aug. 23. See ad on page < 12 >.
  • El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, rescheduled from Thu., Aug. 21 to Thu., Aug. 28, 9 am.
  • Art Hop, Fri., Aug. 28, 5-8 pm, fourth Fri. May through Sept. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • OCN mailing day, Thu., Sep. 4, approx. 7-8:30 am. Become an OCN reporter! Help us report ‘What was discussed and what was decided.’ Call 719-488-3455.
  • Palmer Lake Planning Commission Special Meeting on Buc-ee’s , Thu., Sep. 3, 5 pm
  • September issue of OCN, Sat., Sep. 6. Look for stack copies and posting on the web site by Fri., Sep. 5! The OCN app will have links to the articles as they are published Wed. and Thu.
  • 4th Annual Gleneagle Spirit 5k Run/Walk and Kid’s Run, Sat., Sep. 6, 8 am-noon
  • Palmer Lake Wine Festival, Sat., Sep. 13, 12-5 pm
  • Maker’s Market, Oct. 11-12. See ad on page < 4 >.

With our new on-line calendar, you can easily search for your favorite events, view upcoming events in a variety of formats (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) and add events of interest to the calendar on your mobile device or computer.

Check Out Our NEW On-Line Calendar

Palmer Lake News – Mike Boyett appointed to Board of Trustees

By Jackie Burhans

At the August 6 workshop and special meeting of the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, the board filled the vacancy created when Dennis Stern stepped down to be appointed mayor. The board held its final interview with Planning Commission member Michael Beeson who spoke of his background on the commission and in military leadership. Board member Atis Jurka nominated Beeson to be appointed but the tie vote of 3-3 did not pass. Board member Kevin Dreher nominated Mike Boyett, former waste plan operator at the Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility who was approved on a 4-2 vote. The board voted unanimously to pass resolution 50-2025 to appoint Boyett to the trustee vacancy and he was sworn in by Town Clerk Erica Romero. Jackie Burhans can be contacted at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Keep up with fast-moving developments in the Tri-Lakes area with our new OCN app!

Alerts you to upcoming events you don’t want to miss, lists the latest articles and podcasts, and much more. It updates automatically to keep you informed.

No need to search the app store. Just click the button below for a description of our great new app and detailed instructions on installing it using the browser on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, Chromebook, or desktop computer.

In the screenshot below, the app is reporting 10 new upcoming events including a car show, farmers’ market, D38 school board meeting, and Monument Town Council meeting.

No need to search the app store. Just click the button below for a description of our great new app and detailed instructions on installing it using the browser on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, Chromebook, or desktop computer.

Download the OCN App

Don’t miss any of the videos posted on our YouTube Channel

  • Opening of the Tri-Lakes Activity Center (formerly the Senior Center)
  • Lang Investment Services Pig Roast, Aug. 8
  • OCN August Issue Audio Highlights Podcast (20 min.)
  • OCN August Issue Audio Articles Podcast (2 hr.)
  • July 4th Monument Parade and Street Fair and Palmer Lake fireworks
  • Silver Key moves to the Presbyterian Church
  • Interview with Sam DeFelice (40 min.)
  • Interview with Jim Maguire (55 min.)
  • OCN July Issue Audio Highlights Podcast (17 min.)
  • OCN July Issue Audio Articles Podcast (1 hr. 48 min.)
  • Art Hop – Short interview with artist Darcy Muncey
  • WMMI History Day
  • Cops and Bobbers
  • Chad Smith sworn in as Monument Town Council member
  • Jim Maguire Celebration of Life
  • Palmer Lake Fishing Derby
  • P51 Statute Dedication at Monument Town Hall

View Our YouTube Channel

Check out all the great content in our Aug. issue!

Our August issue and all our podcasts are posted at www.ocn.me.

With the August issue podcasts, choose between a 20-minute audio summary of all the articles and columns or a 2-hour verbatim reading of the articles and columns. For speed listeners, check out accelerated playback rates!

Catch up on Tri-Lakes area news! All our issues including our Aug. 2nd issue are posted at www.ocn.me.

Listen to our podcasts

Read our Aug. 2nd issue

Read our on-line E-Edition

Download a PDF of our Aug. issue

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