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OCN

OCN

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

OCN > blog > OCN Newsletter #64 – April 16, 2026 – E-Motorcycles on GCA Open Space, D38 Art Show, Mon TC Apr. 6 Meeting Highlights, OCN April Issue, Monument TC & D38 Board Mon., MFD Wed., Palmer Lake BOT Thu.

OCN Newsletter #64 – April 16, 2026 – E-Motorcycles on GCA Open Space, D38 Art Show, Mon TC Apr. 6 Meeting Highlights, OCN April Issue, Monument TC & D38 Board Mon., MFD Wed., Palmer Lake BOT Thu.

April 16, 2026

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E-Motorcycles a Continuing Issue on GCA Open Space

E-motorcycles September 7, 2025. Photo provided by the Gleneagle Civic Association.

As reported in the Apr. 4 issue of Our Community News (OCN), Gleneagle Civic Association (GCA) board members stated continuing concerns regarding E-motorcycles operating on and causing damage to the Ray Berg Open Space (RBOS). On Apr. 6, GCA President Mark Connell sent the following email to GCA members alerting them of a confrontation that occurred between a board member and juveniles operating E-motorcycles on the RBOS. He included information on how to proceed if E-motorcyclists are seen on the RBOS and provided information on where such off-highway vehicles are permitted. David Futey can be contacted at davefutey@ocn.me

———————–

The Gleneagle Civic Association Board wanted to bring to your attention an incident that recently occurred on the Ray Berg Green Space.

At about 4:00PM on Sunday, March 29th, one of our board members and his wife were assaulted by four juveniles on E-Motorcycles. The juveniles were told by our board member that E-Motorcycles were not allowed on the Green Space. The juveniles drove concentric circles around our board member and his wife. They also rode their E-Motorcycles directly at them, then breaking off the charge at the last moment before turning away.

Although our board member was knocked to the ground, neither he nor his wife suffered any significant injury. Our board member reported the assault to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. Another GCA member witnessed this incident and walked toward the four E-Motorcyclists at which point they fled the scene. A sheriff’s deputy came to Gleneagle, took a report of the incident and is following up with an investigation.

This incident comes after more than a year of trespassing and damage to the Green Space by E-Motorcyclists. We have photo documentation of trespassing in February, April, and August of 2025, as well as an incident as recent as March 8th, 2026. In 2025, trespassing E Motorcyclists damaged the Green Space by leaving multiple figure eight “burn-outs”. Damage was estimated at $1,000 to repair. The damage was reported to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.

The board would like to ask members for the following assistance in this on-going investigation:

  1. If you witness E-Motorcyclists in the Green Space, please take photos or video if possible. Electric vehicles often look like e-bikes but if they
    exceed the 750-watt legal limit they are legally classified as motor vehicles. Motors ranging from 1,000 to 6,000+ watts can reach top speeds of 30–65+ mph. Consequently, the vehicle must be registered under Colorado law, the user must have a valid driver’s license, and the vehicle must be insured.
  2. Please immediately report any sighting of E-Motorcycles in the Green Space to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency phone number: 719-390-5555.
  3. If you know the identity of any E-Motorcyclists using the Green Space, please contact the Sheriff’s Office to assist with their investigation.

It is worth noting that KOAA Channel 5 ran a report on E-Motorcycles at 6pm on April 4, 2026, in response to a query from a Gleneagle North resident. The report noted that in the state of Colorado, E-Motorcycles are defined as OHV’s (Off-Highway Vehicle) which are permitted only on designated motorized trails. They are not permitted on roads, sidewalks, parks or areas that specifically prohibit motorized vehicles.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Best,
Mark Connell President
Gleneagle Civic Association Board of Directors

See additional e-motorcycle photos

Follow the discussion on Nextdoor

D38 District Wide Art Show, April 11

On April 11th, Lewis-Palmer School District 38 welcomed the general public to the district-wide art show at the school district administration building, Big Red, in Monument. Students from all grades were represented in their art efforts and families and the students enjoyed the event. Photo by Janet Sellers.

See additional art show photos

AI-Generated Video Overview and Highlights of the April 6 meeting of the Monument Town Council

AI-Generated Video Overview

Below are AI-generated highlights of the Monument Town Council meeting April 6. The timestamps in parentheses indicate the approximate points in the video of the meeting where the topics were discussed. Our May 2nd issue will have detailed coverage of this meeting.

  • Relocation of Public Comments: Mayor Mitch LaKind announced that, for the first time, public comments for items not on the agenda were moved to the beginning of the meeting to allow citizens to speak sooner. (00:02:14)
  • Police Oaths of Office: Chief Regan administered the oaths of office to Lieutenant Mitch Mihalko and Officer Ethan Elmshaeuser, formally welcoming them to their new roles within the Monument Police Department. (00:05:48)
  • Child Abuse Prevention Month: The Council issued a proclamation designating April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, highlighting the importance of community partnerships in protecting children and supporting families. (00:12:18)
  • Monument Fire District Training Center Approval: The Council approved the rezoning and final plat for a new fire training facility at 18650 West Highway 105, which will feature an 11,040-square-foot classroom building and a training tower. (00:13:38)
  • Alpine Dealership Material and Signage Debate: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Alpine Dealership application, with Council members raising concerns regarding the use of metal building panels and the request for a 35-foot pylon sign, which some felt violated existing codes. (00:30:51)
  • Continuation of Alpine Dealership Ordinance: Due to the unresolved issues regarding signage and architectural materials, the Council voted to continue the dealership ordinance to the May 4th meeting to allow the applicant and staff to refine the proposal. (02:35:12)
  • Update to Campaign Finance Procedures: The Council passed Ordinance 10-2026, which allows the Town Clerk to refer campaign finance complaints to the Colorado Secretary of State in cases where an actual or perceived conflict of interest exists. (02:53:32)
  • Police Department Fence and Purchasing Policy: While the Council approved a new security fence for the Police Department, the item prompted a debate over the town’s purchasing policy, specifically regarding when competitive bidding is required for projects exceeding $25,000. (03:01:17)
  • Implementation of Police Impact Fees: The Council adopted a new fee schedule that includes Police Impact Fees for new development, intended to ensure that growth contributes to the capital equipment needs of the police department. (03:13:39)
  • Grant Application for Permitting Software: Resolution 24-2026 was approved, authorizing staff to apply for a $250,000 grant from the Statewide Internet Portal Authority (SIPA) to
    replace the town’s antiquated land development and permitting software. (03:25:01)
  • Temporary Modification of Watering Procedures: In response to regional drought conditions, the Council approved moving the start of the restricted watering season up to April 7th, aiming to reduce early strain on the town’s water system. (03:36:07)
  • Project Cobalt Economic Development Agreement: Following an executive session, the Council approved Resolution 27-2026, entering into an economic development agreement with Project Cobalt to secure the location of the project within the town. (03:45:13)

Watch the April 6 Meeting

Watch the AI-Generated Video Overview

OCN April 4th Articles, Audio Files, and Podcasts Posted!

Over 21,000 copies of our April 4th issue were mailed Thu., April 2nd.

All the articles, letters, columns, snapshots, notices, and community calendar events have been posted at www.ocn.me. Audio files have been posted for all the articles and the audio highlights and audio articles podcasts have been broadcast to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Pandora and posted on our YouTube channel.

April Issue Audio Highlights Podcast

April Issue Audio Articles Podcast

Read April Issue Articles

Read Our On-Line E-Editions

Download April Issue PDF

April Issue Photo Collection

Monument Town Council and D38 Board meeting Monday
MFD Wednesday
Palmer Lake BOT Thursday

Readers should assume that event information published in this newsletter 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 page < 22 > and page < 23 > or check wp.ocn.me/events for event locations and other details of these and many other local events.

  • Palmer Lake Historical Society, Thu., Apr. 16, 7 pm-8 pm
  • YMCA Healthy Kids Day, Sat., Apr. 18, 9 am-12 pm. See ad on page <6>.
  • Monument Community Presbyterian Church – Panel Discussion on Home and Food Insecurity, Sun., Apr. 19, 11:15 am-12:15 pm. See ad on page <5>.
  • Monumental Impact – Orientation, Mon., Apr. 20, 5:30 pm-6:30 pm & Sat., May 2, 2 pm-3 pm. See ad on page <3>.
  • D38 School Board Meeting, Mon., Apr. 20, 6 pm.
  • Monument Town Council meeting, Mon., Apr. 20, 6:30 pm
  • Monument Fire District, Wed., Apr. 22, 4:30 pm
  • Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting, Thu., Apr. 23, 6 pm
  • Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) Scholarship Application Deadline, Fri., Apr. 24, See ad on page <2https://ocn.me/pdf/v26n4%202.pdf>
  • Annual Black Forest Arts and Crafts Guild Spring Craft Show, Wed.-Sun, Apr. 29-May 3, Wed. 4 pm-7 pm. Thu.-Sat. 9 am-7 pm. Sun. 10 am-2 pm.
  • OCN Mailing Days, Thu., Apr. 30, approx. 7-8:30 am. If you can help, even for an hour or two, getting the papers ready to mail, contact AllenAlchian@ocn.me or (719) 488-3455.
  • Business Roundtable, Fri., May 1, 11:15 am – 12:45 pm. Terri Carver.
  • Space Foundation Discovery Center National Space Day, Sat., May 2, 10 am-4 pm. See ad on page <24>.
  • D38 Career & Technical Education Community Showcase, Mon., May 4, 4-6 pm.
  • Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares, Wed., May 13, 5:30 pm-10 pm
  • Silver Key Senior Summit, Thu.-Fri., May 14-15, 8 am-2 pm. See ad on page <2>.
  • Monumental Impact – Networking Night, Thu., May 21, 5:30 pm-7 pm. See ad on page <3>.
  • YMCA Summer Day Camp Kickoff, Tue., May 26. See ad on page <6>.
  • Western Museum of Mining and Industry – Picnic and Planes, Thu., May 28, 9 am-4. See ad on page <9>.

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 On-Line Calendar

Want your event listed in our on-line and print calendar?

Our Community Calendar carries listings 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. Complimentary calendar listings are included, when requested, for events advertised in the current issue. Click the button below to request listing of your events.

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April Issue Podcast videos posted on YouTube

  • April Issue Audio Highlights Podcast (32 min.)
  • April Issue Audio Article Podcast (2 hr. 28 min.)
  • No Kings Protest in Monument
  • Romanello bench dedicated
  • Stars of Tomorrow Winners
  • Kiwanis honors OCN Managing Editor Weinfeld
  • D38 Chess Tournament
  • Mar. Issue Audio Highlights Podcast (29 min.)
  • Mar. Issue Audio Article Podcast (2 hr. 16 min.)
  • Five LPHS Lady Rangers Recognized, Feb. 18
  • Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22
  • Feb. Issue Audio Highlights Podcast (31 min.)
  • Feb. Issue Audio Article Podcast (2 hr. 16 min.)
  • Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic, Jan. 17
  • Jan. Issue Audio Highlights Podcast (28 min.)
  • Jan. Issue Audio Article Podcast (1 hr. 46 min.)
  • Monument Wreaths Across America
  • Monument Tree Lighting
  • Dec. Issue Audio Highlights Podcast (44 min.)
  • Dec. Issue Audio Articles Podcast (2 hr. 10 min.)
  • Interview with Covered Treasures Bookstore owner Tommie Plank at the store on May 26, 2019.
  • Monument Restroom Ribbon-Cutting, Nov. 2
  • OCN Nov Issue Audio Highlights Podcast(35 min.)
  • OCN Nov. Issue Audio Articles Podcast(2 hr. 49 min.)
  • Annual Ride for Tim
  • Palmer Lake 0.5k
  • D38 Candidate Forum
  • Trinity Park Expands
  • Restroom Installation at Monument Lake
  • Palmer Lake Library Concert Series 2025
  • Opening of the Tri-Lakes Activity Center (formerly the Senior Center)
  • Lang Investment Services Pig Roast, Aug. 8
  • 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.)
  • 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

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The OCN app alerts you to upcoming events you don’t want to miss, lists the latest articles, podcasts, photo collections, comments, etc. It updates automatically to keep you informed.

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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.

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**********

This email is an edition of the Our Community Newsletter. We also offer separate monthly email messages for those interested in information about OCN advertising. If you wish to also receive those email messages, please let me know or click on “manage your subscription” at the bottom of every message I sent. That will take you to a web page where you can update your information and preferences.

If you do not wish to receive future email messages of this type, please let me know at johnheiser@ocn.me and I will take care of it immediately.

Recent newsletters

  • OCN Newsletter #71 – May 13, 2026 – Silver Key Senior Summit Thu. & Fri., PLBOT Thu., Mon. TC meeting highlights, Snapshots, OCN May Issue and Podcasts Posted (5/14/2026)
  • OCN Newsletter #70 – May 6, 2026 – PL Library Town Hall Postponed, Mon. TC meeting highlights, May 12 MFD Chief Candidates, New snapshots, OCN May Issue and Podcasts Posted (5/6/2026)
  • OCN Newsletter #69 – May 3, 2026 – OCN May Issue Podcasts Posted, D38 C&T Ed. Showcase and Mon TC on Mon., podcasts posted on YouTube (5/3/2026)
  • OCN Newsletter # 68 – April 29, 2026 – OCN May Issue Articles Posted, Snapshots of Our Community, Black Forest Festival and May OCN Print Edition coming this week, new videos posted to YouTube (4/29/2026)
  • OCN Newsletter #67 – April 28, 2026 – OCN May Issue E-Edition Posted, Snapshots of Our Community, Black Forest Festival and May OCN coming this week, new videos posted to YouTube (4/28/2026)
  • OCN Newsletter #66 – April 26, 2026 – PLBOT Highlights, Buc-ee’s buys parcel, Snapshots of Our Community, Mon TC Apr. 20 & 6 Highlights, Black Forest Festival and May OCN coming this week (4/26/2026)
  • OCN Newsletter #65 – April 22, 2026 – Buc-ee’s buys parcel, Mon TC Apr. 20 Highlights, E-Motorcycles on GCA Open Space, D38 Art SHow, Mon TC Apr. 6 Meeting Highlights, Palmer Lake BOT tomorrow (4/22/2026)
  • OCN Newsletter #63 – April 8, 2026 – Mon TC Apr. 6 Meeting AI-Generated Overview, OCN April Issue Posted, Mon PC tonight, PL BOT tomorrow (4/8/2026)
  • OCN Newsletter #62 – April 3, 2026 – April Articles, Audio & Podcasts Posted (4/3/2026)
  • OCN Newsletter #61 – March 31, 2026 – April E-Edition Posted, No Kings and Romanello videos posted (3/31/2026)

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