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

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Our Community Notices

Highlights

  • El Paso County launched a Property Protection Program to alert owners when a document uses their name, with registration of multiple name variations and household members, though monitoring currently covers filings after enrollment only.
  • The program directs owners to verify filings for legitimacy to prevent fraudulent deeds, and property records can also be reviewed in person at the County Clerk and Recorder's Office.
  • Residents can learn more or register via the Property Protection Program webpage, with additional information available at the provided link.
  • Colorado wildfire preparedness resources are urged, including the Home Ignition Zone guide from the Colorado State Forest Service, emphasizing fuel reduction around properties.
  • The community is encouraged to enroll in secure accounts like Community Connect for Monument Fire District to aid emergency responders with information on special needs, pets, codes, and hazards.
  • The notices also highlight ongoing safety topics (coyote safety, school bus laws with cameras, DUI compliance penalties) and local volunteer opportunities, including Tri-Lakes Cares support and various county and state volunteer programs.

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/

Prepare now for wildfires

You need to prepare your property for when wildfire comes close. See Colorado State Forest Service’s booklet – The Home Ignition Zone: a guide to preparing your home for wildfire and creating defensible space. https://csfs.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021_CSFS_HIZGuide_Web.pdf. It’s up to you to reduce the risks on your private property by analyzing where the fuels are – easy things like getting pine needles out of your gutter will help. The booklet has ideas for homes in prairies, forests, or suburban areas.

MFD seeks your help

Monument Fire District residents and businesses can create a secure account at Community Connect which firefighters can access in emergencies to find out about people with special needs, aggressive or anxious pets, gate or garage codes, hazardous materials in use, etc. that will make it easier for them to help. www.communityconnect.io/info/co-monument.

Coyote Safety

With coyote activity on the rise in our neighborhoods, please stay alert to keep our community, children and pets safe.

  • Stay Vigilant: Keep a close eye on small children during outdoor activities.
  • Pets: Keep dogs on short leashes and avoid leaving them unattended, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Secure Attractants: Keep trash bins sealed and do not leave pet food or water bowls outside.
  • Practice Hazing: If you see a coyote, don’t run. Stand tall, wave your arms, and make loud noises to scare it away.

Let’s work together to respect local wildlife while keeping our households secure.

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.

Refusing to comply with Colorado’s Expressed Consent law, which requires drivers to provide a breath or blood test upon arrest for a DUI, means increased consequences.

In addition to $13,500 in costs, refusal to comply will result in additional penalties, which can include: extended time without a driver’s license, longer interlock requirements, designation as a Persistent Drunk Driver or increased alcohol education requirements. codot.gov/choosetotest.

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.

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.

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

Forest and gardening volunteers needed

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

State and County Volunteer Opportunities

  • The Colorado State University Extension office in El Paso County has several opportunities for individuals interested in volunteering. https://elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/volunteer-opportunities/
  • The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Program is composed of a collective citizens group with a true and common desire to partner with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office by volunteering their services while learning more about the internal workings of the law enforcement community. https://www.epcsheriffsoffice.com/volunteer-program/.
  • The El Paso County Volunteer Program is a wonderful opportunity for citizens to learn about the various functions of county government as well as give back to the community. The County’s numerous boards and commissions need your experience, talents and time. https://bocc.elpasoco.com/volunteer/.

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