June 9, 2022 Vol. 21, No. 29 Serving Manitou Springs, Old Colorado City and Lower Ute Pass
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Council nixes proposed new sit-lie law By Marcus Hill Manitou Springs residents voiced their concerns Tuesday, June 7, during a City Council regular meeting regarding a proposed ordinance addressing the city’s stance about street performers. After hearing those concerns, City Council voted 5-2 against passing a second reading on an ordinance “repealing and reenacting … Manitou Springs Municipal Code concerning sitting, lying and street performing.” Mayor Pro Tem John Shada, Councilors Julie Wolfe, Natalie Johnson, Judith Chandler and Michelle Whetherhult dissented. Mayor John Graham and Nancy Fortuin voted in favor. The vote effectively defeated the new ordinance, but didn’t end the debate. “We leave the police in an unfortunate situation,” Graham said. “We can’t tell the police not to enforce the [current] law, but we can suggest or indicate that’s not our highest priority.” The proposed ordinance said: “The City determines that it is necessary and appropriate to create designated areas for the
See COUNCIL/page 3
Wine festival These costumed characters were among the crowd of wine aficionados enjoying the Manitou Springs Wine Festival on June 4 at Memorial Park. MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 11
Photo by Bryan Oller
Runners ready for Garden of Gods races By Larry Ferguson An estimated 1,500 runners of all ages and abilities from throughout the country are set to gather at the Garden of the Gods on Saturday, June 11, for the annual 10 Mile, 10K and Trail Run, a trio of races that together comprise one of the most popular summertime events in the Pikes Peak region. “We’re looking to be the premier race for Colorado
Springs,” said Michael Phan, the race director of the 10 Mile, the largest race that will feature more than 700 competitors. “We’re really pleased with the number of runners and volunteer helpers who turned out.” The 10K is expected to draw nearly 500 runners while the Trail Run, in its second year, will feature about 300 runners, a 50 percent increase over its 2021 debut. All three races are scheduled
to start at 7 a.m. Each of the courses will begin at the main entrance to the park on Gateway Road and finish near the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site. The 10 Mile and 10K courses will loop through the Garden on asphalt roads, reaching the Balanced Rock on the west side before heading back toward the finish line.
See RUNNERS/page 2
INSIDE HIAWATHA GARDENS PUBLIC INPUT.............................PAGE 2 NEIGHBORHOOD CHIPPING PROGRAM........................PAGE 6 TOWN MOUNTAIN COMES TO LULU’S...........................PAGE 9