August 18, 2022 Vol. 21, No. 39 Serving Manitou Springs, Old Colorado City and Lower Ute Pass
$100
Welcome back, District 14 staff!
Above, District 14 teachers, staff and administrators wave from the bleachers at Manitou Springs High School on Monday, Aug. 15. Right, former Superintendent Gary Miller speaks to the crowd about his decades of experience in Manitou schools.
Story and photos by Rhonda Van Pelt Manitou Springs School District 14 staff gathered Monday, Aug. 15, to celebrate the beginning of the school year. They caught up with friends over breakfast, heard welcome speeches, laughed together and cheered. D14 Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Domangue hosted the “racing into a new year” event at the Manitou Springs High School track. “This is the first time in two years that we
had not had to plan for significant pandemic protocols, which I think makes us all very, very happy,” Domangue said. She reminded the crowd that the D14 Board of Education has one vacancy, expected to be filled in September. Domangue discussed the leadership team’s summer activities, which led to a commitment to deeper understanding.
See WELCOME BACK/page 20
Council quickly approves several issues before executive sessions By Rhonda Van Pelt City Council made quick work of its public business at the Tuesday, Aug. 16, meeting. That may have been at least partly due to the councilors’ knowledge that they would face five executive (closed) sessions later.
Mayor John Graham acknowledged that was a lot to ask of City Council, but pointed out that some agenda items are planned months in advance while others crop up suddenly and need swift action. The evening’s first major topic was discussing the beer and wine
liquor license for Persephone Grae’s Café, in the Barker House at 819 Manitou Ave. Council acts as the local liquor licensing authority. City Clerk Judy Morgan explained the process for application, which included a petition for support and need. Lyman Anderson,
the café’s owner and chef, submitted 31 signatures from residents stating they support his plans. Morgan quoted Anderson’s application: “I found that Manitou residents are excited for a new
See COUNCIL/page 3
INSIDE DISTRICT’S TECH DIRECTOR PLANS TO STAY PUT......PAGE 5 HOW WE FEEL ABOUT PUBLIC ART’S BENEFITS..........PAGE 9 PREVIEWS OF MSHS FALL SPORTS.............PAGES 10 AND 11