September 15, 2022 Vol. 21, No. 43 Serving Manitou Springs, Old Colorado City and Lower Ute Pass
$100
HEROES
Remembering the
On Sunday, Sept. 11, more than 100 firefighters from the Pikes Peak region, Colorado and other states marked the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. For the seventh year, they strapped on 60 pounds of gear and climbed the 2,700-plus steps of the Manitou Incline. They did it to honor the 343 firefighters who gave their lives to save others that horrific day. They did it to express their gratitude and respect for people they never knew.
Courtesy of David Tomlinson/Manitou Springs Volunteer Fire Department
Your hometown newspaper is facing crossroads yet again About a decade ago, the Pikes Peak Bulletin went through a perilous time, no different from what had been happening to community newspapers throughout America. This weekly publication, carrying on a proud tradition that dated to the late 1800s, reached an alarming point of shrinking revenues and an uncertain future. The owners were not sure which way to turn, and Manitou Springs readers were smart enough to notice the deterioration.
The situation called for some sort of miracle, and that’s exactly what unfolded. John Weiss, owner and publisher of the successful Colorado Springs Independent alternative newsweekly, also happened to be a Manitou resident. He understood the value of a hyperlocal newspaper to any small town, and he couldn’t bear the thought of watching the Bulletin slowly wither away. Weiss had created a remarkable, sustained success story since the 1990s
with the Independent, then made another bold move in 2012 by purchasing the Colorado Springs Business Journal. Nearly two years later, he pounced on the idea of acquiring the Bulletin, with me as partner. My role was to oversee upgrading content while he worked on the business side. We took over the Bulletin in April 2014, and the journey since then has turned into quite a rollercoaster ride. This
See ROUTON/page 3
OPINION
Ralph Routon Executive editor emeritus
INSIDE ATHLETES LEARNING VALUABLE LESSONS....... PAGES 10, 11 BREATH-TAKING ART EXHIBIT AT BRIARHURST..........PAGE 12 TWO ARRESTED IN CAR BREAK-IN CASES.................PAGE 14