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Issue #285 — Volume 24 Number 12 — Saturday, December 7, 2024 Visit our NEW MOBILE-FRIENDLY WordPress-based website:
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Santa and Elf visit Palmer Lake Chili Dinner, Nov. 30
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Audio is posted for many of the recent articles and videos for some events.
Local Events Readers should assume that event information published in this issue 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 for event locations and other details of these and many other local events. •
OCN mailing day, Thu., Dec. 5 & Jan. 2, approx. 7-8:30 am.
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Small Town Christmas, North Pole at Tri-Lakes craft show, and tree lighting, Sat., Dec. 7, 10-5 pm. See ad on page 2.
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St Peter Catholic Church Christmas concert, One Star, free. Fri., Dec. 13, 7 p.m. See ad on page 2.
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The Living Room Plants store closing, Sun., Dec. 22, everything on sale. Shop now for best selection. See ad on page 5.
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YMCA 5K Jingle Jog, Sat., Dec. 14. See ad on page 6.
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Christmas with Bing by Eric Elison, Sat., Dec. 14, 7-9 pm.
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Sunday with Santa, Sun., Dec. 15, 11-4 pm. See ad on page 2
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Believe, A time to dance concert, Thu., Dec. 19, 6:30 pm
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Tri-Lakes Music Association, Christmas Cantata concert, Fri.-Sun., Dec. 20-22, See ad on page 10.
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WMMI STEAM Camps, Dec. 27 & 30, Jan. 2. See ad on page 12
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YMCA 5K race series. Jingle Jog, Sat., Dec. 14. See ad on page 6.
Above: On Nov. 30, Santa Claus and his elf arrived in style, trading in his magical sleigh for a Palmer Lake fire truck with lights flashing and sirens sounding. Children were able to visit with Santa and share their wishes for the holidays. The 89th annual Chili Supper and Star Lighting welcomed visitors from far and wide for the annual event. Left: The Palmer Lake Firefighters Association welcomed attendees and served chili. Serving are Fernando Hernandez on the left and Jared Cabunoc on the right. Plenty of desserts were also available. In accordance with tradition, a drawing was held and the winner, Jack Yavanian, lit the Palmer Lake Star for the season. The star lighting is a decades-old tradition, serving as a symbol of hope for all throughout the holiday season. Photos by Janet Sellers.
Nov. 5 Election Results for Monument and Palmer Lake Town of Monument
The Town of Monument elections on Nov. 5 were for councilmembers representing Districts 1, 2, and an at-large seat. In District 1, Laura Kronick ran unopposed and secured the seat with 100% of the vote (2,060 votes). In District 2, voters were tasked with choosing two representatives. Kenneth W. Kimple won one of the seats with 52.23% of the vote (2,107 votes), while Marco P. Fiorito missed with 47.77% (1,927 votes). For the at-large seat, Jim Romanello won with 52.53% of the vote (3,116 votes), defeating Chad M. Smith, who received 47.47% (2,816 votes). Swearing in will be in January. The elections included two ballot initiatives. Ballot Question 2B, which
Above: Cake enjoyed Nov. 30 at the book signing for Shootouts, Killings, and War Heroes: The History Hidden in Monument’s Cemetery by Michael Weinfeld and John Howe. Photo by Anikka van Zoeren. See photo on page 21.
In this issue Fire District News 1-6 Monument News 1, 6-8 Palmer Lake News 1,8-10 D38 News 10-14 Water & San District News 14-17 County News 17 HOA News 18-19 Weather 19 Letters and Columns 18-20 Snapshots 21 Notices and Calendar 22-23 OCN Information 1, 17, 23
proposed an amendment to expand the area within the town’s home rule charter, passed with strong support, receiving 71.05% of the vote (5,160 votes). However, Ballot Issue 2A, which sought to increase lodging taxes by $220,000 annually to fund town-owned parks, lodging tax administration, and compliance, was rejected by voters, with 52.55% voting against (3,842 votes) and 47.45% in favor (3,469 votes).
Town of Palmer Lake
The Town of Palmer Lake elections on Nov. 5 were for Mayor and three open spots on the Board of Trustees. Glant Havenar was elected Mayor with 51.2% (863 votes). Shana Ball received 48.5% (821 votes). Tim Caves, Amy Hutson, and Atis Jurka were elected to the three
open spots on the Board of Trustees receiving 25.91% (854 votes), 22.51% (742 votes), and 20.51% (676 votes), respectively. Alex Farr and Jacob Hansen received 16.47% (543 votes) and 14.59% (481 votes), respectively. The mayor and three new trustees will be sworn in at the December meeting. ********** Full election results are posted at https://clerkandrecorder.elpasoco. com/elections/2024-records-results/ Additional Monument coverage starts on page 6. Additional Palmer Lake coverage starts on page 8.
Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Nov. 2, 6, and 20
Training officer terminated; firefighters request district merger; 2025 budget proposes mill levy increase By Natalie Barszcz The Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) board held a special meeting on Nov. 2 to discuss personnel matters relating to the investigation into allegations pertaining to Training Capt. Michael Torres. The board held a second special meeting on Nov. 6 to discuss the permanent fire chief position and determine an outcome for the two failed motions from Nov. 2. At the regular meeting on Nov. 20, the board heard a presentation from the firefighters requesting exploration of a consolidation with neighboring district Monument Fire District (MFD). The discussion about searching for a permanent fire chief continued, and interim Fire Chief Josh Bartlett rescinded a notice of resignation. The board received the proposed 2025 budget with a mill levy increase, reinstated the health insurance differential, and approved the memorandum of understanding with Pikes Peak State College (PPSC). See https://wp.ocn.me/ v24n11bffrpd/.
Note: This reporter attended all three meetings via Zoom.
Outcome of special meetings
The board held a four-hour workshop on Nov. 2 to discuss the hiring credentials of a permanent fire chief before holding a special meeting with two executive sessions. The board received legal advice from CEGR Law attorney Dakota Spence-Zurek regarding the findings of the investigative report into Torres and to obtain further guidance for Torres in his role as training captain. Legal counsel Linda Glesne, CEGR Law, also attended via Zoom. Torres agreed to meet in a closed session with his family members. All board members were present during the executive sessions, but Director Chad Behnken was excused from the meeting for a previous obligation when the board returned to regular session. Chair Nate Dowden said the special meeting was called to discuss Torres and the need for more guidance to succeed in the role as training captain, based on all that was learned from the
investigation report, he said. Dowden made a motion to return Torres to active status, with the condition that Bartlett provide clarity for the role of training captain, and if performance improvement is required, develop a formal action plan outlining steps and measures to ensure the expectations of a command staff member are met. The motion was seconded by Treasurer Jack Hinton but failed with Vice Chair Kiersten Tarvainen and Director James Abendschan voting no. Tarvainen said, “The board expects more from the command staff other than the behaviors found in the investigation, and I do not know if it is appropriate for Torres to return to duty.” Abendschan, in agreement, said returning Torres to a position of authority over department personnel was not appropriate when his actions did not always remain appropriate and professional, as indicated in the investigative report.
BFFRPD (Cont. on 2)