OCN Our Community News N
W
E
S
Volunteers reporting on community issues in Monument, Palmer Lake, and the surrounding Tri-Lakes area ocn.me/social
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MONUMENT, CO PERMIT NO. 32
**ECRWSS** Postal Customer
Free
Issue #307 — Volume 26 Number 10 — Saturday, October 3, 2026
Our website is OCN.ME. Audio is posted for most of the articles and videos for some events. In the paper, events with videos are marked:
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 or check www.ocn. me/events for event locations and other details of these and many other local events. • OCN Publication, Sat., Oct. 3 • Western Museum of Mining and Industry - Miners' Pumpkin Patch, Every Sat. in Oct., 9 am-4 pm. See ad on page 10. • Monumental Impact - Makerspace Orientation, Sat., Oct. 3, 10 am. See ad on page 3. • Benet Hill Monastery - Blessing of the Animals, Sat., Oct. 3, 2:30 pm-3:30 pm • LAST Goat Patch Brewing Monument Summer Music Series, Sun., Oct. 4, 2 pm-5 pm • Town of Palmer Lake Candidate Forum, Sun., Oct. 4, 4 pm-6 pm. • Terri Carver's Business Roundtable (CO Senate District 9 Candidate), Wed., Oct. 7, 11:30 am-1 pm. Via Zoom. See ad on page 2. • Front Range Makers' Market, Sat., Oct. 10, 9 am-4 pm; Sun., Oct. 11, 10 am-3 pm. See ad on page 24. • St. Matthias Blessing of the Animals, Sun., Oct. 11, 3 pm. See ad on page 5. • Monument Town Council "Talk with the Town", Tue., Oct. 13, 6 pm-8 pm. • Empty Bowls 2026 Dinner and Silent Auction, Wed., Oct. 14, 5 pm-7:30 pm. • Monumental Med-Spa Botox Event, Thu., Oct. 15, 9:30 am-6 pm. See ad on page 7. • Covered Treasures Bookstore Book Signing, Sat., Oct. 17, 11 am-1 pm. Authors Jan MacKell Collins and Carolyn Sherrow. • No Kings - Vote Early Tri-Lakes, Sat., Oct. 17, 11 am-2 pm • Palmer Lake 0.5K "Run", Sun., Oct. 18, 10:30 am-12 pm • Monumental Impact - Makerspace Orientation, Mon., Oct. 19, 6 pm. • 100+ Women Who Care Membership/Social Networking, Wed., Oct. 21, 5 pm. • St. Peter Catholic School Trunk or Treat, Fri., Oct. 23, 5-7 pm. See ad on page 2. • Covered Treasures Bookstore Book Signing, Sat., Oct. 24, 12 pm-2 pm. Authors Lynn Horton and Donna Guthrie. • Tour of the Monument Cemetery, Sat., Oct. 24, 2 pm-3 pm. • Bookies & Cookies, Sun., Oct. 25, 2 pm-5 pm. • Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce - Community and Business Expo, Wed., Oct. 28, 10 am-2 pm. • Monumental Impact - Makerspace Orientation, Mon., Nov. 2, 6 pm. See ad on page 3. • OCN Publication, Sat., Nov. 7 • Encore Community Arts Presents "Disney's 101 Dalmatians Kids", Sat., Nov. 7, 1 pm and 4 pm. See ad on page 5. • Tri-Lakes Chamber Business After Hours - Annual Non-Profit Showcase, Sat., Nov. 7, 5 pm-7 pm. • TLWC's Joys of the Holiday Season Holiday Home Tour, Fri., Nov. 20, 10 am-4 pm. See ad on page 3. • 6th Annual MITEE Gobble Squabble, Sat., Nov. 21, 10 am-3 pm. • Small Business Saturday, Sat., Nov. 28
In this issue On the Trail - Ride for Tim, 1-2 Monument News 1, 7-9 Fire District News 9 D38 News 10-12 Water & San District News 12-14 County News 14 HOA News 14-15 Letters and Columns 15-18 Snapshots 18-20 Notices and Calendar 21-23 OCN Info 1, 20-24
Above: Bagpiper Sam Swancutt leads mourners Sept. 23, 2017, with Isaac Watkins, Tim’s son, carrying the rope Tim Watkins used to haul the Yule Log every year. Photo by Becky Tessier. See additional photos on page 20.
On the Trail (in Memory of Tim Watkins)
Ride for Tim memorial By Steve Pate Participants in the annual Ride for Tim memorial met at the Tim Watkins Memorial near the Palmer Lake library on Sept. 19. The memorial sculpture was created by Jeff Tessier, featuring a red-tailed hawk atop a titanium bike frame. Tessier also made the titanium mountain bike Watkins was riding when he was killed. The memorial and ride were organized by Vickey Meeker and
included brief comments by Meeker and Arielle (Watkins) West, Tim Watkins’s daughter, at the Tim Watkins Memorial. Then they took a 4-mile ride down the Santa Fe Trail to the Trails End Tap Room in Monument on Front Street, where friends and family shared memories of Watkins. Watkins, who was shot and killed on Sept. 14, 2017, while riding in one of his favorite areas in Limbaugh Canyon, was popular
among the mountain biking community and helped design and maintain local trails. His killer has never been identified, but Jennifer Bucholtz, criminal investigator with El Paso County Sheriff’s office, attended the gathering at Trails End and is actively pursuing leads. If you have any new information, please contact her at 719-520-7227, or email jenniferbucholtz@elpasoco.com.
TIM (Cont. on 2)
Monument Town Council, Sept. 8
E-moto and e-bike public safety concerns By Marlene Brown At the regular Monument Town Council (MTC) on Sept. 8, Lt. Mitch Mahalko said he favored an ordinance regarding the use of e-motos (electric dirt bikes) and e-bikes on Town of Monument streets, sidewalks, and parks. Mahalko explained that the Monument Police Department (MPD) supports safe and responsible e-bike riding, and restrictions need to be in place for unsafe riding. Public safety concerns extend to riders, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and families using public areas. High speeds, wheelies and stunts, darting in and out of traffic, and racing on sidewalks, trails, and in parks cause accidents and serious injuries. The MPD favors education before purchase. First, parents need to know what their responsibilities are and determine what classification their child’s bike will be and what
E-MOTOS (cont. on page 2)
Above: Monument police are proposing an ordinance to control the unsafe driving of e-motorcycles (e-motos) and other off-road vehicles to remedy an increasing problem in the town. Police Lt. Mitch Mahalko told the Town Council on Sept. 8, “We are not against e-bikes at all.” It’s the e-motos, electric dirt bikes, mopeds, and other off-road vehicles being driven unsafely that are the problem. He proposed an ordinance banning those vehicles from town-owned property, including streets, sidewalks, trails, parks, and open space. The proposed ordinance comes two weeks after a young man was seriously injured in a collision between his e-moto and a car on Baptist Road. While agreeing that something needed to be done, council members said an ordinance would be difficult to enforce. The council asked staff to come up with a proposed ordinance. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Gleneagle Civic Association, Sept. 15
GCA Board members removed, new members elected By David Futey On Sept. 15, Gleneagle Civic Association (GCA) board members Mark Connell, president and Roads, Signs and Ditches chair; Glenn Leimbach, vice president and Open Space manager; Steve Kouri, treasurer; Ray Micklewright, secretary; and Jeff McLemore, Architectural Review Committee (ARC) chair, were voted out of office during a special election held at Antelope Trails Elementary School (ATES). The required quorum of 141 out of 704 lots was achieved as 273 votes were cast by proxy or in person. There was a one-vote-per-lot limit. A simple majority was required to remove or retain the board members. Debra Oppenheimer of Altitude Community Law P.C. mod-
Above: Gleneagle residents lineup outside Antelope Trails Elementary School, waiting to register for the GCA Special Election vote Sept. 15. Photo by David Futey.
erated this vote and the subsequent vote counts for board member replacements. Oppenheimer said, “The difference was about 20 votes,” which triggered the board members’ removal. The second vote elected Kevin Baker, Michelle Bowles, Carolyn
Deaderick, Mike Rosas, and Jeane Turner as the new GCA board, immediately assuming board responsibilities. Oppenheimer said since all previous board members were voted out, the new board members will
GCA (cont. on 3)
Page 2
Read, download, search, and listen to OCN content at our mobile-friendly website OCN.ME
TIM (Cont. from 1) Watkins’s mountain bike and other items were found away from the site where his body was found just off Limbaugh Canyon Trail on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017. His remains were hidden in a depression just uphill from the trail. Volunteers and even dogs had been through that
area before the discovery on Sept. 17. That area is and was a popular hiking/biking trail, and it is likely that someone would have passed the area while Watkins was up there or heard shots fired. Meeker said several boxes of “Be Like Tim” T-shirts were handed out to about 300 riders the Saturday fol-
Vol. 26 No. 10
lowing the discovery of Watkins’s body, and they gathered at the “Y” junction on Mount Hermann Road and rode through Forest View Estates, the Glen, and came into Palmer Lake near Town Hall as about 200 people waited for the cyclists. When the cyclists arrived, they dismounted, removed their helmets, and followed a bagpiper as they proceeded in front of Town Hall on that drizzly, chilly day. Rob Meeker
and Travis Book, avid bicyclists and close friends of Tim Watkins, spoke, and then Pastor Tim Miller said a few words to close the recognition for Tim. The Palmer Lake Star was lit the evening of Sept. 19 in memory of Tim Watkins. Steve Pate may be contacted at stevepate@ocn.me. See additional photos on page 20.
E-MOTOS (Cont. from 1)
bikes: Class 1 - pedal assist only, assist stops at 20 mph; Class 2 - pedal or throttle assist, assist stops at 20 mph; and Class 3 - pedal assist only, assist stops at 28 mph, speedometer required, operator must be 16+.
the ramifications would be, such as fines and/or impoundment of the ebikes or e-motos. Mahalko listed categories of e-
FRINGE BENEFITS CUSTOM INTERIORS, LLC (719) 339-4219
Shop Local
Energy-Efficient Blinds Custom Draperies Shutters Remodels • Paint Consults
13800 GLENEAGLE 13800 GLENEAGLE DR. GLENEAGLE COLORADO DR. COLORADO SPRINGS, SPRINGS, CO 80921 CO 80921 13800 DR. COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80921
Mary Sue Hafey Interior Designer licensed/insured Monument, CO
13800 GLENEAGLE 13800 GLENEAG DR. CO
NONO TIME TIME TO TO WAIT? WAIT? NONO PROBLEM! PROBLEM! NONO TIME TIME TO TO WA NO TIME TO WAIT? NO PROBLEM!
MOBILE MOBILE MOBILE ORDERS ORDERS USE RUSE RS ORDERS USE CODE CODE OCN20 OCN20 CODE OCN20 TO TO SAVE SAVE TO S SA VE SAVE 20%20% OFF OFF 20% OFF F FF YOUR YOUR ORDER ORDER YOUR ORDER • Tackle the cost-of-living crisis • Make Colorado businessfriendly • Repeal soft on crime laws; end sanctuary state • Fight human sex trafficking • Enact portable Senior Terri Carver Homestead exemption Former Republican State Representative (2015-2022) • Improve state water Retired Colonel, Military management for current Attorney (JAG), United users & future development States Air Force, 29 years of • Defend Constitutional active/reserve duty rights
SCAN THE SCAN QR CODE THE QR ORTHE CODE DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD THE TOAST THE LOCAL TOAST APP LOCAL ANDAPP SEARCH AND SEARCH SCAN THE SCAN QR CODE THE QR ORCO DO SCAN QROR CODE OR DOWNLOAD THE TOAST LOCAL APP AND SEARCH FOR DRIPFOR COFFEE DRIP HOUSE COFFEE HOUSE DISCOUNT COS. DISCOUNT VALIDDISCOUNT ONE VALID TIMEONE ONLY. TIME ONLY. COFFEE DRIPHOUSE COFFEE FOR DRIP COS. COFFEE HOUSE COS. VALID ONE TIME ONLY.FOR DRIPFOR
Join Terri Carver's Business Roundtable Wed., Oct. 7, 11:30 am -1 pm via Zoom. Email carverforcolorado-mal@outlook.com for the link. Paid for by Carver for Colorado, Registered Agent Terri Carver
www.TerriCarver.org
’ Gloria V G Veneziale, eneziale, D.C.
Gregory Mesa, M.D. M.D D.
Help make the holidays special by donating to local food bank! Bring in 2 or more non-perishable food items before Thanksgiving and receive initial Chiropractic evaluation and adjustment for
only $49! Aesthetics Emsculpt E msculpt N Neo eo T Toning/Sculpting oning/Sculpting Laser n Laser natural atural a anti-aging nti-aging a aesthetics esthetics Snoring T Snoring Treatment reatment | B Botox/Xeomin otox/Xeomin Hormone O Hormone Optimization ptimization T Therapy herapy
1730 Lake Woodmoor Dr. Monument, CO 80132
CHIROPRACTIC Various modalities Hands-On Chiropractic Non-Invasive, Holistic Care No long-term commitments!
719-212-8996 MesaHealthAesthetics.com
r a l u c a t k o o p S avings! S Next to Goat Patch Brewing 1752 Lake Woodmoor Drive Monument, Colorado 80132
Carpet•Wood•Laminate•LVT•Tile Sales and Installation www.affordableflooringconnection.com
OCN
Saturday, October 3, 2026 He characterized e-motos as typically having over 750 watts, capable of more than 28 mph, lacking functional pedals, having motorcycle- style controls, foot pegs, or off-road configuration. He recommend classes for parents and minors to include education about: licensing, registration, insurance, helmets and other safety equipment that would be required, and the laws for operating in town locations. The MTC agreed that something needs to be done, but members said an ordinance might be difficult to enforce. The MTC will continue to research the ordinance and work with the town’s attorney to be sure that they are in line with county and state laws, and then they will be ready to consider a vote. ********** For more information on state laws that are already in place, go to https://ebiketravelers.com/coloradoe-bike-laws/. For more information regarding ordinances in the Town of Monument, go to https://library.municode.com/co/monument/ codes/code_of_ordinances Marlene Brown can be reached at marlenebrown@ocn.me.
GCA (Cont. from 1) need to determine what position each will assume. She also informed the new board that they will need to determine staggered terms, as three will be two-year terms and two will be oneyear terms. This is to ensure that all five do not come off the board at the same time. It was unclear at the meeting how the upcoming GCA board election in November
will affect the terms. Note: The new board identified their interim roles in an email sent to GCA members on Sept. 18. They are Kevin Baker, President; Michelle Bowles, Vice President; Mike Rosas, Treasurer; Jeane Turner, Secretary; and Carloyn Deaderick, member at large.
Page 3
by 36 verified GCA lot owners submitted to then-GCA board President Connell on Aug. 22, 2026. A group of about 28 GCA homeown-
ers formed Uniting Neighbors In Transparency and Engagement (UNITE) after the GCA board attempted to have the updated GCA cove-
Special election background
The special election was the result of a petition signed
A clear plan. A trusted partner. A home you love.
Expert interior design and your best local source for cabinetry and window treatments. Call today for a consultation.
(719) 205-6213 • karenlucedesigns.com
Quality RV Repair! (719) 487-9119
A COMMUNITY MAKERSPACE
service@turbosrv.com
What Do You Want To Make?
Awnings, Appliances, Electrical, Solar, LP, Plumbing, Satellites, AV, Hydronic, Batteries, Hydraulics, Roofs, Trailer Brakes & Lighting, and more…
Personal & Community Projects Entrepreneurship Career Readiness Competitive Robotics
Celebrating over 20 years of service!
Access to Laser Engraver, 3D Printers, CNC Cutting, Workspace, Mentors & Community
enable@monumentalimpact.org 866 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake
> edwardjones.com | Member SIPC
Financial goals aren’t achieved overnight. At Edward Jones, we’re in it for the long haul. We’ll be with you every step of the way as you celebrate life’s biggest milestones. Let us help you work toward them.
Get started today by contacting us to schedule your first meeting. Brad A Lundberg CFP®, AAMS®
80132
Financial Advisor
16055 Old Forest Pt Suite 100 Monument, CO 80132 719-481-0043
EJB-8652F-A-E-AD AECSPAD 30137595
11/15/26.
Let us help you find the perfect drink for any occasion!
“Wide selection. The store is well-lit, shelves clearly labeled. Friendly staff. Clean environment.” — Aleksey L., Google Review
Made Right Here in Colorado!
Celebrate Local Craft Beer & Spirits. Colorado has some of the best craft breweries and distilleries in the country—and we carry them right here in Monument. Come discover local favorites and unique Colorado-made spirits. 10/31/26.
.com olutions
kritters www.k2
Read, download, search, and listen to OCN content at our mobile-friendly website OCN.ME
Page 4
WE HAVE FIREWOOD FOR SALE!! Complete landsCaping serviCe Many types of firewood available: Ponderosa pine, WE HAVE FIREWOOD FOR SALE!! Lodgepole pine, Pinon pine and Juniper Award-Winning Landscape Design & Installation
Many types of firewood available: Ponderosa Cottonwood and Aspen coming soon! pine, Lodgepole pine, Pinon pine and Juniper We deliver it to you -- dependable and courteous service + Cottonwood and Aspen coming soon!
35 Years Experience • Insured
PLEASE CALL FOR RATES... (719) 491-4811 www.sharpestcut.com
We deliver it to you -- dependable and courteous service
(719) 491-4811 PLEASE CALL FOR RATES... Sharpest Cut 719-491-4811
Mind Quest Puzzles and Games 872 Highway 105, Palmer Lake 80133 Open Every Day 11-6
Puzzles, Games, Events, and More!
www.mindquestpuzzles.com • • • • • • • • • •
nant declarations approved through the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (CCIOA) statute 38-33.3-217 in June. The statute allows associations to petition the court to approve changes to their Declarations, Restrictions and Covenants (DRC) when voter turnout does not reach the covenant approval requirements, but certain steps and thresholds are met. The GCA covenants require 67% approval for changing them. Altitude Community Law determined the GCA covenant update procedures and voting process met the statutory thresholds. UNITE collected signatures of 310 GCA members and filed an objection with the court regarding the GCA petition. As a result, the judge determined there was sufficient opposition and disallowed the petition. The board explained the statutory legal procedure at its May 12 board meeting, which HandyManJack_BCard.pdf 1 5/29/2025 2:35:21 PM
719-623-7494
(719) 488-2308
1 and 3 Mon., 11 am-1 pm: Jigsaw Puzzle Meet-Up Every Tue., 1-3 pm, Home Schooling Speed Puzzling Club* 2nd Tue., 6-8 pm, Bunco Game Night at the Store* Last Tue., 4-6 pm, Puzzle Club* C Every Wed., 4:30-6 pm, After School Speed Puzzling Club* Last Wed., 5-8 pm, Jigsaw Puzzle Chess - FREE C M Last Fri., 7:30-9 am, Business Breakfast Club*. Puzzle and chat! 2nd Sun., 2-4 pm, Rummikub Game Day*, $5 each, 10 and under free. M Y 3rd Sun., 2-4 pm, Uno Game Day*, $5 each, 10 and under free. Every Sun., 1-5 pm, Come play games - bring your own or use ours! Y CM *Please register online st
MONUMENT (Cont. from 1)
rd
HandyManJack_BCard.pdf 1 5/29/2025 2:35:21 PM
Quick Books Training and Setup IRS Clean-Up
Complete Bookkeeping & Payroll Services bookkeeping@bobbid.com
CM MY
Vol. 26 No. 10
was reported in the June issue of Our Community News (Gleneagle Civic Association, May 12 – Many voice opinions on court petition). In an email to GCA members on June 26, the board informed members that the petition was disallowed by the judge and the subsequent steps. The covenants were updated with GCA community input through town halls, meetings, and other correspondence in 2025 with the vote occurring in December.
Special election
The special election registration began at 6 p.m., with the meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. The special election’s agenda started with present board members speaking if they chose to do so, with no audience questions permitted, then a vote to remove or retain. If any are not retained, then those candidates who expressed an interest before or at the meeting in becoming a board member could speak on their background, and audience members could ask questions to the candidates. A second vote would then be conducted. All present, GCA board members spoke before the first vote except for McLemore. Leimbach was the first board member to speak. He said given state laws and regulations, it is not practical to expect “volunteers to perform accounting and covenants enforcement,” and it is the HOA’s responsibility to enforce the covenants. He concluded that members should insist the next board hire companies for budget management and covenants enforcement, along with expressing a need to raise
• Small Projects • Home Repairs • Property Cleanup • Landscaping • Fire Mitigation
MY CY CY CMY
HandyManJack_BCard.pdf 1 5/29/2025 2:35:21 PM CMY K K
C
M
Y
Military and Senior Discounts!
CM
MY
Jack Carroll 719.286.3277
CY
10% OFF
Junk removal done for you. We do the heavy lifting.
CMY
K
when you mention this ad. Exp. 10/31/26.
Furniture, appliances, garage cleanouts, and more. Local, insured, and easy to work with. We handle everything, from start to finish.
Call or text 719-465-9710 5-star rated | Palmer Lake, CO HaulOfTheWildServices.com
Monument House Cleaning Serving Monument, Palmer Lake, Gleneagle, Black Forest, Larkspur, Falcon, Woodland Park, and all surrounding areas.
Affordable, Reliable, Quality Cleaning Professional Housekeepers Bonded and Insured
Call or visit our website for a FREE estimate!
#211
www.MonumentHouseCleaning.com
(719) 634-1139 (719) 488-1569
$35 Gives Layla the basics for School In the Middle East kids like her often start school with nothing to write with or carry books in.
Your $35 gives Layla A new backpack School supplies
Scan the QR Code to Help Layla Scan or Visit: IndigenousMinistries.org Indigenous Ministries International | 501(c)(3) Christian Nonprofit Local in Colorado Springs | Est. 2003 | (719) 302-3028
Restorative Massage & Lymphatic Therapy MARA GULLER MORRISON LMT, CLT, INHC Licensed Massage Therapist Certified Lymphatic Therapist
Hot Stone Therapeutic Massage wtih Neuromuscular Trigger Point, Myofascial Release, and Medicupping. MLD for Lymphedema, Post-Surgical Swelling, and Health.
Decreasing back, neck, and shoulder pain for 33 years! $20 OFF your first massage! (719) 828-1682 • Mmorrisonmassage.com
BROOKS BROTHERS CABINETRY
No one has more experience in the servicing of Subaru, Toyota, and Honda vehicles - NO ONE! Call Today 488-6729 Locally owned and trusted since 2003 706 Westward Lane Palmer Lake
Thank you for your support throughout the pandemic. Here’s to us all thriving back together! —Darin & Bryan Brooks
The Tri-Lakes' preferred local source for custom and semi-custom kitchen and bath cabinet design, build, and install since 2004.
(719) 481-8222 • www.brooksbrotherscabinetry.com Call to book an appointment at our showroom at 530 E. 8th Street, Monument 80132
OCN
Saturday, October 3, 2026 the assessments. In the December 2025 vote, an assessment increase to $120/year was defeated. Connell spoke about the board’s goal of updating the declarations since they were primarily written in 1983 and have “many, many, issues.” He said the requested assessment increase was to address maintenance of the open space and the operation of the association. He continued that the board made a “good faith attempt” at updating the declarations with town halls and meetings in 2025. He thanked Leimbach and other board members for their many volunteer hours in managing the open space. He concluded that, “It’s a thankless and glamor-less job and we did our very best to move the association forward.” Micklewright, who was appointed to the GCA board in February 2026, concurred with Connell regarding time commitment. He explained how he spends most of his time assisting GCA members “how to read through the covenants, the bylaws and the policies” as they are “inconsistent and are complicated.” He differentiated the declarations, which address property maintenance, and the bylaws, which guide how the association operates, including voting procedures and board communications to the community. He pointed out that when members bought
WE HAVECFIREWOOD FOR SALE!! onCrete Work Many types of firewood available: Ponderosa pine, WE HAVE FOR SALE!! pine, Pinon pine and Juniper AllLodgepole typesFIREWOOD of concrete work
Many types of firewood available: Ponderosa Cottonwood and Aspen coming soon! pine, + Lodgepole pine, Pinon pine and Juniper We deliver it to you -- dependable and courteous service Cottonwood and Aspen coming soon!
35 Years Experience • Insured
their houses, they became part of the nonprofit GCA, adhering to its covenants. He said he has tried informing the community to understand the difference between covenants, the bylaws, and the policies through emails. He noted that a home is probably the biggest asset anyone will have and members should want to “make sure that we as a group take care of each other’s houses,” maintaining property values. Kouri said how “amazed” he was with at-
Page 5 tendance this evening and said it “would have been great at our annual meeting last year, but it didn’t happen.” After acknowledging that he did not have much to add to previous board member statements, he asked what a new board does differently since the attempt to update the covenant declarations had failed. He also advocated for the covenant declarations being updated and an assessment increase to maintain the open space.
Décor by Diane Interior Painting
No job too small. Over 30 years experience. Decorbydm@aol.com or (719) 491-6852
ETHAN ALLEN At University Village, Colorado Springs
Mary Fran Grunow Designer
Call for an appointment 719.208.0234 Thurs – Mon
Trailers · Snow Plows Small Engine Repair DOT Inspections Sales · Service · Parts www.tanglewoodtrailers.com
maryfrangrunow@ethanallen.com
jeffriesandsonsconstruct.com
Basements Remodels 303-681-8805 Decks
719-960-0600
Local · Veteran-Owned · Family-Run
www.sharpestcut.com PLEASE CALL FOR RATES... (719) 491-4811
Jeffries and Sons Construction LLC All Trades P.O. Box 263 Palmer Lake, CO 80113 303-681-8805
We deliver it to you -- dependable and courteous service
(719) 491-4811 PLEASE CALL FOR RATES... Sharpest Cut 719-491-4811
The Beauty Studio Highlights Cuts & Color Extensions
Now Accepting New Clients Rita, Jess & Ashley
719-221-1750
153 N. Washington St. #101 Monument 80132
Getting Hitched?
Prepare for the days after the big day with Premarital Counseling. Learn more at: www.flourishingfaithministry.com
Shannon Lebakken, M.A. flourishingfaithministry@gmail.com (704) 699-6058
www.plumbsmart-colorado.com
Scan for website
• Alignment • AC • Brakes • Oil Change • Struts • And More
Monument
10% OFF
719-985-3000 Our Home.
Any service of $250 or more.
Our Honor to Serve Tri-Lakes Families.
Mention this ad when you book your appointment. Good through 10/31/26.
719-495-4508
719-985-3000
visitingangels.com/monument
Sunday, October 11, 3 pm
Let our luxury landscapers work with you to take your living space and lifestyle to a whole new level!
2101 Wolf Court, Monument, CO 80132
www.trilakescollision.com
Extra charges may apply for stain treatment or pet hair removal.
or 10% OFF for new customers and active duty military. Creating Memories for Over 30 Years!
Retaining Walls, Waterfalls, Patios, Fire Pits, Outdoor Kitchens...
Call Today! 719.359.2099
Present or mention coupon at time of drop off. Offers cannot be combined. Good through 10/31/26.
Monument Cleaners Your personal quality cleaner
All cleaning, except leather, done on-site.
15932 Jackson Creek Parkway In the Monument Marketplace
(719) 481-4485
We also do alterations!
Read, download, search, and listen to OCN content at our mobile-friendly website OCN.ME
Page 6
While the first vote was being counted, Micklewright addressed a concern raised to him that the $27,000 cumulative cost of updating the covenants, voting process, court procedure and related legal fees was “wasted.” He said since lawyers reviewed the covenants and bylaws and made changes where needed, it will be “money saved” for the next board. He continued that the association is still operating under covenants and bylaws from the 1970s. After Oppenheimer announced that the first vote removed all board members, she asked the candidates on the ballot to replace a board posi-
Church the way it used to be! Ridgeview Baptist Church
Sun. 10:30 am—All are welcome! 5740 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, 80918
719-357-6515 ridgeviewcolorado.org
Insurance & Financial Services, Inc.
Ph 719.351.4928 13540 Meadowgrass Dr #210 Colorado Springs, CO 80921
Chrissy Holmes Insurance Broker
cholmes@macifs.com www.macifs.com Insurance & Financial Services, Inc.
Windows
Pronghorn Prairie Construction Standards, not shortcuts. Neighbors, not numbers. Licensed & Insured Exterior Contractor. Exterior Repairs. All Types of Jobs.
Patrick- 719-465-2988
https://www.pronghornprairie.com
Soot Busters Chimney Sweeps
Serving Tri-Lakes & Black Forest since 1982
719-488-2718
Fireplaces • Inserts & Woodstoves • “We won’t leave a mess” Call for FREE Estimates & Inspections
Mention this ad for 10% OFF during Oct.!
Paul’s Asphalt Service
Top-quality asphalt paving and maintenance
Fall Special - Recycled Asphalt! Hot mix asphalt paving •Hot rubber crack sealant/asphalt patch
Paul Williams, Jr.
719-453-4477 Monument Asphaltserviceonline.com
tion to come forward. Baker, Bowles, Rosas, and Turner stepped forward. Deaderick was unable to attend but provided a letter to be read. Sara Garvey became a sixth candidate when Oppenheimer asked if anyone in attendance was interested in a board position. Thus, there were six candidates for five positions, and those present gave introductory statements. Rosas was the first candidate to speak. He has lived in Gleneagle for 19 years and said he wants to help in any way. He complimented community members on being “civil” and “neighborly” at the meeting and prior to it when he met with members about their concerns. He said stewardship, being reasonable and fair, and communication were key reasons to vote for him. He advocated for a sustainable budget. As a board member, he would “work for you; there is not us versus them. The board is homeowners.” Turner has lived in Gleneagle for 17 years. She wants to see the community “unite again as neighbors.” She was part of the group that collected the signatures because of the prior board’s expenses and trying to get the covenants passed through the court procedure. She said communication, financial transparency, and accountability were important, noting, “We want you to know what your money is going for, how it’s being spent.” Bowles acknowledged the difficulty in being a board member. She said, “People get mad and get hurt feelings,” and stated the importance of hearing both sides of every concern and getting members’ questions answered. She also expressed a need for communication and transparency. She wants the community to grow and be a collective. Baker grew up in Gleneagle, attended ATES and Discovery Canyon, and said, “I love this community.” His interests include a sustainable plan for the open space and common areas and seeking input from the entire community before financial and other impactful decisions are made. He said board decisions “should not be based off of the opinions of 40 or 50 people.” Sara Garvey said her interest is the Architectural Control Committee, maintaining property standards. She noted, “Our biggest asset is our home” and voiced the need for consistency on how they are maintained. She has assisted in the buying and selling of over 60 properties in Gleneagle and thus knows the community well. Before reading Deaderick’s letter, Turner said, “This recall was not personal against anyone.” She said she has helped Leimbach with open space trails and recognizes being on the board is a “thankless job.” Turner then thanked the previous board for “what they have done.” In her letter, Deaderick raised concerns that
Save the Date! Fall Maker’s Market Coming to Palmer Lake!
Get ready for a day of shopping, community, and fall fun at the Mind Quest Indoor Fall Maker's Market! Sat, Nov. 14, 10 am–4 pm, Mind Quest Puzzles and Games, 872 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake, CO 80133 Come explore a variety of local vendors featuring handmade goods, unique gifts, seasonal décor, artisan creations, specialty products, and more! It's the perfect opportunity to support small businesses while finding one-of-a-kind treasures for yourself or holiday gift-giving. • Shop local vendors • Discover unique gifts • Support small businesses • Enjoy a fun community atmosphere • Indoor event — rain, snow, or shine! Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. Bring your friends, family, and fellow shoppers for a cozy fall market experience right here in Palmer Lake! Mark your calendars and follow our page for vendor spotlights and event updates as we get closer to the big day. www.mindquestpuzzles.com • 719-623-7494
Vol. 26 No. 10
comments made publicly reflected poorly on the GCA community. She wants clarity in communication to avoid “false truths and accusations, personal attacks and mistruths.” She expressed a concern regarding how funds were used by the previous board. She intends to “encourage board election participation in our HOA” and that the community should “take responsibility” and move beyond “these unfortunate circumstances.” An audience member asked the candidates what experience they have serving on an HOA board, overseeing budgets, reviewing contracts, and working with vendors. Garvey said she operates her own real estate company. She has not been on an HOA board but has experience with budgeting through her business, has worked with vendors, and knows architecture and guidelines. She again expressed her interest in architectural control. Baker is an aerospace engineer and currently manages a program for the U.S. government. He does not have HOA or other board experience. He said he has done a thorough review of the GCA bylaws and covenants. He has lived in Gleneagle for over 30 years and understands the history of the community. Bowles said she has not served on a board in a long time, mentioning her first board experience was with the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce. She has real estate experience, is self-employed and operates her own production business. She specifically does home loans, understands HOA documents, and has vendor relationships. Turner performs marketing, communications, and public relations for the Salvation Army as part of its Intermountain Division and has budget and vendor experience. She has never served on an HOA board but has served as a volunteer board member for various associations and nonprofits. Rosas is a retired colonel with the U.S. Air Force and a defense contractor program manager, with budget and contract experience. He does not have HOA board experience. He said his background is in technical programs and his experience differs from the other candidates. After these responses, Oppenheimer said the election process had exceeded the allocated time for using the ATES room. She allowed for additional questions but expressed a need to keep it brief. An audience question was related to the meeting itself, having a vote to remove board members and then a vote for replacements during the same meeting. Oppenheimer clarified that the election process is stated in the GCA covenants and the Colorado Revised Nonprofit Corporation Act (CRNCA), to recall and elect at the same meeting. CRNCA Articles 121-137 of Title 7 describe the rules for Board of Directors elections and removals. A follow-up question was about the term length of the new board members. Oppenheimer said the new board members would have a full term since all previous board members were removed. If one board member was replaced, then an election would have provided a replacement to fill out that position’s term. Oppenheimer said the CRNCA states the new board members’ terms will continue until the next election, which is scheduled for November. An audience member asked about the hiring of the bookkeeper and management company. Baker said he thought the hiring of the bookkeeper “was a great move” as it brought in more money than it cost. Regarding covenant enforcement, he said it was against the bylaws, citing Article 1, Section 202 that states annual assessments may not be used for covenant enforcement. He indicated he would support changing it if the community supports the change. An audience member asked for the attorney’s interpretation. Oppenheimer said the covenants identify where covenant enforcement funding has to come from, and community members still have an obligation to comply with the covenants.
COME SEE THE D38 DIFFERENCE D38 is inviting residents and organizations in our community to come experience our schools firsthand. Through a new program that’s rolling out this fall, you’ll have a chance to connect with students and staff, and see all the amazing things happening in D38.
Coming Fall 2026: Citizens in Our Schools Participate in volunteer opportunities that match your interests Receive a “Citizens in Our Schools” t-shirt to show your support of D38 schools Receive invitations to special events hosted by D38 students and staff Special perks for those 65 and older: Our “Star Card” will offer free tickets to athletic and performing arts events
Get On the List for Citizens in Our Schools Today!
Have questions? Email Communications@lewispalmer.org or call 719-785-4223.
Saturday, October 3, 2026 Turner said she is not opposed to keeping the bookkeeping. She does not want the association to go “backwards” but wants to build upon what has been done and learned. She emphasized that decisions must be fiscally responsible and sustainable. An audience member asked the
OCN candidates how they will fix communication. Baker said the need is to increase communication so as many members can be reached as possible. As an example, the covenants and bylaws specify a specific number of days to inform members of a meeting. Baker said “going above and
Page 7
beyond that minimum to get 300 people” for each meeting would be the ideal. An audience member asked about the board terms related to the upcoming election. Turner said the candidates are trying to interpret how the election will affect their
terms with the attorney. She emphasized that all the candidates want to have elections and not have appointed board positions. The second vote proceeded, with the count completed at 8:55 p.m. David Futey can be reached at davidfutey@ocn.me.
Monument Planning Commission, Sept. 9
Draft reviewed for Monument 2040 Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Master Plan housing typologies, alongside conceptual redevelopment sites along Front Street and the Downtown Gateway. Town staff and commissioners clarified that while the Comprehensive Plan establishes high-level guidance, exact density
limits, height restrictions, and zoning requirements, it will be formally defined during upcoming updates to the Land Development Code. In response to commissioners’ questions regarding infrastructure, Ungerleider noted that the town is actively
Above: A portion of the Downtown Master Plan showing a concept for Front Street. Graphics courtesy the Town of Monument
By Janet Sellers At the Sept. 9 meeting, the Monument Planning Commission reviewed the draft for the Monument 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update and the draft Downtown Master Plan. Planning Director Dan Ungerleider introduced the documents, emphasizing that they serve as a long-range advisory framework designed to guide the town’s growth, development priorities, and policy decisions over the coming decades. Lead consultant Andy Cross from The Lakota Group provided an overview of the 18-month planning process, outlining the structure of the plan. The framework rests upon an overarching vision supported by
seven Community Pillars: Positive Growth, Connected Mobility, Thriving Local Economy, Vibrant Downtown, Resilient Neighborhoods, Healthy Natural Environment, and Collaborative Stewardship. These pillars branch into specific focus areas and actionable implementation steps.
Future Land Use Map
Consultants presented the Future Land Use (FLU) Map, which introduces categories like Flexible Residential to accommodate diverse
We Have Opportunities To Serve The Tri-Lakes Communities. Join Us. The Rewards are Tremendous.
Custom Built Decks and Covers
N E W DAY COT TAG E S A S S I S T
• Low and No Maintenance Decks • In-House Design N E W D A Y C O T T A G E and S A Permitting S S I S T E D •L Repairs I V I N G •H Replacements OMES
• In addition to our Independence Day Parade, last year, Kiwanis projects provided more than $100,000 and thousands of volunteer hours to programs and groups that benefit our communities. Exceptional quality of life is waiting at New Day Cottages. Residents enjoy • Come to our 8:00 AM meeting and experience how you and Exceptional quality of life is waiting at a cozy, comfortable, caring lifestyle; the community benefit from participation. NEW D A Y C O Tenjoy T A G E Sshaulinkr@decksbyborders.com A S S I Sfamily T E D enjoys L I V I Npeace G H OofMmind E S knowing New Day Cottages. Residents monumenthillkiwanis@gmail.com Web: mhkiwanis.org a cozy, comfortable, caring lifestyle; their loved ones are happy, well cared FREE ESTIMATES Making a Positive Difference for family Youth and Our Community enjoys peace of mind knowing
Welcome Home! Borders Decks Welcome Home!
Call Shaulin Today! (719) 332-6292
Support Our Community. Shop Tri-Lakes and Black Forest!
O
d!
oun
ar R
Ye pen
for, and safe. their loved ones are happy, well cared N E W DAY COT TAG E S A S S I S T E D L I V I N G H O M E S for, and safe.
Welcome Home! Join our family
Exceptional quality of life is waiting at New Day Cottages. Residents enjoy Join us comfortable, for a personalcaring tour with our a cozy, lifestyle; professional Or,ofvisit us knowing online family enjoysstaff. peace mind Exceptional quality of life is well waiting at and our story. look forward to theirread loved ones areWe happy, cared New Daysafe. Cottages. Residents enjoy welcoming your loved ones home. for, and a cozy, comfortable, caring lifestyle; family enjoys peace of mind knowing 719-266-1100 their loved ones are happy, well cared Website: www.NewDayCottages.com Join us for a for, and safe.personal tour with our Email: steve@newdaycottages.com professional staff. Or, visit us online 1577 Road, Colorado CO 80920to and Turner read our story. We Springs, look forward 10975 Howells your Road, loved Black Forest, 80908 welcoming onesCO home. Join us for a personal tour with our professional staff. Or, visit us online 719-266-1100 and read our story. We look forward to
Welcome Home! Join our family
Rock House Ice Cream, Candy & More 24 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake 80133
719-488-6917
Join our family
Join our family
Join us for a personal tour with our professional staff. Or, visit us online and read our story. We look forward to welcoming your loved ones home.
719-266-1100 Website: www.NewDayCottages.com Email: newdaycottages@q.com 1577 Turner Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80920 10975 Howells Road, Black Forest, CO 80908
Page 8
Read, download, search, and listen to OCN content at our mobile-friendly website OCN.ME
developing a dedicated Water Master Plan that relies on the 2040 plan’s growth projections to secure future resources. During the public hearing, local business and property owner Jodie Bliss and resident J. Line raised concerns that conceptual graphics—particularly renderings depicting three-story mixeduse buildings (see graphic on page 7)—felt out of char-
acter for Monument’s historic downtown and failed to protect local independent businesses. Several commission members, including Commissioners Valerie Baumer, Christy Smith, Martin Trujillo, and Vice Chair Corey Petersen, echoed these sentiments, agreeing that high-density visuals felt offputting and did not reflect the community’s desired small-town aesthetic. Mayor
Mitch LaKind also addressed the commission, thanking members and stressing the importance of utilizing the plan effectively.
Next steps
Following discussion, the Planning Commission voted 6-0 to continue the public hearing to Oct. 14. The commissioners agreed to submit their written feedback, questions, and suggested revisions to Ungerleider by
Sept. 25, allowing staff and consultants time to address community and board concerns. ********** The next regular meeting of the Monument Planning Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 6 p.m. at the Monument Town Hall, 645 Beacon Lite Road. For further information on commission meetings, please visit www.townof-
Vol. 26 No. 10
m o n u m e n t . org/263/ planning commission-commissionboardof-adjustment or contact 719-884-8028. A recording with a transcript of each meeting is also available. Janet Sellers can be reached at JanetSellers@ocn.me.
Monument Town Council, Sept. 8, 21
Meeting Highlights
Sept. 8 Meeting
Below are AI-generated highlights of the Monument Town Council meeting Sep. 8. The timestamps in parentheses indicate the approximate points in the video of the meeting where the topics were discussed. The video is posted at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=L3NbtWldWu8
1. Modified Consent Agenda Approval: The Town Council voted 7–0 to approve the consent agenda after modifying it to pull out invoices exceeding $25,000 for staff correction (approx. 00:03:01). 2. Public Comment on
Free AI & Data Literacy Training: New resident Jamie Kimes offered to donate nontechnical AI and data literacy training to town employees and community members to address the risks and benefits of AI (approx. 00:04:16). 3. Creek Week 2026 Proclamation: Mary Wilson from the Fountain Creek Watershed District presented on watershed preservation, after which the Council officially proclaimed September 26 through October 4, 2026, as Creek Week in Monument (approx. 00:16:42). 4. E-Bike and E-Moto Safety Presentation: Police Lt. Mitch Mihalko presented options for addressing unsafe electric dirt bike (e-moto) operation on public property, outlining a proposed ordinance with a $250
5.
6.
7.
LESS HEADACHES. MORE LIFE.
Headaches
DON’T HAVE TO BE PART OF YOUR STORY. Find lasting relief with personalized, root-cause care at Noel Relief Centers.
PERSONALIZED TREATMENT PLANS
IDENTIFY THE ROOT CAUSE
LESS PAIN. BETTER FUNCTION. A HEALTHIER YOU.
SCHEDULE YOUR EVALUATION TODAY
Feel better.er. Move bett Live better.
8.
LASTING RELIEF
719-359-9947
noelreliefcenters.com
9.
civil infraction penalty for parent accountability and vehicle impoundment authority (approx. 00:26:40). See article on page 1. Approval of Milano Nail Spa Liquor License: The Council approved a new beer and wine liquor license (7–0) for Milano Nail Spa Monument at 1036 W. Baptist Road to allow complimentary drinks for customers receiving nail services (approx. 00:50:40). Repeal of Monument Lake Special Event Parking Permit Waiver (Ordinance No. 20-2026): The Council unanimously passed Ordinance No. 20-2026, removing the special event exemption so that parking permit requirements stay active during town-sponsored events at Monument Lake (approx. 00:55:40). Continuance of 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee Plan (Ordinance No. 23-2026): Following Council concerns regarding driveway spacing, sightlines, and traffic egress shared with neighboring Freddy's Steakburgers, the PUD plan for 7 Brew Coffee at 15822 Jackson Creek Parkway was continued to the September 21 meeting (approx. 01:16:23). Approval of Native Sun Construction Major PUD Amendment (Ordinance No. 24-2026): The Council voted 7–0 to approve a major PUD amendment for Native Sun Construction at 15010 Woodcarver Road, relocating and downsizing their proposed shop building to 6,117 square feet and reconfiguring site circulation (approx. 01:37:11). FLAP Grant Appli-
cation for Mt. Herman Bridge (Resolution No. 67-2026): Council authorized a $2.1 million Federal Lands Access Program grant application with a $210,000 local match from General Fund Unrestricted Reserves to replace the deteriorating Mt. Herman Bridge (approx. 01:43:52). 10. Out-of-District Water Tap Authorized (Resolution No. 682026): Council approved a single 1-inch water tap split into two independently metered service lines for two out-of-district commercial buildings at 780 Highway 105 in Palmer Lake (approx. 01:45:35).
Sept. 21 Meeting
Below are AI-generated highlights of the Monument Town Council meeting Sep. 21. The timestamps in parentheses indicate the approximate points in the video of the meeting where the topics were discussed. The video is posted at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=JdfaJEnDtjA.
1. Call to Order and Consent Agenda Approval: Mayor Mitch LaKind called the regular meeting of the Monument Town Council to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and unanimous approval (7–0) of the meeting agenda and consent agenda. (Approx. 00:00:02) 2. Public Comment on Hunger Awareness Month: Haley Chapin from Tri-Lakes Cares addressed the council to highlight September
as Hunger Awareness Month, detailing local food insecurity statistics in Colorado and expressing appreciation for council support on projects like the annual turkey drive. (Approx. 00:02:34) 3. Presentation of Employee Satisfaction Survey Results: Human Resources Manager Emily Trujillo presented the September 2026 employee survey results, reporting a significant rise in the Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) to +50—rebounding from +7 in September 2025 and +13 in March 2026—due to enhanced communication and workplace culture. (Approx. 00:04:33 ) 4. Approval of 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee Final PUD Plan (Ordinance No. 232026): Following traffic and circulation discussions continued from the September 8 meeting, Town Council voted unanimously (7–0) to pass Ordinance No. 232026 for a 510-squarefoot 7 Brew Coffee drive-thru at 15822 Jackson Creek Parkway, subject to adding a stop sign in the bypass lane. (Approx. 00:19:30) 5. Transition to New Healthcare Broker CEBT (Resolution No. 73-2026): Council unanimously adopted (7–0) Resolution No. 73-2026 to switch employee healthcare brokerage services from IMA Financial Group to Colorado Employer Benefit Trust (CEBT) effective January 1, 2027, expanding provider options to include United Healthcare alongside Kaiser while saving an estimated $79,718.85 in premium costs. (Approx. 00:56:04) 6. Updated Town Man-
Above: Designated areas requiring a parking fees or a permit. The daily fee is $5.25. Resident annual parking permits are $50. Graphic and information courtesy the Town of Monument.
Saturday, October 3, 2026 ager Evaluation Policy (Resolution No. 70-2026): Town Council passed (7–0) Resolution No. 70-2026, adopting an updated Human Resources Policy 2 to govern the Town Manager's annual performance review process and incorporating a random selector for employee evaluators. (Approx. 01:07:35) 7. Council Volunteers Selected for Town Manager Review: HR Manager Emily Trujillo requested and confirmed two Town Council members
OCN to volunteer and collaborate with HR in finalizing the performance evaluation questions for the Town Manager's review. (Approx. 01:11:14) 8. Appointment of Contract Water Attorney (Resolution No. 71-2026): Council unanimously passed (7–0) Resolution No. 71-2026 appointing Nazarenus Stack & Wombacher LLC as the Town's contract water attorney following a competitive RFP process. (Approx. 01:11:56) 9. Police Department Fee Schedule Adjustments (Resolution
No. 72-2026): Council unanimously approved (7–0) Resolution No. 72-2026, adjusting the Police Department fee schedule for criminal justice records and services to comply with Colorado statutory limits prior to the October 1, 2026 effective date. (Approx. 01:22:21) 10. Town Manager Monthly Report & Council Social Media Discussion: Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek shared operational updates across town departments, followed by a council discussion regarding social me-
Page 9 dia commenting policies on official municipal posts. (Approx. 01:24:52) ********** Regular meetings are typically held on the first and third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall, located at 645 Beacon Lite Road, Monument. If the meeting falls on a holiday, it will be held the following Tuesday. See https://townofmonument.org for agendas and supporting documents.
Monument Fire District, Sept. 23
Training Center plans finalized By Gordon Reichal The Monument Fire District Board of Directors (BOD) convened on Sept. 23 to hear Treasurer Steve Phillips report on the tracking of detailed year-to-date financial performance numbers. Also, the Training Center plans have been finalized with both the Town of Monument and the State of Colorado.
MFD financials
Phillips said overall performance is showing outstanding tracking of the planned budget to actual spending is at the 96% compliance level. Total revenue to date was $23.56 million within the plan, and spending was reported as $14.11 million, contributing to the overall 96% performance budget. The total MFD budgets are created for each MFD fire station and district stations and administration costs, with all areas consistently within 3% of the plan.
Training Center and Station 3 updates
The Training Center plans have been finalized, including the infrastructure/site improvements, utilities, and the retention pond, with ground movement scheduled for Oct. 1. The tower will be delivered this fall and erected onsite (October/November). Fire Station 3 is 40% complete (see picture) as scheduled. Utilities from Black Hills Energy and Mountain View Electric are set. There will be a “Topping Out” building high point ceremony and progress celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. (weather permitting), and the steel beam raising at 10:45. Tours of the first and second floors will be available following the event. Access during this ongoing construction time will be by stairs only. The station is scheduled to be completed in March-April 2027 depending on weather.
MFD health care benefits and retirement programs
The BOD heard a detailed presentation from Division Chief Janaka Branden and administrator Jennifer Martin on a potential new benefits program called 115 Trust. Branden is on temporary duty assisting the State of Oklahoma firefighting efforts under Mutual Aid agreements and still arranged to participate and present at the monthly BOD meeting. The 115 Trust creates a voluntary tax-free retirement and health savings account for employees before retirement. All employees of MFD are eligible to collect benefits once they are pension eligible, at age 50-65. The very detailed presentation
included individual contribution rates, employer matching contributions, and rules for eligible MFD personnel participating in the 115 Trust and options for migration of accumulated sick leave into the 115 Trust. The main rules categories are participation in the 115 Trust, vesting in the 115 Trust, exceptions for line-of-duty death, and authority for MFD Chief Colin Fitzgerald to exercise discretion to provide approval for extenuating circumstances. Union members and MFD employees provided input to the discussion following the presentation. Mark Gunderman, president of the BOD, directed an immediate review of benefit details with legal counsel and to consider incorporating feedback and suggestions for inclusion in the evolving rules and benefits details. A final decision is needed quickly and NLT in the November time frame to allow the start of the 115 Trust next year.
continues collecting data trends of emergency calls, ambulances and fire vehicles dispatch, for service analysis. It was noted that each MFD emergency response averages about $6,900. Two significant summary charts showed incidents by call type for August 2026. There were 337 calls, with the top three being Medical-200, Good Intent-46, False Alarm-30. The top five Subclass Calls were Sick Person-39, Falls-36, Traffic Accident-22, Citizen Assist/ Service Call-21, Alarm Fire, Residential-18. The BOD adjourned for a work session on the 115 Trust benefits proposal.
********** Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of every month. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct. 28 at 4:30 p.m. at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For Microsoft Teams virtual joining instructions, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www. monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719484-0911. Gordon Reichal can be reached at gordonreichal@ocn.me.
Keep the fall chill outside with windows and doors built for Colorado.
New MFD coverage of properties
Two large properties in Mountain Shadow View petitioned for inclusion in the MFD fire response area. The motion was made and passed to approve the petition.
SALES . SERVICE .
BOD election
There will be an MFD community election in the near future to select three directors for the board. More details and procedures will become available soon. Legal counsel will advise on the final allocation of the three seats; two director positions will be four-year terms and one director position for a two-year term.
Community fire mitigation/chipping
Division Chief of Commnity Risk Reduction Jonathan Bradley summarized that this year’s MFD community fire mitigation event was a great success. Next year, an earlier initiative for a more advanced coordinated schedule with Neighborhood Ambassadors is intended as the primary contact for all housing areas in the MFD coverage area. If you or your community are interested, contact Aaron Wood, MFD community risk reduction specialist, at MFD 719-484 0911. A detailed GPS map is being created to locate hydrants, and neighborhood water towers for online access to potential support agreement teams in an emergency. There is a potential MFD support opportunity to transport water to neighborhood water tanks to help reduce costs.
INSTALL . Family owned and operated since 1988.
7 1 9 - 6 9 5 -742 3 | CLEARVIEW-WINDOWS .COM Showroom: 1845 Deer Creek Rd, Monument, CO 80132
Cozy Cabin on 7+ Acres with Amazing Sangre De Cristo Views!
Trends in emergency calls
MFD Accreditation Jeremy Furman
10 minutes North of Cotopaxi • 3BR, 2BA, fully-finished basement with gameroom and theater! • Amazing outdoor patio with firepit • 3-car detached garage with 2BR, 1BA bunkhouse built above. • Bunkhouse sleeps 10 -12 people!
Above: Work continues on the new Monument Fire District Station 3 north of the YMCA. Photo by Gordon Reichal.
• Hunting in BLM within walking distance. • Barn-drive thru-with 4 horse paddocks, hay storage and tack area. • Extra storage buildings. Call for more details! Value priced at $849,000!
Carol D. Games (970) 846-5368 Mobile (719) 539-1900 Office carolg@WesternMtn.com www.WesternMtn.com
Homes Cabins Land Ranches Licensed in Colorado and Wyoming
Page 10
Read, download, search, and listen to OCN content at our mobile-friendly website OCN.ME
Vol. 26 No. 10
Monument Academy School Board, Sept. 10
Assessment drives improvement plan; D38 superintendent seeks collaboration By Jackie Burhans The Monument Academy (MA) board met on Sept. 10 to hear its assessment results, listen to public comments from D38 Superintendent Amber Whetstine, and nominate members to the Mission Advisory Committee (MAC). The meeting ended with an executive session for advice to negotiators regarding the board’s position and options related to local development proposals and for legal advice regarding the current lawsuit, after which no action was taken.
Assessment results in improvement plan
Executive Director Collin Vinchattle presented the Fall 2026 NWEA and DIBELS data along with information on the 2026 School Performance Framework. The Dynamic Indicators of Basic Literacy (DIBELS) test is used for elementary students. Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) provides computer-adaptive Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) growth tests at all grade levels. Vinchattle noted that MA’s mission statement calls for academic excellence. The assessments are conducted during the first two weeks of school, Vinchattle said. DIBELS shows 65% of elementary school students are at or above grade level, he said, and the team will provide interventions to focus on individual students and help them improve. The nationally normed NWEA results showed growth and achievement similar to the start of last year, he said, with all grades at the 60th percentile or higher and some achieving above
the 70th percentile. Vinchattle noted that student growth is compared to other students who achieve at the same level. Vinchattle was excited to see math at the 80th percentile, saying most schools in the nation struggle at eighth grade. Most grades are in the 60th percentile range while first grade is at the 58th percentile. He said that professional development communities would look to see what first grade and kindergarten students needed for growth and was excited to see second and third grade scoring in the 70th percentile. He said that the language usage component focuses on grammar, structure, and writing in grades 2-8, with scores in the 71st percentile for all grades. He said he was excited to see the impact of MA’s intentional focus and upcoming implementation of the Shurley Grammar curriculum. For the science assessment in grades 3-8, he said the scores had jumped due to wonderful teachers focusing on this content area. Vinchattle said that MA had received two scores for its school performance framework (SPF), one each for its elementary and secondary schools. The Elementary School did not come in where MA would want, he said, with a score of 51 out of 100, which puts it on an Improvement Plan requiring a focused improvement strategy. He said MA follows the Core Knowledge scope and sequence and hits all state standards, although not necessarily in the order the state expects and doesn’t align with the state assessment. However, he noted, the Secondary School scores show that
kids are prepared by the time they launch into Middle and High School. He said that Elementary Principal Jesse Davis and her team dove into the data and identified one area in language arts and one area in math for improvement. The score for Secondary School came in at 82.2 out of 100, which was the highest score Vinchattle had seen in his time at MA. He noted some areas to work on in math but said the rest of the areas came in with ratings of “exceeds.” The Secondary School is on a Performance Plan which says that it meets or exceeds state expectations. SPF ratings are assessed on an annual basis, Vinchattle said, and MA will submit a Unified Improvement Plan (UIP) to the district, which submits it to the state. The Elementary School will need a UIP every year for the next three years due to its Improvement Plan status, even if it achieves a higher level during that time. The Secondary School, with its Performance Plan status, will require a UIP every other year. Vinchattle said that for goal setting, MA would focus on growth, which was better than in the past but could be better still. Grades K-5 will be at the 61st percentile, Middle School at 60th and High School at 70% meets or exceeds on the PreScholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) and SAT. The goal for attendance is 96%, with a focus on students in athletics and other outside activities. He said that moving forward, Director of Academics Dr. Bobbi Young would present the mid-year and year-end results. The board unanimously approved its school plan type assignments as required by the Colorado Department of Education.
D38 superintendent comments on collaboration
A Member-Owned Cooperative
(800) 388-9881 •
Whetstine attended the MA board meeting and spoke during the public comments portion of the agenda. She said she wanted to reinforce an important message—MA is a valued part of D38. Whetstine said she has always valued school choice, and that MA has helped make the district great. She said it was an honor to be the superintendent of the district and that she appreciates the MA staff, board, and leaders, especially Executive Director Collin Vinchattle and board President Lindsay Clinton for their collaboration and willingness to usher in a new era with the district. Whetstine said she and members of her team plan to attend MA board meetings in the spirit of support, and she invited MA board members to attend D38 board meetings. She said she looked forward to MA’s report to the district at its October meeting. Whetstine said that trust, communication, and working together are in the best interest of all, noting that it was important to share accurate information about every school rather than division and misunderstanding. Whetstine noted that MA and the district share a long history and no chapter has been without challenges. However, she said that there was an opportunity to build a more collaborative chapter and she is committed to strengthening the relationship. Whetstine closed noting that “we are at our best when our entire district community works together.”
Mission Advisory Committee nominees approved
After unanimously making minor updates to the MA Bylaws, updating the secretary’s name, and changing the initial inception date of the MAC to Oct. 1, the board proceeded to nominate its first members. Board Secretary Jilinda Dygert nominated Ryan Graham, reviewing his biography and noting that he served on the board for six years, with five of them as president. She said his experience makes him a strategic asset to the committee,
having worked on budgets, strategic plans and board policies. Board Vice President Craig Carle nominated Chris Dole, who previously served on the board as treasurer, and who is on the Monument Academy Foundation board as well. He said that Dole’s experience as an aviation executive gave him skills in strategic planning and risk management. As a parent of students, he brought perspective and commitment. President Lindsay Clinton nominated Karen Hoida, another former board member, saying that she was an invested member of the community and a parent of an MA alumnus. Clinton said Hoida brings deep experience navigating complex organizations and a strong grasp of governance, with a focus on academic accountability and regulatory compliance. The board unanimously approved appointing the nominees as inaugural members to the MAC.
Board actions
The board unanimously approved the following: • The 2026-27 Supplemental Budget, which added a 3% salary increase for staff, repaired a sinkhole, stripped the parking lot, as well as changes to enrollment and per-pupil revenue. • Adding a therapy dog policy to the student handbook. • A one-year agreement with Inkyma Marketing for the 202627 school year. • A memorandum of understanding with the Pikes Peak Business and Education Alliance for programming of leadership and internship programs. • A formal charge to the School Advisory and Accountability Committee (SAAC) for both East and West Campuses to produce and facilitate the parent survey to be completed by March 2027 and to present results and recommendations by May 15.
Highlights
Board meeting highlights include: • Lynx leading the way. Vinchattle introduced a video recognizing Rob Sievers of iiCon Construction, who was the superintendent on the construction project for the track and field area and will next work on the Performing Arts Center. The video can be seen on MA’s social media pages as part of its marketing strategy. • Executive director. Vinchattle said that track season would start shortly and the field would be cured and the complex would be turned over to the school the week of Sept. 22. He said he had met with Dr. Thomas Krannawitter, professor at Hillsdale College and creator of Waypoints Teaching, to explore partnering on history and language arts at the Secondary School. • Finance director. Laura Polen presented the July financials using a new format, with full information in the packet. She reviewed finances by school and by fund, highlighting a target run rate of 8.33%. She noted that the Performing Arts Center has a balance of $465,000 after expenses for planning and architectural work. Fund 52 for the 2026 bonds had a $6.12 million beginning balance and an ending balance of $5.4 million due to project expenses for the track and field area. Polen emphasized that the Legacy in Motion campaign was still raising funds for concessions, a press box, and bleachers. Polen also presented the new Series 2026 bond covenants and reporting requirements. • Curriculum East. Clinton said the first meeting was held on Sept. 3 and will begin to focus on auditing the high school curriculum to ensure its alignment with the K-8 curriculum. It also
OCN
Saturday, October 3, 2026 started a new approach to curriculum review beginning with English and reviewed a supplemental High School vocabulary program as requested.
********** The MA School Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. The next regular board meeting has been moved to
Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the East Campus. The agenda and packet will be available at tinyurl. com/ma-boarddocs.
Page 11 Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.
Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Sept. 21
Homeschool enrichment pathway, accreditation of schools, and assessment results By Harriet Halbig Chief Academic Officer Alicia Welch introduced Maria Arefieva, executive director of Real Red Riding Hoods School in Palmer Lake. Enrollment in this option would be available to students enrolled in the Home School Enrichment Academy during the 2026-27 school year. The school, open to grades K through 6, focuses on nature-focused science, art, individual and group music instruction, and science at three levels of difficulty. There are three classes of 10 to 12 students each. The classes are divided by age, grades K to 2, 2 to 4, and 4 to 6. To view the presentation, please see boarddocs under the Board of Education tab on the district website, lewispalmer.org. Select the meeting date, view the agenda, and click on the program. The board voted to approve implementation of the program for this school year.
Priority 3: Valuing our People
Director of Human Resources Michaela Vanderheiden addressed priority 3 of the district’s strategic plan by presenting data concerning hiring, retention of staff, and evaluations. Please see boarddocs to view her presentation. Highlights include hiring in the 2025-26 school year for a total of 185 individuals and new staff hiring for 2026-27 for a total of 114 individuals. Vanderheiden explained a breakdown of the hiring numbers by classification: certified (teachers), classified (support staff, paras, nutrition services, transportation, facilities and grounds), and administration including principals, assistant principals, and district administration. The average new hire pay for certified staff is $54,143 and for classified staff is $21.07 per hour. The district-wide averages are $61,293 and $24.32/hour respectively. Vanderehiden also broke down statistics on departures into such categories as accepting a position in another district, retirement, relocation, and several other reasons. Please see her presentation for details. End-of-year evaluations were divided into three categories: partially effective, effective, and highly effective. Teacher retention was also described, with a retention rate of 85.3% for highly effective certified staff, 92.9% for special service providers, and 83.3% for highly effective teachers.
Accreditation of schools
Local boards of education are tasked with accrediting district schools annually in September. The state accredits each district. The board voted to accredit all schools in the district, with a formal request to reconsider the district’s accreditation, considering many programs that would give college credit during high school and professional certification during high school. Adding credit for these programs would increase the district’s scores in postsecondary and work-
force readiness.
Priority 2: Academic Excellence
Chief Academic Officer Alicia Welch, Assessment Coordinator Brooke Mendez, and Program Director for the Career and Innovation Center and CTE (Career and Technical Education) Coordinator Amy Sienkowski presented an overview of the results of the state assessment from last spring. The district as a whole scored 73.2 points. A score of 74 or higher would entitle it to be accredited with distinction. All district-operated schools and the Monument Academy middle and high schools received the highest rating of performance, while the Monument Academy Elementary School received a “needs improvement” rating. The district performed in the top 9% of the state. To view detailed information about the assessment results, please see boarddocs. A few highlights of the assessment results are that Prairie Winds Elementary rated 40th of 845 elementary schools (95th percentile), and Palmer Ridge High School rated 24th of 310 in the 93rd percentile of high schools. Achievement in math improved a great deal in the last year, approaching the 85th percentile at all levels. In the area of growth, where students are compared with those in similar districts statewide, a rating of 50 is the standard to be sought. This year, students with disabilities and those who are multilingual surpassed this standard along with several other categories. Sienkowski spoke to the issue of matriculation rate, which includes students who are enrolled in a twoor four-year college, those entering the military, and those involved in technical education. Students who go directly into the workforce, those involved in a mission, those involved in apprenticeships or industry training, and students who completed college courses in high school are not included. If a student qualifies under more than one of these categories, they are only counted under one. Sienkowski said that the Career and Innovation Center offers several of these options, and the district is asking for reconsideration from the Colorado Department of Education to receive credit for these programs.
Discussion of public complaint
The board received a public complaint at the end of last school year. Following investigation and review by the school and district, it was determined that the compliant was unwarranted. The community member who submitted the complaint has asked that the board reconsider the matter. Following discussion, the board has agreed to reconsider the matter.
Recognitions
The board recognized the Tri-Lakes Lions Club for its activities in sup-
Above: The board recognized the Tri-Lakes Lions Club for its services to the district, including eye exams, camps, and a leadership program in the high schools. At the meeting were, from left, board Vice President Patti Shank, LEO Assistant Chair Dena Cordova-Jack, President Curtis Jack, camper Lawton Bush, Mike Luginbuhl, and Superintendent Amber Whetstine. Photo courtesy of D38. Photo courtesy D38.
Above: The board recognized parents from Lewis-Palmer Elementary School for raising funds and constructing three outdoor classrooms at the school. Pictured, from left, are Superintendent Amber Whetstine, Lewis-Palmer Elementary Principal Koryn Kessler, Diana Cooper, Karen Palmer, Renee Butler, and board Secretary Ginger Schaaf. Photo courtesy of D38. Photo courtesy D38.
Above: The Board of Education recognized Lewis-Palmer Middle School library Assistant Angie Brown for receiving the Lucy Schweers Award for Excellence in Support Services. Pictured are, from left, board Treasurer Todd Brown, Superintendent Amber Whetstine, Angie Brown, Lewis-Palmer Middle School Principal Courtney Harrell, and Director Tim Bennett. Photo courtesy of D38
port of the district, including conducting vision screenings in the elementary schools, contributing to the D38 Education Foundation, providing Lions Camp opportunities for those with developmental and physical disabilities, and sponsoring the LEO club for secondary students. Lions Club President Curtis Jack, LEO Assistant Chair Dena CordovaJack, camper Lawton Bush, and Mike Luginbuhl attended the meeting. The board recognized parents from Lewis-Palmer Elementary School for their efforts in renovating the school’s outdoor learning area. Principal Koryn Kessler explained that the parents received a $3,000 grant from the Tri-Lakes Women’s Club and a donation of landscaping and much volunteer labor and donated materials. There are now three outdoor classrooms, one with tables and one with mushroom stump stools. The board recognized LewisPalmer Middle School library Assistant Angie Brown for receiving the
Lucy Schweers Award for Excellence in Support Services. The award was presented at the Colorado Association of Libraries Conference. Brown was nominated by two colleagues. Lewis-Palmer Middle School Principal Courtney Harrell said that Brown coordinates several programs at the library, including administration of the Battle of the Books, and has founded the All School Reads program where all students will read the same book. In support of this program, Brown plans to bring in local first responders and dog rescue agencies. ********** The Lewis-Palmer D 38 Board of Education usually meets at 6 p.m. in the Bauman Learning Center at 146 Jefferson St. in Monument. The next meeting will be on Oct. 19. For further information, contact vwood@lewispalmer.org. Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.
Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Sept. 8
Committee’s purpose reviewed; assessment report; enrollment analysis By Harriet Halbig The Parent and Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) met in the district administration building on Sept. 8 to discuss committee priorities, receive a report on spring 2026 assessment results, and examine district enrollment projections.
Committee purpose and expectations
Committee Chair Dr. Lori Benton distributed a list of district account-
ability responsibilities published by the Colorado Department of Education. These responsibilities include recommending spending priorities to the Board of Education, reviewing the district’s performance framework, determining subjects the committee should discuss, and assisting school personnel to increase parents’ engagement on such issues as individual academic plans and other
issues. The D38 PCAC is significantly different from the state requirements in that the local committee includes parents and staff from each district’s schools and the community, representatives from administration, and a liaison from the Board of Education at each meeting. Benton said the committee determined at the end of last school year that the committee’s bylaws
need to be updated. She sought volunteers for this subcommittee to bring recommendations for the committee’s October meeting. Benton said the Board of Education has requested that the committee discuss district enrollment and demographic projections this year. Benton requested volunteers to serve as co-chair for two years. J D Danks, a representative from Kilmer Elementary, volunteered and was
Page 12
Read, download, search, and listen to OCN content at our mobile-friendly website OCN.ME
voted in to this position.
Superintendent update
Superintendent Amber Whetstine reported that the district’s enrollment as of the meeting date is 6,168 students, slightly down from last year. She said that the birth rate is declining nationwide, and as the main source of district revenue is the per-pupil operating revenue from the state, adjustments are necessary throughout the district. Consequently, the number of district employees has been reduced from 800 to 775, and this year all open positions will be examined to determine whether they will be posted. An effort to increase enrollment includes raising interest in homeschool enrichment, as the district receives 50% funding for students enrolled in this program. She said the district is investigating additional enrichment programs. The Homeschool Enrichment Academy will occupy its new building on the grounds of the administration building in October. The district Transitions Program for individuals 18 to 21 will occupy a modular building on the campus of Lewis-Palmer High School.
Transitions is currently housed in the Career and Innovation Center (CIC).
When Transitions is moved to its new location, the CIC will begin to offer programs in the health sciences and information technology. The CIC has also received a $500,000 grant, which will be used to fund classes in cybersecurity and adult classes to be offered outside of school hours. A new program to encourage community members to become involved in the schools will begin during the fall. Called Citizens in our Schools, the program is focused on community members who have no children in the schools. The district population includes a number of retirees who would be encouraged to participate based on their interests. For further information on this program, please contact Amy Matisek at amatisek@lewispalmer.org.
Strategic Priority 2: Academic Excellence
Assessment Coordinator Brooke Mendez reported on results of the spring assessments. She said that results for math were particularly encouraging and that the district continues to be strong in the areas of postsecondary and workforce readiness. In total, the district scored 73.2 points on its annual performance framework, a document that examines all aspects of performance by school and demographic group (such as those on free or reduced lunches or special education). This score was 0.8 point below accredited with distinction. Two aspects in which the district seeks improvement are the percentage of students who participate in the assessments and seeking credit from the Department of Education for such programs as those which award college credit during high school and the fact that the CIC offers programs which would earn professional certification for some students. Note: To view Mendez’ slides, please see the committee contents at lewispalmer.org, family resources, community, advisory committees, the PCAC, and meeting content for Sept. 8 In all, all D38 schools and the Monument Academy junior and senior high schools got the highest accreditation scores. The Monument Academy Elementary School received a “needs improvement” score. The area in which the district seeks improvement is growth from one year to the next. A score of 50 in this area indicates that achievement maintains grade-level proficiency from one year to the next. The fact that achievement is so high in the district makes this more challenging. Chief Academic Officer Alicia Welch told the committee that she would like the opinion of committee members on how to improve scores and encourage participation in assessments. She acknowledged that each school has different needs and therefore would require different ap-
proaches.
Vol. 26 No. 10
Enrollment projections
Director of Planning, Facilities and Grounds Melissa Andrews presented a detailed analysis of the district’s enrollment and projections for the future. Andrews acknowledged that the district does not have access to information on all school-age individuals in district boundaries, such as those who are not enrolled in any school, those who choose to attend schools in other districts, and those who choose to homeschool without enrolling in the Homeschool Enrichment Academy. Using the data available, Andrews analyzed each school individually, noting the date of construction, replacement cost, capacity, and number of students who chose to attend the school and the number who lived in the school’s boundary and chose to attend another district. Early in each calendar year, individuals may choose to attend a school other than the one in their neighborhood. None of the district’s schools is currently at capacity. Andrews also touched on projections for future enrollment based on the birth rate in the community and how many of the individuals born here attend district schools. The birth rate is slowing nationwide, which makes it more important to attract families to the district. Note: To view Andrews’ slides, see the district website as described above. ********** The Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee meets six times each year. Locations vary. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at Ray Kilmer Elementary School, 4285 Walker Road. For further information, contact tmckee@lewispalmer.org. Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.
Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Sept. 14
Cost-sharing plans approved By James Howald At its September meeting, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District’s (WWSD) board approved two cost-sharing agreements and briefly reviewed its approach to cybersecurity. It heard a financial report from Treasurer Dean Franzen and status reports from Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine and District Engineer Cydney Saelens. The meeting ended with an executive session.
Highway 105, Jackson Creek Parkway costs
District Manager Jessie Shaffer asked the board to consider two cost-sharing agreements: the first with Mountain View Electrical Association (MVEA) to relocate utility lines on Highway 105, and the second with the Town of Monument (TOM) to relocate water and sewer lines as part of widening Jackson Creek Parkway. He said both agreements had been reviewed by WWSD’s attorney Tamara Seaver. According to materials in the meeting packet, the agreement with MVEA specifies that WWSD will develop the construction documents and solicit bids for the work. WWSD and MVEA will each employ and pay for their own designers. WWSD will choose the contractor and MVEA will approve the choice or withdraw from the agreement. MVEA will reimburse WWSD for MVEA’s portion of the project. The structure of the agreement with TOM is similar, but the town will develop the documents and solicit the bids. Changes to the water system will be paid by the town, and costs for the sewer work will be paid by the district. Shaffer said the agreements should result in cost savings, but he could not give a specific figure. The board voted unanimously to authorize
board President Brian Bush to sign both agreements.
Cybersecurity strategy unchanged
Shaffer told the board that, following a presentation on cybersecurity at a meeting of the Special District Association of Colorado (SDA), WWSD had arranged for a company to do penetration testing of the WWSD infrastructure. SDA paid for half the cost of the testing. The security company made recommendations, and WWSD implemented the most cost-effective suggestions, Shaffer said. He said the board needed to review the plan to maintain the $1 million coverage from SDA. The consensus of the board was that the district’s cybersecurity strategy did not need changes.
Financial report
Franzen said WWSD’s reserves stood at $24 million. Accounts receivable were “a little high,” Franzen said. He noted the district paid $1.25 million for easements and the purchase of the fire station adjacent to the district’s headquarters. Franzen said the district was slightly under budget although tap fees were lagging expectations. Shaffer said some large expenses related to Well 12R would show up later.
Operational reports
In his operational report, LaFontaine returned to the topic of the problems with taste and odor that the district has seen in the past two months. He said the complaints have slowed to very few, but some issues were still being caused by residual compounds. Testing confirmed that blue-green algae had been present in Woodmoor Lake, LaFontaine said, adding that continuous monitoring is done and the latest round of testing indicated no algae was currently present. He said he was
working with a consultant to develop a plan that could include keeping products to treat the lake water on hand to avoid the delay caused by ordering treatments after a bloom has occurred. The peroxide-based product the district typically uses degrades quickly, so alternatives are being considered that could be kept in stock, LaFontaine said. In her engineering report, Saelens said work is being done along Deer Creek Road in preparation for the installation of a traffic circle on Woodmoor Drive. A memo from El Paso County said Deer Creek Road would be closed to eastbound traffic beginning Sept. 28. Westbound Deer Creek Road will remain open. Eastbound traffic will detour south on Monument Hill Road to Woodmoor Drive.
Executive session
The meeting ended with an executive session for the board to receive legal advice regarding the purchase, acquisition, lease, transfer, or sale of real property; to determine negotiating positions; to obtain legal counsel related to district rules and regulations, water court proceedings in opposition to water court case 26CW5; and potential agreements with Quantum Group, Town of Monument, the Loop Water Authority, and REX Colorado Corp. ********** The next meeting is on Oct. 12. Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the district office at 1845 Woodmoor Drive. Please see www. woodmoorwater.com or call 719488-2525 to verify meeting times and locations. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.
Monument Sanitation District, Sept.19
Manager reports orderly operations By Jackie Burhans and James Howald At a brief meeting in September, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board heard a manager’s report from District Manager Mark Parker. It also heard a report from Director Skip Morgan on the Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility’s Joint Use Committee (JUC).
Manager’s report
Parker told the board he was averaging just under six requests a day to locate underground infrastructure. Those requests have declined since August, when locate requests from Conexon Connect, a company installing high-speed internet fiber throughout the MSD service area, were about 17 per day. He said the district was replacing security cameras to comply with regulations requiring cameras made in the U.S. He inspected a wastewater service line for a building on Beacon Lite Road that will be part of a storage yard. Parker said he was continuing to meet weekly with El Paso County and the Town of Monument to discuss the work being done on Beacon Lite
Road. The completion date for the work on Beacon Lite Road has not been determined, Parker said. The district’s web page has been updated to improve compliance with the accessibility standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to Parker. Parker said he had a rough draft of the MSD budget for 2027 ready to distribute to the board for review. The district’s manholes are being upgraded with infiltration pans, which prevent rainwater from entering the wastewater collection system and then being processed by the Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility, increasing operating costs. Parker said he had installed 20 pans in the Wagons West neighborhood.
JUC update
Morgan told the board that Bill Burks, the TriLakes Wastewater Treatment Facility manager, was considering hiring an assistant. Morgan said the installation of two new blowers caused a
shortage of storage space, and Burks was planning a new storage building. ********** Monument Sanitation District meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the district conference room at 130 Second St., Monument. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct. 21. See www.MonumentSanitationDistrict.org for meeting dates and times. For a district service map, see www.MonumentSanitationDistrict.org/district-map. For Information: 719-481-4886. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me. James Howald can be reached at Jameshowald @ocn.me
Saturday, October 3, 2026
OCN
Page 13
Donala Water and Sanitation District, Sept. 10
2027 budget takes shape
By James Howald and Jackie Burhans Interim General Manager and Chief Financial Officer Christina Hawker gave the Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) board an overview of the factors driving the 2027 budget at the board’s meeting in September. The board considered a new policy that would allow customers to recover some of the costs of connecting to the district’s water and sewer infrastructure. Hawker delivered her manager’s report. The meeting ended with four executive sessions.
All cost drivers due to increase
Hawker told the board that the district was financially sound, but continued budget discipline is important. Her budget planning took cost pressures, rates and long-term water security into consideration. Hawker said six cost drivers point up in 2027. She listed the following estimated increases: • 15% to 19% for health insurance. • 5.8% for property and auto insurance. • 10% for electricity costs. • 5% for treatment chemicals. • 7% for Colorado Springs Utilities delivery charges. • 4% for salaries and wages. She said DWSD has planned for annual rate increases of 5% for both water and sewer service. She recommended staying on that path to recover service costs, to avoid a compounding revenue gap, to be able to plan projects without fiscal shocks, to keep rates equitable for residential, commercial and irrigation customers, and to protect the district’s credit. Hawker said DWSD’s total revenues were projected to decline from $11.58 million to $10.97 million in 2027, due in part to lower property tax revenue. Operating expenses and general and administrative expenses were expected to increase by 16% and 14%, respectively. She noted that the Subaru dealership under construction near the traffic circle on Suthers Road could affect these estimates. Hawker said the district had $14.35 million in reserves: • $1.25 million in bond reserves. • $3.9 million in capital project reserves. • $3.4 million in operating reserves. • $5.8 million in strategic planning reserves.
Capital projects focused on reliability and resilience are expected to total $2.9 million, Hawker said, with $1.5 million earmarked for rehabilitation of the R. Hull treatment plant, $500,00 for the Water for Tomorrow study, $300,000 for closed circuit TV sewer inspections, $295,000 for replacing the Northgate lift station and the remainder going to other projects and purchases. Hawker recommended the board maintain the scheduled 5% rate increases and approve the proposed capital program. She said she would present more refined estimates at the board’s meeting in October.
Recovery agreement policy
Board President Wayne Vanderschuere asked the board if there was any interest in developing a policy to govern how customers could recover a portion of the costs of connecting to the district’s water and sewer infrastructure. State law dictates that houses with wells and septic systems can be required to connect to water and sewer lines when those lines are within 400 feet of the house. Vanderschuere said there were properties in the district’s Chaparral Hills neighborhoods that could benefit from a policy addressing this issue. Hawker pointed out that the question arose from a customer newly included in the district who wanted to have a septic system but was required to connect to one of DWSD’s sewer lines. The customer asked if the district would write a policy allowing him to recover a portion of his costs from other residents who might, in the future, be able to connect to what he was required to build for his own home. Hawker said the district did not current have a policy to manage this type of recovery agreement, and Colorado law does not require such policies. She said recovery agreement policies were complex, hard for districts to manage, and their costs outweigh the benefits. She did not recommend pursuing such a policy. The consensus of the board was to continue without such a policy.
Manager’s report
In her manager’s report, Hawker recommended putting the request for proposal to hire a project manager for the district’s Water for Tomorrow study on hold and focusing instead on the results
of a community survey to gauge the viability of a ballot initiative to increase the district’s debt limit. She said 205 responses to the survey had been received. She recommended moving forward with water testing, assessing permitting requirements, looking for grants and investigating water exchanges and storage options. Hawker said she had inspected the district’s Willow Creek Ranch property to assess the damage done by the recent fire. The fire did reach the property, but the flume was not damaged. She noted the firefighters had done minor damage to two stream crossings. The planned fire mitigation at the ranch can proceed and should be complete by the end of October. Hawker said a power outage on Aug. 25 had cut power to the Holbein water treatment plant but there was no damage to the plant. The lift station at North Gate Boulevard lost a control board due to the outage.
Executive sessions
The meeting ended with four executive sessions: the first to discuss the possible acquisition of FMIC shares, potential storage options and the district’s water portfolio; the second to discuss the district’s cybersecurity strategy; the third to discuss personnel matters, including the roles and responsibilities of the superintendent and potential new positions; and the fourth to discuss personnel matters related to the general manager. The fourth executive session was limited to board members only. ********** The next board meeting is on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 1:30 p.m. This meeting is scheduled a week early to accommodate the deadline for the budget. Generally, board meetings are held the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. and include online access; call (719) 488-3603 or access www.donalawater.org to receive up-to-date meeting information. The district office is located at 15850 Holbein Drive, Colorado Springs. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me
Triview Metropolitan District, Sept. 24
Pair of resolutions update water engineering standards and wastewater enforcement procedures By Erin Poole The Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) board’s regular meeting on Sept. 24 covered updates on the faulted pump at South Reservoir, the assembly of a new safety committee, attendance by TMD staff and board members at the Special District Association (SDA) annual conference, receipt of the Central Reservoir mining permit, and planned improvements to Creekside Park playground. The board also discussed and considered two resolutions on water engineering standards and wastewater service enforcement procedures. The board went into an executive session to discuss and receive legal advice regarding a proposed agreement with Pete Lien and Sons LLC to provide mining services for the Stonewall Springs Reservoir Complex, the Central Reservoir project, and the intergovernmental agreements with the Town of Monument (TOM) and Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD).
Removal of faulted pump
Utilities Superintendent Gary Potter shared that progress continues with pumping down South Reservoir so the faulted discharge pump can be removed. To date, the reservoir has been pumped down 8 feet with another 3.5 feet until the water is low enough to access the pump, which will take an additional two weeks. The water is not a loss for TMD because it can be traded and credited back in the future. A new pump system, made up of three smaller pumps, will be designed over the winter months and installed in early spring 2027 before the snow melt run-off.
Newly formed safety committee
A group of five TMD staff has committed to forming a safety committee that meets weekly to develop and encourage a culture of safe working practices for all TMD employees. The group is led by Operations Manager Steve Sheffield and Public Works and Parks and Open Space Manager Matt Rayno and supported by TMD staff Wendy Brown, Nick Pallisco, and Brett Badnerosky. The core committee members identify growth areas related to safety and review processes. In addition to a culture shift, the group aims to support employee improvement through an accountability process. The group has garnered support from many employees already and recently performed hearing tests for 27 employees to develop baseline hearing reports.
Board members, staff participate in SDA annual conference
Two TMD staff, District Manager Jim McGrady
and Potter, and two board members, Amanda Carlton and Jason Gross, attended the annual Special District Association (SDA) conference held in Keystone mid-September. The group reported it was a good conference with many opportunities to learn and network and identify vendors and services for future projects. The management practices, cyber security, and safety program administration offerings were specifically called out as being beneficial and applicable to TMD operational needs. Carlton attended a session on social infrastructure and creating spaces where people can gather. It emerged through conversations with other attendees just how complex TMD is and the stability they have achieved, which allows them to pursue so many special projects. McGrady presented at the conference in a session titled “Perspectives on Passing a Ballot Measure for Your District,” during which he described the process for getting the ballot initiative passed for the Higby Road improvement project and answered questions for other districts facing the same type of challenge.
Path to mining permit smooth and quick
McGrady updated the board on the process to acquire the mining permit from the state for Central Reservoir, which was smoother and quicker than expected. As part of the permit application process, TMD signed a financial affidavit and a performance bond, which ensures the work will be done as outlined and obligates project completion. In support of the permit, Sheffield and Potter collected water quality samples at Central Reservoir in early September. After a request for quotation was posted, two qualified companies applied to complete the mining work needed for the project, and Pete Lein and Sons LLC emerged as the top choice for the job. Representatives from the mining company joined the executive session to describe their process for mining the reservoir, and the contract with Pete Lein and Sons was reviewed and considered by the board in the executive session. After the executive session, the board returned to the regular session and unanimously approved the contract. Once the mining company completes its work, the next step is to identify a contractor to put in a slurry wall through a competitive bidding process. The project is scheduled to be finished in April 2027.
Creekside Park playground improvements planned
Plans are underway to make improvements to the playground at Creekside Park, Rayno said. He presented the board with two options for the playground design from manufacturer Burke, one of which included plans for a canopy to cover the play structure. With no shade pavilion at the relatively small park, the canopy option is appealing. The playground will be installed on top of rubber surfacing instead of mulch, and Rayno reported that there are many color choices for the playground structure and rubber surface. The installation will be done by subcontractors with a proven track record of safety and compliance, and the warranty for the equipment offered by the manufacturer is top tier, according to Rayno. Board member Carlton offered to share the renderings with a more discriminating group likely to have good feedback about the design: her children. Rayno hopes to have the Creekside Park playground improvements completed by early spring 2027 and will move on to planning for the final two playgrounds needing updates.
Updated water engineering standards
Sheffield reviewed resolution 2026-10, consisting of a 175-page document detailing the water engineering standards for TMD. Sheffield, along with a small work group, has been reviewing and editing the document since January. The existing document was an assortment of water standards from Denver and Colorado Springs. This effort aims to consolidate and tailor the standards to TMD and provide expectations for any contractor doing work in the district. No changes were required to the standards document, and the resolution was passed unanimously by the board as written.
Wastewater service enforcement procedures refined
General counsel George Rowley shared with the
WE HAVE FIREWOOD SALE!! ConCrete Polishing &FOR Coatings Many types of firewood available: Ponderosa pine, We polish concrete aJuniper mirror WE Lodgepole HAVE FIREWOOD FOR SALE!! pine, Pinon pineto and finish • Also, epoxy coatings!
Many types of firewood available: Ponderosa Cottonwood and Aspen coming soon! pine, Lodgepole pine, Pinon pine and Juniper We deliver it to you -dependable and courteous service + Cottonwood and Aspen coming soon!
35 Years Experience • Insured
PLEASE CALL FOR RATES... (719) 491-4811 www.sharpestcut.com
We deliver it to you -- dependable and courteous service
(719) 491-4811 PLEASE CALL FOR RATES... Sharpest Cut 719-491-4811
Page 14
Read, download, search, and listen to OCN content at our mobile-friendly website OCN.ME
board that resolution 2026-11 clarifies and solidifies TMD wastewater service enforcement procedures. The resolution was drafted to closely mirror the procedures for water supply enforcement reviewed and approved by the board in July 2026. The impetus for changes to both water and wastewater enforcement was difficulty with customer compliance with new meters being installed recently, which revealed gaps in the current rules and regulations. The revised rules will mitigate future issues with non-payment or other non-compliance, which helps both TMD and customers, Rowley said.
While the wastewater procedures are similar to the water procedures, they differ in allowing TMD to impose statutory liens as a pathway for redress of bill non-payment because wastewater services cannot be shut off. The revised procedures also provide guardrails for industrial waste and will prove critical in fulfilling the contract with Colorado Springs Utilities for the Northern Monument Creek Interceptor project. After discussion and review, the board approved resolution 2026-11 unanimously. The board moved into executive session at 7:09 pm.
Vol. 26 No. 10
********** Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at the district office located at 1641 Baja Drive, West Baptist Road in Monument. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Oct. 22 at 5:30 p.m. For Zoom meeting joining instructions, meeting agendas, minutes, and updates, visit https://triviewmetro.com. Erin Poole can be reached at erinpoole@ocn.me.
El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Sept. 24
Board wraps up finances
By James Howald In preparation for its final dissolution in 2027, the El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority (EPCRLWA, or the Loop) focused on finances at its September meeting. Corbin Fromm, of Fromm & Company LLC, the Loop’s accounting firm, gave the board an update on the Loop’s current financial standing. The board determined its 2026 budget did not need amendment and held a public hearing on its 2027 budget. Courtney Vance of Sorren presented an audit of the Loop’s 2025 budget. Finally, the board approved outside employment for its recently hired Executive Director Jason Hann.
Financial reports
Fromm told the board that invoices totaling $214,000 had been received in September from the Loop’s engineering, legal, and accounting companies. Hann said he had reviewed the invoices and an additional invoice from Sorren for $500 for its work on the 2025 audit also needed payment. Hann said the September invoices were the final closing-out for all contractors who are not continuing to work with the Loop. He noted Fromm & Co. and Spencer Fane LLC, the Loop’s legal advisor, would continue to work for the Loop through its final dissolution in 2027. The board voted unanimously to approve the claims for payment, including the one from Sorren. Fromm discussed the reimbursements for its expenses the Loop receives from the El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). The Loop received $4 million in start-up funds from the American Recovery Plan Act; that money is administered by the BOCC. Fromm said the check written by the BOCC to reimburse the Loop for its second-quarter expenses of $969,000 had
been lost and would need to be reissued. Hann said he was working with the BOCC to resolve this issue and the payment of a large invoice from JVA Inc. that was withheld until the BOCC reimbursement was received. Fromm said the BOCC had approved the Loop’s third quarter expenses of $337,000 but had not yet issued a check. Fromm noted that the Loop had spent 55% of its 2026 budget. The board approved Fromm’s financial report.
2026, 2027 budgets addressed
The board determined its 2026 budget needed no amendment. The public hearing on that budget was canceled. Board President Jessie Shaffer opened a public hearing on the 2027 budget. There were no comments from the public, but Hann said that after all outstanding invoices were paid, the Loop would have $98,500 in the bank. Hann presented a budget estimating that, in 2027, $40,000 would be needed for general and administrative expenses, including salaries and travel; $8,000 for legal expenses, $1,500 for accounting, and $16,000 for audit expenses. Hann said those expenses would be carried over from the 2026 budget. There were no questions for Hann, and the hearing was closed. The board passed a resolution to adopt the 2027 budget and appropriate the necessary funds.
Audit of 2025 budget includes clean opinions
Vance told the board that the governance letter for its 2025 audit found no significant disagreements with the way Loop leadership documented its finances. The letter said the Loop’s internal controls were free from material misstatement.
Audits typically assume the enterprise will continue for at least another year, but this is not true in the case of the Loop, Vance said. The governance letter gave the Loop’s 2025 finances an unmodified or “clean” opinion. Vance said the Loop’s statement of federal expenditures for 2025 were audited separately and also received an unmodified clean opinion. Vance said the audit report listed the Loop’s total assets in 2025 at $2.8 million, an increase over the previous year of about $2 million. She noted increases in the Loop’s capital assets and accounts payable. The audit documented the Loop’s equity at $3.4 million. The audit report noted a minor internal control problem: There was no documentation that one of the Loop’s contractors was not disbarred. Vance characterized this issue as “significant,” which is the least severe category for internal control issues. The board voted to accept the audit report.
Outside employment OK’d
Shaffer praised the job Hann has done in his short tenure as executive director, adding Hann’s time with the Loop has been “a roller coaster ride equivalent to Six Flags.” The board gave Hann permission to take on outside employment as long as his responsibilities to the Loop take priority. ********** The Loop has cancelled its scheduled board meetings. It may hold a final meeting for 2026 in December. Please see www.loopwater.org or call 719-488-3603 to verify meeting times and locations. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.
NEPCO hosts El Paso County Planning and Community Development Department, Sept. 21
Efforts to update Land Development Code
Above: Members of NEPCO and concerned residents of the Tri-Lakes area attended a meeting at the Woodmoor Barn on Sept. 21 with the El Paso County Planning Commission and Clarion Associates to discuss the county’s draft updated Land Development Code. Photo by Marlene Brown.
By Marlene Brown On Sept. 21, the Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Organizations (NEPCO) hosted a community meeting, “Let’s Talk Zoning,” presented by the El Paso County Planning and Development Department (PCD) and Clarion Associates at the Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Clarion Associates is a national firm that has been contracted by the PCD to rewrite and update the county’s Land Development Code (LDC). About 40 people attended and participated in the discussion of the new draft LDC. Many of the concerns regarding the update in the Land Code were about zoning districts. As
new construction and building requests continue to be on the rise, zoning requests have changed as the expansion of Northern El Paso County continues into rural areas. With new zoning districts, those requests could change the outcome of some of the decisions as to the allowed use of some of the parcels. Clarion’s goals are to update the LDC to the standards set by legislation at state and county levels. The current LDC was updated in 2006-07. They look to have use standards but be as flexible as possible; the county has many land use areas, including suburban and rural. In high-density population districts, parking, lighting, and build-
ing heights could be addressed. In rural areas, lot size and roads could be other concerns. Clarion is also trying to make the process easier for the enduser working through new regulations. ********** The updated draft is available online and ready for comments. Go to www.elpasocountyldc.com/ to access documents and other ways to participate in the ongoing process of updating the LDC. The El Paso County Planning Commission normally meets the first and third Monday of the month at 9 a.m. at the Regional Building Department, 2880 International Circle, Colorado Springs, or the meetings can be watched live at https://cloud.castus.tv. The Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) Land Use meetings are usually the second and fourth Thursday, 9 a.m., at Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs. The meeting schedule can be accessed at www.agendasuite.org/iip/elpaso. Marlene Brown can be reached at marlenebrown@ocn.me.
NEPCO, Sept. 12
PPRTA projects ongoing By Marlene Brown The Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO) held its bi-monthly meeting on Sept. 12 at the Woodmoor Barn. NEPCO was formed in June of 2000 by residents of homeowners associations in northern El Paso County as a means to share information and ad-
Roofing
Pronghorn Prairie Construction Standards, not shortcuts. Neighbors, not numbers. Licensed & Insured Exterior Contractor. Exterior Repairs. All Types of Jobs.
Patrick- 719-465-2988
https://www.pronghornprairie.com
dress issues that pertain to homeowners in the area. The first speaker was Rick Sonnenberg, Program and Contracts manager for the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA). PPRTA is a collaborative effort among local member governments, including El Paso County, Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Green Mountain Falls, Calhan, and Ramah. Its goal is to improve and maintain public areas such as streets, roads, and state and federal highways. Some of the projects worked on from 2015-24 include: • Baptist Rd to Hodgen Rd. • Black Forest Rd, Woodmen Rd to Research Parkay. • Beacon Lite Rd: Highway 105 to County Line Rd.
•
Deer Creek Rd: Base Camp Rd, Monument Hill Rd to Woodmoor Rd. Capital Projects 2025-34: • Highway 105 to Lake Woodmoor Dr. • Highway 105 Lake Woodmoor Dr. to Furrow Rd. • Highway 105 Furrow Rd. to Arrowwood Rd. • Homestead Trail Improvements. For more information about these and other projects, go to https:// pprta.com or call 719-471-7080. The next presenter was Jack Ladley, executive director, El Paso County Department of Public Works. They work closely with PPRTA on many of the major projects such as: • Arrowwood cul-de-sacs. • High Meadow Lane.
OCN
Saturday, October 3, 2026 • Vollmer/Shoup Intersection. • Highway 105B advance utility work. • Tri-Lakes Fire Station pedestrian crossing • Black Forest/Shoup pedestrian crossing. Public tools and for fastest customer service, go to https://publicworks.elpasoco.com/ or call 719-520-6460 • Report potholes, road and sign damage. • Project updates. • Snow event updates – monitor plowing progress Jennifer Phillips, finance director for the Town of
Monument, explained how tax dollars are spent for the town. • Maintenance – streets and parks, utilities and infrastructure. • Public safety – police and fire departments. • Town staff and daily operations. • Capital projects – major improvements such a Jackson Creek Parkway • Stormwater management. • Planning – future projects, transportation and water. For more information regarding budgets and other government issues, go to www.townofmonu-
Page 15 ment.org for a list of events, projects, or to contact someone on staff. ********** The next NEPCO meeting will be on Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. at the Woodmoor Barn, 169114 Woodmoor Dr.. Meetings are typically held on the second Saturday bi-monthly. For more information regarding future presentations and membership information for HOAs in the area, go to https://nepco.org. Contact Marlene Brown at marlenebrown@ocn.me.
Woodmoor Improvement Association, Sept. 23
Board declines open space offer noted that homeowners may also be affected by the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC), which went into effect in July 2026 and could require lot mitigation before getting a permit for a new structure, re-roofing or rebuilding a deck. See more information on the CWRC, adopted by El Paso County on July 1, 2025, at https://dfpc. colorado.gov/colorado-wildfire-resiliency-code. The board unanimously approved the new PDSM. Board Treasurer Pete Giusti thanked Directors Ed Miller and Jennifer Davis for all the work that went into updating both the rules and regulations as well as the PDSM. Above: At its September board meeting, Woodmoor Improvement Association declined the offer of three acres of open space on Deer Creek Road east of The Cove. The area is being developed by La Plata for six single-family houses. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
By Jackie Burhans The Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) board met on Sept. 23 to consider an offer of open space, update its Project Design Standards Manual (PDSM), and hear an update of Force Broadband’s fiber project. It also heard director reports.
Open space offer considered
President Brian Bush explained that Northbay is a development at the north end of Lake Woodmoor on Deer Creek Road that had been originally slated for 41 townhomes, then 24, and now is approved for six single-family homes. The property is being developed by La Plata, which approached WIA saying they did not plan to have a sub-homeowners association and offered WIA the three acres of open space in the middle of those six homes. Bush said that if WIA took ownership, it would be responsible to maintain the three acres, noting that it cost about $220 per acre to mow open space. He also pointed out that there was a 50- to 60-year-old drainage pipe in the middle of the open space that has been failing for years. There is currently orange tape and fencing at the outfall to keep kids out of the area. Bush said he could not see any reason for WIA to take responsibility for a common area that would primarily serve six homes and asked the board to authorize him to respond, declining the offer. The board unanimously approved the response.
Project Design Standards Manual updated
Bush said the PDSM had been updated as a result of changes to WIA’s rules and regulations. He said the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) had approved it with one recommended change—increasing the ancillary building maximum size to 750 square feet to match surrounding standards. Homeowners’ Administrator Denise Cagliaro
Fiber project delays mowing
Davis noted that the South Woodmoor preserve had not been mowed all season due to the ongoing project by Force Broadband to lay fiber (see https://wp.ocn.me/v26n8wia/). At its July meeting, the WIA board heard from Force co-owner Geoff Cannon that their project was delayed by challenges locating cable by other providers but that he hoped to get the conduit into the ground over the next few weeks. However, conduit is still present on the preserve, preventing WIA from mowing the open space. Cagliaro said that WIA contractors hoped to start mowing soon. Although Force said WIA’s mowers could run over its conduit, the contractor does not want to do that and would like Force to move the conduit. Bush said he would call Force Broadband to discuss the matter. •
•
•
•
Director highlights
Treasurer. Giusti said everything was good with the budget and that WIA has money set aside for the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) project from the funds that were received for the Highway 105 project easement. HOA Administrator. Cagliaro said she and Woodmoor Public Safety (WPS) Chief Darren Abbink had begun work on next year’s budget, which they will review with Bush and Giusti. Covenants: Davis reported that August had 19 covenant- related items resulting in one violation for trailers, off-driveway parking, and recreational vehicle campers. There were 15 issues resolved with a friendly letter and two covenant hearings held in August and two hearings scheduled for Oct. 8. There were 10 HOA checks in August. Public Safety. Darren Abbink reported for Director Brad Gleason that there were reports on Sept. 5 on Blueberry Hills Road of windows being broken by rocks along with rumors of cars being hit, possibly by juveniles. He also noted that bears continue to be active, having tipped over a dumpster at the Church at Woodmoor. Cagliaro said she had spoken with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) who confirmed that it wants WIA to be the first contact but will follow up if resi-
Letters to Our Community Our Community News welcomes letters to the editor on topics of general interest to readers in the Tri-Lakes area. Guidelines for letters are on page 23. The information and opinions expressed in Letters to Our Community are the responsibility of the letter writers and should not be interpreted as the views of OCN even if the letter writer is an OCN volunteer. Letters are arranged in alphabetical order based on the last name of the author.
Laura Kronick for Monument mayor
Monument is at a crossroads, and I’m asking for your vote on Nov. 3 to help lead us through it. I’ve spent the last three years on the Monument Town Council and three years before that on the Sanitation District Board, not because I love meetings, but because I believe good government gets built one careful decision at a time. Before that, I spent 20 years solving hard problems at Hewlett-Packard, and the decade since retiring fighting for Monument’s seniors and neighbors. I didn’t walk into council chambers with an agenda. I spent six years in the audience first, listening before I ever asked to participate as a councilmember, and that habit hasn’t changed. As liaison to the Citizens Service Level Advisory Committee and a member of the selection committee for our water attorney, I show up, I listen, and I do the homework before taking a po-
sition. Right now, that means digging into Monument’s current reusable and renewable water options, the kind of work that decides whether our taps still run in 20 years. Growth is coming to Monument whether we’re ready or not. My promise is simple: It will happen with you, not to you. Water and infrastructure, guarded by fiscal responsibility for every taxpayer dollar, will continue to be my focus. I will use every available resource to ensure good, practical, people-first choices, listening before acting, and always keeping residents at the center of every decision. I’m ready to lead Monument. I’m asking for your vote on Nov. 3. Laura Kronick laura4monument.com
Keep a one-page record before you need it
One lesson from a long, complicated legal and administrative mess has been surprisingly ordinary: Make yourself a one-page summary before you think you need one. Not a binder. Not a spreadsheet with 14 tabs. One page. Write down the date the problem started, the names of the people or offices involved, the account or case number, what you were told, what you sent, what happened next, and what is still unresolved.
dents lure bears by leaving trash out, which should be stored in the garage. • Architectural Control: Ed Miller reported 49 project submissions in August, 42 of which were approved administratively, six were approved by the Architectural Control Committee (ACC), and one was rejected. Year to date, there has been a 2.8% increase from 2025, with 329 of 334 projects approved for a 98.5% approval rate. • Forestry: Director Jason Hann said that seven Firewise visits and five grant visits were performed in August. He said WIA would submit the third mitigation reimbursement packet in the next few weeks. He said WIA has plenty of money still left in the grant fund and he has reached out to the state representative to confirm if WIA can award grants to the same residents doing another round of mitigation. • Common Areas. Cagliaro reported for Steve Cutler that WIA will temporarily remove the stone Woodmoor signs on Highway 105 at Fairplay and Furrow in anticipation of the Highway 105B project; they will be stored and later replaced. She said she had a list of projects from Cutler and Common Areas Administrator Bob Pearsall on identifying a list of projects to be completed by the end of the year including additional fire mitigation, trail maintenance, installation of boulders at North Park parking area, replacing four of the eight banner boards, and relocation of and installation of a new dog waste station in the common areas. ********** The WIA Board of Directors usually meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Barn at 1691 Woodmoor Drive, Monument. The next meeting will be on Oct. 28. The WIA calendar can be found at www.woodmoor.org/ events/. Once approved and posted, the WIA board meeting minutes can be found at www.woodmoor.org/board-of-directors/. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.
Need driveway work?
Driveway construction & repair, road base, recycled concrete, asphalt & gravel
35+ Years Experience • Insured
www.sharpestcut.com Sharpest Cut 719-491-4811
Paul’s Asphalt Service
Top-quality asphalt paving and maintenance A+ rated by the BBB and great on-line reviews! Hot mix asphalt paving • 5 types of asphalt sealcoating Hot rubber crack sealant/asphalt patch • Recycled asphalt paving
Paul Williams, Jr.
719-453-4477 Monument Asphaltserviceonline.com
Specializing in Residential Cleaning Overwhelmed? Want your home spic and span?
Call Stacy today! (719) 930-2178 www.agiftoftime.us
Weekly ▪ Bi-weekly ▪ Monthly ▪ Move-outs ▪ Move-ins.
Page 16
Read, download, search, and listen to OCN content at our mobile-friendly website OCN.ME
I wish I had done that from the beginning. Over the years, I have had to reconstruct old emails, court records, payments, names, and handoffs because the history lived in too many places. That is manageable when life is calm. It is much harder when you are also working, raising children, dealing with a medical issue, talking to an insurance company, changing schools, fighting a billing error, or handling any of the hundred little bureaucracies that touch ordinary life. A one-page record does two useful things. It helps you remember what actually happened, and it lets the next person understand the problem without making you start from the beginning. This is not legal advice. It is just something I learned the expensive way. If a problem matters enough that you may have to explain it again later, write down the story while you still remember it. Danielle Lightsey
No Kings 4 — vote early
Democracy belongs to all of us. Every eligible voter deserves the opportunity to be heard, to choose who represents our communities, and to have a say in what comes next. On Saturday, Oct. 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., TriLakes4Democracy will host the No Kings 4: Vote Early rally for the Tri-Lakes community and beyond. As part of a nationwide series of events focused on civic participation, voting rights, and peaceful public expression, we’re bringing our community together once again. After welcoming approximately 400 people to No Kings 3 in March, we hope to see even more neighbors join us for an afternoon of music, speakers, voter education, and community. Colorado gives us incredible opportunities to make our voices heard. With mail ballots, early voting, and convenient ballot drop boxes, we have multiple ways to participate in our democ-
racy. With numerous ballot measures facing voters this November, it’s more important than ever to understand the issues, make a plan to vote, and ensure every eligible voter has the information and resources they need. But this rally is about more than voting. It’s about building community, connecting with our neighbors, and protecting every person’s right to have their voice heard. Democracy is strongest when we show up for one another, stay informed, and participate. Whether you’ve attended every rally or this will be your first, we hope you’ll join us. Bring your signs, your friends, your family, and your questions. Come meet your neighbors and be part of a peaceful gathering that celebrates the power of community. Join us on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at 300 W. Highway 105 in Monument. We decide who represents us. We decide what comes next. And it starts with showing up. Carol Nolan
Praise for firefighters
Twenty-five years ago, 343 firefighters from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) were killed on a single heartbreaking day for our nation. Not only do First Responders step up and work to rescue survivors, but they must also manage the day-to-day emergency calls that continued across our nation. And their families share in the call to duty. More than 400 FDNY members have since died of illnesses linked to their work at Ground Zero, a toll that has surpassed the 343 First Responders killed on the day itself. Our Monument Fire District continues the long tradition of running towards danger to help and stand watch over Tri-Lakes 24/7/365. Gordon Reichal
Vol. 26 No. 10
Shaping growth responsibly
As our region navigates major transitions—including the arrival of new retail developments—we have a unique opportunity to shape how growth impacts our shared community. Rather than letting new developments divide us, those of us across boundary lines throughout our D38 communities must look forward together to champion a cohesive regional vision. We choose to live on the Palmer Divide for its quiet, scenic, and interconnected character. This shared identity belongs to everyone in the Tri-Lakes area, regardless of municipal borders. As large-scale projects emerge, our primary focus should be on how we can constructively integrate these spaces while preserving our welcoming atmosphere. The path forward requires proactive, regional collaboration between our town planners and county leaders. Under existing guidelines, our local boards possess framework tools to manage wide-scale infrastructure impacts. We should encourage our representatives to use these resources cooperatively to ensure smart traffic flow, maintain landscaping buffers, protect our natural assets, and secure infrastructure funding upfront. As this is the final issue of OCN before the upcoming election, we have a timely opportunity to turn these values into action. When casting our ballots, we should look for leaders who prioritize transparent coordination. By establishing a clear, positive public record of what our community values, we can help guide development in a way that respects our environment and local history. Let’s focus our collective energy on innovative planning, community safety, and design solutions that keep our entire TriLakes region a peaceful and beautiful place to call home. J.L. Sellers
Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore
What do(n’t) you know about your Colorado home? By the staff at Covered Treasures ““Knowing the history of a place gives you a context in which to better appreciate it.”—Rick Steves Shootouts, Killings, and War Heroes; The History Hidden in Monument’s Cemetery By Michael Weinfeld and John Howe (Filter Press) $24.95 Monument Cemetery is the final resting place for over 1,000 souls, and this book tells the stories of a few of them. Determined pioneers, battlefield heroes, and everyday citizen—some sound familiar for the local places that carry their names today: Lavelett… McShane…Limbach. The cemetery is located on Beacon Lite Road, about a mile north of Highway 105. This book is the result of a project to update the town’s cemetery records that ended up taking 14 years to complete. The authors will host a walking tour of the cemetery on Oct. 24; reservations are required and may be made by calling 719-487-1047. Through the Years at Monument, Colorado By Lucille Lavelett (Palmer Lake Historical Society) $16.95 Did you know there once was a nudist retreat in Monument? It opened in 1954 and was located about a mile south of the town. However, the winters were too cold and the sun went down behind Mount Herman too early…it only lasted one year. And did you know that the space that is now Covered Treasures Bookstore used to be The Higby Mercantile Store, and that it was in operation for 67 years? (Next time you’re in the store, ask to see the safe from the mercantile!)
Or did you know that Divide potatoes were once known as the best potatoes in the country…that potatoes were a chief industry in the area, and that in 1877 a local man raised a record amount of 25,000 pounds to the acre! As Lavelett states in her Reflections of the Author, “Time and progress have made many changes, brought many new people and new ideas from near and far places.” Palmer Lake; A Historical Narrative By Marion S. Sabin (Palmer Lake Historical Society) $18.95 Two names are especially important in the early development of the town of Palmer Lake: General William J. Palmer, who, at the age of 33, decided that a railroad should link Denver and Colorado Springs, by way of the Palmer Divide; and Dr. William Thompson, a dental surgeon who, in 1883, visited the area and, struck by the transformation the railroad company was working on the Divide, decided it was the perfect place for a health resort and a luxurious vacation community. The rest of the 1880s were booming, with the building of the Estemere mansion and the Rockland Hotel, the establishment of the Rocky Mountain Chautauqua, and the legal incorporation of the town. Palmer Lake became a popular summer resort area for railroad executives and their families to spend the summers away from the busy, hot streets of Denver. The Palmer Lake Historical Society has several books and informational pamphlets about the history of our area, including: • Monument’s Faded Neighbor Communities and Its Folklore, By Lucille Lavelett (Palmer Lake Historical Society) $16.95 • The Estemere Estate of Palmer Lake, By John W. Pitts & Suzanne Bartel (Palmer Lake Historical Society) • A Century of Railroading at Palmer Lake, 1871-1971, By Daniel W. Edwards (Palmer Lake Historical Society) • Monument Nursery; 1907-1965 Raising Millions of Trees for Planting in the Rocky Mountain West, By Daniel W. Edwards (Palmer Lake Historical Society) $30
Railroads, Rifles, and Ruffians By Jonathan D. Campbell (Filter Press) $14.95 John Milton Campbell arrived in Colorado in 1901 carrying a “grip” containing all his worldly possessions: a few clothes, a Kodak camera, books and papers, and a “whale of a big six-shooter.” Over the next six years, he worked as a Denver & Rio Grande Railroad “boomer” (a skilled employee moving from place to place to fill labor shortages, doing any job that needed to be done) in several Colorado towns. He became friends with both respectable townsfolk and unsavory lawbreakers, and he wrote numerous letters about his Wild West Colorado adventures. Largely self-educated, he was an observer with an excellent memory, who took careful mental notes of everything he saw and heard. His days in Colorado were among his happiest; the West was wild, untamed, and wildly exciting for an eager young man. Railroads, Rifles, and Ruffians is John’s story, as told by his great-grandson, who spent several years organizing diary entries, sketches, and photographs in order to tell John’s tale with his own words and pictures. Women of the Colorado Gold Rush Era By J.v.L. Bell and Jan Gunia (Filter Press) $22.95 The Pikes Peak Gold Rush has seldom been looked at or written about from a feminine point of view. The women who made their homes in the Colorado Territory were courageous and determined as they faced many challenges, struggling to keep their homes and families safe, campaigning for their rights to own property and to vote, or simply fighting to survive and remain on their land. This book explores the lives of 10 women who called Colorado home during the turbulent years of the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. Authors Bell and Gunia reveal the unsung heroism of Native American, Hispanic, Anglo, and African American women whose perseverance, hard work, and wisdom helped lay the foundation for the state of Colorado. Until next month, happy reading. The staff at Covered Treasures can be reached at books@ocn.me.
Library Events
Closed morning of Oct. 5 for training; homeschool program on crows By Harriet Halbig All Pikes Peak Library District libraries will be closed from 9 to 1 on Monday, Oct. 5, for staff
Come for the Books, Stay for the Tea Reserve an Afternoon Tea Experience 481 W. Hwy 105 #G Monument
719.203.6808
training. Recurring programs in Monument are: • Storytime each Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:15. • Socrates Café adult discussion group each Tuesday from 1 to 3. • Paws to Read on Tuesdays from 4 to 5. Increase fluency by reading to a Paws to Read therapy dog. Recommended for ages up to 12. • Toddler Time on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10 and 10:30 to 11 for toddlers ages 1 and 2 and their parent or caregiver The Teen Craft Group will meet from 5 to 6 on Monday, Oct. 5 for ages 13 to 18. Bring a craft to work on while socializing with other crafters
your age. The group meets on the first and third Monday of each month. No registration required. The Teen Advisory Board will meet from 5 to 6 on Thursday, Oct. 8. Learn leadership skills, earn volunteer hours, and give input on what happens at the library. Earn volunteer hours by attending meetings and working on projects. Registration is required at 719-531-6333 ext. 7005. Tweens, teens, adults, and seniors are invited for Bad Art Night at the library on Monday, Oct. 12 from 4 to 5:30. If you love art but don’t consider yourself an artist, join us for Bad Art Night where we will do our best to make something imperfect, peculiar, or downright hideous. Registration is re-
Saturday, October 3, 2026 quired at 719-531-6333 ext. 7005. Adults needing help with their laptop, smartphone, tablet, or the library’s catalog are invited to drop by anytime between 11 and noon on Thursday, Oct. 15, for assistance from our staff. No registration is required. The Monument Library Book Group will meet from 10:30 to 12:30 on Friday, Oct. 16. This group is for adults and seniors, and no registration is required. All are welcome. The October selection is Woman of
OCN Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine. Tweens ages 9 to 12 are invited to enjoy a tabletop role-playing game from 3:30 to 5:45 on Saturday, Oct. 17. Create your own hero and explore new worlds in this interactive role-playing experience. Registration is required at 719-5316333 ext. 7005. Homeschoolers ages 6 to 12 are invited to a program on Crow Mania on Friday, Oct. 23 from 2 to 3. Learn about crows, the amazing members of the Corvidae family, and other
Page 17 from 9 to 1 on Monday, Oct. 5 for staff training. Storytimes at Palmer Lake will be on Fridays, Oct. 9 and 23 from 10:30 to 11:15. No registration is required.
feathered friends through an entertaining story and hands-on activities. No registration is required. The Monument Fiber Arts Group for adults will meet from 10:30 to noon on Friday, Oct. 30. If you are interested in stitching, knitting, crochet, quilting, or other fiber arts, bring your own project and socialize with other crafters. No registration is required.
We hope to see you at the library in October. Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethaalbig@ocn.me.
Palmer Lake Library Events
Palmer Lake Library will be closed
The Nature of Our Community
What is beneath the Palmer Divide? 4
Groundwater-Level Elevations in the Denver Basin Bedrock Aquifers and Upper Black Squirrel Creek Alluvial Aquifer 105°00'
105°30'
40°30'
104°30'
LARIMER
B'
Greeley
25
104°00'
WELD
MORGAN
Fort Morgan
BOULDER
6
Boulder 40°00'
ADAMS
DENVER Denver
A
A'
yC err Ch
70
Rive r
Limon
D ER
M
L PA
25 eek ent Cr num Mo
y
Peyton Falcon
el irr qu kS k ee Cr
t
ree
d San
ac
un
nC
Big
Cr
Bl
TELLER
ai
DE
IVI
DOUGLAS
k
Sou th
Pla tte
Castle Rock
ee
FRONT RANGE
Parker
PARK
39°00'
ARAPAHOE
k ree
39°30'
WASHINGTON
JEFFERSON
70
Fo
k
ELBERT
Ellicott
Colorado Springs
LINCOLN
B EL PASO
FREMONT
Base from U.S. Geological Survey digital data, 2014 Universal Transverse Mercator, Zone 13 North American Datum of 1983
0
EXPLANATION
0
5 5
10
15
20 MILES
DENVER BASIN
10 15 20 KILOMETERS
Aquifer extents Upper Dawson Denver A
Arapahoe
COLORADO
Upper Black Squirrel Creek Designated Groundwater Basin (Black Squirrel Basin) A' Line of cross section
Lower Dawson
Upper Black Squirrel Creek Designated Groundwater Basin (Black Squirrel Basin)
Laramie-Fox Hills
Figure 2. Map showing the location of the Denver Basin aquifer system and geologic lines of cross sections A, A–A' and
Above: Figure – The Denver Basin in east-northern east-central Colorado. B, B–B' near El Paso1County, Colorado. Modified from Paschke (2011) and Malendaand and Penn (2020). Courtesy USGS Scientific Investigations Report 2024–5123 on the Denver Basin. 6
Groundwater-Level Elevations in the Denver Basin Bedrock Aquifers and Upper Black Squirrel Creek Alluvial Aquifer A A FEET 7,000 6,000
South Platte River
A'
DENVER
Watkins
Denver Formation
ation oe Form Arapah n Formatio e Laramie Sandston Fox Hills Pierre Shale
5,000
4,000 3,000
B B
B'
FEET 8,000 7,000
Colorado Springs
Castle Rock Conglomerate Dawson Formation
South Platte River Greeley
top to bottom, and then the top half is off (page 19) to illustrate the layers of sediments in the Denver Basin. This simple onion model shows the arrangement of layers of sediments in a three-dimensional “bowl” with the sag at the deepest part in the center. The layers are in vertical order, with the oldest at the bottom center and edges, and the youngest in the middle center of the lowest quarter. Thus, the highest and lowest points are “in line” vertically on the onion. Because of long-term surface erosion and the bowl-shaped bending of the Denver Basin’s poorly consolidated sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone “bed rock,” the Denver Basin and its sediments are not symmetrical. The Dashed line I the lower thired of the drawing the starts at the west edge of the Basin and ends just north of Limon is the Palmer Divide, (Figure 2: cross-section model of north to south Denver Basin extent). There are four sedimentary layers (rock formations) holding aquifers of non-renewable water. These Denver Basin aquifers, from top to bottom, are the Dawson, Denver, Arapahoe, and Laramie/Fox Hills Formations just above the Pierre Shale (ancient Mesozoic seabed). The highest point of the Denver Basin, Vollmer Hill in Black Forest, is on the Palmer Divide—and all of the rest of the Palmer Divide is also the apex of the landscape from the mountains behind Palmer Lake to north of Limon. Everywhere else in the Denver Basin (north or south of anywhere along the Palmer Divide) will be at a lower elevation, and what is at the surface is always a younger bedrock layer, or some much younger alluvium or sand dune covering the bedrock. This makes a very complicated and patchy mosaic of underlying geological deposits throughout the extensive Denver Basin over parts of 15 Front Range counties! El Paso County has the highest elevation of the Palmer Divide (Vollmer Hill), but the bottom of the Denver Basin sediments in the county is much shallower than the majority of the Denver Basin, which extends far north from the Palmer Divide and underlies many other counties and the city of Denver all the way to Greeley. See Figure 2. The Denver Basin and its sediments are not symmetrical because of long-term surface erosion, the bowl-shaped bending of the Denver Basin rock formations, and the asymmetrical underlying sag (syncline) which can be nearly 2,000
k ree mC Plu
By Dr. Judith von Ahlefeldt, ecologist Last month, we examined "What and Where is the Palmer Divide"—the long ridge east of the Front Range extending into the Great Plains to just north of Limon. This narrow, elevated ridge separates tributaries flowing from the mountains through the South Platte River in Denver, from the tributaries flowing from the mountains via Monument and Fountain Creeks and other creeks in northern El Paso County to the Arkansas River. While the Palmer Divide ridge separates tributaries of the South Platte and Arkansas River within the southern Denver Basin area, the underlying Denver Basin itself ends in central El Paso County and only includes part of Fountain Creek within the county. These major Western U.S. rivers, separated by the Palmer Divide, have storied histories in the development of the West after the Revolutionary War. But neither of these rivers was explored by Lewis and Clark in their 1804-06 expedition which journeyed north to the Pacific Northwest from St. Louis via the Missouri River Basin and Columbia River. Less than 250 years ago, little was known about the South Platte and Arkansas Rivers’ geography, geology, weather, archaeology, or ecosystems. The Palmer Divide itself is one continuous elevated ridge, separating modern-day El Paso and Douglas Counties at its west end, but influencing the geography, climate, and ecology of much of El Paso, Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Counties in Eastern Colorado. The much larger Denver Basin includes other South Platte River tributaries in central and northeastern Colorado and parts of 15 counties, Denver, and west to Golden. See Figure 1. The underlying Denver Basin is a major sag in the earth’s crust east of the Rocky Mountains, extends south from Greeley to central El Paso County (south of Fountain), and from the granitic Rocky Mountains in the west to Limon on the east. The repetitive sedimentation process began 500 million years ago and continued through the Cretaceous Period of the Mesozoic, including sediments flowing into the Western Interior Seaway, and before the present Rocky Mountains were uplifted only 20 to 30 million years ago. Dr. Kirk Johnson, who was the head paleontologist at the Denver Museum until 2012, left to lead the Smithsonian, wrote a book in 2007 called Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway, where he used an onion (sliced
Watkins
6,000 Denver Formation 5,000
Arapahoe Formation
tone
s Sands
Laramie Formation
4,000
Fox Hill
Pierre Shale 3,000
0 0
10 10
20 20
30 MILES
30 KILOMETERS
VERTICAL EXAGGERATION X 32 NORTH AMERICAN VERTICAL DATUM 1988
Figure 3.
Simplified Denver Basin aquifer system cross sections A, A–A', west to east and B, B–B', south to north. Modified from
Robson (1987),Figure Penn and Everett (2019), and Malenda andmodel Penn (2020). 2 for cross section with locations and table 1 for and Above: 2 - Cross-section ofRefer theto figure Denver Basin elevations bedrock aquifer descriptions. spatial extent. Courtesy USGS Scientific Investigations Report 2024–5123 on the Denver Basin.
Upper Black Squirrel Creek Basin groundwater feetThethick to the north. monitoring network, described in this study, was established in 2021. new wells were drilled for thishas study.aExisting ElNoPaso County only small wells (domestic, decommissioned irrigation, and monitoring and shallow (but locally very imwells) were selected for inclusion in the groundwater-level monitoring program on the of their geographicBasin portant) part ofbasis the Denver location, screened aquifer, aquifer conditions (confined or sediments, which supply important unconfined), previous monitoring activities, and permitted use (fig. 1). Priority was placed on wells that previously bedrock groundwater to wereranches monitored for groundwater levels or water quality as and rural residential communities previous monitoring activities indicate potentially reliablein site access and offer historical data. Previously monitored wells were not selected if their construction or lithologic information was incomplete; if they were used for municipal, commercial, irrigation (active), or industrial uses; or if there
October Wildfire Preparation Tips
Don’t block fire evacuation route
was a more adequate well nearby that provided similar northern El Paso County, the wondata. In parts of the study area, there was a lack of suitable candidate wells screened found in the aquifer(s) of interest.Bluffs, derful fossils at Corral During the initial site visits, the wellhead, access and the exceptional geology of the point, measuring point (MP), and surrounding areas were photographed, the wellMines. location and elevation of the colorfulandPaint wellhead and MP were measured using a high-precision Dr. System Judith von Global Navigation Survey unitAhlefeldt and referenced to North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD can be contacted at88; Rydlund and Densmore, 2012). All survey data were measured with a judithvonahlefeldt@ocn.me. common coordinate system, geoid, ellipsoid, and datum. The coordinate system used was Universal Transverse Mercator, zone 13 north, using the horizontal datum North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83), and the vertical datum NAVD 88, Geoid 03, ellipsoid World Geodetic System.
By Lisa Hatfield
•
• •
October’s wildfire tips
Remove trees that are within 30 feet on each side of the driveway along the entire distance from the house to the road, so fire can’t block your evacuation route. Continue thinning trees for forest health and an assortment of tree ages. Remove shorter “ladder fuels” beneath trees so that surface fire will stay on the ground instead
Page 18
•
•
•
Read, download, search, and listen to OCN content at our mobile-friendly website OCN.ME
of climbing into tree crowns. Space shrubs in islands spaced at least 2 1/2 times their mature height to make it harder for fire to jump from one to the next Could you find your address in the dark (or smoke-filled day)? Post house numbers at the end of the driveway at the street. Use noncombustible, reflective, and easily visible numbers to help emergency responders. Do final grass mowing before winter, since dry grass makes
perfect kindling for a fire. These tasks are ongoing, since everything keeps growing. That’s why mitigation is a lifestyle. For more ideas, look online for Colorado State Forest Service’s The Home Ignition Zone: •
Vol. 26 No. 10
A Guide to Preparing Your Home for Wildfire and Creating Defensible Space (https://tinyurl.com/homeignitionzone), and ask your local fire district for site-specific guidance. ********** Lisa Hatfield can be reached at LisaHatfield@ocn.me. Lisa is a volunteer with Fire Adapted Colorado (https://fireadapted.org/), an author of clean disaster adventure novels, and a trained volunteer property evaluator who loves to answer questions.
High Altitude Nature and Gardens
Living in the Light: What Shorter Days and Bright Bulbs Mean for Our Trees, Soil, and Families By Janet Sellers As we transition into shorter winter days, we tend to view indoor lighting simply as a functional tool to finish tasks or light a room. But the quality, the spectrum and timing of light act as a powerful biological signal directing the shaping of our health including the health of our soil, plants and trees as well as every cell in the human body for children, teens, adults and seniors.
The Hidden Toll on Trees and Soil
When outdoor security lights and streetlamps are used strictly for nighttime utility, we may unknowingly overlook their impact on nature. Bright outdoor LEDs create continuous illumination that disrupts the natural dormancy of our gardens and trees, not to mention wildlife and us. Outdoors, downfacing lights offer safety yet help minimize harmful light pollution for the rest of us. Constant night light confuses a tree’s biological clock, often delaying autumn leaf drop and leaving branches vulnerable to severe winter freeze damage. And beneath the surfaces that we can see, the impact reaches directly into the earth. Beneficial mycorrhizal fungi and soil microbial networks rely on natural
day-night rhythms to exchange nutrients with plant roots. Constant outdoor lighting alters these rootzone chemical signals, disrupting the delicate underground microbial ecosystems that keep our soil and plants healthy. When we think of drought, we usually look only at precipitation. However, trees and grasses act as living pumps that drive earth-to-sky moisture exchange via transpiration. Artificial light at night (ALAN) disrupts the stomatal rhythms of this understory foliage; if stomata fail to close after dark, plants lose vital moisture they should be conserving. When mycorrhizal networks and soil microbes are starved or disrupted by altered chemical signals, the soil’s structure degrades. Healthy fungal hyphae bind soil particles together, creating micro-channels that retain moisture and allow water to infiltrate deeply. When these networks break down, soil loses its spongelike capacity.
Task Lighting vs. Cellular Health: Kids, Adults, and Seniors
This same conflict between task lighting and biology plays out inside our homes. Standard cold-white LEDs are chosen strictly for energy efficiency and task brightness. While
these bulbs work fine during the day, they emit a sharp spike of artificial blue light that tricks the brain into thinking it is solar noon—even at 8:00 PM. Light is cellular communication. Mitochondria rely on natural light spectrums to regulate energy and repair. For everyone—from kids to school-stressed teens to working adults to seniors—late-night blue light suppresses melatonin, disrupts deep sleep, elevates anxiety, and causes daytime fatigue. For us all, in shorter winter days this circadian disruption is especially intense. We can easily adjust our indoor lighting habits to nourish every generation. We can shift to warm evening lighting and reserve bright task lighting for daytime hours. In the evening, let’s switch bedrooms and living spaces to warm-spectrum bulbs labeled 2700K or lower (or soft amber/candlelight tones). We can soften fixtures and use warm fabric shades, amber diffusers, or frosted covers over bare task bulbs to reduce glare and protect sensitive eyes. And bookending our days outdoors is also key. Let’s encourage family members of all ages to get 15 to 20 minutes of natural daylight near sunrise and sunset. Morning light sets the internal clock for daytime focus and deep night-
time sleep.
Light and Darkness are biological necessities
The American Medical Association (AMA) warns that high-blue outdoor lighting impairs human sleep, causes glare, and damages ecosystems. Dark skies at night are essential for human cellular repair, wildlife, and healthy soil biology. We need the daylight to get some things done and for our health, but we also need the darkness, too. Our bodies are wired for these. Light and darkness are both biological necessities. By turning off unnecessary outdoor lights, getting natural daytime exposure, and creating warm indoor environments, we can protect our health, our soil, and our entire community. We can have our light and darkness work in our favor and for our health. We just need to plan for it and use these optimally. Janet L. Sellers is a fine art and nature columnist, contemporary visual artist, and 20-year journalist. Her work explores eco-aesthetics, neuroaesthetics, and permaculture—weaving together art, nature, and ecosystems as a healing sanctuary for everyone. She can be contacted at janetsellers@ocn.me.
Art Matters
“Loser chic” and fine art By Janet L. Sellers A new art kid on the block has the moniker “loser chic,” but it is far more potent than it sounds. It is a trending subculture and a deliberate fashion and lifestyle movement that embraces anti-aesthetic, uncool, and historically awkward styles as the ultimate form of self-expression. It’s not ‘80s nerds, ‘90s slacker grunge, or early 2000s “older brother” nostalgia. It’s an unbothered, “in on the joke” aesthetic—a modern rebellion against traditional perfectionism where not trying too hard becomes the highest form of taste. More messy socialite than tidy minimalist, its underpinnings are the absolute opposite of uptight, ultimately reflecting a state of optimal self-acceptance. Traditionally, institutionally
sanctioned art demands high friction, perfection, and high-maintenance execution. Traditional institutions have long equated value with meticulousness, pristine framing, and a kind of untouchable authority. In contrast, unpolished artworks possess their own distinct power and a deeply honest relationship with the general public. Loser chic— or what we might call the aesthetic of unpolished honesty—disarms institutional anxiety. By leaning into the awkward, the unfinished, and the deliberately uncool, it rejects the exhausting demand for perfection. While high friction asks the viewer and the maker to constantly prove themselves against an elitist standard of mastery, this uncool countermovement offers a “soft focus”—a collective sigh of relief where vul-
nerability, mistakes, and radical selfacceptance take center stage. Ultimately, it asserts a vital truth: the mess is part of the living ecosystem. Some critics might look at loser core or this unpolished streak and call it lazy. But I think it represents the next wave of a much deeper question: Do we really want to be pressured into trying too hard and using ourselves up, or do we want to build a sustainable life ecosystem for ourselves? We are constantly caught in economic growth patterns that demand explosive, endless expansion—models that are fundamentally unsustainable and inevitably lead to collapse. The most stable, enduring idea for both our work-life balance and our simple daily living is sustainability.
By embracing an unpolished aesthetic and letting go of the relentless pursuit of perfection, art steps in as a helper in our lives, teaching us how to rest, how to breathe, and how to nurture a sustainable sanctuary for the soul. As the autumn days shorten and the turning of the year approaches, we will explore next how this creative agency can help us navigate the shifting seasons. Janet L. Sellers is a fine art and nature columnist, contemporary visual artist, and 20-year journalist. Her work explores eco-aesthetics, neuroaesthetics, and permaculture—weaving together art, nature, and ecosystems as a healing sanctuary for everyone. She can be contacted at janetsellers@ocn.me.
Snapshots of Our Community HSEA modulars installed, Sept. 1
Troop 17 celebrates 75 years
Above: A huge crane lifted modular units into place for the upcoming Homeschool Enrichment Academy (HSEA) on Sept. 1. The Lewis-Palmer HSEA is a program supporting families of homeschooled students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The Board of Education expects to get a certificate of occupancy this month. In the meantime, classes are being held in Big Red. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Above Monument Boy Scout Troop 17 is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. The troop currently has 55 registered Scouts, ranging in age from 12 to 18, supported by over 35 adult volunteers. It’s the goal of the adult volunteers to “prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices” by “instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.” St. Peter Catholic Church is the chartered organization for Troop 17. Under the direction of Father Gregory Golyzniak, St. Peter provides meeting facilities and leadership oversight for the troop. In return, the troop supports St. Peter through service at parish events, including the Annual Picnic, the Knights of Columbus July 4th Pancake Breakfast, and the Knights of Columbus dinners. Photo by Cynthia Fong-Smith.
OCN
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Page 19
Monu-Palooza's 10th Anniversary
Above and below: On Sept. 6, the sound of music echoed throughout downtown Monument as the 10th annual Monu-Palooza took place at Limbach Park. Billed as Monument’s Hometown Music Festival, the 2026 band lineup of Tron the Band, Big Back Yard, Cirkus, Mojo Filter, Sandy Wells, Mimic, Ashtōnz, and WireWood Station came from the Tri-Lakes, Colorado Springs, and Denver areas. Charlie Searle, coordinator of the event and Ashtōnz band member, said, “This is probably the best band lineup we’ve ever had. Even though the music is great, the community fellowship that occurs is the big reward.” Regarding playing at Monu-Palooza,
musician Sandy Wells said, “It’s a great community event, and it’s rare with being a working musician that I actually get to hear other musicians play because we are usually playing at the same time. I love it!” Searle expressed his thanks to the town of Monument for making Limbach Park available and to sponsors including Voda Cleaning and Restoration, Club Pilates, Monarch Merchandising, Timberview Animal Hospital, Serranos, Local Landing, and the Rock House. Photo by Michael Weinifeld. Caption by David Futey.
Above: Sandy Wells, named Female Vocalist of the Year for 2024 by the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame, entertained the Monu-Palooza crowd with her pop country and Southern rock music influences. Photo by David Futey.
Above: Members of bands that performed throughout the day, volunteers, and sponsors took time out for a group photo at Monu-Palooza. Photo by David Futey.
9-11 Rememberance
Gleneagle Spirit Walk/Run, Sept. 12
Left and below: On Sept. 11 at 6:46 a.m., the time the first plane hit the North Tower, Monument held a remembrance at the Monument Fire Protection District Station 1. Monument firefighters, police officers, and members of American Legion Tri-Lakes Post 9-11, VFW Post 7829, Knights of Columbus Council 11514, St. Peter Catholic Church, and members of the Tri-Lake community honored the First Responders and victims who lost their lives on that day. Photos by Paul Olivier. Above and below: On Sept. 12, the Gleneagle Spirit 5k walk/run made its way through the streets of Gleneagle. The race began with a children’s untimed race followed by the sanctioned 5k walk/run race. The start and finish lines were located at Antelope Trails Elementary School (ATES). Runners in the 5k race proceeded to Jessie Drive, up the Copperfield Drive hill, and eventually onto Gleneagle Drive at Pauma Valley and back to ATES. Race co-coordinators Blair Dinkins with EXP Realty and Mark Rudolph with ERA Shields Realty were assisted by Scouting America Troop 194 and Gleneagle area volunteers with course setup and registration. Dinkins said about 180 runners were registered for the walk/run. Bounce houses, face painting, food vendors, and vendor booths including Veterans United, The Lofts at Polaris Point, Natural Grocers, Basil and Barley Pizzeria, and Monument Fire Department provided post-race fun. Net proceeds from the race benefited Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center. The top overall 5k female finisher was Erin Bellissimo (21:27) of Monument. The top overall 5k male finisher was Jaxon Madsen (22:08) of Colorado Springs. Photos by David Futey.
Read, download, search, and listen to OCN content at our mobile-friendly website OCN.ME
Page 20
AHGC helps TLC garden, Sept. 12
Vol. 26 No. 10
Final 2026 Art Hop, Sept. 17
Above: Daniel Rich was the featured artist for the season’s final Art Hop at Bella Art and Frame Gallery on Sept. 17. His landscape paintings glow with a velvety luminescence. Because pastels use pure pigment on paper rather than oil film, they form a light-scattering powder that captures natural color. The exhibition runs through October. Photo by Janet Sellers.
Above: The American Heritage Girls Club (AHGC) helped in the Tri-Lakes Cares garden Sept. 12. They learned about soil and growing things, and how soil, water, and plants work together. They did watering and checked the soil and plant health. Photo courtesy of American Heritage Girls Club.
Ride for Tim, Sept. 19
Monument Library Ducks
Above: About 300 cyclists rode from Mount Herman to Palmer Lake, Sept. 22, 2017. Photo by Becky Tessier.
Above: These ducks were in the water behind Monument Library and after I dropped off a book in the early morning book deposit slot, the ducks stampeded almost under the car wheels. Please understand feeding the cute ducks is destructive and can ruin their health. Health risks: Feeding ducks bread, crackers, or processed grain harms their nutrition, causes deformities like “angel wing,” degrades water quality, and congregates high densities of birds that spread avian diseases. Photo by Gordon Reichal.
YouTube OCN Video Playlists MonuPalooza 2 clips
Monument E-Motos 5 clips
Gleneagle Spirit Run
HSEA Modulars 3 clips
Support Our Community. Patronize OCN advertisers!
Above: The Palmer Lake Star was lit Sept. 19. Photo by Vickey Meeker
Did you know that our advertisers are the reason Our Community News is mailed FREE to the entire Tri-Lakes community? Our mailed circulation each month exceeds 21,000. We also place another 700 papers each month in stacks at local businesses. Our advertisers’ willingness to advertise in OCN makes FREE distribution of this newspaper possible. Please let them know you saw their ad in OCN when patronizing their businesses!
Thank you for your support! Please shop Tri-Lakes and Black Forest businesses!
Above: Tim Watkins Memorial, Sept. 19. Photo by Steve Pate.
OCN
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Our Community Notices 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.
Community Alert: Sheriff's Office Investigation
On Sept. 24, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office arrested 37-year-old Michael Vassar, the head wrestling coach at Palmer Ridge High School from Dec. 1, 2025 to May 12, 2026. Vassar faces a charge of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust. Lewis-Palmer School District 38 confirmed that Vassar is no longer a district employee. District officials learned of allegations following his resignation, thoroughly investigated, followed standard hiring procedures, and reported the matter to authorities. Because Vassar also had ties to local athletic spaces including Crunch Fitness, Unbreakable Ministries Gym, and online personal training, investigators suspect there may be additional victims. How to report: If you have information or believe someone you know may have been victimized, please contact the El Paso County Sheriff's Office Tip Line at (719) 520-7777.
County seeks feedback on the Revised LDC
El Paso County is requesting that county residents, businesses, and other stakeholders review the latest revised draft of the Land Development Code and provide comments. The LDC is posted at https://elpasocountyldc.konveio. com/ldc-modules-1-2-zoning-districts-uses-and-development-standards. The consolidated draft covering zoning districts, land uses, site design, landscaping, parking, signs, subdivision standards, lighting, and other regulations that guide growth and development in unincorporated El Paso County. The work is not complete, and community feedback remains an essential part of developing the final Land Development Code. "Public participation is a critical part of this process, and we encourage everyone to review the draft and share their feedback," said Meggan Herington, Executive Director of the Planning and Community Development Department.
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/
ers 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.
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.
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://trilakescares.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 TriLakes Cares or how you can help, contact Tri-Lakes Cares at 719-481-4864 or info@tri-lakescares.org.
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.
•
•
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://tinyurl.com/homeignitionzone. 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 firefight-
•
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. Information is at 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/.
Page 21
Why advertise in OCN? • OCN is mailed FREE to every resident and business in the Tri-Lakes area. We mail more than 21,000 copies every month and put another 700 copies in stacks throughout the area. OCN has the one of the largest mailed circulations among local newspapers in Colorado. We put copies of OCN into the hands of those people most likely to buy your products or services: local residents and businesses. • OCN is a primary source for Tri-Lakes area news. Since its founding in 2001, OCN has been presenting unbiased, detailed coverage of Tri-Lakes area governmental entities and their deliberations and actions. Credibility is key. Advertising in a credible medium typically rubs off on the advertisers in that media. • OCN gives preference to Tri-Lakes area businesses. As part of OCN ’s long-standing commitment to encouraging the economic health of the Tri-Lakes area, we offer a significantly discounted ad rate to Tri-Lakes area businesses as a way to help local businesses like yours succeed. • OCN’s low ad rates and monthly publication schedule help stretch your ad budget. OCN has one of the lowest ad costs per printed copy of any local publication. Since OCN is a monthly publication, your ad is out there for a month—more than four times longer than other local papers. Many of our advertisers tell us they’re still getting calls in the third and fourth week of the month. • OCN doesn’t use contracts. You aren’t tied down. Adjust your advertising month-to-month to meet your changing needs. Our advertisers run ads in OCN because they see benefit in it, not because they’re bound by a contract they signed months before. To reward frequent advertisers, OCN has a Frequent Advertiser Bonus (FAB) rewards program. You earn up to 10% of your ad cost as a reward you can use to reduce the cost of future OCN advertising. The more you advertise with OCN OCN, the more you save. Thanks to our FAB rewards program, OCN advertisers have saved more than $128,000! • You are supporting a good thing. Your advertising dollars support a unique all-volunteer, Tri-Lakes-focused effort to present factual, comprehensive news to all Tri-Lakes area residents and businesses.
And the best reason of all: It works! Janet Huffor, Stubby’s Dog Wash – “We have had GREAT response from our ads. Better than any advertising we have done before!” Crystal Wright, Crystal’s In-Home Training - “I have had the best success with advertising in the Our Community News for my business. 95% of my new clients are coming from this local paper, and I couldn’t be more pleased. If you are thinking of advertising in the Monument area, I recommend you advertise with this paper.” Mike Smith, Woodsmith Custom Creations - “OCN is the only paper that works for me. I’ve tried other newspapers, one that comes out daily and another that comes out weekly. Compared to the results I get from advertising in the OCN the other papers are flops. I get a fairly priced ad in my targeted area with calls referencing my ad every month. It can’t be beat!” Randi and Dale Sehestedt, Woodmoor Handyman and Snow Plowing - “OCN is the only paper we advertise in and it consistently brings us plenty of good local customers. Great paper and great people to work with.” Mary Sue Hafey, Fringe Benefits Custom Interiors - “Since I starting advertising with OCN years ago, it has helped brand my company while consistently increasing my exposure and sales!” Elba D’Asaro, Spa Medica - “OCN ads work!”
For more information on advertising, go to wp.ocn.me/advertise or contact John Heiser at (719) 488-3455 or ads@ocn.me.
Page 22
Read, download, search, and listen to OCN content at our mobile-friendly website OCN.ME
Vol. 26 No. 10
Our Community Calendar 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 info number for that event. Please contact calendar@ocn.me with changes and additions.
•
• • •
•
•
• •
•
• •
•
• • •
• • • • • • • • • •
second Mon. 1845 Woodmoor Dr., Monument. Info: 719488-2525. www.woodmoorwater.com.
W E E K LY & M O N T H LY E V E N T S
•
G O V E R N M E N TA L B O D I E S
Academy Water and Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Oct. 21, 6 pm-9 pm. Usually meets third Wed. Public can join the Skype meeting: Monthly board meeting is on Skype at this link https://join.skype.com/ OfBkDyhucmep Info: Steve Callicott (President) 719-3259039 https://www.academywsdco.gov. Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District board meeting, Wed., Oct. 28, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm. Usually meets fourth Wed. Visit http://www.bffire.org for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes or contact 719-495-4300. Donala Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Thu., Oct. 8, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm. Normally meets third Thu. 15850 Holbein Drive, COS 80921. Check the website www.donalawater.org for the access code for the electronic meeting. Info: 719-488-3603 El Paso County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), Thu., Oct. 1, 9 am-5 pm; Thu., Oct. 8, 9 am-5 pm; Thu., Oct. 15, 9 am-5 pm; Thu., Oct. 22, 9 am-5 pm; Thu., Oct. 29, 9 am-5 pm; Thu., Nov. 5, 9 am-5 pm. View agendas and meetings at www.agendasuite.org/iip/elpaso. Meetings are held at Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Ave., Suite 150, Colo. Springs. Info: 719-520-643. BOCC land use meetings are held the second and fourth Thursdays of the month (as needed) at Centennial Hall. El Paso County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) regular meeting, Tue., Oct. 6, 9 am-10 am; Tue., Oct. 13, 9 am-10 am; Tue., Oct. 20, 9 am-10 am; Tue., Oct. 27, 9 am-10 am; Tue., Nov. 3, 9 am-10 am. Usually every Tue. View agendas and meetings at www. agendasuite.org/iip/elpaso. Meetings are held at Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Ave., Suite 150, Colo. Springs. Info: 719-520-643. BOCC land use meetings are held the second and fourth Thursdays of the month (as needed) at 1pm Centennial Hall. El Paso County Planning Commission meeting, Thu., Oct. 1, 9 am-12 pm; Thu., Oct. 15, 9 am-12 pm; Thu., Nov. 5, 9 am-12 pm. Normally meets first & third Thu. (as required). Regional Development Center, 2880 International Circle, Colo. Springs. Meetings are livestreamed on the El Paso County News & Information Channel at www.elpasoco.com/news-information-channel. Info: 719-520-6300 El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority meeting, Thu., Oct. 15, 9 am-12 pm. Normally meets third Thu. No meeting in Dec. Monument Town Hall Boardroom, 645 Beacon Lite Rd. Info: 719-488-3603 or https://www. loopwater.org. Lewis-Palmer School District 38 board meeting, Mon., Oct. 19, 6 pm-9 pm. 6 pm. Meets in the school year, third Mon. 146 N Jefferson St, Monument. The Board of Education meeting will be live-streamed on the district’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/ LPSDCommunity, agenda, and supporting documents at https://go.boarddocs.com/co/lewispalmer/Board.nsf/ vpublic. Contact Vicki Wood. Phone: 719.481.9546 Email: vwood@lewispalmer.org Website: www.lewispalmer.org. Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee (PCAC), Tue., Oct. 13, 6 pm. Formerly known as the District Accountability Advisory Committee (DAAC). Meets six times a year at a different school each month. The October 13, 2026 meeting will be at the Ray Kilmer Elementary School, 4285 Walker Road. For information, check the D38 website https:// www.lewispalmer.org or contact tmckee@lewispalmer.org. Monument Academy School Board meeting, Thu., Oct. 8, 6:30 pm-10:30 pm. Usually meets the second Thu. East Campus gym, 4303 Pinehurst Circle. Info: 719431-8001 or https://www.monumentacademy.net/schoolboard. Monument Fire District board meeting, Wed., Oct. 28, 4:30 pm-6:30 pm. Meets 4th Wed. in person or via Microsoft Teams. Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For up-todate meeting information, visit www.monumentfire.org for updates and the agenda listing the Microsoft Teams joining codes, or contact 719-488-0911. Monument Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Oct. 14, 6 pm-9 pm. Usually meets the second Wed. Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. To see the options for remote public participation in each meeting, visit www.townofmonument.org/263/PlanningCommission-Board-of-Adjustment. Info: 719-884-8028. Monument Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Oct. 21, 9 am-12 pm. Meets third Wed. In-person at 130 Second St. Also available on Google Meet. Find joining instructions at https://www.monumentsanitationdistrict. org/. Info: 719-481-4886 Monument Town Council "Talk with the Town", Tue., Oct. 13, 6 pm-8 pm. Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Talk with the Town Council about all things Monument. . Info: 719-884-801 townofmonument. org Monument Town Council meeting, Mon., Oct. 5, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm; Mon., Oct. 19, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 2, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm. Normally meets first and third Mon. Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Info: 719-884-801 for remote attendance links. www.townofmonument.org/260/Board-of-Trustees Palmer Lake Board of Adjustments meeting, Tue., Oct. 6, 5 pm-8 pm; Tue., Nov. 3, 5 pm-8 pm. Normally meets first Tue., as needed. 28 Valley Crescent St., Palmer Lake. https://www.townofpalmerlake.com Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting, Thu., Oct. 8, 6 pm-9 pm; Thu., Oct. 22, 6 pm-9 pm. Usually meets second and fourth Thu. Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Info: 719-481-2953 or https://www. townofpalmerlake.com. Palmer Lake Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Oct. 14, 9 am-12 pm. Meets second Wed. Call-in only: 650-479-3208, Access Code 76439078, 120 Middle Glenway. Info: 719-481-2732 or www.plsd.org. Palmer Lake Town Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Oct. 21, 6 pm-9 pm. Meets third Wed. Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Info: 719-481-2953 or https://www.townofpalmerlake.com. Town of Palmer Lake Candidate Forum, Sun., Oct. 4, 4 pm-6 pm. Palmer Lake Town Hall, 42 Valley Crescent, Palmer Lake, CO 80133. Info: 719-481-2953. https://www. townofpalmerlake.com/ Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee meeting, Tue., Oct. 13, 10 am-1 pm. Meets second Tue. 16510 Mitchell Ave. Info: See tlwastewater.com/index.html. Triview Metropolitan District board meeting, Thu., Oct. 22, 5:30 pm-8:30 pm. Usually meets third Thu. In person or via Zoom. 1641 Baja Drive, Monument. Visit www.triviewmetro.com for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes, or contact 719-488-6868. Village Center Metropolitan District Board Meeting, Tue., Oct. 20, 4 pm-7 pm. Normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Serranos Coffee Shop. If the meeting time/location changes, it will be updated on the District’s website: https://villagecentermd.colorado.gov Woodmoor Improvement Association Board Meeting, Wed., Oct. 28, 7 pm-8 pm. Usually meets fourth Wed. Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Info: 719-4882693. www.woodmoor.org Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District board meeting, Sun., Oct. 11, 1 pm-5 pm. Normally meets
• • •
•
•
•
•
• •
• •
•
•
• •
•
• •
A.A. Big Book Study, Thu., Oct. 1, 7 pm-9 pm; Thu., Oct. 8, 7 pm-9 pm; Thu., Oct. 15, 7 pm-9 pm; Thu., Oct. 22, 7 pm-9 pm; Thu., Oct. 29, 7 pm-9 pm; Thu., Nov. 5, 7 pm-9 pm. Every Thu., 7 pm, Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 W. Baptist Rd. Call 425-436-6200, access code 575176# AARP Black Forest #1100, Wed., Oct. 14, 11:30 am-1 pm. Second Wed., In-person Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Rd. All ages welcome. Info: http://www. aarpchapter1100blackforest.com AARP Local Senior Social, Wed., Oct. 28, 1 pm-4 pm. In-person Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Rd. Info: http://www.aarpchapter1100blackforest.com Al-Anon for family and friends of alcoholics, Thu., Oct. 1, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Oct. 6, 7:30 pm9:30 pm; Thu., Oct. 8, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Oct. 13, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Oct. 15, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Oct. 20, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Oct. 22, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Oct. 27, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Oct. 29, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Nov. 3, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Nov. 5, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm. Every Tue. & Thu., 7:30 pm, Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908. Al-Anon members are people, just like you, who are worried about someone with a drinking problem. Join us with your questions. Info: bflc@bflchurch. org. Al-Anon meeting: Letting Go, Thu., Oct. 1, 9 am10:15 am; Thu., Oct. 8, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Oct. 15, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Oct. 22, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Oct. 29, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Nov. 5, 9 am-10:15 am. Every Thu., 9-10:15 am at Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument. For additional information go to www.al-anonco.org. Al-Anon meeting: Monument Serenity, Thu., Oct. 1, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Oct. 8, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Oct. 15, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Oct. 22, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Oct. 29, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Nov. 5, 9 am-10:15 am. Every Thu., 7 pm, The Church at Woodmoor, 18125 Furrow Road, Monument. For additional information go to www. al-anon-co.org.. Alcoholics Anonymous, Thu., Oct. 1, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Fri., Oct. 2, 12 pm-1 pm; Tue., Oct. 6, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Oct. 8, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Fri., Oct. 9, 12 pm-1 pm; Tue., Oct. 13, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Oct. 15, 7:30 pm9:30 pm; Fri., Oct. 16, 12 pm-1 pm; Tue., Oct. 20, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Oct. 22, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Fri., Oct. 23, 12 pm-1 pm; Tue., Oct. 27, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Oct. 29, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Fri., Oct. 30, 12 pm-1 pm; Tue., Nov. 3, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Nov. 5, 7:30 pm9:30 pm; Fri., Nov. 6, 12 pm-1 pm. Every Tue. & Thu., 7:30 pm Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908. AA is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Join us with your questions. Info: bflc@bflchurch.org. Amateur Ham Radio WØTLM (Tri-Lakes Monument ham radio Association), Mon., Oct. 19, 6 pm-10 pm. Third Mon. (except December). We will open the doors at 6:00 PM for Connect Time, where members can socialize, meet new people, seek out help, or connect with an Elmer. The business meeting will start at 7:00 PM – a brief business session followed by an educational presentation. Our meetings provide: (1) Information about public service and fun activities, license classes, emergency support, and more. (2) Technical presentations to advance your knowledge of diverse Amateur Radio topics. All amateur ham radio operators or those interested in becoming one are welcome. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Building, 166 2nd Street, Monument. For details, see www.W0TLM.com. American Legion Tri-Lakes Post 9-11, Wed., Oct. 14, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm. Second Wed., 6:30 pm, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Community Meeting House, 300 CO Hwy 105, Monument. New members welcome. Info: Visit website at www.trilakespost9-11.org. Benet Hill Monastery Sunday Worship Service, Sun., Oct. 4, 10:15 am-11:30 am; Sun., Oct. 11, 10:15 am11:30 am; Sun., Oct. 18, 10:15 am-11:30 am; Sun., Oct. 25, 10:15 am-11:30 am; Sun., Nov. 1, 10:15 am-11:30 am; Sun., Nov. 8, 10:15 am-11:30 am. Every Sun., 10:15 am worship service. Visit prayer sites. Walk the labyrinth in the forest. Individual and group retreats. 3190 Benet Lane, 80921. Info: (719) 633-0655. Benethillmonastery.org Bingo night, American Legion post 9-11 Tri-Lakes, Sat., Oct. 10, 6 pm-9 pm; Sat., Oct. 24, 6 pm-9 pm. 2nd and 4th Sat., 6-9 pm, Kings Deer Golf Club, 19255 Royal Troon Dr, Monument. Dementia Caregiver Support Group, Sat., Oct. 10, 9:45 am-11:15 am. Meets monthly, second Sat., 9:45-11:15 am. Meets in-person. Free and open to the public. The Oct. 2025 through Feb. 2026 meetings will be at Falcon’s Nest at Jackson Creek Senior Living, 16601 Jackson Creek Parkway, Monument, CO 80132. Jackson Creek Senior Living has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter to host a six-month in-person support group for families, spouses and caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. The prior meeting place was the First National Bank Monument ( 581 Highway 105, Monument, CO 80132). Registration is required, call 800-272-3900 or email khare@alz.org to register. Friends of Fox Run Park, Thu., Oct. 22, 7 pm-9 pm. Zoom meeting, fourth Thu., 7 pm. Join the growing group volunteering at the park: forest safety, trails, trees, education, special events, more; stay tuned! Email friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com. We will email you the link the day of the meeting. Gleneagle Service to Mankind (Sertoma), Wed., Oct. 7, 11:45 am-1 pm; Wed., Oct. 21, 11:45 am-1 pm; Wed., Nov. 4, 11:45 am-1 pm. First and third Wed., 11:45 am to 1 pm. A chapter of Sertoma International, Inc., this is the longest continuously active civic service organization in Northern El Paso County. “Serving Together, Growing Community.” First and third Wednesday lunch meetings include a program speaker of current local interest. Community service projects, sponsoring hearing health programs, youth activities and our national heritage. For meeting location write to contactus@gleneaglesertoma.org. Gleneagle Women’s Club, membership luncheon, Fri., Oct. 16-Sat., Oct. 17. Third Fri., (Sep.-June), various venues, 12 activity groups, i.e., hiking, bridge, etc. Guests welcome. For information contact Marcie at 520-205-0578. Lions Club Bingo, Mon., Oct. 5, 5:30 pm-10 pm; Sat., Oct. 10, 8:30 am-1 pm; Sat., Oct. 17, 8:30 am-1 pm; Sat., Oct. 24, 8:30 am-1 pm; Sat., Oct. 31, 8:30 am-1 pm; Mon., Nov. 2, 5:30 pm-10 pm. Every Sat. (except the first Sat.), 8:30 am-1 pm and first Mon., 5:30-10 pm Tri-Lakes Lions Club’s portion of the proceeds benefit those in need in the Tri-Lakes community. Updated info and location: Jim Naylor, 719-481-8741 or www.trilakeslionsclub.org. Mind Quest - After School Puzzle Club, Wed., Oct. 7, 4:30 pm-6 pm; Wed., Oct. 14, 4:30 pm-6 pm; Wed., Oct. 21, 4:30 pm-6 pm; Wed., Oct. 28, 4:30 pm-6 pm; Wed., Nov. 4, 4:30 pm-6 pm. Mind Quest Puzzles and Games. 872 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO. 80133. Info at 719-6237494 and mindquestpuzzles.com. Register at https://www. mindquestpuzzles.com/collections/speed-puzzling-clubs Mind Quest - Breakfast Club, Fri., Oct. 30, 7:30 am-9 am. Mind Quest Puzzles and Games. 872 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO. 80133. Come puzzle and chat! Info: 719623-7494 mindquestpuzzles.com. Email mymindquest@ gmail.com to sign up. Mind Quest - Bunco Game Night, Tue., Oct.
•
•
• • • • •
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
• •
•
•
•
•
•
•
13, 6 pm-8 pm. Mind Quest Puzzles and Games. 872 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO. 80133. Info: 719-6237494 mindquestpuzzles.com. Register at https://www. mindquestpuzzles.com/products/bunco-game-night-2ndtuesday Mind Quest - Game Time, Sun., Oct. 4, 1 pm-5 pm; Sun., Oct. 11, 1 pm-5 pm; Sun., Oct. 18, 1 pm-5 pm; Sun., Oct. 25, 1 pm-5 pm; Sun., Nov. 1, 1 pm-5 pm; Sun., Nov. 8, 1 pm-5 pm. Mind Quest Puzzles and Games. 872 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO. 80133. Info at 719-6237494 and mindquestpuzzles.com. Come play games with us – bring your own or use ours! Mind Quest - Home Schooling Speed Puzzle Club, Tue., Oct. 6, 1 pm-3 pm; Tue., Oct. 13, 1 pm-3 pm; Tue., Oct. 20, 1 pm-3 pm; Tue., Oct. 27, 1 pm-3 pm; Tue., Nov. 3, 1 pm-3 pm. Mind Quest Puzzles and Games. 872 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO. 80133. Info at 719-6237494 and mindquestpuzzles.com. Register at https://www. mindquestpuzzles.com/collections/speed-puzzling-clubs Mind Quest - Jigsaw Puzzle Chess, Wed., Oct. 28, 5 pm-8 pm. Mind Quest Puzzles and Games. 872 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO. 80133. Info at 719-623-7494 and mindquestpuzzles.com. Free. Mind Quest - Jigsaw Puzzle Meet-Up, Mon., Oct. 5, 11 am-1 pm; Mon., Oct. 19, 11 am-1 pm; Mon., Nov. 2, 11 am-1 pm. Mind Quest Puzzles and Games. 872 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO. 80133. 719-623-7494 Mind Quest - Rummikub Game Day, Sun., Oct. 11, 2 pm-4 pm; Sun., Nov. 8, 2 pm-4 pm. Mind Quest Puzzles and Games. 872 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO. 80133. 719-623-7494. Register at https://mindquestpuzzles.com Mind Quest - Uno Game Day, Sun., Oct. 18, 2 pm-4 pm. Mind Quest Puzzles and Games. 872 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO. 80133. 719-623-7494. Register at www. mindquestpuzzles.com Mind Quest Speed Puzzling Competitions - Pairs, Mon., Oct. 12, 5:45 pm-8 pm; Mon., Nov. 9, 5:45 pm-8 pm. Check-in: 5:45 pm, Start Time 6 pm. Solos – First Mon., Pairs – Second Mon., and Teams – Third Mon. Two hours to complete a 500-piece puzzle. Info and registration at mindquestpuzzles.com. Events held at Mind Quest Puzzles and Games. 872 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO. 80133. Mind Quest Speed Puzzling Competitions - Solos, Mon., Oct. 5, 5:45 pm-8 pm; Mon., Nov. 2, 5:45 pm-8 pm. Check-in: 5:45 pm, Start Time 6 pm. Solos – First Mon., Pairs – Second Mon., and Teams – Third Mon. Two hours to complete a 500-piece puzzle. Info and registration at mindquestpuzzles.com. Events held at Mind Quest Puzzles and Games. 872 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO. 80133. Mind Quest Speed Puzzling Competitions - Teams, Mon., Oct. 19, 5:45 pm-8 pm. Check-in: 5:45 pm, Start Time 6 pm. Solos – First Mon., Pairs – Second Mon., and Teams – Third Mon. Two hours to complete a 500-piece puzzle. Info and registration at mindquestpuzzles.com. Events held at Mind Quest Puzzles and Games. 872 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO. 80133. Monument Hill Kiwanis Club meeting, Sat., Oct. 3, 8 am-10 am; Sat., Oct. 10, 8 am-10 am; Sat., Oct. 17, 8 am-10 am; Sat., Oct. 24, 8 am-10 am; Sat., Oct. 31, 8 am-10 am; Sat., Nov. 7, 8 am-10 am. Every Sat., 8 am. www.MHKiwanis.org, MonumentHillKiwanis@gmail. com for details, guests are welcome. Service leadership clubs, Key clubs, Builders Club, and K-kids at D38 schools. Memberships are open to the public. Info: RF Smith, 719210-4987, www.MHKiwanis.org. Monument Life Recovery Group, Mon., Oct. 5, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm; Mon., Oct. 12, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm; Mon., Oct. 19, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm; Mon., Oct. 26, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 2, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 9, 6:30 pm7:30 pm. Every Mon., 6:30-7:30 pm, The Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd. This faith-based support group is for those seeking freedom from all hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Daycare for children under age 11. Info: www. liferecoverygroups.com/meetings/life-recovery-group-3/ Monumental Impact: Make it work Clinic: Tech + Tools, Tue., Oct. 27, 3 pm; Tue., Oct. 27, 3 pm. Meets in-person at Monumental Impact, 866 Highway 105, Palmer Lake. Free and open to the public. Bring something you would like advice on troubleshooting, repairing or getting working again. Assistance depends on the expertise of volunteers available that day. Hosted by Monumental Impact. Information: http://monumentalimpact.org/makeit-work/. Neighborhood Net Ham Radio, Sat., Oct. 3, 10 am-1 pm; Sat., Oct. 10, 10 am-1 pm; Sat., Oct. 17, 10 am-1 pm; Sat., Oct. 24, 10 am-1 pm; Sat., Oct. 31, 10 am-1 pm; Sat., Nov. 7, 10 am-1 pm. Every Sat., 10 am. Amateur ham radio operators practice for emergencies on weekly repeater nets so neighbors can help neighbors. Sign up at www.mereowx. org/neighborhood-net or contactus@mereowx.org. Palmer Divide Quiltmakers, Thu., Oct. 1, 6:30 pm8:30 pm; Thu., Nov. 5, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm. First Thu., 6:308:30 pm (doors open at 6 pm) at Monument Hill Church, 18725 Monument Hill Rd, Monument, CO 80132.. Note: Dec. 4, 2025 meeting 5:00-7:30 pm at the Woodmoor Barn Community Center, 1691 Woodmoor Dr, Monument, CO 80132. https://palmerdividequilters.com. Palmer Lake Art Group, Sat., Oct. 10, 9:30 am-11:30 am. Second Sat., 9:30 am. 300 Hwy 105, NE corner of I-25 and 105. For art programs, social gathering and business meetings. Guests welcome. Info: 719-460-4179, https:// palmerlakeartgroup.co.. Palmer Lake Historical Society, Thu., Oct. 15, 7 pm-8 pm. The PLHS normally meets (open to the public) on the third Thursday at 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Palmer Lake Town Hall, 42 Valley Crescent St. Guest speakers, free to the public. Info: Kokesdm@yahoo.com, or visit www. palmerdividehistory.org Pikes Peak Genealogical Society, Wed., Oct. 14, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm. Zoom meeting, second Wed., 6:30pm: Zoom hangout. 7 pm: meeting starts. Monthly special speaker programs. At the Oct. 14 meeting, Blaine Bettinger will talk about using Autosomal DNA for 18th and 19th Century Mysteries. For zoom meeting details contact: president@ ppgs.org. Info: www.ppgs.org. Relentless Recovery, Recovery Gathering, Mon., Oct. 12, 7:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Oct. 26, 7:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 9, 7:30 pm-8:30 pm. 2nd and 4th Mon., 7:30-8:30 pm, hybrid zoom and in person at Lake & Lantern Cafe, 84 CO-105 #2, Palmer Lake. “All humans welcome.” To register: https://hardbeauty.life/dyr/. Ridgeview Baptist Church, Sun., Oct. 4, 10:30 am12 pm; Sun., Oct. 11, 10:30 am-12 pm; Sun., Oct. 18, 10:30 am-12 pm; Sun., Oct. 25, 10:30 am-12 pm; Sun., Nov. 1, 10:30 am-12 pm; Sun., Nov. 8, 10:30 am-12 pm. Every Sun., 10:30 am, 5740 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, 80918. All are welcome. Info: 719-357-6515 or www.ridgeviewcolorado.org. St. Matthias Sunday Services, Sun., Oct. 4, 10 am11:30 am; Sun., Oct. 11, 10 am-11:30 am; Sun., Oct. 18, 10 am-11:30 am; Sun., Oct. 25, 10 am-11:30 am; Sun., Nov. 1, 10 am-11:30 am; Sun., Nov. 8, 10 am-11:30 am. 10 am. Join us at St. Matthias Episcopal Church, 18320 Furrow Road, Monument. Traditional worship and meaningful fellowship in a loving church community. https://www. saint-matthias.org. The Renovation Church, Sun., Oct. 4, 10 am-11:30 am; Sun., Oct. 11, 10 am-11:30 am; Sun., Oct. 18, 10 am11:30 am; Sun., Oct. 25, 10 am-11:30 am; Sun., Nov. 1, 10 am-11:30 am; Sun., Nov. 8, 10 am-11:30 am. Service every Sun., 10 am. Phil Long Music Hall, 13071 Bass Pro Dr., Colorado Springs. A Place to Belong. Real people with Real problems serving a Real God who Really loves us. www. TheRenovationChurch.org Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfast, Thu., Oct. 1, 7:30 am-9 am; Thu., Oct. 15,
OCN
Saturday, October 3, 2026
•
•
•
• • •
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
• •
•
7:30 am-9 am; Thu., Nov. 5, 7:30 am-9 am. First and third Thu., in person or via Zoom 166 2nd Street Monument 7:30-9 am free registration at www.TriLakeschamber.com Tri-Lakes Cruisers, Wed., Oct. 7, 6 pm-8 pm; Wed., Nov. 4, 6 pm-8 pm. First Wed., 6 pm. A nonprofit car club. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, with numerous activities and events each month. Club membership applications are now being accepted and are available on the website: https://www.trilakescruisers.com. Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club Meeting, Thu., Oct. 1, 6 pm-8 pm; Thu., Oct. 15, 6 pm-8 pm; Thu., Nov. 5, 6 pm-8 pm. First and third Thu., 6 pm-8 pm. First Thursday via zoom and third Thursday in person at the Chamber of Commerce, 166 2nd St., Monument. Details: www.tlrotary. com, Trilakesdynamicrotary@gmail.com. Guests welcome. We are a service club serving Tri-Lakes. Memberships open to the public. Info: www.tlrotary.com. Tri-Lakes Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, Sat., Oct. 17, 10 am-12 pm. Third Sat., 10 am-noon, Monument Community Presbyterian Church, 238 Third St., Monument. Info: Syble Krafft, 719-488-2669; Barry (group president), 719-351-9485. If you need any help, please call Syble or Barry. Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) monthly meeting, Fri., Oct. 16, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. Third Fri., 11:30 am. To become a member, or learn about the club, visit our website at www.tlwc.net Contact Info: Tri-Lakes Women’s Club membership@tlwc.net. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7829, Wed., Oct. 21, 7 pm-10 pm. Third Wed., 7 pm, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, 166 2nd St., Monument. New members welcome. Info: Post Commander and POC Rodney Fetterman, rwfette@gmail.com. Women’s A. A. Step Study, Mon., Oct. 5, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Oct. 12, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Oct. 19, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Oct. 26, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 2, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 9, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm. Every Mon., 6:30 pm, meeting remotely, check for details. Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 Baptist Rd. Park in the west lot. Info: 866-641-9190.
•
• •
• •
SPECIAL EVENTS
100+ Women Who Care Membership/Social Networking, Wed., Oct. 21, 5 pm. Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Drive. Come join us for fun and getting to know each other! Bring a friend and help us grow. We are 100+ Women committed to contributing $100 two times a year to local Tri-Lakes charities, which will positively impact our communities by allowing us to give up to $20,000 annually. Together we can make a difference that we can see! Big impact, without a big commitment. For more information on how to join us visit: http:// www.100womenwhocaretrilakes.com/ 6th Annual MITEE Gobble Squabble, Sat., Nov. 21, 10 am-3 pm. Bear Creek Elementary School, 1330 Creekside Dr, Monument, CO 80132. Features FIRST Tech Challenge, Combat Robotics and Open Robotics Competition (ORC), community and maker tables, activities, a raffle and auction. Information: https://monumentalimpact.org/events/2026ftc-scrimmage/. ACCESS Community Resource Fair and Open House, Sat., Oct. 17, 1 pm-4 pm. CORE Community Center, 5450 Meridian Rd., Peyton, CO 80831. Free and open to the community. The event is designed especially for individuals with special needs and their families and will bring together local organizations and helpful community resources. Families can connect with providers and community partners, enjoy family activities and bounce houses, learn more about ACCESS Christian Church, and attend a book signing with Claudia Paulk, author of Inside Their Colorful Mind. Info: https://core.churchcenter.com/ calendar/event/232435791. All Pikes Peak Makes, Sat., Oct. 24, 10 am-2 pm. Library 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80920. Join makers from across the Pikes Peak region for a celebration of making, creativity and technology. Monumental Impact will be participating along with individuals in our competitive robotics programs. Info: https://ppld.librarymarket.com/ event/all-pikes-peak-makes-508037. Benet Hill Monastery - Blessing of the Animals, Sat., Oct. 3, 2:30 pm-3:30 pm. 3190 Benet Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80921.All small animals on leach or crated are welcome. Blessing starts promptly at 2:45 pm. Arrive early to park. Come prepared for weather changes. The Josh and John’s Scoop Bus will be available for ice cream treats. Info: https://benethillmonastery.org/. Bookies & Cookies, Sun., Oct. 25, 2 pm-6 pm. Woodmoor Barn Community Center 1691 Woodmoor Dr, Monument CO 80132. Bring your family and friends and join us for a time of shopping, community, and free raffles! At the Bookies & Cookies event, you can meet incredible local authors and small business owners while shopping for books, baked goods, antiques, clay earrings, and more!Get some holiday shopping done early and find new stories you and your kids will love. We’ll also have a small scavenger hunt for fun for the whole family! Please contact Annie at anniecribbs@hotmail.com with questions! Covered Treasures Bookstore Book Signing, Sat., Oct. 17, 11 am-1 pm; Author Jan MacKell Collins will sign her books: Good Time Girls of Colorado and Wicked Cripple Creek District (and other books too!). This event was rescheduled from Sept. 26. Also, author Carolyn Sherrow will sign her memoir My Personal Holocaust: Triumphing Over the Devastation of Trauma-Based Mind Control. Sat., Oct. 24, 12 pm-2 pm. Author Lynn Horton will sign her debut thriller Loose Arrows. Also author Donna Guthrie will be here with her newest children’s book for ages 3-7 Hildie and the Halloween Potion. Please join us! 105 2nd Street, Monument. 719-481-2665. Empty Bowls 2026 Dinner and Silent Auction, Wed., Oct. 14, 5 pm-7:30 pm. Lewis-Palmer High School,1300 Higby Road, Monument, 80132. Proceeds benefit Tri-Lakes Cares! Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Tri-Lakes Cares Pantry! Advanced tickets now available. $25 in advance. $30 at the door. Visit mhkiwanis.org and click on the Bowls icon. One child under 12 FREE with each purchased ticket. Ticket includes: Dinner of soup, bread, drink & dessert donated by local restaurants and merchants and Handmade Bowl donated by a local artist. For Information, contact Dave Bailey, 408-821-5121 or EmptyBowlsMHK@gmail.com Encore Community Arts Presents "Disney's 101 Dalmatians Kids", Sat., Nov. 7, 1 pm & 4 pm. At Trinity Lutheran Church, 17750 Knollwood Drive, Monument 80132. Join Encore Community Arts for Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids, a fun-filled musical adventure featuring Cruella de Vil, Pongo, Perdita, and a lovable cast of puppies! Follow the Dalmatians as they work together to outsmart Cruella and bring their family home. This family-friendly production features young performers from the Tri-Lakes area and beyond. Tickets are available at http://www. encorecommunityarts.org Front Range Makers' Market, Sat., Oct. 10, 9 am-4 pm; Sun., Oct. 11, 10 am-3 pm. 125+ Local Makers. Lewis Palmer High School. Info can be found at frmakersmarket. com Goat Patch Brewing Monument Summer Music Series, Sun., Oct. 4, 2 pm-5 pm. 1756 Lake Woodmoor Dr.. Goat Patch Brewing Company will offer a diverse lineup of live musical talent at the Summer Music Series at the newly rebranded Goat Patch – Monument locations this spring, summer, and fall. Beginning on May 3, the Summer Music Series will take place every Sunday from 2 to 5 pm at Goat Patch – Monument. The lineup is just like the Goat Patch tap list, with something for everyone— from acoustic sets to multi-piece bands that range in genre from rock to punk to funk, mixed with jazz, country, and dance throwbacks that span the eras, plus more. Info: https:// www.goatpatchbrewing.com/monument-events. Monument Town Council "Talk with the Town", Tue., Oct. 13, 6 pm-8 pm. Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon
• • •
• • •
•
• •
Lite Rd., Monument. Talk with the Town Council about all things Monument. . Info: 719-884-801 townofmonument. org Monumental Impact - Makerspace Orientation, Sat., Oct. 3, 10 am; Mon., Oct. 19, 6 pm; Mon., Nov. 2, 6 pm; Sat., Dec. 5, 10 am. 866 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake. Community Makerspace (“a space to make”) and how to get involved. Tour the community makerspace, learn about available equipment, memberships, programs and ways to get involved as a member or volunteer. Hosted by Monumental Impact. Free and open to the public. Registration and information: monumentalimpact.org/ orientations/. Monumental Med-Spa Botox Event, Thu., Oct. 15, 9:30 am-6 pm. At the Barn, 88 Highway 105, Palmer Lake 80133. Botox only $11 per unit. Must RSVP. 719-271-0999. No Kings - Vote Early Tri-Lakes, Sat., Oct. 17, 11 am-2 pm. 300 West Highway 105 (Old Park and Ride on west side of I-25 and Hwy 105), Monument 80132. Hosted by TriLakes4Democracy (www.trilakes4democracy. org). Register at https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/ event/1032311/ OCN Publication, Sat., Oct. 3; Sat., Nov. 7; Sat., Dec. 5. We are all volunteers at OCN and need YOUR help. Become an OCN reporter! Help us report ‘What was discussed and what was decided.’ Contact me TODAY! JohnHeiser@ocn. me or (719) 488-3455. Palmer Lake 0.5K "Run", Sun., Oct. 18, 10:30 am-12 pm. 104 CO-105, Palmer Lake, CO US 80133. The 12th Annual Palmer Lake 0.5K is back — yes, that’s Point Five K — brought to you by Awake the Lake! This is the “run” for absolutely everyone. 546 yards of scenic glory around beautiful Palmer Lake in peak fall color, a donut at the halfway mark, a cold beer or root beer at the finish, and bragging rights for life. Registration includes: Entry into the most epic 0.5K ever attempted; A one-of-a-kind Palmer Lake .5K race T-shirt; The coveted .5K Euro-style bumper sticker (you know you want it); One delicious donut (yes, we’re serious); One beer or root beer; One dog treat — depending on your age and species. Fabulous (and probably weird) prizes for: Best outfit, Best costume, and Best attitude, So dress up, show up, and be awesome. Sign up at https:// runsignup.com/Race/CO/PalmerLake/PalmerLakePoint5k. Small Business Saturday, Sat., Nov. 28, 12 am11:59 pm. Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local. St. Matthias Blessing of the Animals, Sun., Oct. 11, 3 pm. Join us at St. Matthias Episcopal Church, 18320 Furrow Road, Monument. We’ll gather outside to celebrate the Blessing of the Animals. All animals welcome! Bring your pet for a blessing. St. Peter Catholic School Trunk or Treat, Fri., Oct. 23, 5-7 pm, 55 Jefferson St. Monument, CO 80132. All are welcome. Come join us for a fun evening of trunk-o-treating with our school community. Trunk decorating contest. Info: Katherine Pietsch, 719-418-2235, event.coordinator@ petertherock.org. Terri Carver's Business Roundtable (CO Senate District 9 Candidate), Wed., Oct. 7, 11:30 am-1 pm. Via Zoom. Email carverforcolorado-mal@outlook.com for the link. Info: https://www.terricarver.org/. Terri Carver's Town Hall (CO Senate District 9 Candidate), Thu., Oct. 15, 4:30 pm-6 pm, 21C Library – ENT Room, 1175 Chapel Hills Dr. 80920; Wed., Oct. 21, 5 pm-6:30 pm. Mission Coffee, 11641 Ridgeline Drive # 170, 80921. Info: https://www.terricarver.org/. TLWC's Joys of the Holiday Season Holiday Home Tour, Fri., Nov. 20, 10 am-4 pm. Tour five northern El Paso County homes professionally decorated for the Holiday Season. A Tri-Lakes Women’s Club event benefitting local non-profits, public education, and service providers. For tickets and information: https://www.joysoftheseasonht. org Tour of the Monument Cemetery, Sat., Oct. 24, 2 pm-3 pm. 800 Eighth Street, Monument 80132. Tour of the Monument Cemetery sponsored by the Town of Monument and Strong Town Tri-Lakes with Michael Weinfeld and John Howe, authors of Shootouts, Killings, and War Heroes: The History Hidden in Monument’s Cemetery, Filter Press, 2024, giving the tour. To join the tour, please contact John Howe at 719 487-1047. Town of Palmer Lake Candidate Forum, Sun., Oct. 4, 4 pm-6 pm. Palmer Lake Town Hall, 42 Valley Crescent, Palmer Lake, CO 80133. Info: 719-481-2953. https://www. townofpalmerlake.com/ Tri-Lakes Chamber Business After Hours - Annual Non-Profit Showcase, Sat., Nov. 7, 5 pm-7 pm. Held at the Tri-Lakes YMCA. This special Business After Hours is our Annual Non-Profit Night. Local non-profit Chamber
Content
Articles in Our Community News focus on the deliberations of Tri-Lakes area governmental bodies such as the Monument Board of Trustees, Palmer Lake Town Council, and many of the local water, sanitation, fire, and school district boards. Unlike papers that try to figure out what the “story” is and then get quotes on each side to presumably lead the reader to conclude what the “truth” is, OCN’s role is to report in detail on public meetings of local governmental entities. We report what was talked about and what was decided supplemented with board packet information. By reading OCN, you can find out what you might have learned if you had attended those public meetings. In this context, “truth” is that the articles accurately represent what transpired at the meetings. The content of ads, inserts, and letters to the editor in OCN is solely the responsibility of the advertisers and authors who place those ads, inserts, and letters. The appearance of an ad, insert, or letter in OCN does not imply endorsement of the ad, insert, or letter’s content or purpose. While OCN does not knowingly run false ads, inserts, or letters, we do not research the accuracy of that content. Readers are encouraged to do their own research prior to committing to use the products or services offered or accept the conclusions of letters to the editor. Readers with concerns about the content of an ad, insert, or letter should take up those concerns with the advertiser or author. Contact John Heiser, Publisher, at johnheiser@ ocn.me or (719) 488-3455 with any questions.
Look for our next issue
Saturday, Nov. 7
Ad space reservations due: Fri., Oct. 16 Finished ad artwork due: Fri., Oct. 23 Letters to the editor due: Fri., Oct. 23 Calendar items due: Fri., Oct. 30 Visit our website to read, download, and search all the back issues at WWW.OCN.ME
Page 23
•
•
members are showcased during this event. You will have the opportunity to meet the people behind several non-profits serving this community. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce - Community and Business Expo, Wed., Oct. 28, 10 am-2 pm. Tri-Lakes YMCA,17250 Jackson Creek Pkwy, Monument. It is FREE and open to everyone. Meet local businesses and learn about their services. There will be artisans, beef jerky, fairy hair, and more. And the Dr. Taco Food Truck will be out front of the YMCA. There will be lots of door prizes and giveaways. You do not need to be present to win. More information: https://www.trilakeschamber.com/community—businessexpo. Western Museum of Mining and Industry - Miners' Pumpkin Patch, Sat., Oct. 3, 9 am-4 pm; Sat., Oct. 10, 9 am-4 pm; Sat., Oct. 17, 9 am-4 pm; Sat., Oct. 24, 9 am-4 pm. Our Biggest Event of the Year… All October Long! Fall is calling — and we’re answering with fun for the whole family, every Saturday in October! Get ready for hayrides, pumpkin picking, lawn games, food trucks, and so much MORE. Each weekend brings something new — from magical moments with a real magician to up-close animal encounters and surprise guest appearances you won’t want to miss! It’s fall-filled fun you’ll want to come back for again and again. See you there! 225 N Gate Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 info@wmmi.org 719-488-0880
Our Community Calendar carries listings on a space-available basis for Tri-Lakes events that are sponsored by local governmental entities and not-for-profit organizations. We include events that are open to the general public and are not religious or self-promotional in nature. If space is available, complimentary calendar listings are included, when requested, for events advertised in the current issue. To have your event listed at no charge in Our Community Calendar, please send the information to calendar@ocn.me or Our Community News, P.O. Box 1742, Monument, Colorado 80132.
House Painting
Pronghorn Prairie Construction Standards, not shortcuts. Neighbors, not numbers. Licensed & Insured Exterior Contractor. Exterior Repairs. All Types of Jobs.
Patrick- 719-465-2988
https://www.pronghornprairie.com
Paul’s Asphalt Service
Top-quality asphalt paving and maintenance A+ rated by the BBB and great on-line reviews! Hot mix asphalt paving • 5 types of asphalt sealcoating Hot rubber crack sealant/asphalt patch • Recycled asphalt paving
Paul Williams, Jr.
719-453-4477 Monument Asphaltserviceonline.com Letters to Our Community
Our Community News welcomes letters to the editor on topics of general interest to readers in the Tri-Lakes area. We do not knowingly print letters that are substantially the same as letters that have been submitted to other publications. To ensure that OCN contains a variety of viewpoints, each letter writer is limited to a maximum of one (1) letter per issue and six (6) letters within a twelve (12)month period. To submit a letter, please: • Email your letter, preferably as an attached Microsoft Word document, to editor@ocn.me or mail a copy to Our Community News, P.O. Box 1742, Monument, CO 80132-1742. • Identify your submission as a letter to the editor and confirm that it has not been submitted to any other publication. • Include a suggested headline or title that summarizes the topic you are addressing. • Limit your letter to no more than 300 words including your suggested headline and closing. • Include your full name, home address, phone numbers, and email address, if you have one. Only your name will be published. • Submit your letter so we receive it no later than midnight, Friday, two weeks prior to the publication date. If you have not received an acknowledgement two days after your email submission or one week after you mailed your letter, please contact John Heiser, Publisher, at (719) 488-3455 or editor@ ocn.me. At OCN’s sole discretion, we may ask you for clarification of your statements. Include references, such as website links, in your letter for any facts and figures you cite. OCN does not guarantee every letter will appear in print or on-line and does not guarantee a publication date. The number of letters printed on a particular topic or in a particular issue may be limited. Letters containing personal attacks or endorsements for or complaints about individually-named commercial products or services will not be published.
OCN is published on the first Saturday of each month by Colorado Cooperative Association Our Community News, Inc. John Heiser, President (719) 488-3455—FAX: (828) 649-2720 Advertising: ads@ocn.me Back issues: www.ocn.me Editorial content: editor@ocn.me Event information: calendar@ocn.me © Copyright 2001-2026 Our Community News, Inc. P.O. Box 1742 Monument, Colorado 80132-1742 All rights reserved.
Page 24
Read, download, search, and listen to OCN content at our mobile-friendly website OCN.ME
Vol. 26 No. 10
Estate Planning & probate What Happens If Something Happens to You? If you don’t have an estate plan, your family could face unnecessary stress, delay, and expense. We help you: • Put a clear plan in place • Protect your family and assets • Avoid confusion during difficult moments • Plan for your business's future Most people wait too long because they don’t know where to start. We make the process simple and straightforward. Peakstone Law Group 719.264.9858 5475 Tech Center Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Our mission at Aveda is to care for the Our mission at Aveda is to care for the world we live in, from the products we world we live in, from the products we make Our to the ways inatwhich give back make to the ways in which mission Avedawe is to care for the Our mission at Aveda is to we caregive for back the to society, Aveda, strive set an we to society, at Aveda, to setwe an worldatwe live in,we from thetoproducts world we live in, fromwe thestrive products example fortoenvironmental leadership example for environmental leadership make the ways in which we give back make to the ways in which we give back and responsibility, justwe in the world andsociety, responsibility, in the world to society, at not Aveda, strive to set an to at Aveda,notwejust strive to set an of beauty, the of beauty, but around theproducts world. Our mission at Aveda isbut toaround care forworld. theleadership world we live in,forfrom the example for environmental example environmental leadership not just in the world and responsibility, not just in the world we make to the“Everything waysand inresponsibility, whicharound we give At Aveda, we strive put inback to society. “Everything we of beauty, butwe the world. of beauty, but around theput world.in
Our mission at Aveda is to care for the world weenvironmental live in, from the products we notmust and our bodies leadership must to set an example foron and just andresponsibility, on our bodies “Everything we put in “Everything we put in make theonaround ways which webegive backand safe” beto nutritious andin safe” nutritious in the world of beauty, the world. andbut our bodies must — and on our bodies must — Horst Rechelbacher, Founder of Aveda & Horst Rechelbacher, Founder of Aveda & to society, at Aveda, we strive tonutritious set an withand NUTRIENTS with Certified Cosmetics beinnutritious and safe” be and safe” INTELLIGENT NUTRIENTS Certified Cosmetics “Everything weINTELLIGENT put and on our bodies must be nutritious safe” — Horst Rechelbacher, Founder of Aveda & — Horst Rechelbacher, Founder of Aveda & — Horst Rechelbacher, Founder Aveda appointment: &with INTELLIGENT NUTRIENTS with Certified Schedule yourof same-day Schedule your same-day appointment: example for environmental leadership INTELLIGENT NUTRIENTS Certified Cosmetics INTELLIGENT NUTRIENTS withCosmetics Certified Cosmetics Call: 719.481.3344 Call: 719.481.3344 Call Text: Schedule your same-daynot appointment: Schedule your719.472.4727 same-day appointment: Text: 719.472.4727 Text: and719.481.3344 responsibility, just719.472.4727 in the world 1729 Lake Woodmoor Drive, Monument 1729 Lake Woodmoor Drive, Monument Call: 719.481.3344 Call: 719.481.3344 1729 Lake Woodmoor Drive, Monument 80132 of beauty, but around Text: 719.472.4727 Text: 719.472.4727 Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 6 pmthe world. Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 6 pm Mention Schedule your same-day appointment: 1729 Lake Woodmoor Friday – Saturday, 9 amDrive, – 4 pmMonument
1729 Friday Lake Woodmoor – Saturday,Drive, 9 am –Monument 4 pm
Sunday hours by appointment
Sunday hours by appointment
this for Mon.–Thu. 9 am–6 pm; Fri.-Sat., 9appointment am–4 pm; By Appointment Monday Thursday, 9 am – 6 Sun., pm Monday Thursday, 9 am ad – 6 pm Sunday hours– by Sunday–hours by appointment Friday – Saturday, 9 am – 4 pm Friday – Saturday, 910% am – 4OFF! pm www.ravissantesalon.com
NOW OPEN!
“Everything we put in and on our bodies must be nutritious and safe”
— Horst Rechelbacher, Founder of Aveda & Where Science INTELLIGENT meets Beauty NUTRIENTS with Certified Cosmetics FREE NO OBLIGATION
SKIN & LASER Medical Spa
CONSULTATION
Pelvic Health · Women’s Health · Mental Health Lactation/Feeding · Massage · Scoliosis PT · CFT Mom/Baby Health · Hormones · Birth Support Scan to Learn More
Laser Hair Schedule your same-day appointment: Removal, Laser Toenail Fungus treatment, Radio -Frequency, InjecƟons, Fillers, and Facials. B12 InjecƟons to Boost Your Immune System.
Call: 719.481.3344 Text: 719.472.4727 1729 Lake Woodmoor Drive, Monument
Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 6 pm “I had Botox and Filler done by Friday – Saturday, 9 am – 4 pm Elba and she did a fantas�c �ob. I always had these procedures Sunday hours by appointment done by a plas�c sur�eon and Our clients say it best…
Elba did a way be�er �ob.”— DEBRA B.
“Thank you for the excellent treatment on my feet.”—GREG M.
Elba D’Asaro, RN
It Takes a Village. We Built One.
719-487-SKIN (7546)
267 Washington St · Downtown Monument
www.spameplz.com
550 Hwy 105, Suite 100 Monument, CO
Johan Hair Studio
BEFORE
AFTER
Love your curls with expert cuts, color, and education designed for naturally curly hair. We also welcome clients with straight and wavy hair, offering precision cuts, custom color, highlights, and nourishing hair treatments. Call us today to schedule your transformation.
(719) 488-2662
634 Hwy. 105, Palmer Lake, CO 80133 www.Facebook.com/johanhairstudio
Support Our Community. Advertise in OCN!
Our Community News (OCN), with a circulation over 21,000, is a unique all-volunteer monthly newspaper mailed FREE to every resident and business in the Tri-Lakes area. OCN is a primary source for Tri-Lakes area news that gives advertising preference to Tri-Lakes area businesses. OCN’s contract-free low ad rates and monthly publication schedule help stretch your ad budget while supporting an important Tri-Lakes-focused effort to present factual, comprehensive news to all Tri-Lakes area residents.
For advertising information, contact John Heiser, (719) 488-3455, ads@ocn.me, or visit wp.ocn.me/advertise