OCN Our Community News Happy Thanksgiving! from the all-volunteer staff at
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Issue #308 — Volume 26 Number 11 — Saturday, November 7, 2026
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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. • Monumental Impact - Makerspace Orientation, Mon., Nov. 2, 6 pm. See ad on page 3. •
Holiday Open House, Fri.-Sat., Nov. 6-7. Enjoy food, fun, and sales as downtown Monument businesses kick off the holiday season. See ad on page 24.
•
Covered Treasures Bookstore Book Signing, Sat., Nov. 7, 12 pm-2 pm. Author Jonathan D. Campbell
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Encore Community Arts Presents "Disney's 101 Dalmatians Kids", Sat., Nov. 7, 1 pm and 4 pm. See ad on page 5.
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Tri-Lakes Chamber Business After Hours - Annual Non-Profit Showcase, Sat., Nov. 7, 5 pm-7 pm.
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Fundamentals of Estate Planning, Mon., Nov. 9, 5 pm-6 pm
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WMMI Lecture: History of the Monument Cemetery, Tue., Nov. 10, 4 pm-5 pm.
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Tinsel & Tunes Musical Theater Class, starts Tue., Nov. 10, 5:30 pm-6:45 pm runs through Dec. 10. See ad on page 5.
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Veteran's Day Celebration at the Crawford Memorial in Palmer Lake, Wed., Nov. 11, 10 am.
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Charity Wine Tasting, Thu., Nov. 12, 6:30 pm-9 pm. See ad on page 7.
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Holiday Boutique, Sat., Nov. 14, 9 am-3 pm. St. Peter Catholic School. See ad on page 2.
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Mind Quest - Fall Maker's Market, Sat., Nov. 14, 10 am-4 pm. See ad on page 6.
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Covered Treasures Bookstore Book Signing, Sat., Nov. 14, 12 pm-2 pm. Authors Karen James and Nori Larkspur.
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Tour of the Monument Cemetery, Sat., Nov. 14, 2 pm-3 pm
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Restyle Your Fur, Wed.-Thu., Nov. 1819, 10 am-6 pm. See ad on page 9.
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Monumental Med-Spa Botox Event, Thu., Nov. 19, 9:30 am-6 pm. See ad on page 7.
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TLWC's Joys of the Holiday Season Holiday Home Tour, Fri.-Sat., Nov. 20-21, 10 am-4 pm. See ad on page 3.
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6th Annual MITEE Gobble Squabble, Sat., Nov. 21, 10 am-3 pm.
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Fall STEAM Camp at WMMI, Tue.Wed., Nov. 24-24, 9 am-12 pm and 1-4 pm. See ad on page 10.
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Small Business Saturday, Sat., Nov. 28. See ad on page 24.
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Getting Started with Making - November Maker Workshops - Monumental Impact, Sat., Nov. 28, 10 am, Sun., Nov. 29, 3 pm. See ad on page 3.
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Holiday Making at Monumental Impact, Tue., Dec. 1. See ad on page 3.
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OCN Publication, Sat., Dec. 5
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Monument Hill Kiwanis Club - 20th Annual North Pole at Tri-Lakes Arts and Crafts Fair, Sat., Dec. 5, 9 am-4 pm. See ad on page 8.
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Monumental Impact - Makerspace Orientation, Sat., Dec. 5, 10 am. See ad on page 3.
In this issue County News 1-2 D38 News 1, 3-8 Monument News 8-10 Palmer Lake News 10, 12 Fire District News 13 Water & San District News 13-15 HOA News 15-16 Letters and Columns 16-19 Snapshots 19-21 Notices and Calendar 21-23 OCN Info 1, 4, 23
Above: St. Peter Catholic Church held its annual trunk-or-treat event on Oct. 23, complete with decorated tailgate floats with costumed hosts. Kids of all ages enjoyed meandering through the festive atmosphere in their costumes, played games, and received candy and goodies. As usual, there were prizes for the most popular trunks. Over a dozen decorated trunks and buses served about 600 children. Trunk or treat is a safe Halloween tradition based on the old-fashioned Halloween party themes, blending classic Halloween party games with open community spirit. Trunk or treat offers a safe, vibrant seasonal tradition for local families. Here Monument Community Resource Officer Kelly Reifel greets trick-or-treaters. Photos by Janet Sellers.
Buc-ee’s submits site plan By John Heiser On Oct. 12, Vertex Consulting Group LLC, representing Buc-ee’s EPCO LLC, the entity developing the proposed Buc-ee’s travel center on the combined parcel of about 53.4 acres on the southeast corner of the intersection of Beacon Lite Road and County Line Road, submitted to the El Paso County Planning and Community Development (PCD) Department a site development plan including documents covering lighting, landscaping, parking, traffic, roadway improvements, and a variety of other technical topics. The submitted documents can be downloaded at https://epcdevplanreview.com/Public/ProjectDetails/216757. The proposed project consists of an approximately 74,000-square-foot
building, 120 fueling positions, approximately 20 electric vehicle charging stations, approximately 810 parking spaces, and bicycle parking. No on-site seating is proposed. The building is proposed to be 26 feet high. A signage plan has not yet been submitted. The applicant proposes paying a $406,852 road impact fee. In the letter of intent, the applicant says the proposed lighting plan adheres to the basic tenets of Dark Sky Compliance: zero light trespass at property lines; full cut-off, fully shielded fixtures; the lowest possible lighting levels required for safe operation; 3,000 Kelvin light temperature lamps; and lighting pole heights not exceeding 20 feet. The submitted traffic study proposes that the site access will be provided by two full-movement accesses
along Beacon Lite Road and right-outonly access along County Line Road. The site is anticipated to generate a total of approximately 22,150 daily weekday trips. I-25 and County Line Road interchange ramp terminals are recommended to be converted from stop control to signal control. To use the existing interchange bridge deck, which is approximately 72 feet wide, there would be two westbound through lanes, a westbound left-turn lane, an eastbound left-turn lane, and a single eastbound through lane between the two ramps. The northbound off-ramp is recommended to provide three approach lanes, including a separate leftturn lane, a shared left turn/through lane, and a right-turn lane.
BUC-EE'S (cont. on page 2)
Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education Meeting, Oct. 19
Board considers partnership with online academy By Harriet Halbig On Oct. 19, the Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education discussed entering an application to join in a partnership with Williamsburg Academy Colorado, a multi-district online school for grades 6 to 12. The president of Williamsburg Academy presented a detailed report on the school and its strengths at the board’s work session on Oct. 6. To view this presentation, please go to the Board of Education tab on the district website, www.lewispalmer.org. Select Board of Education, livestreams of meetings, and Oct. 6. The slide presentation on the subject may also be viewed as part of meeting materials from the Parent and Community Advisory Committee meeting on Oct. 13. The academy offers synchronous, live lessons with Colorado-certified teachers and strongly encourages families to participate in assessments. Most subjects are taught twice a week, with math and English Language Arts offered four times a week. Fridays are set aside for outdoor activities, family activities, and community service. The academy also offers to administer state assessments online or in person. The academy is active in several districts in the state. Superintendent Amber Whetstine reported that there has been discussion and feedback from the Parent and Community Advisory Committee,
the Financial Transparency Committee, and the Staff Collaboration Committee. Whetstine said that the current status of the discussion continues to be encouraging feedback from many sources. At the Oct. 19 meeting, she listed potential benefits and risks of entering a relationship with Williamsburg Academy. The benefits could include increased enrollment for the district, increased participation in assessments, and a defined vendor relationship allowing for performance expectations and opportunities for collaboration. Potential risks include the need for oversight involving district staff, students leaving D38 for Williamsburg Academy, and the fact that the scheduling and peer interaction may not fit current online students. Whetstine told the board that the next step is to continue generating input and asking questions. Additional information will be brought to the board at its November meeting. If the decision is to seek an online application to the Colorado Department of Education, that application would be due Jan. 2 to participate in the 2027-28 school year. Feedback could be received from the Department of Education through April, and a potential agreement would be presented for board approval in late spring.
The board voted to approve continued discussion with regard to a partnership with Williamsburg Academy.
Approval of district and school Unified Improvement Plans
Chief Academic Officer Alicia Welch reviewed the process for Unified Improvement Plans (UIPs), documents which offer a framework for identifying academic achievement, academic growth, and post-secondary workforce readiness. In the case of areas needing improvement, measurable goals are set forth, and action steps to improve performance are described. The board was asked to approve district and individual UIPs for submission to the Department of Education before the end of October. The board voted to approve the plans for submission.
Monument Academy Annual Report
Monument Academy Executive Director Collin Vinchattle and School Board President Lindsay Clinton presented the academy’s Annual Report. To view the presentation, please see boarddocs under the board of education tab on the district website, www.lewispalmer.org. Select the meeting date, view the agenda, and click on the agenda item.
D38 (cont. on 3)
Page 2
Read, download, search, and listen to OCN content at our mobile-friendly website OCN.ME
BUC-EE'S (Cont. from 1) The southbound off-ramp is recommended to provide two approach lanes, including a shared left turn/ through lane and a separate rightturn lane. Due to the anticipated traffic volume, the left-turn lanes onto the I-25 on-ramps will provide a spillback
lane for additional vehicle storage. The intersection at County Line Road and Beacon Lite Road is proposed to be realigned to handle the anticipated volume of Beacon Lite northbound right-turn movements and County Line westbound leftturn movements. The church on the southwest corner of the intersection
of County Line Road and Beacon Lite Road currently has one full movement access along Beacon Lite Road and no other points of access. This access to the church along Beacon Lite Road is proposed to be restricted to right-in/right-out movements due to the proximity to the future realigned intersection of County Line Road and Beacon Lite Road. The traffic study suggests the possibility of creating a second point of church access along County Line Road or Bull Pine Point. The stormwater management plan proposes three detention ponds to address the anticipated runoff from the paved areas.
Vol. 26 No. 11
The planning staff at PCD will conduct a review of the submitted documents and work with the applicant to resolve issues. No further public hearing will be held. ********** The county has created a Buc-ee’s Update web page regarding the proposed project at https://planningdevelopment.elpasoco.com/buc-ees/. The Planning and Community Development Department can be contacted at 719-520-6300, plnweb@ elpasoco.com, or 2880 International Circle, Suite 110, Colorado Springs, CO 80910. John Heiser can be contacted at johnheiser@ocn.me.
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D38 (Cont. from 1) Some highlights of the year include refinancing of the school’s bonds from 2014 and 2019, receipt of a $17 million anonymous donation to build a performing arts center, and construction of a track and field complex. Future plans include a marketing program to increase enrollment and a capital campaign. Vinchattle commented that a number of local residents thought that Monument Academy was a private school due to the crest and uniforms. Some physical improvements are needed at the West Campus due to its age, and parking lot striping and sealing are needed. A three-year strategic plan includes improving academic growth, a buildout of the East Campus, improving student retention, expansion of resources through grants, and increased participation in surveys. The student representatives to this board meeting were Monument Academy students Evie Scaling and Reagan Powell, who introduced themselves and offered a presentation on school activities. Their presentation may be viewed on boarddocs.
Lewis-Palmer High School. These students were among six winners from all over the county. Their stickers will be distributed with ballots, and the original artwork will be displayed in the Clerk and Recorder’s office. Their teachers were on hand to say a few words in support. There were 175 submissions in the contest. Early Childhood Preschool Group Leader from Bear Creek Elementary, Debo-
rah Szymanski, was awarded $1,000 by the College Football Playoff Foundation in recognition of her work in education. Extra Yards for Teachers elevates the teaching profession by empowering teachers with resources, recognition, and professional development. Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway was awarded the 2026 Pinnacle of Achievement Award for innovation and excellence in school busi-
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vancing education. District 38 was specifically recognized for innovation and excellence in school business for its project Freeing Up Captive Fund
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Balance for Capital Projects. In a video, former board President Tiffiney Upchurch praised Ridgway for his skill and innovation. Board President Ron Schwarz praised Ridgway for his achievements, which resulted in the creation of the Career and Innovation Center, new facilities for the Homeschool Enrichment Academy, and other programs without additional tax money. Ridgway thanked the board for its support and said he hoped his achievements demonstrated that residents are doing all they can for the community.
Financial planning and analysis
Ridgway reported that the October head count is not yet official, but it appears that the number will exceed the budgeted amount. The budget projected a total of 6,220 students, and it appears that 6,422 were in attendance on Oct. 1. The number will be finalized by next month. The increase includes 83 students at Monument Academy, 119 in the district-operated schools, and 150 in the Homeschool Enrichment Academy. The district is benefiting from the use of a selffunded health insurance plan and is maintaining funds for the demolition of the Grace Best building. ********** The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education usually meets from 6 to 8 in the Bauman Learning Center, 146 Jefferson St. in Monument. The next meeting is on Nov. 16. For information, contact vwood@lewispalmer.org. Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.
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Above: D38 Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway has been honored with the Pinnacle of Achievement Award from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBOI). Ridgway got the award at the ASBOI conference on Oct. 14 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Pinnacle Award recognizes creative and innovative approaches to challenges in school finance. Only four people worldwide earned the award this year. Ridgway was recognized for his work examining the relationship between Colorado’s state funding and local property tax payments to districts. His work uncovered a significant opportunity to improve cash flow for districts statewide, reducing the need to maintain excess cash reserves. Ridgway’s analysis revealed that hundreds of millions of dollars in captive fund balance for districts could instead be used for school facilities, infrastructure, and student learning. Board of Education President Ron Schwarz said Ridgway’s discovery helped pay for the D38 Career & Innovation Center and the new Home School Enrichment Academy facility. Pictured from left are Jim Rowan, executive director of ASBOI, Lynn Knight, president of ASBOI, Ridgway, and Brian True, vice president of sales for Virco, which sponsored the award. Photo courtesy of D38.
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Monument Academy School Board Meeting, Oct. 15
Board approves improvement plans, hears legislative update By Jackie Burhans The Monument Academy (MA) board met on Oct. 15 to approve its unified improvement plans (UIPs), hear a legislative and state financial update, take actions and update policies.
Improvement plans approved
Elementary Principal Jessie Davis presented the draft UIP for the West Campus, saying its purpose is to strengthen academic growth in English and Language Arts (ELA) by focusing on comprehension and analysis of grade level literary and informational texts. The goal is to help students move beyond acquiring knowledge to being able to demonstrate understanding, reasoning, and application. Davis noted that the School Performance Framework (SPF) said that overall academic growth was 36.1% and the ELA median growth percentile was 28.5%, both of which are categorized as “does not meet” expectations. The achievement for ELA was 58th percentile, which “does meet” expectations and shows that students are demonstrating achievement at grade level, but MA needs to accelerate how much they grow year to year in reading comprehension, she said. Davis said the priorities are improved comprehension of literary text, informational text, and knowledge-based reasoning. She said the root causes of the low scores were a lack of a consistent instructional model and curriculum alignment. Improvement strategies include implementation of the newly selected Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) and Shurely Grammar curricula and an improved process for Professional Learning Community (PLC) collaboration around student evidence. She set a one-year goal of getting grades 3-5 to a Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) growth score of the 61st percentile for reading, with the two-year goal expanding to all grades and to be at “meets” expectation on the elementary SPF. Secondary Campus Principal Mason Young presented the middle and high school UIPs, saying that the SPF identified two focus areas: High School
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recurring math teacher turnover. The ELA scores were also impacted by high turnover rates, which led to inconsistent instructional practices. Young said that to improve math, he was starting with an internal audit of secondary math classes
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Page 6
Vol. 26 No. 11
for inconsistencies and gaps, as well as identifying issues where MA needs to help students with highimpact teaching. His second strategy is to work on turnover by hiring an instructional coach and hiring his wife, Dr. Bobbi Young, as Director of Academics. He is having administrators do formal and informal evaluations to make sure best practices are put into place. He will examine the alignment and effectiveness of the math curriculum to make sure the high school meets its goals. He is also working on consistency with the Middle School ELA team and engaging other teachers as well since graphs, charts, and non-fiction reading come in everywhere. The board unanimously approved the UIPs for the elementary and secondary schools.
Legislative and state financial update
Chief Financial Officer Laura Polen reported that she had attended a Colorado School Finance Project conference and is in a cohort that meets every five weeks. The big takeaway is that Colorado is transitioning to student-focused financing. Funding increasingly reflects enrollment and student characteristics such as At-Risk, English Language Learners (ELL), and Special Education (SPED) students. This is why D38’s per pupil revenue (PPR) is $11,517 while MA’s is $11,358, since D38 has more students
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Above: On Oct. 20, Monument Academy held the official groundbreaking for the new Lynx Performing Arts Center, a state-of-the-art, 750-seat facility that will serve as a home for music, theater, school celebrations, and community connections. The groundbreaking comes during Monument Academy’s 30th anniversary year. What began in 1996 with just 180 students has grown into a thriving K-12 public charter school serving more than 1,200 students. The facility was made possible by an unprecedented $17 million gift from anonymous donors. Collin Vinchattle, Monument Academy Executive Director, said, “This is about more than constructing a building. It’s about creating opportunities for our students and ensuring that every student has a place to shine.” Pictured from left: Adam Fisher, board director; Jilinda Dygert, board secretary; Vinchattle; Lindsay Clinton, board president; Joe Fantocone, board treasurer; and Craig Carle, board vice president. Photo courtesy Monument Academy.
in those categories. She noted that final funding remains subject to state revenue forecasts and the result of key ballot initiatives. She noted that Proposition 136 would cap state income tax at 4.4%, which would have an impact on K-12 funding. Amendment 187 would institute a graduated income tax, like the federal income tax, with lower tax rates for those earning less than $500,000 and higher rates for those earning more, yielding $2 billion for the state which would help to fill the hole in the state budget, some of which would go to education and some to Medicaid and childcare. Proposition NN would raise the cap around 2% annually on how much the state can spend each year on K-12 education. Polen emphasized the impact on MA, saying that student demographics are increasingly relevant and that MA should remain conservative with its budget and continue to monitor ballot initiatives and legislation. With Education Reenvisioned Board of Cooperative Education Services (ERBOCES) ending, the state is conducting an external audit of all part-time programs. Programs will likely change next year, and funding could drop or required hours could increase. Additionally, the Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program has a new requirement for fewer students per class, which would require more staff, Polen said. For board takeaways, Polen suggested it should watch enrollment carefully, understand how the new school finance formula affects MA’s revenue mix, be aware of the impact of student demographics, continue with its conservative multi-year financial model, and stay informed on state policies and
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the 2026 ballot. She noted that the governor’s budget is due on Nov. 1 but that, after the election, a new governor could mean changes to that budget. Polen closed with a reminder that school financing is entering a period of significant change with many competing pressures and continued uncertainty. She reminded them of MA’s debt service, saying to be aware of growing debt coupled with state changes.
Board actions
The board unanimously approved the following: • A contractual increase for CRP Architects adding $14,750 to a total of $1.85 million and an increase of $232,000 to a guaranteed maximum price contract with iiCON construction of $13.6 million for the Performing Arts Center. • A proposal to use the Polaris Hotel as the venue for its 30th anniversary legacy gala. • A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) for Dual Enrollment courses. • A request for a .5 full-time equivalent (FTE) SPED paraprofessional to appropriately staff for elementary student needs. • Changes to the Secondary Athletic Handbook concerning checking students out early on event days and adding a transportation registration form. • Updates to the Emotional Support Dog section of the Student Handbook after addressing community concerns and adding suggestions by legal counsel. The board also considered a first read of a new MA Homeschool Program Handbook that Executive Director Collin Vinchattle felt was necessary because the program differs from the rest of the school and the expected rule-making requirements to come. The board tabled this to a future agenda.
Policy updates
The board unanimously approved the following policies: • GCE/GCF-MA Professional Staff Recruiting/ Hiring creates an MA-specific policy rather than relying on the district policy. • GCE/GCF-R(1) Professional Staff Recruiting/ Hiring provides the regulation for the related policy with bullet points on process details. • GCCAH-MA Instructional Staff Disability Leave speaks to the school’s commitment to supporting employees while ensuring continuity of instruction. • GCCAH-MA Instructional Staff Disability Leave addresses the occasional need for leave for medical or family reasons. MA’s policies can be found at https://tinyurl.com/ ma-policies
Highlights
Board meeting highlights include: • Lynx leading the way. Carle introduced a video recognizing Librarian Kelly Huffman for her work on the Book Fair, where she went above
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and beyond to create an exciting, inviting environment that inspired students and families to engage with reading. The video can be seen on MA’s social media pages as part of its marketing strategy. Executive Director. Vinchattle introduced Amy Murray as his new executive assistant, who will be taking on the role of board clerk. He reported that MA enrollment was up by 99 students after the October count. Vinchattle thanked everyone who made homecoming a great experience, noting that the Monument Police Department coached the powderpuff teams. Finance Director. Laura Polen presented the August financials by school and by fund, noting that August represents 16.67% of the year. She reported year-to-date
OCN net income of $275,000 for the West Campus, $153,000 for Middle School, and $60,000 for High School, with a total of $471,000. The Preschool fund had a slight loss of $12,671 since Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) didn’t start and receive funds until September. The supplemental budget that was adopted has been distributed to all relevant entities, including D38, and posted on the MA website financial transparency page, Polen said. She noted that MA is working with a new vendor, Charter Select, for property liability to analyze all policies to look for cost savings. The field work for the audit is complete, and she provided information for the audit company Hoelting & Co. to finalize and present at a future board meeting. She also asked Hoelting to provide
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an engagement letter to work on a required Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) audit as well. School Advisory and Accountability (SAAC) West. Director Jilinda Dygert reported that Principal Davis presented the elementary UIP to the committee and answered questions. Parent Kristy Davis agreed to chair a subcommittee with East and West SAAC to go over parent survey expectations, she said. SAAC East. Director Adam Fisher said the committee met a few times to discuss the survey questions, five-year expectations, and review and approval of the UIP. Buildings and Facilities. Fisher noted the new facilities opening or starting this year. The track and field area will allow the community to watch MA teams play,
Page 7 he said, and the Performing Arts Center would be breaking ground on Oct. 20. He also said that two more air conditioning units had been replaced at the West Campus for a total of four with five more to go over the next couple of years. Operations Manager Jake Dicus started an online portal for employees to submit facilities requests and is working with a contractor to review the condition of all facilities to be more proactive on maintenance. ********** 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 Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the East Campus. The agenda and packet will be available at tinyurl. com/ma-boarddocs. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.
Parent and Community Advisory Committee Meeting, Oct. 13
Proposed partnership with online school discussed
By Harriet Halbig On Oct. 13, the School District 38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) discussed a possible partnership with an online school, spring assessment results and a proposed Unified Improvement Plan, and heard a presentation about Ray Kilmer Elementary School, the host of the meeting.
Proposed partnership with online school
The committee viewed a presentation from Williamsburg Academy of Colorado, a multidistrict online school for grades 6 through 12. Representatives of the school first presented to the Board of Education at its Oct. 6 work session. To view that presentation, please go to www. lewispalmer.org, board of education, livestreams of meetings, Oct. 6. Williamsburg Academy offers synchronous classes taught by Colorado licensed teachers. Most subjects are taught twice a week, with classes in Math and English Language Arts offered four times a week. Fridays are devoted to outdoor activities, family events, and community service. Williamsburg Academy administers state assessments online or in
person and emphasizes participation in assessments. The district is considering financial and educational implications of the partnership. Committee members were surveyed online to offer their feedback. The district would need to apply to become a multi-district online school in early 2027 to have this option in place by fall of 2027.
Assessment discussion
Assessment Coordinator Brooke Mendez spoke about the results of this spring’s assessments. Preliminary data shows that the district achieved an overall score of 73.2%. To be named accredited with distinction, a score of 74% is required. Overall, district schools met state requirements in the areas of Academic Excellence, Academic Growth, and Post-Secondary and Workforce Readiness. This final area includes SAT scores, matriculation rates (enrollment in college, etc.), dropout rate, graduation rate, and entry into Career and Technical Education. Mendez explained that the district scored near “exceeds” in most categories. The goal for the upcoming year is to increase the matriculation rate,
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increase SAT performance (an indicator for Post-Secondary and Workforce Readiness), and determine what happens to the 26% of graduates who do not have qualifying matriculation rates. To view Mendez’ presentation, please go to the district website www.lewispalmer. org, family resources, community, district committees and specify Parent and Community Advisory Committee, select the meeting date and meeting content. You may also view other presentations from this meeting at that site.
Unified Improvement Plan
Chief Academic Officer Alicia Welch presented on the subject of the district’s Unified Improvement Plan (UIP), which is required to be submitted to the Colorado Department of Education every two years in October. All district schools qualified for performance plans except for Monument Academy Elementary, which was classified as an improvement plan. The district’s UIP is structured to align with the district’s strategic plan and analyzes results of assessments and growth broken down by
demographics such as free/ reduced lunch, students with disabilities, English as a Second Language and general population. Recommendations for improving performance are also included in the plan.
Kilmer Elementary presentation
Kilmer Elementary Principal Greg Saunders spoke about his school, the host of the meeting. Kilmer opened in 1988 and currently has an enrollment of 285, including 31 in preschool. This year’s theme is Creating a Masterpiece Together.
The focus areas are culture/ community, student support systems, and Teaching and Learning. There was a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) oriented day and programs for fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-graders in collaboration with the Career & Innovation Center. To view Saunders’ presentation, please see the district’s website as described above.
Board of Education update
Board liaison Dr. Patti Shank said the board received a presentation by Williamsburg Academy at its Oct. 6 work session and encouraged com-
Vol. 26 No. 11
mittee members to view the livestream. She said that the board was seeking committee input on the subject. Board Secretary Ginger Schaaf was also in attendance. ********** The Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee meets six times a year. Locations vary. The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at the district’s Career & Innovation Center, 1200 Synthes Ave. For information, please contact tmckee@lewispalmer. org. Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.
Monument Town Council Meeting, Oct. 5
Increases in 2027 budget proposed By Marlene Brown At the Oct. 5 Monument Town Council (MTC) meeting, increases in the 2027 proposed budget were noted. A drinking-water report showed no violations. Town of Monument (TOM) Water Department Manager Superintendent
Jonathan Rigaud presented an overview of the town’s 2026 Drinking Water Quality Report. The report states that there were no violations, significant deficiencies, or formal enforcement actions taken. No sites were reported to have samples taken with levels of lead or copper. All
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samples reported below limits of contaminants with “no” violations, and the chlorine levels were at 100 percent of requirements. Samples are collected from the 10 water wells, the treatment facility and distribution systems. Samples are taken several times a year and some tests are done daily in-house to monitor for pH and dissolved solids such as iron, manganese, radium, nitrates, and fluoride. All were below regulatory limits. The complete report is posted on the website townofmonument.org/149/ WaterDepartment.
2027 proposed budget
Laurie Young, finance manager, said the expected revenue for 2027 is $16.31 million compared to $15.97 million in 2026, which includes a 2 to 3 percent increase in sales and property tax revenue. Proposed expenses total $16.9 million compared to the 2026 budget of $15 million. For a complete breakdown and comparisons of past and future revenues and expenses, go to townofmonument/273/ financialservices. The final draft 2027 amended budget, which will include changes, if any, by departments, was presented at the Nov. 2 meeting. The MTC will adopt the 2027 final budget at the Dec.7 meeting. The Strategic Plan 202628 requires the Finance Department to develop and
present a five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to the Town Council for approval. Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek and staff presented the draft 2027-31 CIP, a detailed five-year overview in a 180-page report that includes multi-year development infrastructure expenses (especially along Jackson Creek Parkway and Old Denver Road), investments, equipment replacement schedules and grant funding strategies. Total costs over five years for the CIP are over $115 million. The final draft of the 2027-31 CIP will be presented for approval at the Nov. 2 Town Council meeting. Ordinance No. 26-2026 requires Conexus LLC to transfer platted drainage tracts A, D, and E along Old Denver Highway to the Town of Monument. Tract A will be maintained by Triview Metro District (TMD) and Tracts D and E will be maintained by TOM. After much discussion regarding the long-term effects of the transfer, the ordinance was approved by MTC. It would be followed up by a Planning Commission report regarding transfer of deeds and map updates at the county level. Resolution No. 74-2026 passed, granting Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) a temporary construction and access easement for Tract E through June
30, 2027 to complete work on existing sanitary sewer infrastructure. Resolution No. 75-2026 provides that at Higby Road and Jackson Creek Parkway, there will be a temporary storm detention pond to relocate WWSD utilities, with an understanding that a permanent pond will be built, after working with TMD and WWSD to have bids, contracts, and approved contractors in place. The MTC approved Resolution No. 76-2026 requesting that five concrete and asphalt on-call contractors that have worked with town on bids and repairs be approved. The resolution will allow the Water Department 24-hour access and better response time for emergency repairs. After an executive session, no decisions were made and the meeting adjourned. ********** 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 townofmonument. org for agendas and supporting documents. Marlene Brown can be reached at marlenebrown@ocn.me.
Monument Planning Commission Meeting, Oct.14
Monument 2040, Downtown Master Plan recommendation finalized
By Janet Sellers The Oct. 14 meeting of the Monument Planning Commission (MPC) was a continuation of a public hearing that began on Sept. 9. It was extended to allow for more time for community input on the Monument 2040 Comprehensive Plan before sending it to the Town Council for final adoption.
Key discussion points: Comprehensive Plan approval
The MPC ultimately voted to recommend approval of both the comprehensive and downtown plans to the Town Council, provided that specific conditions were addressed. Residents emphasized maintaining the town’s smalltown, rural feel. In response, the plan focuses on strengthening downtown design standards and supporting locally oriented businesses rather than development patterns that could erode that character. The MPC addressed several key themes and resident concerns while refining the Monument 2040 Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Master Plan. In addressing
public concerns, much of the discussion revolved around feedback from residents, including concerns regarding housing density, downtown development scale, water infrastructure, and the need for data-driven decision-making. The role of a comprehensive plan is to serve as a guiding document designed to provide information to help elected and appointed officials make data-driven policy decisions. It is intended to integrate existing plans and initiatives into a cohesive vision for the town’s future, while outlining specific goals and strategies for town staff and leadership to follow. The state code requires comprehensive plans to be adopted every 10 years. The plan includes a recommendation for an annual progress review to monitor its implementation and effectiveness. The Monument 2040 Comprehensive Plan includes detailed implementation matrices that identify responsible parties, timelines, and metrics for success. As part of this accountability framework, the plan specifically recommends an annual progress review to be conducted.
OCN
Saturday, November 7, 2026 The development of the updated Monument 2040 Comprehensive Plan began in early 2025. Because the project was funded by a grant from the state Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), the terms of that grant require the comprehensive plan to be adopted by Dec. 31. The lead consultant for the plan, Andy Cross from the consulting firm The Lakota Group, was involved in the development of the Monument 2040 Comprehensive Plan and participated in the meeting virtually to discuss the planning process. Several other consulting firms collaborated on the development of the plan. These partners included SB Friedman, V3 Engineering (which recently completed the town’s stormwater master plan), Rolland Consultants, and Radian (a Denver-based nonprofit architecture and urban design organization). The Lakota Group served as the lead consultant for the plan. Their role included structuring the plan. It designed the overall framework and components of the plan, which was reviewed by the MPC. It managed the development of the plan across three distinct phases and provided consulting and advisory services. The firm provided ongoing support and expertise to town staff throughout the process, with lead consultant Andy Cross participating in meetings to guide the commission and address the community. The Lakota Group is a privately held, multidisciplinary urban planning, landscape architecture, and historic preservation firm founded in 1993 in Chicago. Jenna Gourney, who serves as a town planning staff member for the Monument Planning Department, led the presentation and noted that she was standing in for the planning director, Dan Ungerleider. According to Gourney, the comprehensive plan addresses the protection of parks, trails, and open spaces through several strategic initiatives: • Wildlife and environmental protection: The plan includes specific strategies to protect wildlife corridors and sensitive environmental areas. • Connectivity: It focuses on expanding trail connections to link existing recreational areas throughout the community. • Conservation efforts: The plan outlines goals to maintain dark sky characteristics and support recreation-based tourism.
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Infrastructure coordination: It emphasizes the need to align park and open space planning with long-term stormwater management and community resilience efforts. The Monument 2040 Comprehensive Plan emphasizes responsible and sustainable growth through its “positive growth” pillar. Key goals include: • Infrastructure alignment: Ensuring that future growth remains aligned with utility infrastructure capacity, water resources, and transportation improvements. • Fiscal sustainability: Prioritizing the town’s long-term financial health when making land use and development decisions. • Controlled development: Focusing on infill opportunities and mixed-use development in appropriate, designated areas rather than unchecked expansion, while preserving the community’s small-town character. Conditional recommendations were raised at the meeting. The MPC stipulated that the Town Council must further evaluate four specific areas of density standards to ensure future developments have clear guidelines. For the Monument 2040 Comprehensive Plan public hearing report, the four specific areas requiring further Town Council review/evaluation encompass: 1. Downtown scale and design standards: Specifically re-evaluating the Second Street concept plan to ensure building heights, setbacks, and visual designs remain compatible with Monument’s historic downtown character. 2. Housing mix and density balance: De-emphasizing multi-family high-density apartment units in favor of single-family detached and single-family attached (e.g., townhomes/duplexes) homes to protect small-town density thresholds. 3. Flexible action steps (implementation framework): Updating the implementation matrices for success to be non-exhaustive, adaptable, and flexible guidelines rather than fixed-in-time mandates. 4. Infrastructure and resource alignment (water and utilities): Ensuring all proposed density expansions and land-use designations directly tie into data-driven utility capacity, water master
plans, and stormwater/traffic infrastructure constraints. While there was considerable debate regarding the level of public participation and the perceived “prodevelopment” bias of the process, the commission emphasized that these documents are guiding tools meant to be reviewed periodically, not fixedin-time mandates. The commission’s recommendation to the Town Council to approve the plan passed with a 6-0 vote. The MPC and the Town of Monument allow the public to attend and make public record commentary in person and online. Attending virtually gives you a distinct advantage: People can directly submit written comments electronically so they get entered into the official public hearing packet, and you can also request to read a brief 3-minute summary via Zoom during the public comment portion of the hearing. Step-by-step instructions for online/virtual submission: 1. Email your official comment (Do this before the meeting): Send your complete comment letter directly to the Planning Depart-
Page 9 ment at planning@tomgov.org. Request explicitly that your letter be included in the official public hearing packet for the Monument 2040 Comprehensive Plan. 2. Register/join the virtual meeting: Access the meeting agenda via the Town of Monument CivicClerk Portal (monumentco.portal. civicclerk.com) to get the Zoom link for the MPC hearings. 3. Spoken remarks: If you raise your virtual hand to speak during the public hearing portion, it is optimal to be prepared with a concise version. ********** The next regular meeting of the Monument Planning Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 6 p.m. at the Monument Town Hall, 645 Beacon Lite Road. For further information on commission meetings, please visit www. townofmonument.org/263/planningcommission-board-of-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.
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Monument Town Council Meeting, Oct. 19
Council approves e-bike restrictions By Marlene Brown At the Monument Town Council meeting on Oct. 19, the council unanimously passed Ordinance No. 252026, regulating certain prohibited motorized devices on Town of Monument property, establishing parental accountability, authorizing impoundment, and allowing lawful electric bicycle use. The ordinance is not to outlaw the use of certain e-bikes and moto-bikes, but to regulate the use on the town’s street and sidewalks. Tia M. Mayer, resident of Lake of the Rockies, requested during public comments that better signage on Old Denver Road construction is necessary for the dangerous curve on the north end of the road. The council directed her to contact the Public Works Street Department to request signage. Extra barrels and signs were installed the next day to make the curve less dangerous. Silver Key President and CEO Jason DeaBueno presented a request for 2027 town sponsorship to be in-
creased from $12,000 to $25,000. Silver Key’s commitment to Monument includes food distribution and transportation for seniors and the opening of the new Thrift Store. Mayor Mitch LaKind responded that they would put the request in the budget and as an item on next month’s agenda. Under Ordinance No. 27-2026, Finance Manager Laurie Young presented municipal tax code amendments aligning local tax policy on downloadable software with Colorado House Bill 26-1223. Under Resolution No. 69-2026, an El Paso County Snowplow intergovernmental agreement, Public Works Assistant Director Andrew Archuleta presented an updated 10-year reciprocal agreement where Monument plows 0.88 miles of county roads and El Paso County plows 2.23 miles of town roads. The MTC voted 7-0 to endorse Resolution No. 77-2026 (Construction Use Tax Ballot Measure). The vote expressed support for Referred Ballot Issue Ordinance No. 19-2026, which
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proposes aligning the construction material use tax rate to 3.5% for capital infrastructure funding. Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek secured two council volunteers
for the 2027 municipal judge selection committee. ********** Regular meetings are typically held on the first and third Mondays 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 townofmonument.org
Vol. 26 No. 11
for agendas and supporting documents. Marlene Brown can be reached at marlenebrown@ocn.me.
Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Meetings, Sept. 10 and 24
September Meeting Highlights
Sept. 10
Here are AI-generated highlights from the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 10. The approximate timestamps in parentheses refer to the video posted at https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=C-Sgs2idb9c 1. Executive Session on Land Negotiations: The meeting began with a special session where Mayor Stern and Trustees convened into an executive session to receive legal advice from Special Counsel Carl Kumlay regarding annexation requests and ongoing discussions with landowners’ counsel. (00:00:43) 2. Community Recognition for Phyllis Head: Trustee Tony Beltran presented a community recognition tribute honoring 46-year resident Phyllis Head for her dedication to Palmer Lake. The presentation celebrated her leadership on the Parks Commission, her public education efforts on noxious weed control, her service at the Emily Griffith Center, and her career at AAA, where she created the original paper “TripTik” travel guides. (00:07:40) 3. 2026 Creek Week Proclamation: Mary Wilson of the Fountain Creek Watershed District spoke about regional watershed protection and residential rain barrel harvesting. Following the presentation, Mayor Stern read a formal proclamation declaring Sept. 26 through Oct. 4 as “Creek Week” in the Town of Palmer Lake. (00:14:59) 4. Consent Agenda Approval: The
board addressed trustee questions regarding venue rental fees and recruitment vendor expenses before unanimously approving the Consent Agenda, which included meeting minutes, July 2026 financials, and accounts payable checks over $15,000. (00:29:02) 5. Town Administrator’s Report: Town Administrator Patrick Davidson shared updates on 2027 budget preparations, meetings with the Parks Board, and upcoming policy proposals to prohibit motorized vehicles on town trails. (00:32:56) 6. Water Department Report and Restrictions: Water Supervisor Charles Roubidoux reported that Stage 1 emergency water restrictions had reduced community water demand by approximately 23% to 25%, allowing the town to switch back to operating the higher-quality Denver well. He also reported that Phase 1 of the Shady Lane water main replacement project was nearing completion. (00:44:35) 7. Temporary Data Center Moratorium Passed (Resolution 312026): The board discussed and unanimously passed Resolution 31-2026, establishing a temporary six-month moratorium on data center applications. The moratorium gives the town and Planning Commission time to evaluate municipal code, water requirements, electrical grid demands, and noise/environmental impacts, with an amendment setting the effective date to the cur-
rent meeting date. (00:50:01) 8. Surplus Authorization for Police Vehicle: The board unanimously approved the Police Department’s request to surplus a 2016 Ford Explorer Interceptor (141,903 miles) requiring costly repairs. Town Administrator Davidson outlined an open, sealed-bid process with a reserve price to sell the vehicle. (00:54:32) 9. Community Announcements & Time Capsule Proposal: Trustees announced upcoming local events—including the Palmer Lake Wine Festival and Run for the Fallen—and discussed a resident’s suggestion to organize a fifth-anniversary celebration for the Town Hall stage time capsule placed in late 2021. (01:00:00)
Sept. 24
Here are AI-generated highlights from the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Budget Workshop and Regular Meeting held on Sept. 24. The timestamps in parentheses refer to the video posted at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=G7rAY7zmJBg 1. Initial 2027 Budget Overview: Town Administrator Patrick Davidson opened the budget workshop with a high-level presentation on municipal fund management, revenue streams, and projected 2027 operating expenses (~00:00:37). 2. Structural Deficit and Expense Growth: Administrator Davidson detailed that every town department’s expenses have grown by a minimum of 41% since prior audits, resulting in an annual structural gap of $800,000 to $1million between flat town revenues and rising costs (~00:17:26). 3. Water Enterprise Fund Analysis: The board reviewed the Water Enterprise Fund, noting a 25%–26% drop in water sales/demand and outlining long-term infrastructure needs estimated at $6,000 to $8,000 per customer tap for well redundancies and new storage tanks (~00:07:53). 4. Evaluation of Monument Fire District Annexation: Trustees discussed potentially annexing into the Monument Fire District, which would eliminate roughly $800,000 in general fund costs but would require voter approval to raise the mill levy from 10 to 18 mills (~00:29:20). 5. 2027 Budget Calendar: Staff presented the statutory budget adoption timeline, including public hearings in November and final adoption in December (~00:44:40). 6. Regular Meeting Call to Order: Mayor Dennis Stern called the regular Board of Trustees meeting to order at 6:00 PM, confirming roll call with Trustees Beltran, Harris, Marble, and Jurka present (~01:06:14). 7. Consent Agenda Legal Invoice Removal: Trustee Jurka pulled Item 2 (a $21,081.50 payment to law firm Lyons Gaddis) from the consent agenda over concerns regarding un-itemized attorney billing, after which the remain-
ing consent items were approved (~01:08:32). 8. Annexation Ordinance Ballot Language Motion: During discussion on open legal priorities, the board voted on a motion directing the town administrator and town attorney to explore ballot language regarding the voterapproved annexation ordinance (~01:16:03). 9. Report on New CORA Lawsuit: Town Attorney James Godbold informed the board that Palmer Lake was named in a new lawsuit involving Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) requests, warning that litigation costs are nearing CERSA insurance coverage limits (~01:53:52). 10. Official Ballot Drop Box Logistics: Town Clerk Erica Romero and Administrator Davidson provided an update on discussions with El Paso County regarding ADA accessibility and security requirements for placing an official ballot drop box in Palmer Lake (~01:55:17). 11. Tabling of Proposed Code of Ethics (Resolution 33-2026): The board considered Resolution 332026 establishing a Code of Ethics for elected officials, voting to table and continue the topic to the next regular meeting to allow additional time for review (~01:57:39). 12. Master Fee Schedule Revisions (Resolution 34-2026): The board reviewed Resolution 34-2026 amending the 2026 Master Fee Schedule to update administrative, permit, and utility fees in alignment with actual municipal costs and regional standards (~02:13:20). 13. Attorney Billing Transparency and Privilege: Attorney Godbold explained the attorney-client privilege constraints surrounding detailed legal invoices, resulting in informal direction for itemized statements to be shared privately with Trustees rather than published in public meeting packets (~02:29:32). 14. Public Testimony on Bear Conflicts & State Law: Resident Gene Kalesti delivered public comments regarding human-bear conflicts, unsecured trash at shortterm rentals, and state legislation HB26-1342, calling on the board to hold a dedicated public workshop (~02:41:09). 15. Adjournment to Executive Session: Mayor Stern read the statutory citation under C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(b) to convene into Executive Session for legal advice regarding the proposed Sepp conservation easement and lot donation (~03:19:01). ********** Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the Town Hall. See the town’s website at www.townofpalmerlake.com to confirm times and dates of board meetings and workshops. Meeting information: 719-481-2953.
Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Meeting, Oct. 8
Trustees take up governance, ethics, financial policies By Douglas Shoback The Oct. 8 meeting of the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees focused largely on how the town governs itself. Alongside community recognitions and a proclamation celebrating local arts, trustees spent much of the evening working through policies covering board conduct, ethics, capital project contracting, and financial management. The board also debated how trustees should submit items for future agendas, reviewed the preliminary 2027 budget, and set a date for its public hearing. Budget planning was another important item. Staff presented a pre-
liminary draft of the 2027 budget, and trustees voted to set the public budget hearing for Thursday, Nov. 12. That hearing will allow the public to learn more about the town’s financial plan and participate in the process before the budget is finalized. Fire Department staff clarified fire safety inspections for short-term rentals. Under a previous board ordinance, the department is not currently performing those inspections. Staff indicated that the department remains prepared to resume inspections if the board reauthorizes them. The distinc-
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tion is worth noting for residents and rental operators: The department’s readiness to conduct inspections does not mean the inspections are presently part of its routine responsibilities. Toward the end of the meeting, Trustee Mike Bon and Town Attorney James Godbold discussed legal guidance for an upcoming formal trustee removal hearing. They discussed scheduling and statutory parameters, including that a hearing officer would conduct the hearing during business hours. Trustees discussed Colorado Open Records Act requests and communication with the town attorney. The board reaffirmed its standing policy that individual trustee inquiries to the attorney must be routed through either the mayor or town administrator. The discussion touched on the procedures intended to keep legal communications organized and consistent with the town’s established process. The board recognized Richard Kuehster, a longtime Palmer Lake resident whose service to the community has included roles as planning commissioner, fire chief, and trustee. The board presented Kuehster with a certificate of appreciation, acknowledging his years of public service and contributions to the town. October also brought a celebration of the arts. Mayor Dennis Stern read a proclamation declaring October 2026 the 13th Annual Arts Month in Palmer Lake. Representatives from the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region and local arts advocates joined the board to recognize the role arts and culture play in the broader community.
After unanimously approving the consent agenda—which included the minutes from the Sept. 24 meeting and the August 2026 monthly financial report—the board turned to several matters involving town operations and communication. Town Administrator Patrick Davidson reported on a memo distributed to trustees addressing community challenges involving bears and possible updates to the town’s trash code. A related agenda item requested by Trustee Atis Jurka was scheduled for consideration at the Oct. 22 meeting. Much of the meeting’s substantive work centered on formalizing board and town policies. Trustees unanimously adopted Resolution 32-2026, officially approving the Board Governance Handbook and Standing Policy. They then considered Resolution 33-2026, establishing a Code of Ethics for elected officials. That measure passed 4–1, making it one of the evening’s few divided decisions. The board also unanimously approved Resolution 35-2026, adopting a Capital Project Contracting Policy. The discussion and review addressed expenditure thresholds, procedures for change orders, and audit tracking—areas that help establish how public projects are contracted, monitored, and documented. Resolution 36-2026, adopting the Town Financial Management Policy, followed. Trustees evaluated provisions involving internal financial controls, purchasing limits and guidelines for reviewing legal invoices before approving the measure. Taken together, these policies represent an effort to put clearer procedures in place for handling public mon-
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ey and administering town business. Not every policy proposal reached a vote. Resolution 37-2026, concerning the process for setting board agendas and submitting trustee-requested items, prompted an extended debate. Trustees discussed how individual members should be able to bring issues forward while accounting for Open Meetings Law requirements and the workload placed on town staff. The board ultimately voted to table the resolution so staff could refine its language. The matter was expected to return for further consideration rather than move forward in its current form. During public comment, Jeff Sherid promoted the Awake the Lake 0.5K fundraiser. He also raised questions about enforcement of the town’s sign ordinance, specifically banners displayed on pickleball court fences. The comments brought a couple of community-facing issues into a meeting otherwise dominated by internal policies and procedures. The board wrapped up with trustee announcements and a reminder that its next regular meeting was scheduled for Oct. 22, then voted unanimously to adjourn. ********** Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the Town Hall. See the town’s website at www.townofpalmerlake.com to confirm times and dates of board meetings and workshops. Meeting information: 719-481-2953. Douglas Shoback can be reached at douglasshoback@ocn.me.
Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Meeting, Oct. 22
Trustees tackle policy changes, bear mitigation, budget concerns By Douglas Shoback The Oct. 22 Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting covered a lot of ground, addressing items such as municipal spending, snow removal standards, bear mitigation, and proposed changes to how trustees conduct town business. The evening also brought renewed attention to the town’s financial outlook, with projected budget deficits prompting discussion about service levels and the need for a dedicated budget workshop. Financial matters, unsurprisingly, occupied a substantial portion of the meeting. Town Administrator Patrick Davidson presented updates to the 2026 amended budget, along with projections showing potential deficits in 2027. The discussion turned toward municipal service levels and the financial decisions facing the town in the coming year. Rather than attempting to resolve those questions during the regular meeting, trustees directed staff to schedule a dedicated budget workshop before the next regular meeting. That workshop could prove particularly important as the board considers how to balance available revenue against the services residents expect. Winter preparations also made the agenda. With Resolution 39-2026, trustees approved new municipal snow removal standards establishing a 4-inch accumulation threshold before routine plowing begins. Town officials cited the need to conserve funds and work within reduced staffing levels. While snow removal is one of those municipal services residents tend to notice most when it falls short, the new standard reflects the practical realities of operating a small town with limited resources. The meeting also included an announcement from Town Attorney James Godbold regarding Trustee Roger Moseley. A formal removal hearing was tentatively scheduled for Nov. 16 at Town Hall. Godbold outlined the quasi-judicial role trustees
will have in the proceedings, underscoring that the board’s responsibilities in such a hearing differ from its ordinary legislative duties. Wildlife management was another topic, with the board passing Ordinance 06-2026, amending municipal code provisions concerning bear-resistant refuse containers and wildlife attractants. Developed following discussions with the Planning Commission and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the ordinance addresses garbage storage, placement hours, and associated fines. The changes are intended to reduce opportunities for bears to access human food sources, an ongoing concern in communities where residential neighborhoods and wildlife habitat overlap. One of the most significant administrative changes came with the adoption of Resolution 372026, which establishes a formal process for setting board agendas. Under the new policy, at least three trustees must agree before town staff begins preparing an agenda item requested by an individual trustee. The measure clarifies how matters come before the board and adds a step between an individual request and staff preparation. The board also approved Resolution 38-2026, establishing standards for electronic communications and social media use by elected and appointed officials. The policy addresses expectations surrounding official communications, with additional provisions concerning artificial intelligence and digital impersonation expected to be evaluated early next year. As digital communication continues to evolve, the town will have to consider how existing policies keep pace with new technology. Before the regular meeting began, trustees convened a special meeting and voted to enter executive session to consult with Town Attorney James Godbold about a proposed lease with an option to purchase town-owned property at 350 Highway
105, commonly known as the Elephant Rock property. The proposal involves 21-5 LLC. No further details were discussed in open session. Following an executive session concerning privileged legal billing details, trustees returned to open session and approved a $24,308.25 payment to Lyons Gaddis. The check had initially been separated from the consent agenda for further review. There was also some welcome news for visitors to Centennial Park. Trustees unanimously amended the agenda to consider Resolution 40-2026, authorizing Awake the Lake to construct a privately funded, 20-by-30-foot timber-frame shade shelter near the pickleball courts. The project will cost the town nothing, adding shade and improving an increasingly popular public recreation area without increasing municipal expenditures. The regular meeting began with an invocation delivered by former Mayor and Trustee Nikki McDonald, who served Palmer Lake for 25 consecutive years. It was a notable moment before the board moved into a lengthy agenda that included several policy decisions and financial discussions. With the 2027 budget already presenting challenges, the upcoming workshop may be one of the more important discussions on the town’s calendar. For residents, the question isn’t simply how much the town spends, but what services and priorities those dollars will ultimately support. ********** Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the Town Hall. See the town’s website at www.townofpalmerlake.com to confirm times and dates of board meetings and workshops. Meeting information: 719-481-2953. Douglas Shoback can be reached at douglasshoback@ocn.me.
Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Budget Workshop Highlights, Oct. 28
Board wrestles with up to $1 million budget deficit Below are AI-generated highlights from the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Budget Workshop held on October 28, 2026. The timestamps in parentheses refer to the video posted at https://www.youtube. com/live/4C1e4POMNXU 1. Overall Deficit and Financial Outlook: Town Administrator Patrick Davidson presented updated budget numbers showing that the town projects ending 2026 about $974,333 in the red and projects a remaining deficit of $343,093 for 2027 (approx. 00:02:40 - 00:02:52). 2. Sales Tax Projections and Marijuana Revenue Decline: Sales, use, and excise tax is budgeted at $1.96 million, but Davidson cautioned that tax receipts from retail marijuana in Palmer Lake continue to drop due to external market competition, recommending a re-evaluation in March/ April 2027 (approx. 00:03:18 - 00:05:26). 3. Caution Against Ballot Overloading: In response to discussions regarding new taxes (such as short-term rental occupancy taxes), officials cautioned against overloading upcoming ballots, emphasizing that major upcoming votes for PPRTA and Monument Fire District must remain top priorities (approx. 00:08:48 -
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00:09:48). 4. Fire Department Out-of-Jurisdiction Deployments Zeroed Out: Revenue and expenses for out-of-jurisdiction fire deployments were zeroed out after calculations showed that equipment wear-and-tear and overtime costs completely offset incoming revenue (approx. 00:13:18 - 00:14:27). 5. Spruce Mountain Road and Sidewalk Projects: The town confirmed a $240,000 matching fund rollover to complete the Spruce Mountain Road project by December 2027, while noting that a proposed $1.1M to $1.3M sidewalk extension remains price-prohibitive without CDOT or PPRTA grant support (approx. 00:17:35 00:19:48). 6. In-House Accounting Transition: To cut external accounting fees, staff purchased a $2,500 software upgrade to move monthly financial preparation in-house, deferring a full enterprise accounting system (like Caselle) which would cost $50,000–$75,000 to implement upfront (approx. 00:25:46 - 00:30:13). 7. Escalating Legal Expenses: Legal fees remain budgeted at more than double 2025 levels and nearly five times what a town of Palmer Lake's size typically spends ($45,000–$65,000), driven primarily by ongoing litigation and open legal claims (approx. 00:30:36 - 00:33:36). 8. 2027 Election and TABOR Requirements: Election plans indicate that TABOR ballot initiatives for Monument Fire District annexation and PPRTA participation must occur during a November 2027 election, with an optional spring special election kept open only for annexation boundary updates (approx. 00:39:51 - 00:43:23).
9.
Police Department Budget Reductions: Parttime officer and records positions were zeroed out, Beacon grant items were removed as selffunding, and employee training was reduced to balance fiscal constraints against liability risks (approx. 00:46:44 - 00:49:10). 10. Fire and Police Leadership Restructuring: Fire Department restructuring includes operating without a standalone fire chief—sharing a single supervisor between Police and Fire—and eliminating part-time firefighter pay while preserving required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) funding (approx. 00:51:17 - 00:53:57). 11. Public Works and Parks Expenditure Reductions: Public Works scaled down street materials, mag-chloride dust control, and general catch-all services (from $55,000 to $20,000), while zeroing out capital improvement lines for parks and re-evaluating $25,000 in annual porta-potty rental expenses (approx. 00:55:33 01:04:08). 12. Debate on Reaching a Zero-Deficit Budget: Trustees debated policy strategies to eliminate the remaining $343,093 deficit, including potential future votes on public safety coverage levels (24/7 dual-officer shifts vs. reduced hours), with trustees reiterating that public safety, water, and sanitation are the core functions of municipal government (approx. 01:04:55 - 01:21:11). ********** Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the Town Hall. See the town’s website at www.townofpalmerlake.com to confirm times and dates of board meetings and workshops. Meeting information: 719-481-2953.
OCN
Saturday, November 7, 2026
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Monument Fire District Board Meeting, Oct. 28
Training Center, Station 3 progressing By Gordon Reichal The Monument Fire District board convened on Oct. 28 to provide updates on fire district activities. MFD President Mark Gunderman called for a moment of silence to honor and remember Roger Lance Sr. who passed away in early October. Lance served on the MFD board and other community service organizations after retiring from the military.
MFD financials
Treasurer Steve Phillips reported a detailed tracking of year-to-date financial performance to the board. Overall tracking of planned budget to actual spending is at the 99% compliance level. Phillips mentioned that MFD Fire Chief Colin Fitzgerald will provide an extensive slide briefing on the details of the 2027 budget later in the meeting. See paragraph “The 2027 budget.”
New Training Center and Station 3 update
Division Chief of Administration Jamey Bumgarner said the Training Center infrastructure/site improvements, utilities, and the retention pond are ready for ground movement, and the area has been turned over to the building contractor for site preparation and beginning of work. The tower sections are planned for delivery on Dec. 7 and is expected for completion of setup and assembly within two or three days by Lone Star Tactical Builders. The current schedule shows Dec. 31 as the completion date and readiness for occupancy. Bumgarner talked about the status of Station 3 construction. On Oct. 28, Chief Fitzgerald hosted a “Topping Out” ceremony as construction reached the scheduled 41% completion point, and a community gathering was held to participate in a traditional raising of a tree to the highest point of the building. As of Oct. 28, the main structural components are complete for the exterior and the first floor, with all major components to be completed by Nov. 30. As scheduled, turnover of the completed Station 3 to MFD remains as planned in early April 2027. Look for another community event to formally accept and celebrate the new Station 3 at that time.
MFD health care benefits and retirement programs
A general discussion was conducted on the evolving status, terms, and conditions of a new benefits program called 115 Trust. 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 details on participation opportunities and conditions covered some changes recommended by the MFD employees, which were favorably received last month and included in this updated, very detailed presentation that 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. Gunderman-related discussions with employees and union representatives subsequent to last month’s discussions have incorporated suggestions by the joint working group and were favorably received. It is expected, after one year of 115 Trust operation, additional working groups will be formed again near the end of 2027 to incorporate improvements and clarifications on offered 115 Trust financial benefits. It was confirmed that final budget amounts are set for 2027 activation of 115 Trust, and MFD is “very comfortable” as currently planned.
New MFD coverage properties
Two large properties in Mountain View Shadow petitioned for inclusion in the MFD fire response area, presented last month and approved as written, were included in Resolution 2026-06 and Resolution 2026-07, which were passed.
MFD equipment retirement
Tri-County Fire District, which includes eastern El Paso County, has requested donation of an MFD 2001 Freightliner Engine planned for retirement by the end of this year. This engine was previously part of the consolidation of Wescott Fire with MFD. It has been lent to various county fire districts when they have experienced equipment maintenance problems with their existing vehicles for short periods. The donation request was initially filed last year because the district has insufficient equipment for potential major emergency responses and is a partner to MFD Mutual Aid agreements. Upon execution of the donation, Tri-County Fire has signed an “As is” agreement releasing MFD from any liability or discovered maintenance issues with the engine.
Community fire mitigation/chipping
Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction Jonathan Bradley mentioned that community outreach and education activities have received community appreciation for the time and effort MFD provided this year. With the expected slowing of fire calls, an opportunity is becoming possible to conduct further training for community areas of interest. Specific training offerings are under consideration and can be expected to be announced as staffing and community interest evolve.
compared with the in-progress 2026 actual budget. The full presentation was reviewed by the MFD board, which expressed its approval for these fund allocations as recommended. President Gunderman noted the funds provided by the state and the MFD area property tax contributions had begun decreasing year-over-year recently as property value assessments trended lower, reversing the trend from 2022-25. As a result, MFD operations funds planning is tightening to account for this reduction in total revenue provided to support MFD operations and maintenance. Planned expenses are simultaneously increasing, especially for the industrial facility fire protection requirements coming into the area with their additional complexity in residential fire risks. MFD is exploring diversification of funding sources and is aggressively pursuing government grants and industry sponsorship for more technical firefighting equipment, financially unique from their business. To conclude Chief Fitzgerald’s briefing, he presented eight “Organizational Priorities” as follows: 1. Competitive salary and benefits. 2. Training and education opportunities for all employees. 3. Investment in capital facilities. 4. Investment in capital equipment. 5. Implement accreditation recommendations. 6. Achieve strategic planning initiatives. 7. Monitor revenue challenges (property values, tax cap, state legislation). 8. Consider revenue diversification (sales tax). ********** Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of every month. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 18 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 719-484-0911. Gordon Reichal can be reached at gordonreichal@ocn.me.
Trends in emergency calls
MFD Accreditation Director Jeremy Furman continues to collect data trends of emergency calls, ambulances, and fire vehicle dispatch for service analysis. Two significant summary charts showed that incidents by call type for September 2026 were 375, with the top three being Medical-237, Good Intent-50, False Alarm-34. The top five subclass calls were Fall-48, Sick Person-38, Traffic Accident-38, Citizen Assist/Service Call-26, Alarm Fire, Residential-21.
2027 budget
Chief Fitzgerald discussed a detailed 34-page presentation on all aspects of the draft 2027 budget
Above: On Oct. 28, MFD Fire Chief Colin Fitzgerald hosted a Top Ceremony for the new Station 3 facility. The small tree pictured was placed on top of Station 3, which is currently under construction. It will be decorated with season’s greetings for our community and will be easily seen by travelers on I-25. Photo by Jennifer Martin.
Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District Board Meeting, Oct. 12
Aerial sewer rehab contract awarded By James Howald At its October meeting, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board awarded a contract to rehabilitate an unusual sewer line just east of the New Santa Fe Regional Trail (NSFRT), near the intersection of Beacon Lite Road and Santa Fe Avenue. The 2027 budget cycle began by scheduling a budget workshop and a public hearing. The board rescheduled its meeting for November. It heard a financial report from Treasurer Dean Franzen and an operational report from Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine. The meeting ended with an executive session.
Aerial sewer to be rebuilt
The North Outfall Aerial Sewer carries wastewater from district customers to the Tri-Lakes Waste Water Treatment Facility. The line runs roughly parallel to the NSFRT, between the trail and Dirty Woman Creek. Just east of the Santa Fe South baseball field, the line emerges from the side of the canyon and is built on supports for 220 feet until it reenters the canyon wall. Due to its age, the line’s supports need to be rebuilt and its manhole needs to be re-encased in concrete. District Manager Jessie Shaffer said the bid was structured in two parts: a base bid addressing the structural and stability issues and an alternate bid for the line’s exterior coating. Shaffer said 633 Construction LLC was the low bidder, at $100,000 for the base bid and $32,000 for the alternate bid. He noted that 633 Construction had been awarded the district’s contract for Deer Creek Road improvements. He recommended the board award the base bid to 633 Construction, with 15% added for change order contingencies, for a total of $115,000. Shaffer said the WWSD staff could do the exterior coating. The board voted in favor of Shaffer’s recommendation and authorized board President Brian Bush to sign the contract.
2027 budget and rate planning begin
Shaffer said he was working on the district’s 2027 budget and expected to email a draft to the board by Oct. 14. The board scheduled a budget workshop for 1 p.m. on Oct. 20. Bush asked the board to review the draft budget before the workshop. A public hearing on the 2027 budget will be
part of the board’s next scheduled meeting on Nov. 16. The board moved its November meeting from Nov. 9 to Nov. 16 to allow adequate time for work on the budget. A public hearing on the budget will be opened at the November meeting and will be closed at the Dec. 14 board meeting. The December board meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m., 30 minutes later than usual. The Dec. 14 meeting will include a public hearing on rates, which will be published at http://www.woodmoorwater.com in advance of the meeting.
Financial report
Board Treasurer Dean Franzen told the board that 67% of the fiscal year was completed in August. He noted that spending on the district’s acquisition of the fire station on Woodmoor Drive and vehicles had not used money from reserves. Franzen said 63% of budgeted income had been realized by August, with tap fees lagging expectations; 50% of budgeted expenses have been incurred. He ended his report by noting that reserves are up $400,000 from the beginning of the year.
Operational reports
LaFontaine said September had been a pretty normal month with no emergency repairs. In his review of outstanding well issues, he said Well 12R had still not received approval from the state and JVA Inc. was assisting with this by asking the state to prioritize approval. There were no problems with Well 12R’s first review, LaFontaine said, adding “It’s sitting in the inbox of the state engineer.” LaFontaine said the replacement pump for Well 20 was due to arrive in two days and should be installed the same day.
Declining demand for water allows the district to move to groundwater and discontinue the use of water stored in Lake Woodmoor, LaFontaine said. The lake level is very low. He asked the board to ask customers to limit their outside irrigation to ensure groundwater supply is sufficient to meet demand. Bush suggested customers receive a special letter asking them to limit outside watering. LaFontaine wrapped up his report noting that he and Shaffer were having discussions about how to avoid the taste and odor issues that resulted from this year’s hot, dry summer.
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 on questions about potential settlement claims against Carrier, Archroma, Ameriex, and Nation Ford related to PFAS; and to receive legal advice about agreements with Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure. No action was taken after the executive session. ********** The next meeting is on Nov. 16, rather than Nov. 9, to accommodate the schedule for budget development. 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 719-488-2525 to verify meeting times and locations. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.
Donala Water and Sanitation District Board Meeting, Oct. 8
2027 budget updated
By James Howald and Jackie Burhans The Donala Water and Sanitation District’s (DWSD) October board meeting opened with an update on the district’s 2027 budget from Interim General Manager and Chief Financial Officer Christina Hawker. The board heard the results of a community survey commissioned from Magellan Strategies, presented by Ryan Winger. Hawker gave the board her
manager’s report. The board heard presentations from Roger Sams of GMS Consulting Inc. and Brett Gracely of Plummer. The meeting ended with four executive sessions.
2027 budget adjusted
Hawker told the board that the cost drivers she reviewed for the board at its September meeting re-
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mained unchanged: she noted an expected increase of 15% to 19% for health insurance costs and 5% to 10% for electricity costs. She said the planned 5% across-the-board rate increase should address those cost increases without creating a revenue gap. Revenue is expected to drop from $11.8 million to $10.7 million and operating expenses to rise by 15%, Hawker said. The district has $14.3 million in reserve. Hawker noted two changes to the proposed capital expenses for 2027: first, $165,000 in fire mitigation costs for the Willow Creek Ranch were not spent in 2026 and moved to the 2027 budget, and second, costs for updates to the R. Hull treatment plant could reach $3 million. Hawker proposed splitting the plant costs over two years, budgeting $1.5 million for it in both 2027 and 2028. She said if the district decides to recover and treat its return flows from the Upper Monument Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (UMCRWWTF), costs related to the R. Hull treatment plant could be substantially higher. Alternative plans to allow the R. Hull treatment plant to treat return flows are discussed below. Hawker said the updated budget increased capital spending from $2.91 million to $3.08 million. She said a public hearing on the budget would be held during the December board meeting.
Community survey
As part of its debate on how to finance the district’s transition from groundwater to renewable water sources, the board commissioned a survey of district customers by Magellan Strategies, a company that works with counties, towns, and school and special districts. Winger told the board that 329 customers responded to the survey between Sept. 1 and 17. Winger said the survey was designed to measure how the district is seen by its customers, and a second survey would focus on a specific ballot question regarding financing. Winger said the key takeaways from the survey were that customers were very satisfied presently with WWSD’s service and reliability, its value for the cost, and its water quality, but were less optimistic about the long term, recognizing the importance of securing a long-term water supply. They are willing to invest but are concerned about affordability. The survey assessed customers’ knowledge about WWSD’s water sources and asked about two avenues for raising funding for future improvements: allowing the district to raise its debt limit, which 68% support, or increasing property taxes, which 53% support. Winger said he was not surprised that the support for more borrowing sur-
passed that for a property tax increase. He stressed that as customers heard more about actual costs, their support could drop off. He pointed out that many customer concerns came from issues outside the DWSD service area, such as housing growth in the region and data centers.
Manager’s report
Hawker returned to the issue of financing in her report to the board. She said she had begun planning for a ballot measure that would ask voters to either increase the district’s debt limit or increase their property taxes, with a public relations firm and with bond and legal counsel. The public relations firm recommended that the ballot language list specific projects. She recommended listing an advanced water treatment plant, reducing reliance on groundwater and replacement of aging infrastructure in the ballot language. She said as a “de-Bruced” district, DWSD would not be required to use language required by the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) in the ballot language; she said she would verify this with counsel. Hawker recommended putting a measure before the voters in an election in May. That would require communication with district customers to be completed before February. She also recommended a town hall on financing to be scheduled in February. Hawker said she would present sample ballot language to the board at its November board meeting and would have the public relations firm attend to answer any questions. The consensus of the board was to plan to put the question of financing before the voters in May. Hawker also reported on the status of repairs to the Willow Creek Ranch following the Forest Service’s efforts to fight the Willow Creek fire in June 2026. She said the Forest Service had repaired some of the damage done by their firefighting equipment, but had denied repairs to two stream crossings, claiming that the crossings were damaged by natural causes or erosion.
Consultant’s presentations
Sams reported on three items: an agreement with the North Monument Creek Interceptor (NMCI) project to guarantee that NMCI’s planned pipeline will not conflict with a pipeline belonging to DWSD, a water tank renewal project that is currently underway, and the progress of a Subaru dealership being built near North Gate Boulevard and I-25. Sams said the NMCI project had agreed to drill under DWSD’s pipeline using horizontal auger boring, a trenchless method used to install underground pipes without digging up the surface, removing any possibility of
Vol. 26 No. 11
the new pipeline damaging DWSD’s existing pipeline. The tank renewal project is making good progress, Sams said, with the first layer of interior coating complete. The construction of the building at the Subaru site has begun, and most of the stormwater system is in place. Gracely presented a range of options for the future of the R. Hull treatment plant, which are intended to support the re-use of effluent from the UMCRWWTF, addressing a gap created by DWSD’s withdrawal from The Loop water re-use project. The first option, which assumes the plant will continue to process only groundwater, is to replace critical components that have worn out. This option assumes a new advanced water treatment plant will be built downstream from the UMCRWWTF to process its effluent. Gracely estimated the cost at $2.7 million to $3.4 million. The second option is to upgrade R. Hull so that it can also process surface water from Monument Creek. Gracely gave two price ranges for this option: $4.4 to 5.5 million for the simplest design or $12.7 million to $15.8 million if granulated activated carbon is added to the treatment process. The third and fourth options both call for a new treatment plant to be constructed. If the plant is designed around direct filtration, Gracely estimated the cost at $38.3 million to $48.9 million. A design based on membrane filtration would cost between $40.4 million and $50.5 million.
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 security arrangements and investigations; 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, Nov. 19, at 1:30 p.m. Generally, board meetings are held on 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 Board Meeting, Oct. 22
Economic development agreement with Costco Wholesale proposed By Erin Poole During the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD) board meeting on Oct. 22, the board discussed and considered a resolution regarding an economic development incentive agreement with Costco Wholesale Corp. and received operations updates on slurry wall construction at Central Reservoir, ditch capacity analysis, TMD staff safety training, and community holiday lighting. The board went into an executive session to discuss and receive legal advice regarding agreements with the Town of Monument (TOM), Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD), and Costco.
Incentive program with Costco championed as pathway to sustaining district infrastructure
The director of Real Estate for Costco Wholesale, Jennifer Murillo, joined the TMD board to discuss plans and answer questions about the new 165,000-square-foot Costco store slated to open in Monument. Murillo explained that Costco stores bring jobs, up to 300 at the planned Monument location, and sales revenue to the area. Further, she stated that perhaps the biggest benefit is that Costco brings its members to a community and they shop in the stores surrounding Costco instead of leaving the area for other retail hubs. Jim McGrady, district manager, updated the board on continuing discussions with Costco leadership and introduced an economic development incentive agreement with the company, presented as resolution 2026-12. The agreement provides that of TMD’s 1% slice of the overall 3.5% sales tax imposed by the TOM, 60% of the tax revenue generated from Costco sales will be rebated to Costco for a 12-year period. The remaining 40% will be retained by TMD for general fund use. This agreement excludes the additional 0.5% sales tax remitted from TOM to TMD through 1997 ballot initiative 2A, which is specifically for renewable water resources. The agreement also provides for a rebate of TMD fees to Costco, including a drainage impact fee and a road and bridge fee, each estimated at $300,000. In exchange, Costco will incur all costs related to installing a drainage retention pond on the property and installing a new stoplight on Jackson Creek Parkway, which combined would cost the district more than $1 million without the agreement. George Rowley, general counsel for TMD, said that the 30% commercial property tax rate will also yield about $100,000 per year in property tax revenue. Rowley further shared that this is a low-risk proposal for TMD because it is entirely contingent on Costco building and operating the store; otherwise, there is no obligation to them. The table in this article details the estimates for the 12-year economic development incentive agreement and assumes 50% taxable revenue, the low
end of the range for existing Colorado Costco locations, according to Murillo. The percent of taxable revenue could increase based on the types of consumer purchases at this location. At the end of the 12-year plan period, TMD retains 100% of the 1% sales tax revenue generated by the Costco store, significantly increasing its tax revenue and, by extension, its budget. A stated priority of TMD board President Jason Gross is to identify revenue sources to maintain district infrastructure into the future as revenue from new home building tapers off. Businesses pay more in taxes, so this economic incentive agreement is offered as a pathway to maintaining the district’s infrastructure in the future and increasing the general fund for continued development. The motion to approve resolution 2026-12 passed unanimously. A location off Jackson Creek Parkway and Higby Road is being scouted for the new warehouse store, though a spot will not be finalized until Costco leadership can review it in-person in early 2027. Murillo stated the target opening for the new store is early spring 2028.
Central Reservoir slurry wall construction
Plans for the development of the new Central Reservoir moved forward to the next phase in October with the release of a request for proposals (RFP) to build a slurry wall, which will serve as an underground barrier tailored to the build site to block groundwater from penetrating and supporting the planned excavation area. The RFP went out to five contractors that have until Dec. 7 to respond. TMD will review and decide on a contractor at the Dec.10 board meeting.
McGrady reported that though TMD will be the contracting agent, the mining company Pete Lien and Sons LLC will provide the funding for this part of the project and will be part of the contractor selection process. In other reservoir news, a pump at South Reservoir continues to be problematic for the TMD team and has not yet been removed for evaluation. The team identified the problem in June 2026 and has been working to pump water out of the reservoir to a low-enough level to remove the pump. The reservoir is down to 56 acre-feet from 500 acre-feet, with about 3 additional feet to go before the pump can be accessed. Gary Potter, utilities superintendent, said that the temporary pump installed to support this effort also faulted early in October and was replaced by a diesel pump. The diesel pump is working, but requires daily refilling with fuel, which is particularly burdensome and time-consuming to the TMD team. McGrady stated that while the reservoir is drawn down, TMD will explore installing a valve on the upstream side of the reservoir that could be hydraulically closed to keep water out of the column pump so future evaluation and repairs could be done in situ. Without a valve, as it is currently, the area is filled with water, requiring the lowering of water levels in the reservoir so the pump can be removed for evaluation and repairs. Estimates for a valve installation will be shared with the board when available.
Excelsior Ditch capacity analysis underway
The Excelsior Ditch, a seven-mile canal east of Pueblo, will feed Central Reservoir once constructed.
OCN
Saturday, November 7, 2026 Excelsior came into priority briefly after storms in September, which allowed TMD to exchange some water into Pueblo Reservoir. However, there are some identified bottlenecks on the ditch that regularly limit flow. So, the TMD team, along with the Arkansas Groundwater Users Association (AGRA) and RESPEC Inc., an engineering and natural resources company, has undertaken a capacity analysis to explore how the blockages and areas of the ditch reducing capacity can be addressed to increase water flow. Currently, Excelsior Ditch is flowing at about 60 cubic feet per second (CFS), and to fill Central Reservoir it will need to be flowing at a minimum of 160 CFS, so the analysis proves to be a timely investment of resources as the Central Reservoir project progresses.
Traffic control flaggers certified
Operations Manager Steve Sheffield shared that the Safety Committee formed in September has already introduced training for TMD staff. Fourteen employees were certified in October as traffic control flaggers. The team providing traffic control during temporary traffic shifts and lane closures plays an important role in keeping work sites safe, so skillbuilding is critical. The certification prepares them with skills and knowledge needed to protect the community and the TMD team on the roads. The Safety Committee, made up of five TMD staff, continues to meet to identify areas for improvement and encourage a culture of safe working practices for all TMD employees. See photo above. Sheffield also updated the board on a sanitary
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Holiday lights are coming to town
Above: Triview Metropolitan District staff take part in traffic control flagger training. The October 2026 training certified 14 flaggers. The training was introduced by the newly formed Safety Committee led by TMD Operations Manager Steve Sheffield and TMD Public Works and Parks and Open Space Manager Matt Rayno and supported by TMD staff. Photo courtesy of Brennan Mendus, Colorado Special Districts Insurance Pool.
sewer capacity study currently underway in the district that he is supporting along with the TMD Collections System team. The study entails measuring the 123 manholes in the district from the rim to the bottom. That information is then shared with RESPEC Inc., which develops models to project future flows in the sanitary sewer system. These models allow TMD to predict and address potential capacity issues.
The district is about to get a glow-up. Rayno reported that his team is preparing to dress the community up for the season with holiday lights. As part of their festive work, Rayno and his team will add lights on Jackson Creek Parkway, Baptist Rd., Bowstring Rd., Train Park, Lyons Tail Rd., and Sanctuary Rim Dr. Each year, the team budgets for the purchase of new lights to accommodate growing trees and new spaces in the district. This holiday season, the team will also light up the new TMD utility operations and administration building for the first time. In keeping with thoughts of winter, Rayno shared that he is planning an all-staff snow operations training session. The half-day training will allow staff to become thoroughly familiar with the machine they are assigned to and will operate all winter. Rayno also meets one-on-one with staff to ensure mastery of the machine ahead of what may be a busy snow season with above-average snowfall projected. The board moved into executive session at 7:51 pm. ********** 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 Nov. 19 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.
Monument Sanitation District Board Meeting, Oct. 21
2027 budget discussed
By Jackie Burhans and James Howald In October, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board worked through a preliminary version of its 2027 budget. District Manager Mark Parker told the board he planned to increase the costs of the leases for the district’s two tenants in its headquarters building. The board passed a resolution placing liens on the properties of customers with delinquent accounts. Finally, Parker gave the board an operational report.
“Nothing exciting” in 2027 draft budget
Parker told the board there were “no surprises” in the draft 2027 budget he presented to the board. He said he had worked with Haynie and Co., the district’s accounting company, to consolidate multiple line items into one so that the budget would align with the financial reports. Board President Dan Hamilton noted that accounting services increased from $25,000 in the 2026 budget to $37,500 for 2027. Parker said Haynie and Co. was “getting their fees in line.” Directors Shannon Clark and Janet Ladowski questioned the increase. Parker said he would ask Haynie and Co. to explain it. He added that he was investigating other accounting companies and pointed out that neighboring districts had in-house staff dedicated to accounting. Haynie and Co. had not increased its fees for three years, Parker said. Hamilton also questioned an increase in legal fees, which rose by just over $10,000 from the pre-
vious year. Parker explained that controversy surrounding the Buc-ee’s travel center had led to a large increase in Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) requests for information, resulting in increased legal fees because each request had to be reviewed by the district’s lawyer. Clark asked Parker to break out the line items that had been consolidated so that it would be clearer to her exactly what she was voting on. Hamilton pointed out that the monthly financial reports have the line items broken out as Clark requested. Parker said he would put together a budget worksheet with the detail Clark requested for the November meeting. The proposed 2027 budget estimates total income for the district of $1.32 million and total expenditures of $1.93 million, leading to a negative ending fund balance of $454,786. Parker said he had estimated income low and expenditures high, and he believed “in reality we are good.” The district will need to pass its budget by December. It will hold a public hearing at its November board meeting and has the option of scheduling an additional meeting to discuss the budget in detail.
Rent increase for MSD tenants
Black Forest Foods Café & Delicatessen and Santa Fe Trail Jewelry rent space in the district’s headquarters building at 130 Second St. in Monument. Parker proposed a 5% rent increase for both tenants to cover utility increases, the first rent increase in two years. He pointed out that the building had a single water meter, making it difficult to break that
Gleneagle Civic Association Board Meeting, Oct. 12
Interim GCA board affirms positions By David Futey On Oct. 12, the newly elected interim Gleneagle Civic Association (GCA) board held an online meeting, affirming through a vote the interim board positions and their length of term. The positions are Kevin Baker, president (2-year term); Michelle Bowles, vice president (1-year term); Mike Rosas, treasurer (2-year term); Jeane Turner, secretary (1-year term); and Carloyn Deaderick, member-atlarge (1-year term). That all might change depending on the upcoming GCA board election, which is scheduled for Dec. 14 at the GCA Annual Member Meeting. Board nominations are being accepted until Nov. 19. Interested GCA members should send an email that includes a brief biography, their vision statement, and priorities for the community to info@gleneaglehoa.org expressing their interest in a board position. Bowles led the board meeting as Interim President Baker was not available. She announced committees that have been formed and their committee chairs. The Covenant Enforcement Committee is chaired by Michael Weiner. The Budget Committee is chaired by Rosas. The Nominating Committee for the upcoming election is being co-chaired by Baker and Bowles. Other committees will be formed as needs arise. Those interested in assisting with the Covenant Enforcement Committee should email covenants@gleneaglehoa.org.
Dog waste question
The next topic was the suspension of the Doogie Doo Doo contract. The service collects dog waste bags from dispensers in the Ray Berg Open Space. Bowles said Weiner is heading a group of volunteers that will replace the service. She continued that it is a budget concern after community members on the call asked the reason for the contract cancellation. Weiner reiterated that the service is going to continue with a group of volunteers. Regarding it as a budget matter, Weiner said the total amount if all assessments are collected is about $50,000 annually. The Doggie Doo Doo contract is
$3,800-4,000 annually, about 8% of collected assessments. He said the dog waste collection canisters will not be removed, and the volunteers will use a similar pickup schedule as the service did. The service was previously performed by volunteers before contracting with Doggie Doo Doo. The board has discussed the transition with the service. Turner said the present efforts by the board are “because we don’t have the money” for all the present budgeted items. She continued that the board is trying to “get the budget back on track.” Rosas provided a summary of the 2026 budget after questions regarding it were asked by community members. He said the balance in the operating account is presently $19,581, which should cover upcoming known expenses. He cautioned that unplanned and unpredicted expenses, such as legal fees, could occur. The board is evaluating other cost reductions. Rosas said the 2027 budget will be communicated to homeowners according to the bylaws. The board voted to suspend the Doggie Doo Doo contract. During the community member comments portion of the meeting, questions arose about covenant violation notices in progress given the transition between the board that was removed and the interim board. Rosas said the board is proceeding through the backlog and “appreciate all the patience shown in a very tenuous transition.” He said community members with violations in progress or who have related concerns should email covenants@gleneaglehoa.org, which is monitored. He encouraged community members to email info@gleneaglehoa.org with their general questions and comments. Bowles said volunteers are assisting the board with updating the GCA website. Turner said the board has sent emails related to the board priorities, and community members should contact the board at the info@gleneaglehoa.org email if they are not receiving those emails. The board proceeded into executive session at 6:35 p.m. David Futey can be reached at davidfutey@ocn.me.
cost out by tenant. The board voted to approve the increase.
Liens placed on delinquent accounts
Parker asked the board to approve Resolution 10212026-1, which places liens on properties with delinquent accounts and authorizes the El Paso County Treasurer to collect the amount due. Parker said 27 customer accounts were in arrears, an increase of five over the previous year. The board voted in favor of the resolution.
Manager’s report
Parker told the board that he was continuing to attend meetings regarding the work on Beacon Lite Road, including a preconstruction meeting held on Oct. 27 on the installation of a sewer line. The sewer line will have a force main portion, requiring lift stations, and a gravity-driven portion. Kimley Horn is the contractor for the sewer line that will be installed under Beacon Lite Road, which has not yet been paved. ********** 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 Nov. 18. See MonumentSanitationDistrict.org for meeting dates and times. For a district service map, see www.MonumentSanitationDistrict.org/districtmap. For Information: 719-481-4886. Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me. James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.
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Vol. 26 No. 11
Woodmoor Improvement Association Board Meeting, Oct. 28
Board hears about the Tri-Lakes Foundation for First Responders By Jackie Burhans The Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) board met on Oct. 28 to hear about a newly formed foundation supporting local first responders, discuss the budget process, and hear director reports.
Tri-Lakes Foundation for First Responders
Woodmoor Public Safety (WPS) Chief Darrin Abbink reported that he had met with Tri-Lakes Foundation for First Responders (TLFFR), a foundation designed to provide for the health and safety of first responders in the Tri-Lakes region. He said they invited WPS to receive some of their benefits. TLFFR also supports the Monument Fire District (MFD), Monument Police Department, Palmer Lake Fire Department and the Palmer Lake Police Department. TLFFR was founded by community members who want to give back to those who protect and serve our neighborhoods every day by filling equipment gaps. It contributes to mental health and wellness programs, workout and exercise equipment, ballistic vests, tactical medical kits, training equipment and supplies, and less lethal equipment such as stun guns and pepper spray. Abbink said that MFD needs gym equipment and was looking into “Stop the Bleed” kits. He said he would figure out what would be beneficial for WPS, such as training or safety equipment. He noted that TLFFR had just started fundraising, so funds would be available next year. For more information or to donate, see www. tlffr.org.
Treasurer Pete Giusti said that he was working with Cagliaro to build the 2027 budget, which will come to the board for approval at its November meeting. Bush said the board would get a copy of the budget by email and review highlights at the next meeting. •
•
•
Budget process has begun
President Brian Bush asked board directors to project spending for the end of 2026 and submit requests for the 2027 budget to Homeowners Association (HOA) Administrator Denise Cagliaro. He asked Vice President Peter Bille to review IT expenditures for 2026, which were a little over budget.
•
Director highlights
HOA administrator. Cagliaro said that the November meeting would move to the 18th due to Thanksgiving and that the December meeting was tentatively scheduled for the 16th. She noted that WIA would hold its annual Christmas Lights contest and would announce the catewegories soon. Covenants: Jennifer Davis reported that September had 10 covenant- related items resulting in one violation for trailers and campers. Six issues were resolved with friendly letters and two covenant hearings in September and October. Two hearings are scheduled for Nov. 12. There were 12 HOA checks in September. Davis reminded residents that real estate signs can be no larger than one square foot; larger signs will get a notice. Bush asked Davis to provide a report on the effectiveness of its compliance letters. Architectural Control: Ed Miller reported 52 project submissions in September, 44 of which were approved administratively, eight were approved by the Architectural Control Committee (ACC), and none was rejected. Year to date, there has been a 3.1% increase from 2025 with 383 of 388 projects approved, for a 98.7% approval rate. Forestry: Director Jason Hann reported five forestry and Firewise visits in September. He said WIA submitted its third and largest mitigation reimbursement packet last week. Hann said WIA still has plenty of money available in the grant fund and encouraged residents to take
advantage of mitigation efforts now. He also said the state confirmed beetle-killed trees in Woodmoor, including some in common areas that WIA would remove. Bush noted that the Country Club at Woodmoor removed several large, healthy trees because of insurance concerns and encouraged Hann to stay in contact. • Common Areas. Steve Cutler said that mowing was nearly complete in the common areas and that he planned to replace four of the big sign boards to make them sturdier. WIA will be installing a new pet waste station on the north side of the Twin Ponds open space and relocating one in The Meadows. Sprinklers were turned off this week at The Barn and the asphalt was resealed. Cutler said the blacktop was redone at Toboggan Hill, and The Marsh lot was re-striped. Bush said that residents appreciated that WIA allowed them to handle the mowing in a nearby common area after the wildflowers stopped blooming. • President. Bush noted that Cagliaro had submitted a protest on a state decision regarding a former employee and provided the required documentation. He noted that WIA would be interested in seeing who its new county commissioner is after the election and would monitor HOA-related items from the Legislature. ********** 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 has been moved to Nov. 18 due to the holiday. 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.
Letters to Our Community Our Community News welcomes letters to the editor on topics of general interest to readers in the TriLakes 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.
Support District 38 fine and performing arts
After attending the Lewis-Palmer High School musical Hadestown, I want to compliment the students on a wonderful experience. The Palmer Ridge High School musical Seussical will be on Nov. 12-14. I encourage community members to take time to attend the various District 38 concerts and art shows to see and hear the students’ fantastic talents. The Fine and Performing Arts schedules are available on the district website. Throughout the school year, there are choir, band, musical concerts, and art shows that demonstrate the capability of District 38 Fine Arts. I commend Superintendent Whetstine and the school board for their full support of the arts. Personally and professionally, I find the Fine Arts give cognitive, emotional, and social meaning to academics. District 38’s school board has supported them by providing arts teachers in all our schools. While many school districts reduce or cut the fine arts, looking to find extra dollars to use elsewhere, this district wholeheartedly believes our students will find lifelong value by having access to the fine arts programs at all schools. The LPHS, PRHS, and LPMS bands give students an outstanding instrumental music experience. Vocal directors at both high schools and LPMS, and the elementary music teachers, provide valuable vocal and musical learning opportunities. Theater and drama directors present some of the most professional productions one can see anywhere. Our 2D, 3D, and sculpture experiences with teachers at all district schools showcase the professional skills development of our young artists and present the district-wide art show each April. Don’t miss opportunities to see and hear the Fine and Performing Arts programs this year. It will be a worthwhile experience and will also give students much-needed and appreciated community support for the arts. Ted Bauman
Laura Kronick for mayor
I am writing to express my support for Laura Kronick for mayor of Monument. Our community faces important decisions regarding growth, infrastructure, fiscal sustainability, water resources, and long-term planning. Laura's service as a council member on the Monument Town Council has provided her with a strong foundation in municipal governance and a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our community. This experience and knowledge position her to effectively lead Monument into the future. Laura demonstrates a willingness to listen to residents, engage with differing perspectives, and focus on practical solutions rather than politics. She believes in transparent government, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that community voices are heard
and considered in the decision-making process. Laura is dedicated to responsible stewardship of the Town of Monument's budget. She understands that taxpayer dollars must be managed carefully and strategically, balancing current needs with longterm financial stability. Laura recognizes that sound fiscal management is essential to maintaining quality services, investing in critical infrastructure, and protecting the town's future. Additionally, Laura has invested significant time and effort in understanding complex water issues, researching potential solutions, and advocating for the best renewable water solution for Monument and its residents. Finally, Laura has demonstrated commitment to learning and staying informed. She regularly attends public meetings, educational classes, workshops, and regional discussions to better understand the issues affecting Monument and surrounding communities. Her dedication to continuous learning allows her to provide residents with valuable information and insight into decisions and developments that impact our town. Laura Kronick has the vision, experience, work ethic, fiscal discipline, and commitment necessary to lead Monument successfully into the future. I proudly support her candidacy for mayor and encourage my fellow residents to do the same. Shannon Clark
A community that cares for its neighbors
As we approach the holiday season and the end of another year, I am reminded of something that makes the Tri-Lakes community special: our longstanding tradition of neighbors helping neighbors. For more than 40 years, Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) has been an expression of that generosity. Through the contributions of local residents, businesses, churches, and foundations, TLC has helped thousands of individuals and families navigate difficult circumstances and regain stability. Today, that tradition of caring is more important than ever. Our community continues to grow, and so does the need for assistance. The rising costs of housing, groceries, utilities, and other essentials have placed increasing pressure on household budgets. Many of those seeking help are working families, older adults on fixed incomes, and neighbors who never imagined they would need assistance. These challenges are not political. They are hu-
man. And they affect people who live, work, raise families, and retire right here in our community. At TLC, we see both the challenges and the remarkable resilience of our neighbors. A little help at the right time can make an enormous difference— keeping food on the table, utilities connected, or a securely housed family. As TLC launches its year-end appeal this November, I invite everyone to consider making a generous gift. Every contribution, regardless of size, is an investment in the well-being of our community. Our community's generosity has always been TLC's greatest strength. Together, we can ensure it remains so. Bill Lyons Director of Development and Planning Tri-Lakes Cares
Vote for Laura Kronick
I am writing this letter of support to endorse Laura Kronick for Monument mayor. Laura has been an engaged Monument citizen the four years I have known her. She was a member of the Monument Sanitation District Board of Directors for several years. She actively volunteers with Silver Key Senior Services, which provides critical services to seniors in the TriLakes region. Most people will recognize Laura as a member of the Monument Town Council. Her past and present service demonstrate her commitment to the Town of Monument and the well-being of its citizens. The Town of Monument is at a critical juncture. We need leaders who understand the challenges we face and who are committed to addressing them. Laura consistently demonstrated a willingness to learn about the challenges facing our community, and she is equipped to help define the solutions needed to address them. Laura communicated two main priorities she plans to address as mayor. The first is to balance the town budget to ensure its long-term fiscal viability. Her second priority is to address the long-term water demands of the town. Her previous service on the Town Council and at Monument Sanitation District uniquely qualify her to lead the town as it addresses those challenges. Please join me in voting for Laura Kronick for Town of Monument mayor. She has an outstanding record of service in the town, and she is committed to developing and implementing solutions to our greatest challenges. Dan Showalter
Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore
What’s new this fall?
By the staff at Covered Treasures In early October, we attended the fall regional trade show for booksellers in Denver, where publisher representatives talked up their favorite books for the coming holiday season. Here are a few, for both adult and younger readers, that caught our interest. Animals Taught Me Everything By Pam Houston (Torrey House Press) $18.95 What can a wagging tail and soaring wings teach us about a life well lived? Award-winning author Pam
Houston has learned life’s most important lessons from animals. How to play. How to rest. How to love. How to die. How to be present with the dying. How to find joy in the least likely places. A delightful, inspiring read.
Saturday, November 7, 2026 This Is a Door By Daniel Nayeri (Stonefruit Studio) $19.99 With text on each page that snakes, climbs, jumps, and explodes into shapes that unravel the story, this book is full of fun surprises and musings that turn the classic hero’s journey upside down. A boy named Nothing the Younger lives in a city on the mountaintop of a faraway country. He’s called Ing, and he has no parents, but he does have two friends: a dog, Poppy, and a mouse, mOmO. Deciding to follow along on a journey to find and defeat the Giantess ravaging the countryside, he encounters the terrifying wimmelworm and discovers the truth of his mother and father. Licorice By Kara LaReau (Scholastic Press) $18.99 There is a scent lingering in the house on 5 Manderley Road. The scent rises from every chair leg, every carpet fiber, every throw pillow, even inside the bathtub. Everything smells like Licorice. It is the strongest upstairs in Max’s room, almost overpowering. A feral tabby cat is finally adopted by a loving family at 5 Manderley Road, only to realize that her new home might be haunted by the cat who lived in the house before her. Spine-chilling and heartwarming, funny and charming, Licorice is a retelling of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca for young readers. Hometown By Shaun Tan (Levine Querido) $24.99 Imagine living in a perfect world. You have a loving family, a beautiful home, awesome friends, and about 300 loyal pets. Everything is just as it should be. Until one day, when a stranger arrives. A stranger who looks just like you, with a very disturbing message. Hometown is a visually gorgeous (and frequently funny) meditation about what it means to belong, and what makes us who we are. Where the Wild Horses Are By Amy Alznauer (Neal Porter Books) $18.99 Twelve-year-old Nash is a self-proclaimed cowboy. She sleeps with her riding boots on, takes lessons
OCN at the local barn, and reads True Grit for life advice. There’s just one thing missing—a horse of her own. Enter the Extreme Mustang Makeover contest, a chance to receive and tame a newly captured mustang for the summer. Signing up will guarantee Nash 100 days with a horse; and if she wins, she can use the prize money to bring him home for good. It’s the miracle Nash has been waiting for. Stitched By Eli McCann (Torrey House Press) $18.95 When it’s announced that the biggest quilting competition in the country is coming to Utah, the Ogden Quilters Association sees their chance to finally beat their long-time rival quilting circle. In desperation, the women welcome two young gay men into their group as they bicker their way to an award-worthy entry. With humor and heart, McCann takes the reader into the cozy but cutthroat world of competitive quilting. Solace House By Will Maclean (Grove Press) $28 When the university offers Alex Lane an unusual summer job clearing out a dilapidated Victorian mansion, he jumps at the chance. Joining an unlikely crew of students, they begin sorting through piles of old newspapers and magazines, dusty antiques, and esoteric junk; they come across some elaborate and eerie journals of the house’s former owner, Edwin Flayne. In these diaries, Flayne details his obsession with his missing mother and his belief in a mysterious realm lying parallel to ours, along with coded instructions on how it might be reached. As the students gradually uncover the house’s secrets, the rift between those who want to delve further and those who believe they’ve already gone too far grows ever wider. The Shadow Stream By Kirk Lombard and Parker Thornton (Enchanted Lion) $19.99 This is a story about a river and the people and creatures that surround it, exploring how our en-
Page 17 vironment shapes, sustains, or wounds us, and ultimately helps us heal. Appropriate for middle grade and young adult collections, it is especially suited for readers who enjoy nature-centered fiction, gritty coming-of-age stories, and novels that explore the resilience of people and the natural world. Naming Nature; A Cabinet of Natural Curiosities for Word Lovers By TA Barron (Amber Lotus Publishing) $24.99 This book is a beautiful exploration of how human cultures across time and geography have described the living world around them. With lush, full-color artwork from Oxford’s Bodleian Library, the book spans continents and centuries, from elephants to narwhals. Rooted in mythology and etymology, it is an elegant gift for nature lovers and word lovers; a gorgeous celebration of the natural world and the stories hidden inside our everyday words. The Man Who Read Books By Rachid Benzine, translated by Sam Taylor (Cardinal) $20 A young photographer, reporting on the bombings in the Gaza Strip, wanders far from his hotel and stumbles across a bookseller sitting on the doorstop of his shop—an old man, surrounded by stacks of books. As the photographer raises his camera, the bookseller calls out to him and asks him to listen to his story, not simply take his picture. His story is one that encompasses exile and imprisonment, activism and political disillusionment, the joys of love and art and watching your children grow up and thrive, and the tragedies that tear your loved ones from you. Each event in his life is tied to a book that helped him understand and, in some cases, survive it. Until next month, happy reading! The staff at Covered Treasures can be reached at books@ocn.me.
Library Events
Craft gatherings, book party, holiday schedule changes By Harriet Halbig November activities at the Monument Library will include craft activities, a book release party for a popular series, and schedule changes for the Thanksgiving holiday. Recurring programs in Monument are: • Storytime each Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:15 (at Palmer Lake, Storytimes are on alternate Fridays, Nov. 6 and 20, from 10:30 to 11:15). • Socrates Café adult discussion group Tuesdays 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 1 to 2 and their parent or caregiver. Friday, Nov. 6, from 4:30 to 5:30, kids 6 to 12 can explore reflections and symmetry while creating oil pastel resist art. This is an Idea Lab program. Registration is not required. Celebrate the release of Dog Man 15 at a party on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 1 to 2:30. All ages are welcome Tweens ages 9 to 12 are invited to enjoy a ta-
bletop roleplaying game on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 3:30 to 5:30. Create your own hero and explore new worlds in this interactive experience. Registration is required at 719-531-6333 extension 7005. The Teen Advisory Board for ages 13 to 18 will meet from 5 to 6 on Thursday, Nov. 12. Learn leadership skills, earn volunteer hours, and give input on library activities by joining the board. Earn volunteer hours by attending meetings and working on library projects. Registration required at 719-5316333 ext. 7005. Adults and seniors are invited to a program on felt coasters and banners on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 11 to 12:30. Felt offers the opportunity to make personalized pieces of art for both you and as a gift. Bring your imagination, and we will provide instruction and materials to make personalized felt coasters and banners. Registration is required at 719531-6333 ext. 7005. The Teen Craft Group for teens 13 to 18 will meet from 5 to 6 on Monday, Nov. 16. Bring your own project to work on as you socialize with other crafters your age. This group meets on the first and third Monday of each month. Adults are encouraged to take advantage of
Device Drop-In Help on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 11 to noon. If you need help with your laptop, smartphone, tablet, or other device or with the library’s new online catalog, stop by anytime during this hour and an employee will assist you. No registration is required. The Monument Library Book Group for adults and seniors will meet from 10:30 to 12:30 on Friday, Nov. 20 to discuss The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner. All are welcome to attend. The Monument Fiber Arts Group will meet from 10:30 to noon on Friday, Nov. 27. Bring your own knitting, sewing, crochet, or other fiber arts and enjoy socializing with other crafters. No registration is required.
Holiday schedule changes
Please note that all Pikes Peak Library District facilities will close at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25, for Thanksgiving Eve and remain closed all day on Thursday, Nov. 26. Normal hours will resume on Friday, Nov. 27. Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.
Palmer Lake Historical Society Meeting, Oct. 15
Palmer Lake Historical Society celebrates 70 years By Marlene Brown The Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS) celebrated its 70th anniversary at its regular membership meeting on Oct. 15, held at the Palmer Lake Town Hall. PLHS was registered with the State of Colorado as an Educational 501C3 Non-Profit Organization in October 1956. Its mission was to promote, preserve, and protect the history of the Palmer Divide area, which includes Monument, Palmer Lake, Woodmoor, School District 38, the Air Force Academy, Black Forest, and east to Table Rock. PLHS is also responsible for maintaining, protecting, and promoting activities at the Lucretia Vaile Museum at 66 Lower Glenway St. in Palmer Lake. The founding members of the PLHS board formed the society to publish Marion Savage Sabin’s manuscript Palmer Lake – A Historical Narrative: The story of Palmer Lake from 1820-1989. The book can be purchased along with several other historically significant books that the museum has for sale in the gift shop. Go to www.palmerdividehistory.org/ museum-information. In 1964, PLHS opened a museum in the building where the Palmer Lake Police Department has its offices. The building, built in the 1800s, was originally the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway (AT&SFT) section foreman’s house. Then in 1981, the Lucretia Vaile Library/Museum was dedicated. The building was built as a memorial to Lucretia Vaile, who left a bequest to the Town of Palmer Lake that was used to build the structure. Lucretia Vaile was also the driving force behind the annual Yule Log Ceremony, after she had attended one in New York. She was also a charter member of the society. In 1998, PLHS provided Palmer Lake with a fountain to replicate the one that was built in the lake at the turn of the century. The Old Town Jail
was moved to the Village Green outside of the Town Hall. PLHS has provided signage and maintains the building. In 2001, the society, along with the Town of Palmer Lake, completed a memorial to William J Crawford, a resident and original board member of PLHS. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for action during World War II. See OCN archived article PLHS Dec. 2024 for more information regarding Local Hero https://wp.ocn.me/v24n12hang-2/ In 2003, PLHS began printing the free Tri-Lakes Historical Calendar, highlighting vintage photographs and history of the Palmer Divide Area. The calendar comes out in November and will be available at the membership meeting and at the Lucretia Vaile Museum as long as supplies last. In 2013, the Palmer Lake Star was placed on the Colorado State Register of Historic Places, due to the efforts of PLHS member and historian Jack Anthony.
In 2019, Anthony also was able to place the Palmer Lake Town Hall on the Register of Historic Places. The same year, a 5th edition of Palmer Lake – A Historical Narrative was revised, updated, and printed due to the efforts of museum Director Roger Davis. These and many more accomplishments are due to the members’ efforts, donations, and volunteering that support the Palmer Lake Historical Society, ********** PLHS meetings and programs are usually held on the third Thursday of the month, 7-8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30) at the Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent St. Free and open to the public. For full descriptions, dates, and times for future programs, and information on memberships or to make a donation to the PLHS, visit its website: palmerdividehistory.org. Marlene Brown can be reached at marlenebrown@ocn.me.
The Nature of Our Community
What is beneath the Palmer Divide? Where? How deep? By Dr. Judith von Ahlefeldt, Ecologist Last month, we examined the geological science version of the Big Picture of what is beneath the surface of the Palmer Divide using a map view from above. The Divide’s long summit extends eastward in Colorado from Palmer Lake at the mountains’ base. The Palmer Divide Ridge itself separates the modern South Platte and Arkansas Rivers and their tributaries and is at a lower elevation to the east. This month, we will begin the paleogeological jour-
ney through time and space of the distinct sedimentary rock formations of the Denver Basin. Palmer Divide Ridge is at the south end. The Denver Basin and its rock formations are below the modern land surfaces of the Arkansas watershed on the south side of the Palmer Divide Ridge from east of Colorado Springs to Limon and in the South Platte watershed north of Palmer Divide Ridge to Greeley. This sums it up:
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“Stuff piles up (deposition) and stuff disappears (erosion)” (Repeat many times at all scales of time and space) This cyclic idea is on page 23 of Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway (2007) by Dr. Kirk R Johnson, who was head paleontologist of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science when that book was published. In 2012, he became the Sant Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. In 2006, Dr. Johnson and Dr. Robert G. Raynolds (then research associate at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and [currently] an adjunct faculty member in the Colorado School of Mines Geophysics Department) wrote Ancient Denvers, an illustrated description of the surface of the entire Denver Basin history, which begins with a drawing of a cross-section of the sedimentary rocks below the surface but above the Precambrian igneous and metamorphic rocks at the top of Earth’s crust (mantle).
This is a depth of 14,000 feet (i.e., from the top of Quaternary sediments on which Denver is built to the bottom of the central part of the Denver Basin). The U.S. Geological Service (USGS) spent much of the past decade studying aquifers in the Denver Basin—which have the same names as the rock formations—and are the result of all geologic processes in the past 300 million years that affected this area of the Earth. The names (from bottom to top) are: Laramie-Fox Hills, Arapahoe, Denver, Dawson, and Castle Rock Conglomerate. There may be Pliocene or Pleistocene alluvium (modern outwash from erosion) on the exposed erosion surfaces. The processes that make these sedimentary rock formations include repeated large-scale and smaller-scale (in both time and space) erosion and sedimentation cycles. They include fluvial (river) deposits on land surfaces and under water. Remnant older, very erosion-resistant rocks from
Paleozoic times are tilted and near the mountains (as at Garden of Gods, Red Rocks, or on the Western Slope). These are below the Denver Basin in time. Fluvial geomorphology is the fancy specific geology name for the study of water processes shaping the Earth’s surface because of the presence and action of flowing water. We know where modern creeks and rivers are—but ancient rivers were in different places and different latitudes, as well as in different climates and with different flow amounts and intensities, according to the Theory of Continental Drift. What is left of some of these river sediment deposits can be seen in cliffs at El Paso County’s Homestead Park. East of the modern Front Range Mountains in Colorado and underlying the extensive Denver Basin, which is a syncline (sag) in the earth’s crust, with thousands of feet of limestone rock formed under very large areas of seawater of the Western Interior Seaway of what became North America of
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Pangea. The Denver Basin was a major recipient of these erosion sediments from before the end of the Paleozoic and Mesozoic Eras—many millions of years ago—but younger than the vertical rocks in the Garden of the Gods and before the large asteroid hit the Yucatan Peninsula in Central America, causing mass extinctions and marking the end of the Age of Reptiles followed by the Age of Mammals. So, the Palmer Divide Ridge in El Paso County extends east to Limon in Lincoln County. But surface areas of “The Divide” of the 1800s extend north into Douglas and Elbert Counties and east to just past Limon. “The Divide” is over higher altitude parts of the Denver Basin, and partly overlain by alluvial sediments. It is a relatively small area of the Denver Basin—but it has all the rock layers! What is below depends on where you are standing! Judith Ahlefeldt can be reached at judithahlefeldt@ocn.me.
November Emergency Preparation Tips
Reduce fuels even in cold weather By Lisa Hatfield We can experience wildfire anytime it’s not actively raining or snowing, so this cold weather is still a good time to reduce fuel around your house and check for vulnerabilities that could allow flying embers and sparks to be blown into the attic, crawl space, or other parts of the home. A blizzard, lengthy power outage, earthquake, flood, or hazardous material spill can incapacitate our community, too. To be sure you are ready for anything, take these actions from www.monumentfire.org/wildfiresafety-and-mitigation: • Prepare a go-bag and disaster
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supplies kit with food, water, medicines, shelter, clothing, etc. Have kits for home, work, and car. See also www.ready.gov/kit. Sign up for emergency notifications from the El Paso and Teller County 9-1-1 Authority at www. elpasoteller911.org/peak-alerts. Ensure home address signs are visible from the street so responders can find your home in the dark or dense smoke. Make an evacuation plan for people and pets. Identify at least two ways out of your neighborhood and a safe place for you to meet (pre-determine this in case cell
phones fail). For more ideas, look online for Colorado State Forest Service’s The Home Ignition Zone: 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.
Above: Make sure your whole family knows where the emergency supplies are in case you are not with them when disaster strikes. Photo from Ready.Gov and the Department of Homeland Security.
High Altitude Nature and Gardens
Gratitude in the quiet of November By Janet Sellers November is a season of remembrance. As the autumn frost settles over our landscape, our thoughts naturally turn to the loved ones, mentors, and ancestors who shaped our lives. My late friend and mentor, Ute Elder Dr. James Jefferson, shared a foundational teaching with me that echoes this spirit: Ute children were taught that the first three plants found on any search belong to the Creator. It took time for me to realize the quiet brilliance in that spiritual ethic. Leaving those first plants ensures that seeds remain to re-create the landscape, guaranteeing that nature’s garden is never depleted. As we observe Native American Heritage Month alongside our traditional days of thanks, remembering these ancestral lessons offers a profound model for modern high-altitude stewardship. In November, most local gardeners tuck away their cultivated plots
for the season. Yet the land beneath our feet in the Tri-Lakes region was already a flourishing, highly cultivated sanctuary long before fences were built. For the Ute people (Núuchi-u), these high valleys were not a wild hinterland—they were home. Their seasonal movement between summer and winter residences was not aimless wandering, but a sophisticated, deliberate rotation of living spaces designed to give each ecosystem time to rest and regenerate. They enjoyed the cool mountains in summer and the warmer climes away from winter cold. The abundant plant communities along the Palmer Divide were their garden, carefully stewarded across generations for maximum vitality and resilience: • Chokecherries (Prunus virginiana) and serviceberries: Cultivated along riparian zones as essential, sacred “medicinal foods.” In Indigenous traditions, food and medicine are deeply inter-
twined; chokecherries are rich in vitamins, fiber, and potent antioxidants. Recent research collaborating with tribal knowledge holders shows that traditional preparations crushing the pit with the fruit release compounds that inhibit certain cancer cell growths. This scientific validation confirms what ancestral wisdom always knew: Preparing plants in their complete, whole form unlocks their true healing efficacy. • Piñon pines and ponderosa pines: Tended as living food sources, providing calorie-dense nuts and nutrient-rich cambium. • Wild rose hips (Rosa woodsii) and yucca: Maintained in sunny openings to yield late-autumn Vitamin C and versatile roots for health and utility. Having enjoyed these native foods near my home for years—from sweetened chokecherries to late-autumn rose hips and piñon nuts—I am con-
tinually humbled by the quiet generosity of this landscape. Listening to native plant communities and cultivating gratitude transform our relationship with our soil, weather, and wild spaces. True gardening stewardship is not about human control or high-consumption land development; it is about living in reciprocal harmony with the Earth. In remembering those who came before us—honoring the Creator, the wisdom of our mentors, and the profound ecological heritage of the Ute people who carefully tended these lands as their home—we learn how to steward our own high-altitude sanctuaries today. Janet L. Sellers is a master artist and 20-year columnist exploring eco-aesthetics, neuro-aesthetics, and permaculture to frame nature and art as a healing sanctuary. Contact her at janetsellers@ocn.me.
On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins)
Ice Cave Creek Loop
By Steve Pate On Oct. 13, I hiked the Ice Cave Creek Trail, connected with the Swank Trail, and looped back via the Palmer Lake Reservoirs. The route is moderate intensity and is about four miles from the gate at the Palmer Lake water plant with about 800 feet of elevation gain.
I was hoping to catch the aspens in full color, but it was a bit late for that. The Ice Cave Creek Trailhead is about 50 yards past the lower Palmer Lake Reservoir, and many people miss it. Look for a few switchbacks leading uphill on the north side of the reservoir road. The trail parallels the boulder field upstream from the
Above: View of the lower reservoir, Palmer Lake, and the Monument Divide between Sundance and Chautauqua Mountains from the Ice Cave Creek Trail. Photo by Steve Pate.
lower reservoir and offers great views of Palmer Lake and the Palmer Divide between Sundance and Chautauqua Mountains. On our website we’ve included a photo taken by Adam Green of a rock outcropping on the White Ghost Trail (the rocks for which the trail was named). Not much color there either,
but it’s still beautiful scenery, and hiking or mountain biking these areas is a great way to disconnect from stressful situations and absorb the milieu nature can provide. Steve Pate may be contacted at stevepate@ocn.me.
Above: View of waning aspens looking east from the Swank Trail. Photo by Steve Pate.
OCN
Saturday, November 7, 2026
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Art Matters
Restorative art and Grandpa Chic By Janet Sellers As the morning frost settles over the Tri-Lakes region, our daily routines naturally shift indoors. We spend more time navigating the built spaces of our community—from our local clinic lobbies and community centers to busy regional corridors. It is during these quieter, enclosed months that we often realize just how deeply our surrounding environment affects our mood and energy. This month, I want to explore how fine art can do far more than decorate a blank wall: It can actively transform our shared spaces into sanctuaries of peace and visual calm. If you read any art-related headlines, you know the ultra-wealthy art world operates in a parallel universe. Up in that high-finance stratosphere, a multi-million-dollar painting has less to do with actual brushwork, color, or emotional resonance and everything to do with tax shelters and bank collateral. In that game, masterworks are locked away in dark, climate-controlled vaults, acting as financial chess
pieces that regular people never even get to stand in front of. This also trickles into our visual literacy and educational impact from the outside. The catch is this: They write those rules, and they decide what counts as valuable in their world. But we don’t have to play their game—nor do we need their permission to decide what brings real value into our own lives. We get to reclaim our own visual agency. We can choose art as a friend, a companion, and a steady creator of everyday hope. Real value lives in what a piece actually does for us when we sit in the same room with it—how it changes the feel of a Tuesday afternoon. We are most free when we shape our visual lives by choosing work that speaks to us, made by real hands, rather than settling for mass-produced industrial wall filler or distant market hype. In reclaiming art for our own daily lives, we reclaim our own world. This is also a vital shield for living artists: The real cultural and economic heartbeat of art doesn’t belong to
limited speculative gallery gatekeepers, but to the millions of people who choose original work to bring beauty, truth, and sanctuary into their daily lives. Industry-wide, the design world is catching up to this shift with a movement affectionately nicknamed by the design industry as Grandpa Chic. It’s the art of unhurried sanctuary—built on tactile warmth, honest patinas, rich wood frames, and generous visual breathing room. It steps completely away from the cold, clinical ironies that dominated galleries and interior design for years. What we can obtain from the big-box store industry isn’t the only set of choices, and people and communities are pushing back. This isn’t just about nostalgia for old-fashioned charm; it’s a deliberate strategy for personal well-being. Whether it hangs in a local medical office, a neighborhood lobby, or in our own living and dining rooms, bedrooms, and quiet hallways, this kind of art offers an understated, comforting presence. It is an invitation to step
out of life’s sensory storm, take a quiet breath, and finally lower our shoulders. As we head into the upcoming holiday season, our local artists and galleries are available to us. They will be hosting ongoing events across the area. Beyond finding unique, heartfelt gifts, these gatherings offer a wonderful chance to reflect on the spaces where we live, work, and welcome others. Bringing art by living, local artists into our homes, offices, and shared community spaces invites a genuine return to personal engagement, warm relationships, and shared human connection right where we live. Janet L. Sellers is a master painter, monumental sculptor, and SCAD researcher in Colorado. Offering atelier workshops through the Monument School of Fine Arts, her research on “The Architecture of Awe” serves over 20,000 households monthly. Contact her at janetsellers@ocn.me.
Snapshots of Our Community Falcon oversees AFA win
Hegseth swears-in recruits
Right: Navy and Air Force met again on the football field Saturday, Oct. 3, to start the competition for the Commander in Chief trophy. AFA Cadet Natalie and her falcon supported high-altitude reconnaissance on Navy maneuvers. Air Force prevailed 14-9. Photo by Melinda Reichal.
WMMI Miners' Pumpkin Patch Above On Oct. 3, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth spoke to 90 recruits about patriotism and swore them into the armed forces at the Air Force football game against Navy. Photo by Gordon Reichal.
D38 fifth-graders launch rockets
Above The Western Museum of Mining & Industry (WMMI) held its annual Miners’ Pumpkin Patch every Saturday in October. This fall family-fun-packed event included a variety of activities that included gold panning, a barrel train ride for the younger ones and tractor-pulled hayrides for all around the museum property, outdoor games including cornhole and tetherball, and a hay bale maze. A magic show by Inspector Magic, face painting by Gemineyes, performances by Fairytale Fable, taking a short ride in a soap box derby car provided by Pikes Peak Soap Box Derby, and a farmers market were available on various Saturdays. Attendees picked out a pumpkin or two from the pumpkin patch in the apple orchard, with the option to smash or catapult one. Information on upcoming WMMI events is at wmmi.org. Photo by David Futey.
Silver Key fundraising, Oct. 6
Above D38 fifth-grade classes gathered at Bear Creek Elementary on Oct. 5 to launch model rockets. The launch station was configured to prepare multiple launches with assistance from community service organizations and industry representatives as part of the STEM education enrichment program. Photo by Gordon Reichal.
Talk to the Town, Oct. 10
Above: Little by little, money continues to be raised for the proposed all-ages community center Silver Key hopes to open on Jackson Creek Parkway in Monument. Silver Key Senior Services President and CEO Jason DeaBueno told Our Community News that a total of $111,000 has been raised so far. Classic Homes has pledged to donate about 2 acres of land between the YMCA and Whataburger for the center if Silver Key can raise $13 million-$17 million for construction. Speaking before a crowd of supporters at an open house at the Silver Key Thrift Shop in Monument on Oct. 6, DeaBueno said the first step is to raise 70% of the $8 million it’ll cost to build out the building. Then, he said, Classic Homes will deed the land to Silver Key. DeaBueno admits “that’s a lot of dollars” and yet he says Silver Key won’t take out a loan for the money. He estimates it’ll take two years to raise the initial funds through profits from the thrift shop and donations. Pictured: DeaBueno addresses the crowd while Lori Jarvis, Silver Key director of special projects, holds a rendition of what the proposed community center. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Above: Only 10 people showed up for the Talk to the Town open meeting at the Monument Town Hall on Oct. 13, prompting Mayor Mitch LaKind to chide those not attending, who he said will end up complaining about the town online later. Finance Director Jennifer Phillips opened the session that lasted a little more than an hour with a budget report saying the town is in “a much better position” financially than it was before. Those attending peppered members of the Town Council with questions about town finances, grants, and growth. One question was on whether the town was going to return to the colorful planters and gardens that were eliminated this year for financial reasons. Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek said, “We’re hoping to have the money to do something next year but she added that they don’t have the staff or funds to maintain the flowers and plants. Photo by Michael Weinfeld
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Troop 194 Food Drive, Oct. 10
Above: On the morning of Oct. 10, Gleneagle Scout Troop 194 held its annual food drive in the Antelope Trails Elementary School parking lot. Scout Kennedy Lutz said they hope to exceed last year’s donations of about 1,700 pounds. She said the donations will be given to Tri-Lakes Cares to assist those in need in the local community. The volunteer hours for the food drive and the trash cleanup the troop did along Gleneagle Drive this day go toward service hours for rank advancement. More importantly, Lutz said their efforts today align with the Scout slogan, “Do a good turn daily,” and put into practice the 12 Scout Law Principles. Information on Troop 194 is at www.csscouts.org. Photo by David Futey.
Vol. 26 No. 11
Was this the last Empty Bowls?
Above: Has the last empty bowl been filled? Maybe. Maybe not. Multiple members of Monument Hill Kiwanis Club (MHKC) said at the Oct. 14 Empty Bowls dinner that it was the last one. An MHKC flyer called it “The Last Ever.” But when Our Community News asked whether the 20-year tradition was indeed over, Empty Bowls project manager Dave Bailey replied, “maybe not” and “stay tuned.” A large crowd attended the event that benefits Tri-Lakes Cares. Nearly two dozen restaurants provided the soup, bread, drinks, and sweets. Pictured from left, D38 Director of Human Resources Michaela Vanderheiden, D38 Executive Director of Special Ed Danielle Holmes, and Prairie Winds Elementary School Principal Kimberly Runyan. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Palmer Lake 0.5K, Oct. 19
Two local lakes restocked, Oct. 19
Above: Monument Lake and Palmer Lake were restocked with thousands of rainbow trout on Oct. 19. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) sent 3,500 fish tumbling from a tank in a truck through a chute into Monument Lake, then repeated the process for 2,900 trout in Palmer Lake. CPW raises more than 100 million fish annually at the Chalk Cliffs Fish Hatchery in Nathrop to stock Colorado’s waters. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
After wildfire mitigation
Above: Awake the Lake’s 12th annual .5K “Race” was held Oct. 19. About 700 “runners” showed up to support this event, which provides funds for parks and other outdoor resources in Palmer Lake. As usual, the starting line was on the east side of the lake, and runners and walkers proceeded to the donut station just before crossing the pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks to the finish line. Musicians from Palmer Ridge High School performed for those who stopped for donuts. Vendors were set up near the finish line, and participants were treated to a free beer or soft drink at O’Malley’s. Many “runners” dressed in costumes, and $1,000 in prize money was available for the best costume, biggest attitude, and overall fun vibes. As Awake the Lake says, “It’s not how fast you finish, but how fabulously you show up.” Photo by Steve Pate.
Subaru dealership takes shape
Above: On a hike from the parking lot at Nursery and Mount Herman Roads around the Monument Rock and back near the “Hotshot Heliport,” I found that many of the smaller burned trees are still standing, while others have been removed or put into slash piles. It appears some of the mitigation efforts may have gone too far up larger trees, but it also appears the Ute Prayer Tree may survive a while longer. Photo by Steve Pate.
Monument Cemetery Tour, Oct. 24 Above: On Oct. 21, two cranes tower over the building of the Subaru dealership being constructed at the Struthers Road circle by Gleneagle Drive in the Northgate area. The Omaha-based Baxter Auto Group is behind the $28.8 million project. The project was approved by the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department on Aug. 25. It was created in September 2024, and the project submission was received by the applicant in March 2025. The 12-acre site has a projected building size of 61,359 square feet for sales and service and a separate building of 2,856 square feet. The auto group is not new to the Colorado Springs area, as it purchased Lexus of Colorado Springs in 2016 and Larry H. Miller Toyota, renamed Toyota of Colorado Springs, in 2022. The auto group has dealerships in Kansas and Wisconsin along with those in Nebraska and Colorado Springs. Photo by David Futey. Above: Oct. 24 had the perfect atmosphere for a tour of Monument Cemetery. It was cold and gloomy with a threat of rain. About 60 people attended the hourlong tour conducted by Michael Weinfeld and John Howe, co-authors of the book Shootouts, Killings, and War Heroes: The History Hidden in Monument’s Cemetery. The tour stopped at several gravesites, including F.M. Brown, who was killed in a shootout over cattle, David McShane, who built a fort with an underground passage to protect his family and residents from Indian attacks, and Fred Simpson, who shot the mountain lion Old Disappearance that can be seen, stuffed, at the Lucretia Vaile Museum in Palmer Lake. The event was organized by Dawn Lervik of the group Strong Towns Tri-Lakes with support from the Town of Monument. Another tour is planned for Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. Weinfeld and Howe will also give a more in-depth lecture about the cemetery at the Western Museum of Mining and Industry in Colorado Springs on Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. Pictured from left are Howe and Weinfeld telling the crowd about the grave of Paton Wilson, a Civil War veteran who became the most successful potato farmer in Monument. Photo by Tia M. Mayer.
Woodmoor Turkey Trot Left: Five visitors on Fairplay Drive in Woodmoor South on Oct. 7 seemed to be looking for a place to hide before Thanksgiving. Two were the lead scouts, while the other three stopped for a nap under a tree. Photo by Gordon Reichal.
Saturday, November 7, 2026
OCN
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Monument woman wins 5K, Oct. 24 Witches on paddleboards, Oct. 24
Above: Jenny Davey of Monument won the women’s division of the 18th Annual Creepy Crawl 5K held Oct. 24 in Palmer Lake. Davey completed the race in just under 23 minutes, 49 seconds. (23:48:51), a little slower than her usual time, she says, because of the “brutal” wind. Davey says it was the first time she finished first in a 5K. The winner of the men’s division was Daniel Wells of Colorado Springs. He finished in about 18 minutes 38 seconds. Many participants dressed up in costumes for the race held on the Santa Fe Trail. Proceeds help provide YMCA memberships and programs for local families and individuals. Pictured: Second-place finisher Zoe Robinson of Colorado Springs, left, and Jenny Davey. Photo courtesy YMCA.
Above: It was so cold and windy on Oct. 24 that these witches might’ve wished they were on brooms rather than paddleboards. A few women dressed as witches launched their paddleboards on Palmer Lake to take part in the event hosted by The Elephant Rock Experience. The wind blew the hat off one witch and made controlling the paddleboards very difficult. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Monument Safe Trick-or-Treat
Fog envelopes the area
Above: Tri-Lakes residents woke up to a dense fog the morning of Oct. 25. Photos one and two were taken at Monument Lake. Photos three and four were taken just south of the lake. And photo five was taken in the Lake of the Rockies community. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Above: The annual Halloween safe trick-or-treat event downtown wrapped up a full week of Tri-Lakes Halloween fun. The Downtown Monument Merchants offered candy, fun, and refreshments for all ages all around the town historic district. At the Front Street Square, Bella Art and Frame gallery owners Micaela Cimino and Joseph Jesse handed out candy with their daughter Avie, decked out in 101 Dalmatians attire. Many came in costume and met the shopkeepers. The event showcases the historic district’s numerous fun community activities throughout the week of Halloween festivities and kicks off the upcoming weekly holiday events for November and December. Photo by Janet Sellers.
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.
Safety tips for fireplaces
Fireplaces are enjoyable, but remember to safety check before restarting. The Monument Fire District and local safety agencies emphasize key winter heating and furnace safety measures as temperatures drop. • Professional tuneup: Have your central heating system, furnace, and chimney cleaned and inspected. • Filter care: Clean or replace your furnace filter every one to three months and inspect outdoor intake and exhaust vents. • 3-foot rule: Keep anything that can burn—including paper, clothing, cardboard boxes, paint, rags, and furniture—at least 3 feet away from your furnace, water heater, and other heating equipment. Regularly vacuum and clean dust, lint, and debris accumulation. • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: Verify that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are installed on every level of your home and test them. • Gas leak protocol: If you smell gas or suspect a leak, do not turn on any lights or appliances, immediately vacate the home, and call 911. • System noises/odors: If your furnace makes strange noises, emits burning odors, or fails to heat properly, shut it off at the main switch and call a professional technician immediately.
Free mattress recycling through Nov. 25
The El Paso County Environmental Division is excited to announce their November 2026 Clean Sweep Mattress Recycling Event. Bring up to 4 total mattresses or box springs free of charge to Urban Recycling at 3341 N. Cascade Avenue. This program runs weekdays from Nov. 2-25 and makes recycling easier and more accessible for households in El Paso and Teller Counties. Registration and proof of El Paso or Teller County residency are required. Find more information here: https://MattressCleanSweepNov2026.eventbrite.com.
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-developmentstandards. 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/
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 firefighters 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 Tri-Lakes Cares or how you can help,
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Read, download, search, and listen to OCN content at our mobile-friendly website OCN.ME
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 onsite 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.
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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 part-
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Vol. 26 No. 11
ner 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/volunteerprogram/. 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/.
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.
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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., Nov. 18, 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., Nov. 25, 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., Nov. 19, 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) - land use meeting, Thu., Nov. 12, 9 am-5 pm; Thu., Nov. 26, 9 am-5 pm. BOCC land use meetings are usually held the second and fourth Thursdays of the month (as needed) at Centennial Hall. 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. El Paso County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) - regular meeting, Tue., Nov. 10, 9 am-10 am; Tue., Nov. 17, 9 am-10 am; Tue., Nov. 24, 9 am-10 am; Tue., Dec. 1, 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. El Paso County Planning Commission meeting, Thu., Nov. 19, 9 am-12 pm; Thu., Dec. 3, 9 am-12 pm. Normally meets first & third Thu. (as required). Regional Development Center, 2880 International Circle, Colo. Springs. Meetings are live-streamed on the El Paso County News & Information Channel at www.elpasoco.com/newsinformation-channel. Info: 719-520-6300 El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority meeting, Thu., Nov. 19, 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., Nov. 16, 6 pm-9 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., Nov. 10, 6 pm-8 pm. Formerly known as the District Accountability Advisory Committee (DAAC). Meets six times a year at a different school each month. The November 10, 2026 meeting will be at the district’s Career and Innovation Center, 1200 Synthes Ave. For information, check the D38 website https://www.lewispalmer.org or contact Tamara McKee at tmckee@lewispalmer.org. Monument Academy School Board meeting, Thu., Nov. 12, 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., Nov. 18, 4:30 pm-6:30 pm. Meets in person or via Microsoft Teams. Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For up-to-date 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, Thu., Nov. 12, 6 pm-9 pm. 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/Planning-Commission-Board-of-Adjustment. Info: 719-884-8028. Monument Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Nov. 18, 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 meeting, Mon., Nov. 16, 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 Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO), Sat., Nov. 14, 10 am-12 pm. Usually meets bi-monthly (Jan., Mar, May, July, Sep., Nov.) the 2nd Sat., Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Members of local HOAs are welcome. www.nepco.org. Palmer Lake Board of Adjustments meeting, Tue., Dec. 1, 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., Nov. 12, 6 pm-9 pm; Thu., Nov. 26, 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., Nov. 11, 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., Nov. 18, 6 pm-9 pm. Meets third Wed. Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Info: 719-481-2953 or https://www.townofpalmerlake.com. Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee meeting, Tue., Nov. 10, 10 am-1 pm. Meets second Tue. 16510 Mitchell Ave. Info: See tlwastewater.com/index.html. Triview Metropolitan District board meeting, Thu., Nov. 19, 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.
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Village Center Metropolitan District Board Meeting, Tue., Nov. 17, 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., Nov. 25, 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, Wed., Nov. 11, 1 pm-5 pm. Normally meets second Mon. 1845 Woodmoor Dr., Monument. Info: 719488-2525. www.woodmoorwater.com.
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W E E K LY & M O N T H LY E V E N T S
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A.A. Big Book Study, Thu., Nov. 5, 7 pm-9 pm; Thu., Nov. 12, 7 pm-9 pm; Thu., Nov. 19, 7 pm-9 pm; Thu., Nov. 26, 7 pm-9 pm; Thu., Dec. 3, 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., Nov. 11, 11:30 am-1 pm; Wed., Dec. 9, 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., Nov. 25, 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., Nov. 5, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Nov. 10, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Nov. 12, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Nov. 17, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Nov. 19, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Nov. 24, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Nov. 26, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Tue., Dec. 1, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Dec. 3, 7:30 pm9:30 pm; Tue., Dec. 8, 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., Nov. 5, 9 am10:15 am; Thu., Nov. 12, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Nov. 19, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Nov. 26, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Dec. 3, 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-anon-co.org. Al-Anon meeting: Monument Serenity, Thu., Nov. 5, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Nov. 12, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Nov. 19, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Nov. 26, 9 am-10:15 am; Thu., Dec. 3, 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., Nov. 5, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Fri., Nov. 6, 12 pm-1 pm; Tue., Nov. 10, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Nov. 12, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Fri., Nov. 13, 12 pm-1 pm; Tue., Nov. 17, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Nov. 19, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Fri., Nov. 20, 12 pm-1 pm; Tue., Nov. 24, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Nov. 26, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Fri., Nov. 27, 12 pm-1 pm; Tue., Dec. 1, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Thu., Dec. 3, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm; Fri., Dec. 4, 12 pm-1 pm; Tue., Dec. 8, 7:30 pm-9:30 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., Nov. 16, 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., Nov. 11, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm; Wed., Dec. 9, 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., Nov. 8, 10:15 am-11:30 am; Sun., Nov. 15, 10:15 am-11:30 am; Sun., Nov. 22, 10:15 am-11:30 am; Sun., Nov. 29, 10:15 am-11:30 am; Sun., Dec. 6, 10:15 am11:30 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) 6330655. Benethillmonastery.org Bingo night, American Legion post 9-11 Tri-Lakes, Sat., Nov. 14, 6 pm-9 pm; Sat., Nov. 28, 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., Nov. 14, 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., Nov. 26, 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. Getting Started with TinkerCAD, Fri., Nov. 6, 5 pm-6 pm. Join this monthly Maker Cohort to explore digital design, learn a new technique, share projects and connect with other makers. Fri., Nov. 6 and Dec. 4, 5–6 pm. Beginners welcome. $10 for non-members. Information and registration: monumentalimpact.org/calendar/.
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Monumental Impact, 866 Highway 105, Palmer Lake. Gleneagle Service to Mankind (Sertoma), Wed., Nov. 18, 11:45 am-1 pm; Wed., Dec. 2, 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, Mon., Nov. 16-Tue., Nov. 17. Third Fri., (Sep.-June), various venues, 12 activity groups, i.e., hiking, bridge, etc. Guests welcome. For information contact Marcie at 520205-0578. Lions Club Bingo, Sat., Nov. 14, 8:30 am-1 pm; Sat., Nov. 21, 8:30 am-1 pm; Sat., Nov. 28, 8:30 am-1 pm; Mon., Dec. 7, 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., Nov. 11, 4:30 pm-6 pm; Wed., Nov. 18, 4:30 pm-6 pm; Wed., Nov. 25, 4:30 pm-6 pm; Wed., Dec. 2, 4:30 pm-6 pm; Wed., Dec. 9, 4:30 pm-6 pm. Mind Quest Puzzles and Games. 872 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO. 80133. Info at 719-623-7494 and mindquestpuzzles.com. Register at https://www.mindquestpuzzles.com/collections/speedpuzzling-clubs Mind Quest - Breakfast Club, Fri., Nov. 27, 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., Nov. 10, 6 pm-8 pm; Tue., Dec. 8, 6 pm-8 pm. Mind Quest Puzzles and Games. 872 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO. 80133. Info: 719-623-7494 mindquestpuzzles.com. Register at https:// www.mindquestpuzzles.com/products/bunco-game-night2nd-tuesday Mind Quest - Game Time, Sun., Nov. 8, 1 pm-5 pm; Sun., Nov. 15, 1 pm-5 pm; Sun., Nov. 22, 1 pm-5 pm; Sun., Nov. 29, 1 pm-5 pm; Sun., Dec. 6, 1 pm-5 pm. Mind Quest Puzzles and Games. 872 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO. 80133. Info at 719-623-7494 and mindquestpuzzles. com. Come play games with us – bring your own or use ours! Mind Quest - Home Schooling Speed Puzzle Club, Tue., Nov. 10, 1 pm-3 pm; Tue., Nov. 17, 1 pm-3 pm; Tue., Nov. 24, 1 pm-3 pm; Tue., Dec. 1, 1 pm-3 pm; Tue., Dec. 8, 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., Nov. 25, 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., Nov. 16, 11 am-1 pm; Mon., Dec. 7, 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., 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., Nov. 15, 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., 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., Dec. 7, 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., Nov. 16, 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., Nov. 7, 8 am-10 am; Sat., Nov. 14, 8 am-10 am; Sat., Nov. 21, 8 am-10 am; Sat., Nov. 28, 8 am-10 am; Sat., Dec. 5, 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, 719-210-4987, www.MHKiwanis. org. Monument Life Recovery Group, Mon., Nov. 9, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 16, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 23, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 30, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm; Mon., Dec. 7, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm. Every Mon., 6:30-7:30 pm, The Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd. This faithbased 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/liferecovery-group-3/ Monumental Impact: Make it work Clinic: Tech + Tools, Tue., Nov. 24, 3 pm-4:30 pm. Meets in-person at Monumental Impact, 866 Highway 105, Palmer Lake. Free and open to the public. Bring a 3D printer, device, gadget or other tech you would like advice on troubleshooting, repairing or getting working again. Assistance depends on the expertise of volunteers available that day. Information: http://monumentalimpact.org/make-it-work/. Neighborhood Net Ham Radio, Sat., Nov. 7, 10 am-1 pm; Sat., Nov. 14, 10 am-1 pm; Sat., Nov. 21, 10 am-1 pm; Sat., Nov. 28, 10 am-1 pm; Sat., Dec. 5, 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.
OCN
Saturday, November 7, 2026
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Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO), Sat., Nov. 14, 10 am-12 pm. Usually meets bi-monthly (Jan., Mar, May, July, Sep., Nov.) the 2nd Sat., Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Members of local HOAs are welcome. www.nepco.org. Palmer Divide Quiltmakers, Thu., Nov. 5, 6:30 pm8:30 pm; Thu., Dec. 3, 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., Nov. 14, 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., Nov. 19, 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., Nov. 11, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm; Wed., Dec. 9, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm. Zoom meeting, second Wed., 6:30pm: Zoom hangout. 7 pm: meeting starts. Monthly special speaker programs. For zoom meeting details contact: president@ppgs.org. Info: www. ppgs.org. Relentless Recovery, Recovery Gathering, Mon., Nov. 9, 7:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 23, 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., Nov. 8, 10:30 am-12 pm; Sun., Nov. 15, 10:30 am-12 pm; Sun., Nov. 22, 10:30 am-12 pm; Sun., Nov. 29, 10:30 am-12 pm; Sun., Dec. 6, 10:30 am-12 pm. Every Sun., 10:30 am, 5740 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, 80918. All are welcome. Info: 719357-6515 or www.ridgeviewcolorado.org. St. Matthias Sunday Services, Sun., Nov. 8, 10 am11:30 am; Sun., Nov. 15, 10 am-11:30 am; Sun., Nov. 22, 10 am-11:30 am; Sun., Nov. 29, 10 am-11:30 am; Sun., Dec. 6, 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. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfast, Thu., Nov. 5, 7:30 am-9 am; Thu., Nov. 19, 7:30 am-9 am; Thu., Dec. 3, 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., Dec. 2, 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., Nov. 5, 6 pm-8 pm; Thu., Nov. 19, 6 pm-8 pm; Thu., Dec. 3, 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., Nov. 21, 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., Nov. 20, 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., Nov. 18, 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., Nov. 9, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 16, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 23, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Nov. 30, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Mon., Dec. 7, 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: 866-6419190.
SPECIAL EVENTS
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/. Charity Wine Tasting, Thu., Nov. 12, 6:30 pm-9 pm. The Margarita at Pine Creek, 7350 Pine Creek Rd, Colorado Springs 80919. Join The Wine Seller for fabulous wines and delicious hors d’oeuvres prepared by the chefs at The Margarita at Pine Creek. Proceeds will benefit Monument Hill Kiwanis Foundation, a 501(c)(3) which supports local charitable groups and D-38 Schools. Tickets: $80 per person. Tickets available at The Wine Seller or online at Mhkiwanis. org. See ad on page 7. Covered Treasures Bookstore Book Signing, Sat., Nov. 7, 12 pm-2 pm. Author Jonathan D. Campbell will sign his new Colorado history book- Railroads, Rifles, and Ruffians. Sat., Nov. 14, 12 pm-2 pm. Author Karen James will sign her new contemporary Christian fiction book, Disappear, and Author Nori Larkspur will join us again to sign, The Same Flame, the newly released second book in her YA Science-Fantasy Romance books. Please join us! 105 2nd Street, Monument. 719-481-2665. Encore Community Arts Presents Disney's 101 Dalmatians Kids, Sat., Nov. 7, 1 & 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. See ad on page 5. Fall STEAM Camp, Mon.-Wed., Nov. 23-25, 9 am-12 pm and 1 pm-4 pm. Designed with grades 3-5 in mind. Themes will vary daily. Stay one morning or join us for all three! Western Museum of Mining & Industry. 719.488.0880. See ad on page 10. Fundamentals of Estate Planning, Mon., Nov. 9, 5 pm-6 pm. Join Tri-Lakes Cares and Attorney Brandi Jackson from The Vinton Law Firm for an informative discussion on the essentials of estate planning. Why everyone needs an estate plan and what’s included:Continuing your legacy with charitable giving.Why it’s more economical for professionals to help.How it prevents stress in times of emergency and grief. Refreshments will be served. The session will be
Our Community Newsletter
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held at Tri-Lakes Cares, located at 235 N. Jefferson St. This is a free event, but please reserve your spot. https:// tri-lakescares.org/events/fundamentals-of-estate-planningwith-the-vinton-law-firm/Questions? Contact Bill Lyons, Director of Development & Planning, at 719-370-1315. Getting Started with Making - November Maker Workshops, Sat., Nov. 28, 10 am; Sun., Nov. 29, 3 pm. Monumental Impact, 866 Highway 105, Palmer Lake. Explore laser cutting and engraving using SVG designs or learn how to prepare STL files for 3D printing. These introductory hands-on workshops welcome members and non-members. Information and registration: / monumentalimpact.org/community-workshops-cohorts/. See ad on page 3. Holiday Boutique, Sat., Nov. 14, 9 am-3 pm. St. Peter Catholic School, 124 First St., Monument. Come to the SPCS school gym and get a head start on your Christmas list! Shop from over 50 vendors and choose delicious goodies from our annual bake sale. See ad on page 2. Holiday Making at Monumental Impact, Tue., Dec. 1-Wed., Dec. 2. Monumental Impact, 866 Highway 105, Palmer Lake. Discover opportunities to create personalized gifts, decorations and other projects using 3D printing, laser cutting, digital design and more. Explore the community makerspace, learn new skills and connect with others who enjoy making. Information: monumentalimpact.org. See ad on page 3. Holiday Open House, Fri.-Sat., Nov. 6-7. Enjoy food, fun, and sales as downtown Monument businesses kick off the holiday season. See ad on page 24. Mind Quest - Fall Maker's Market, Sat., Nov. 14, 10 am-4 pm. Mind Quest Puzzles and Games. 872 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO. 80133. Info: 719-623-7494 mindquestpuzzles.com. 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 giftgiving. • 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! See ad on page 6. Monument Hill Kiwanis Club - 20th Annual North Pole at Tri-Lakes Arts and Crafts Fair, Sat., Dec. 5, 9 am-4 pm. Bear Creek Elementary School, 1330 Creekside Dr., Monument (intersection of Creekside Dr. and Leather Chaps Dr.). The “Cookie Walk” Returns. Live Holiday Music will be performed throughout the day. Same weekend as Monument Small Town Christmas and Tree Lighting. Admission is FREE with a nonperishable food item, cash, or board game for Tri-Lakes Cares, or a new or used sporting goods donation to 4KidzSports. For additional show information please call: Jim Ward (303) 618-2878 or Dick Salverson (469) 307-1507 or email mhkccraftfair@yahoo. com. See ad on page 8. Monumental Impact - Makerspace Orientation, 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/. See ad on page 3. Monumental Med-Spa Botox Event, Thu., Nov. 19, 9:30 am-6 pm. At the Barn, 88 Highway 105, Palmer Lake 80133. Botox only $11 per unit. Must RSVP. 719-271-0999. See ad on page 7. OCN Publication, Sat., Dec. 5-Sun., Dec. 6. 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. Restyle Your Fur, Wed.-Thu., Nov. 18-19, 10 am-6 pm. The Country Club at Woodmoor, Meeting Room, 18945 Pebble Beach Way, Monument, CO 80132. Stop in at our Fur re-styling event and consult with our team about re-styling your fur. restyleyourfur.com. Info: 407-341-4740. See ad on page 9. Small Business Saturday, Sat., Nov. 28. Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local. See ad on page 24. Tinsel & Tunes Musical Theater Class starts, Tue., Nov. 10, 5:30 pm-6:45 pm. Classes Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30-6:45 PM, Nov 10, 12, 17, 19; Dec 1, 3, 8, 10. Showcase December 10. Tinsel & Tunes is a winter musical theater class with Encore Community Arts where the spirit of the
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, Dec. 5
Ad space reservations due: Fri., Nov. 13 Finished ad artwork due: Fri., Nov. 20 Letters to the editor due: Fri., Nov. 20 Calendar items due: Fri., Nov. 27 Visit our website to read, download, and search all the back issues at WWW.OCN.ME
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Holidays comes alive! Sing, move, and act your way through festive songs while building confidence onstage. Whether you’re a first-time performer or a seasoned cast member, you’ll collaborate with new friends, learn choreography and songs, and shine! More info and register for our Tinsel & Tunes Musical Theater Class at EncoreCommunityArts.org. See ad on page 5. TLWC's Joys of the Holiday Season Holiday Home Tour, Fri., Nov. 20, 10 am-4 pm; Sat., Nov. 21, 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. See ad on page 3. Tour of the Monument Cemetery, Sat., Nov. 14, 2 pm-3 pm. 800 Beacon Lite Road, Monument. 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. 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 members are showcased during this event. You will have the opportunity to meet the people behind several non-profits serving this community. Veteran's Day, Wed., Nov. 11, 10 am. American Legion Post 9-11 will celebrate Veteran’s Day in Palmer Lake at the Crawford Memorial at the north end of the lake. Veterans and Tri-Lake citizens are welcomed to attend. The event will take place regardless of the weather. WMMI Lecture: History of the Monument Cemetery, Tue., Nov. 10, 4 pm-5 pm. Michael Weinfeld and John Howe will give a presentation at WMMI about their book, Shootouts, Killings, and War Heroes: The History Hidden in Monument’s Cemetery, Filter Press, 2024. Admission is $5.30 or free to WMMI members. For more information or to reserve a space, call 719-488-0880 or visit https://wmmi. org/news-events/monthly-lecture.html.
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.
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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: (719) 410-8126 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.
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Read, download, search, and listen to OCN content at our mobile-friendly website OCN.ME
Vol. 26 No. 11
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1729 Lake Woodmoor Drive, Monument Join TLMA for the 24 annual Community Monday – Thursday, Christmas Cantata! Enjoy festive music that 9 am – 6 pm celebrates the reason for the season. The concert Saturday, is free, with a Friday voluntary – offering to support9 am – 4 pm Tri-Lakes Cares. Sunday hours by appointment th
December 18 • 7PM December 19 • 7PM December 20 • 2PM
Palmer Ridge HS Auditorium 19255 Frontage Rd Monument, CO 80132
It Takes a Village. We Built One.
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