Note: All OCN articles published since the paper started in June 2001 are posted on this web site. Generally, only articles from the past year or two are included in the tables of links below.

Please use OCN's search function at the top right of each page to find all the articles on a topic.

• Academy School District 20
• Academy Water and Sanitation District
• Arts and Crafts
• Baptist Road Rural Transportation Authority
• Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District
• Bird Watch on the Palmer Divide
• Book Reviews - Between the Covers
• Board of County Commissioners
• County Planning
• COVID-19
• Donala Water and Sanitation District
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District
• Drilling and Mining
• Economic Development
• El Paso County Sheriff's Office
• Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Services
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District
• Forest View Acres Water District
• Gardening
• Health and Wellness
• Jackson Creek
• July 4th Celebration
• Law Enforcement
• Lewis-Palmer School District 38
• Library News and Events
• Local History
• Marijuana
• Monument Academy
• Monument Board of Trustees
• Monument Fire District
• Monument Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment
• Monument Sanitation District
• Mountain View Electric Association
• Nature of Our Community
• NEPCO
• On the Trail
• Palmer Lake Sanitation District
• Palmer Lake Town Council and Planning Commission
• Palmer Lake Volunteer Fire Department
• Perspective on Our Community
• Pinon Pines Metropolitan District
• Pollution
• Property Taxes and Special Districts
• Recycling
• Reflections
• Rehabilitation Facility
• Roadwork
• Service Organizations
• Sunshine Laws
• Tri-Lakes Land Use Committee
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility
• Triview Metropolitan District
• Village Center Metropolitan District
• Wagons West Metropolitan District
• Water Supply
• Weather
• Woodmoor Improvement Association
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District

Academy School District 20

The Academy Water and Sanitation District serves the south portion of the Tri-Lakes area and the northwest section of Colorado Springs.

• Academy School District 20, Aug. 18: $230 million bond ballot wording approved; video recordings discussed
• 10 running for three Academy School District 20 Board of Education seats

Academy Water and Sanitation District

The Academy Water and Sanitation District serves approximately 300 homes east of the Donala Water and Sanitation District. It has been proposed that the Academy district be merged into the Donala district. For more on the topic...

• Wastewater operations will be joined with Donala: election moved to 2016
• Academy Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 20: Timeline of tasks shows work to be done before 2018 deadline
• Academy Water and Sanitation District, Feb. 18: District focused on funding, IGA details as connection plans continue
• Academy Water and Sanitation District, June 16: Connection plans continue on track
• Academy Water and Sanitation District, July 28: Board approves IGA, other next steps in wastewater project
• Academy Water and Sanitation District, Oct. 27: May election will bring effort to eliminate TABOR limitations
• Academy Water and Sanitation District, Jan. 20: Planning for crucial 2016 TABOR election continues
• Academy Water and Sanitation District, Feb. 17: Sewer rates raised; voters could reduce the amount of future increases
• Academy Water and Sanitation District, May 18: TABOR restriction removed for district
• Academy Water and Sanitation District, Oct. 18: Sewer fees and water rates will increase for different reasons
• Academy Water and Sanitation District Board meeting, March 20: Bomb-cyclone power outage threatened district operations
• Academy Water and Sanitation District board meeting, April 17: Costly repairs needed for deep well; board hears of North Monument Creek Interceptor project
• Academy Water and Sanitation District, June 19: Water main leak repair was difficult, dangerous

Arts and Crafts

OCN carries a series of articles on local arts and crafts and performing arts...

• Art Matters: Making art: Flow for the pursuit of happiness
• Art Matters: Augmented reality art: our most contemporary art
• Art Matters: Art supports human resilience
• Art Matters: The arts and our health
• Art Matters: Stain paintings: a fortuitous, incidental art of delicate beauty
• Art Matters: Van Gogh and the deadly blank canvas
• Art Matters: Zoom fatigue: Artists have a cure
• Art Matters: Zoom videos, art, and lighting
• Art Matters: Crypto art, an online-only prize
• Snapshots: Fox Farm History, Apr. 24
• Art Matters: 2021: Artful walks in our community
• Snapshots: Downtown Monument Art Hop is back!
• Snapshots: Black Forest Spring Show returns
• Snapshots: LPMS concert, May 12
• Art Matters: Space travel, #dearMoon project, Anthropocene-era art
• Art Matters: Art is a necessary life resource
• Snapshots: Art Hop, July 15
• Snapshots: PLAG Show at TLCA, July 16
• Snapshots: Adams at TLCA, July 17
• Art Matters: Art: Our rich history of ideas made visible
• Snapshots: Dion Pride at TLCA, Aug. 7
• Snapshots: Chasqui at TLCA, Aug. 14
• Snapshots: Art Hop, Aug. 19
• Snapshots: Phil Keaggy at TLCA, Sept. 11
• Snapshots: The Last Art Hop of 2021, Sept. 16
• Art Matters: Our local, artful life
• Snapshots: Bogguss at TLCA, Sept. 23
• Snapshots: Annual Monu-Palooza draws hundreds, Sept. 4
• Art Matters: National artists Sunday
• Art Matters: Million-dollar doodles
• Snapshots: Matlida The Musical, Nov. 5-7
• Snapshots: TLCA benefit for PLPD, Nov. 13
• Art Matters: Artists have a vision they share with others
• Art Matters: How art is science, science is art
• Snapshots: Furay at TLCA, Jan. 29
• Art Matters: The transformative impact of public art
• Snapshots: John Schneider at TLCA, Feb. 12
• Art Matters: Art, imagination, and co-creating our future
• Snapshots: Moors & McCumber, Mar. 12
• Snapshots: St. Patrick’s Day at PPBC, Mar. 12
• Art Matters: Local-to-global art ecosystems in our own backyards
• Snapshots: DCC presents Spamalot, Apr. 6-9
• Snapshots: DCC HS band at festival, Apr. 19
• Snapshots: Claude Bourbon at TLCA, Apr. 30
• Snapshots: Black Forest Arts & Crafts, May 1
• Snapshots: “Beatles” Reunion at TLCA, Apr. 22
• Art Matters: Art on local summer evenings: Monument Art Hop
• Snapshots: Paul Overstreet at TLCA, May 7
• Snapshots: Meadowgrass, May 27-29
• Art Matters: Public art: a key for modern community development
• Snapshots: Evans at Art Hop, June 16
• Art Matters: Art and mindfulness: more friends, fewer pills
• Snapshots: Art Hop at Jefferson Studios
• Art Matters: Art, mindfulness, and focus
• Snapshots: Burney Sisters at TLCA, Aug. 20
• Snapshots: Fox Run Park Concert, Aug. 18
• Snapshots: Black Forest Concert, Aug. 18
• Art Matters: Sunlight for mood, performance, and health
• Snapshots: Furay at TLCA, Sept. 17
• Snapshots: Last 2022 ArtHop, Sept. 15
• Snapshots: Shimek Retrospective, Sept. 2
• Snapshots: Monu-Palooza, Sept. 4
• Art Matters: What is the value of art—and who decides?
• Snapshots: John Adams at TLCA, Oct. 29
• Art Matters: How to buy real art, within any budget
• Snapshots: Monument Window Art, Nov. 20
• Snapshots: Hazel Miller at TLCA, Nov. 12
• Snapshots: Black Forest Arts & Crafts Fall Show
• Snapshots: DCC Fall Band Concert, Nov. 10
• Art Matters: Who buys art and why?
• Snapshots: David Arkenstone and Friends at TLCA, Dec. 9

Baptist Road Rural Transportation Authority

Growth along Baptist Road has led to greatly increased traffic. The Baptist Road Rural Transportation Authority (BRRTA) was formed to coordinate changes to Baptist Road to help address the resulting hazardous conditions and congestion. For more on this topic...

• Baptist Road Rural Transportation Authority, Jan. 8: CDOT will reimburse BRRTA $12.5 million
• Baptist Road Rural Transportation Authority, Feb. 19: CDOT reimbursement to BRRTA finalized at $12.51 million
• Baptist Road Rural Transportation Authority, March 18: Revenue bond recall and sales tax termination approved
• Baptist Road Rural Transportation Authority, June 17: All BRRTA bonds redeemed, 2015 audit approved
• Baptist Road Rural Transportation Authority, Sept. 16: BRRTA to remain active into 2017
• Baptist Road Rural Transportation Authority, Oct. 21: BRRTA might close sooner than previously forecast
• Baptist Road Rural Transportation Authority, Nov. 17: "Going out of business" celebration marks end to BRRTA
• Baptist Road Rural Transportation Authority, Dec. 9: BRRTA bows out

Black Forest Fire Rescue

• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Oct. 23: Part-timers become full-time; Flying Horse North lacks hydrants
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Nov. 20: County ignoring its own rules, chief warns
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Dec. 11: 2020 budget approved; interim chief extended
• Black Forest Fire Rescue/Protection District, Jan. 15: Operations captain hired; county fire code enforcement falls short
• Black Forest Fire Rescue/Protection District, Feb. 19: Board hears plea for disability; cheaper vehicle computers considered
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, April 15: Emergency disaster declared; board election canceled
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, May 20: No change in directors; 2019 audit is "clean"
• Snapshots: Visible address numbers
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District June 3, 11, and 17: Langmaid hired as fire chief; new 4x4 ambulances arrive
• Snapshots: Black Forest Fire 7th Anniversary
• BFFRPD July 15: Dual taxation addressed
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, August 19: Fleet replacement planning re-evaluated
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Sept. 3 and 9: Disability claim denied; future revenue in hands of voters
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Oct. 21: County commissioners criticized; proposed 2021 budget discussed
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Nov. 18: Residents petition for exclusion; proposed 2021 budget gets public hearing
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Dec. 9: 2021 budget approved
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Jan. 20: Wildfire risk; exclusion/inclusion policy; COVID-19 protocols
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Feb. 17: In-person attendance only—despite storm and COVID-19
• Black Forest Fire Rescue/Protection District, March 23: Fire code variance concern; fleet modifications needed
• Snapshots: Which districts do you live in?
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, April 21: Replacement staff hired; new engine for 2022
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, May 19: Staffing turbulence; county commissioner visit; first annual awards
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, June 16: Administrator and accountant hired
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, July 21: Staffing turbulence; exclusion process is slow
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Aug. 25: Exclusion process stalls; staff requested; repairs needed
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Sept. 15: Joint exclusion plan approved
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Oct. 20 and 28: 2022 budget revealed; eight firefighters hired
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Nov. 17: Public hearing on the 2022 budget
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Dec. 8: Director remembered; 2022 budget adopted
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Jan. 19: Temporary board vacancy filled; tender purchase approved
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Feb. 16: Illegal recreational fire concerns addressed
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, March 16: Chairman receives recognition; wildland fire preparations on track
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, April 20: Station alerting approved; strategic planning defined
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, May 18: Board directors take oath; ladder truck needs explored
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, June 22: Probationary staff take the oath of office; ladder truck approved
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, July 20: Staff lost and gained; lease/purchase agreement approved
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Aug. 17: New engine arrives in district
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Sept. 21: 2021 audit is unmodified; staff members promoted to permanent status
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Oct. 12: 2023 budget options presented; commissioner seeks district opinion
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Nov. 16: Proposed 2023 budget presented; FAMLI program rejected
• Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Dec. 7: 2023 budget approved, mill levy certified

Bird Watch on the Palmer Divide

Articles to help you identify our local feathered friends...

• Greater sage grouse
• The red-tailed hawk and the red-winged blackbird
• Cranes
• Yellow-headed blackbird
• White-faced ibis, an unusual migrant
• Wood Duck
• American white pelican
• Osprey
• Calliope hummingbird
• Common ring-necked pheasant
• Snowy owl
• LBJs (little brown jobs)
• How do birds choose a mate?
• European starling and Shakespeare’s birds
• Swallows
• Flycatchers heading this way
• Attracting birds to your yard
• Bullock’s Oriole
• Wren: Troglodytes
• Ruby-crowned kinglet: Regulus calendula
• Turkey vulture: Cathartes aura
• Green-winged teal: Anas crecca
• Northern cardinal
• Steller’s jay
• Ring-billed gull
• Migration and the chimney swift
• Northern goshawk: Accipiter gentilis
• Mountain plover
• Brown-headed cowbird: Molothrus ater
• Colorado Birding Trail
• Blue-gray gnatcatcher: Poliopitla caerulea
• Eared grebe: Podicepts negricollis
• Forster’s tern: Sterna forsteri
• Hawk migration
• Brown creeper: Certhia americana
• Northern pygmy owl
• The Great Pikes Peak Birding Trail
• Illustrating birds
• Double-crested cormorant
• Northern flicker: Colaptes auratus
• Bullock’s oriole: Icterus bullockii
• Eastern kingbird: Tyrannus tyrannus
• Barn owls
• Bird Watch on the Palmer Divide: Spring bird migration
• Bird Watch on the Palmer Divide: Attracting birds to your yard
• Bird Watch on the Palmer Divide: Wren: Troglodytes
• Bird Watch on the Palmer Divide: Tyrant flycatchers, black phoebe, and western kingbird
• Bird Watch on the Palmer Divide: Owls
• Bird Watch on the Palmer Divide: Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentillis)
• Bird Watch on the Palmer Divide: Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus)
• Bird Watch on the Palmer Divide: Year of the Bird: Do birds really matter?
• Bird Watch on the Palmer Divide: Ecosystems of northern El Paso County and the birds that live in them
• Bird Watch on the Palmer Divide: Great egret
• Bird Watch on the Palmer Divide: Nuthatches help maintain a healthy forest
• Bird Watch on the Palmer Divide: Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)
• Bird Watch on the Palmer Divide: Black-capped Chickadee
• Bird Watch on the Palmer Divide: Spotted towhee (Pipilo maculatus)
• Bird Watch on the Palmer Divide: Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
• Bird Watch on the Palmer Divide: Sandhill crane (Antigone canadensis)
• Bird Watch on the Palmer Divide: American goldfinch (Spinus trista)
• Snapshots: Birds of Colorado, Jan. 27
• Snapshots: Bullock orioles eating oranges

Book Reviews - Between the Covers

This series of book reviews focuses on books of special interest to Tri-Lakes area residents...

• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Reading the West award winners
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: New fall releases
• Snapshots: Bookstore celebrates Colorado Day
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Step back in time with history books
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: New releases for the gift-giving days ahead
• Snapshots: Author and family visit bookstore
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Make a resolution to read some classics
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Gobsmacked (astounded) by nature
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Planning and preparing your garden
• Snapshots: Mystery and suspense in Monument
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Timeless treasures
• Snapshots: Local authors sign books, Mar. 20
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: The great outdoors is calling
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Kids’ guides to Colorado
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Bring Colorado history to life
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Fall into great mysteries
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Here come the new releases!
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Fall into great new books
• Snapshots: Wildfire book signing, Oct. 23
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: ‘Tis the Season for Great Books
• Snapshots: Anderson book signing, Nov. 27
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: New year, new beginnings
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Great cooking made easy
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: March mystery madness
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Bring in Spring with new nonfiction reads
• Snapshots: Hatfield book signing, Mar. 5
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Young-adult and middle-grade summer reads
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Pick a series for summer reading
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Explore the outdoors
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Wrap up summer with a light read
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Noteworthy young adult reads
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Lose yourself in historical fiction
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: New fall releases from your favorite authors
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: More fall releases for the holidays
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Get cooking in the new year

Board of County Commissioners

The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners wields considerable power as the governing authority for land use and other decisions for the unincorporated areas of the county. For more on this topic...

• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, July 2, 9, and 23: Approvals for Winsome and Rollin Ridge Estates developments
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, July 30, Aug. 6, 13, 20, and 27: Highway 83 safety concerns raised; second dwelling variance approved for Black Forest property
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Oct. 1, 3, 8, 15, and 17: Abert Ranch preliminary plan approved; initial budget hearings held
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Nov 5, 12, and 14: Final direction for 2020 budget given; Struthers Road/ Gleneagle Drive intersection project progresses
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Dec. 5, 10, 12, 17, and 19: Amendments to Forest Lakes Phase II approved
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Jan. 2, 7, 14, and 16: Public improvements completed at two developments
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Jan. 28 and 30, Feb. 4, 11, and 25: Final plat at Walden Preserve 2 filing approvedEl Paso Board of County Commissioners, March 10, 17, 19, 24, and 26: Temporary meeting rules adopted during COVID-19 outbreak; construction at Struthers Road/Gleneagle Drive intersection nears completion
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, March 31, April 7 and 21: County meetings held primarily remotely as COVID-19 restrictions continue
• El Paso County Planning Commission, April 7 and 21: Changes to meetings during outbreak; minor subdivision request recommended for approval
• El Paso County Planning Commission, May 19: North Bay at Lake Woodmoor development recommended for approval
• El Paso County Planning Commission, June 2 and 16: Two special uses in the Tri-Lakes area recommended for approval
• El Paso County Board of County Commissioners, June 30 and July 14: New cell tower approved; I-25 Gap project updated
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, July 28, Aug 11, 18, and 25: WMMI appeals litigation decision
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Sept. 8, 15, and 22: Decisions made relating to two ongoing developments
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Oct. 6, 13, and 27: Initial 2021 budget hearings held
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Nov. 3, 10, 17, and 24: Grandwood Ranch initial plans, Rollin Ridge final plat approved; Highway 105 project update
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Dec. 1, 8, 15, and 22: Approval for residential development on Benet Hill Monastery land; WMMI litigation update
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Jan 12, 19, and 26: Rezoning and final plat approvals for Black Forest properties
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Feb. 9 and 16: County Master Plan nears completion; progress at three Tri-lakes area developments
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, March 2, 9, and 16: County seeks public comment on draft Master Plan
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, March 30, April 6, 13, and 20: Cloverleaf development rezoning approval a "win-win"
• El Paso County Planning Commission, May 5 and 20: Grandwood Ranch and Cloverleaf developments move forward
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, April 27, May 4, 18, and 25: Grandwood Ranch final plat approved
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, June 1, 15, and 22: Cloverleaf preliminary plan approved; Master Plan certification received
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, July 6, 15, and 20: New special district approved for Cloverleaf development
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, July 27, Aug. 10 and 24: $134 million renewable water project proposed for county
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Sept. 7 and 14: Red Rock Acres rezoning approved despite opposition
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Sept. 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 21, and 26: Initial 2022 budget hearings held
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Nov. 2, 9, and 16: More road funds allocated in proposed 2022 budget; WMMI variance of use approved
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Dec. 2, 7, 14, and 21: 2022 budget approved amid dispute over more funding for Public Health
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Jan. 4, 11 and Feb. 1: Cloverleaf development moves forward
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, March 8, 15, and 22: Minor subdivision approved in Black Forest; beetle infestation treatment in The Pineries Open Space draws concern
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, March 29, April 5 and 19: Highway 105 Improvement Project moves closer to construction phase
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, May 3, 17, and 24: The Walden Preserve 2 and Flying Horse North developments move forward
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, June 7 and 14: Ongoing code violation brought to commissioners’ attention
• El Paso County Board of County Commissioners, July 19: Commissioners approve TLMFPD ambulance permits
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Aug. 2, 9, 16, and 23: Planning Commission changes and additional Tri-Lakes Cares funding approved
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Sept. 6 and 13: Cooperation encouraged as Black Forest rezone approved despite neighbors’ objections
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 11, and 25: County presents 2023 preliminary balanced budget; renews Black Forest Section 16 lease
• Letters: County Commissioners: Who do they work for, the people or developers?
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Nov. 1, 8, and 15: County approves sketch plan for 846 homes and a luxury hotel resort in Black Forest
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and 20: Approval for RV storage special use at Highway 83 property
• Letters: The County Master Plan is a sham

County Planning

The El Paso County Planning Commission reviews proposals for developments in the unincorporated parts of the county. It makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. Some of these projects have a direct impact on the residents of the Tri-Lakes area. For more on this topic...

• El Paso County Planning Commission, Feb. 4 and 18: Two minor subdivision requests recommended for approval
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Apr 28, 30, May 5, 12, 14, 19, 26, and 28: North Bay at Woodmoor Lake development approved
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, June 9 and 23: CARES Act funds to be disbursed to Monument, Palmer Lake
• El Paso County Planning Commission, Sept. 17: Special use approved for additional living quarters
• El Paso County Planning Commission, Oct. 15: Initial plans for Grandwood Ranch recommended for approval
• El Paso County Planning Commission, Nov. 5 and 19: Rollin Ridge final plat recommended for approval; residential development proposed on Benet Hill Monastery land
• El Paso County Planning Commission, Dec. 17: Rezoning and final plat applications for Black Forest properties recommended for approval
• El Paso County Planning Commission, March 18: Cloverleaf development rezoning recommended for approval
• El Paso County Planning Commission Master Plan adoption hearing, May 5 and 26: New county Master Plan approved
• El Paso County Planning Commission, July 15: Business event center proposed; Cloverleaf development moves forward
• El Paso County Planning Commission, Aug. 19: Black Forest minor subdivision recommended for approval
• El Paso County Planning Commission, Sept. 2: Red Rock Acres rezoning recommended for approval amid neighbors’ objections
• El Paso County Planning Commission, Oct. 7: Two minor subdivisions approved; information session on Highway 83 Access Control Plan
• El Paso County Planning Commission, Nov. 2 and 18: WMMI variance of use recommended for approval
• El Paso County Planning Commission, May 19: Minor subdivision north of Hodgen Road recommended for approval
• El Paso County Planning Commission, Aug. 18: Black Forest rezone recommended for approval despite neighbors’ concerns
• Community Meeting, Sept. 8: Flying Horse North project update provided at meeting
• Community Meeting, Sept. 13: Concerns raised about proposed Sunset Amphitheater
• El Paso County Planning Commission, Oct. 20: Two special use applications recommended for approval despite neighbors’ concerns
• El Paso County Planning Commission, Nov. 3 and 17: Commissioners deadlocked in Flying Horse North sketch plan vote

COVID-19

The COVID-19 virus has forced the entire nation to change daily life and business. See how the Tri-Lakes area is adapting ... 

• Snapshots: COVID-19 Help Line: 575-8888
• Snapshots: Time on our hands
• Snapshots: Churches find ways to serve
• Snapshots: A day in the life of Tri-Lakes, Mar. 18
• Snapshots: Local sixth-grader makes ear protectors
• Snapshots: Virtual Birthday Party, Mar. 30
• Snapshots: Seniors-only shopping hours, Apr. 1
• Snapshots: Even a horse is wearing a mask
• Snapshots: Demand lessens, supply returns
• Snapshots: Masks for the front-line workers
• Snapshots: Home Depot barricade, Apr. 8
• Snapshots: Un-invited
• Snapshots: Volunteers make masks
• Snapshots: Appreciation for medical workers
• Snapshots: Masks from Black Forest
• Snapshots: Celebrating Easter, Apr. 11
• Snapshots: Food for those in need
• Snapshots: Free lettuce
• Snapshots: Local church helps feed homeless
• Snapshots: Essential hidden heroes
• Safer at Home
• Local Events
• Snapshots: Essential hidden heroes, Apr. 20
• Letters: In support of wearing masks
• Snapshots: Honoring medical workers
• Snapshots: Antelope Trails Parade of Thanks
• Snapshots: OCN mailing day, Apr. 30
• Snapshots: Not all heroes wear capes
• Snapshots: Bee’s Book Club makes masks
• Snapshots: Local mom makes face masks
• Letters: Resume activities and athletics for students
• Monument gets drive-through COVID-19 test site
• Snapshots: Monument Safe Trick or Treat
• Snapshots: Drive-through COVID-19 test site
• Snapshots: Vaccine at JCSL, Jan. 11
• El Paso County moves to fewer COVID-19 restrictions
• Letters: Keep wearing your mask
• Letters: Liberate the face
• Letters: Masks are ineffective and harmful: Free the face
• Letters: Stay the Course on COVID-19
• Letters: Wait before you COVID vaccinate your children
• Letters: Stop ignoring the natural immunity of the COVID-recovered
• Letters: The great reckoning
• Letters: The Constitutional COVID Conundrum

Donala Water and Sanitation District

The Donala Water and Sanitation District provides water and sewer service to the Gleneagle development. For more on this topic... 

• Donala Water and Sanitation District, May 16: Rules and regs revisited, exceedance corrected
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, June 20: Creative solutions for arsenic discharge limits
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, July 18: Required permit with Pueblo County almost complete
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 15: Key permit granted; district seeks long-term CSU agreement
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Sept. 19 and Oct. 17: Green dye, other culprits plague wastewater system
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Dec. 12: Rates, mill levies, and water storage feasibility study approved
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Jan. 16: District considers NMCI NEPA Participation Agreement
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Feb. 20: Staff changes forthcoming; leak policy sustained
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, March 26: COVID-19 induces extra steps; engineers advise creative steps
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, April 16: Board election and COVID-19 status outlined
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, June 18: Water and wastewater solutions working smoothly
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, July 16: Water and wastewater solutions working smoothly
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 20: Refinancing step benefits from low interest rates
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Sept. 17: New land, new plan, additional counsel
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Oct. 15: "Phenomenal" savings achieved
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Nov. 19: Regionalization considerations include water and wastewater
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Dec. 10: 2021 finances and policy changes established
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Jan. 21: Waste output, water input draw district’s attention
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Feb. 18: District bolsters cybersecurity defenses
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, March 18: Leak nightmare fosters policy exception
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, May 20: Board workshop produces actionable items
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, June 17: Clean 2020 annual audit presented
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, July 15: District reviews budget at midyear
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 19: Radium level prompts corrective response
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Sept. 23: Special meeting to answer radium questions; grant for aquifer storage study
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Oct. 21: Aging well infrastructure raises concerns
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Nov. 18: Personnel and customer policies updated
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Dec. 9: Board considers volume-based sewer rates
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Jan. 20: Board celebrates staff, hears updates on infrastructure
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Feb. 17: Board moves forward with water reuse project
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, March 17: Radium and operational details discussed
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, April 21: Board brainstorms strategies
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, May 19: Directors sworn in; audit shows financial health
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, June 16: District bows out of Northern Monument Creek Interceptor project
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, July 21: Treatment plant partners notify district of their intent to bow out
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 18: New member appointed to board
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Sept. 22: Good news on the radium front
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Oct. 13: Draft budget includes increases in charges
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Nov. 17: Holbein plant radium below detectable levels
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Dec. 12: Rate increases approved for 2023

Donald Wescott Fire Protection District

The Donald Wescott Fire Protection District provides covers from Baptist Road south to Colorado Springs.  For more on this topic...

• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, June 11: Easement agreement signed; director resigns
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, July 23: Search for new board member begins; firefighters promoted
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Sept. 4 and 17: New board member selected
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Oct. 15: Seven promoted, including one new lieutenant
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Nov 19: Budget 2020 begins with battalion chief additions
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Dec. 3: 2020 budget approved unanimously
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Jan. 21: Wescott remembers board chairman; election moves forward
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Feb. 18: Wescott board hears grant request, receives donations
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District special meeting, March 17: Local emergency disaster preparations approved
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, March 31 and April 21: May 5 election discussed; annual audit clean
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District meeting May 19: New board members take oath of office
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, June 16: No money approved for requests, including increased retirement benefits
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, July 21: Board approves steps toward election for de-Gallagherization
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Aug. 18: De-Gallagherization initiative moves forward
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District meeting, Sept. 15, 22: Board favors de-Gallagherization
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Oct. 20: COVID-19 guidelines continue; updates received
• Snapshots: DWFPD’s new tender
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Nov. 17: 2021 budget disagreements may see a loss of a chief position
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District meeting, Dec. 1: 2021 budget approved as focus is on
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Jan. 19: Chief Burns to retire after over 40 years
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District meeting, Feb. 16: Meeting with firefighters’ union approved
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Feb. 18, March 9 Payroll discrepancies rectified; ISO rating improves
• Snapshots: Which districts do you live in?
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, March 29 and April 20: Interim fire chief sworn in; FLSA dispute continues
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Aug. 16: 2021 audit approved; district boundary realignment discussed
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Sept. 20: Mill levy adjustment recommended; board pushes ahead with merger
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Oct. 18: Mill levy adjustment approved, residents voice multiple concerns
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Nov. 15: 2023 budget approved; Sun Hills station’s future undecided
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Dec. 7: 2023 budget hearing; staff member departure

For more articles on Tri-Lakes area emergency services, see also the Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District and the Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Services topics.

Drilling and Mining

There is interest in drilling for oil and natural gas in Pike National Forest in the Tri-Lakes area. For more on this topic...

• El Paso County Board of County Commissioners, Jan. 31: County OKs scaled-down oil, gas regs
• Panelists present perspectives on "fracking"
• Public comments sought on oil and gas development
• Snapshots: Bricks4Kidz at WMMI
• Snapshots: WMMI hosts gem and mineral show, June 5

Economic Development

Opinions differ as to the best way to maintain a vital local economy. For more on this topic...

• Tri-Lakes Economic Development Corp., Jan. 9: Medical tourism industry incentives proposed
• Tri-Lakes Economic Development Corp. State of the Region, Oct. 2: Efforts to bolster regional economy
• Tri-Lakes Economic Develop Corporation Annual State of the Region, Nov. 20: Efforts to improve business outlook
• Letter: What are we really buying ourselves?

El Paso County Sheriff's Office

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement services to the unincorporated areas of El Paso County. For more on this topic...

• El Paso County Sheriff’s Office report: April crimes in Sheriff’s District 1
• El Paso County Sheriff’s Office report: May crimes in Sheriff’s District 1
• El Paso County Sheriff’s Office report: June crimes in county Sheriff’s District 1
• Sheriff’s Office reports recent mail thefts

Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Services

Emergency preparedness and emergency services in the Tri-Lakes area are served by a collection of special districts. For more on this topic...

• Snapshots: Wildfire Preparedness Day, May 7
• Snapshots: Woodmoor Firewise event, May 7
• Snapshots: CERT Training, Feb. 6
• Wildfire preparedness in Palmer Lake
• CERT teaches people how to be prepared and helpful in emergencies
• Snapshots: Crime and safety, Jan. 16
• Snapshots: RRR: Firewise Site of Excellence
• Snapshots: Human trafficking awareness
• Snapshots: Personal safety seminar, Feb. 20
• Snapshots: Amateur radio exam, Feb. 2
• Snapshots: Black Forest Together, Feb. 12
• Snapshots: RRR urges preparedness, May 4
• Snapshots: Wildfire Preparedness, May 25
• Snapshots: DWFPD Safety Fair, May 11
• Snapshots: Timberedge mitigates, June 15
• Snapshots: I-25 HazMat Survey, Aug. 19
• Snapshots: CERT, Feb. 18
• Colorado Estates neighborhood meeting, March 9: Neighbors help prepare for wildfire to come
• Snapshots: Oregon firefighters help sand watch
• Snapshots: Home ignition zone
• Snapshots: First Responder Kits
• Emergency Preparedness: Northwest El Paso County Evacuation Drill, Oct. 2
• Wildfire Town Hall Meeting, Jan. 19k: Experts address danger of local wildfires
• Free "Neighborhood Ambassador" Wildland Fire Risk Reduction Training Program continues March 8
• Snapshots: EIS takes part in evacuation exercise
• Snapshots: Monument Preserve Wildfire mitigation as of Dec. 27

For more articles on Tri-Lakes area emergency services, see also the Donald Wescott Fire Protection District Tri-Lakes Fire Protection District, and Tri-Lakes-Monument Fire Authority.

Forest Lakes Metropolitan District

The Forest Lakes Metropolitan District, established in 1985, west of I-25 at the end of West Baptist Road, is a Title 32 service district in El Paso County established in 1985. FLMD is the half-acre operating district responsible for the public infrastructure and utility and general governmental services for the residents of Pinion Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2, and 3, which actually collect the property taxes. PPMD 1 and 2 are in unincorporated El Paso County, but the commercial section PPMD 3 is within Monument town limits. It is a service district in El Paso County. For more on this topic...

• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines MetroDistricts 1, 2, and 3, June 4: Differences between Forest Lakes and Pinon Pines Metro Districts discussed
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 1, 2, and 3, Sept. 6: Privacy policy approved; residents learn about district structure
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 1, 2, and 3, Dec. 3: 2019 budgets approved; O&M costs climbing as expected
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2, and 3, July 1: 100% renewable water supply in use
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 1, 2, and 3, Nov. 4: Rate increases proposed; preliminary 2020 budget discussed
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 1, 2, and 3, Dec. 9: 2020 budgets and rate increases approved
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 1, 2, and 3, April 6: Land exclusions and inclusions; Forest Lakes PPMD 2 infrastructure underway
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District, Pinon Pines Metro Districts 2 & 3, Feb. 6: NEPA agreement, bond issue letters approved
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 2 and 3, Sept. 15: Water restrictions tighten; trail license approved
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 1, 2, and 3, Dec. 7: Wastewater rates increase approved
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 2 and 3, May 27: Wells pursued; water purchase approved
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 1, 2, and 3, July 13 and 19: Water restrictions change; Pinon Lake access denied; 2020 audits approved
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 2 and 3, Aug. 16: Denver well moving forward; long-term water solutions discussed
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2, and 3, Dec. 6: Rate increases for residents; 2022 budgets and mill levies adopted
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 2 and 3, Feb. 7: Contract for an emergency interconnection approved
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2, and 3, July 11 and 28: Residents rely on lake water; new trail approved
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District & Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2 and 3, Dec. 5: Rate increases for residents; 2023 budgets and mill levies adopted

Forest View Acres Water District

The Forest View Acres Water District was established in 1957 by the late Hugh Nevins. From the initial provision of water to 27 homes, FVAWD currently provides water service to 280 residences in the Red Rocks Ranch, Clovenhoof, Villas, Sundance Estates, and Shiloh Pines neighborhoods in unincorporated El Paso County. In 2004, an embezzlement of at least $315,000 was discovered. For more on this topic...

• Forest View Acres Water District, March 27: Forest View Acres Water District receives $300,000 grant
• Forest View Acres Water District,July 24: Board votes to improve infrastructure
• Forest View Acres Water District, Sept. 25: Board approves new water meters
• Forest View Acres Water District, May 24: Hydrant repairs recommended in FVAWD
• Forest View Acres Water District, Dec. 6: Board discusses budget and upcoming election
• FVAWD Meeting, May 23
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2 and 3, March 12: Interceptor approved; water treatment plant up and running
• Forest View Acres Water District, June 26: Forest View Acres has big projects in the works
• Forest View Acres Water District, May 27: Board discusses financial reports and turbidity
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 2 and 3, Aug. 11: Mandatory water restrictions; southern trail could be extended
• Forest View Acres Water District, Feb. 24: State of district and potential inclusion discussed
• Forest View Acres, April 28 and May 26: District may piggyback on town’s newest water tank for emergency access
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District & Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2 & 3, Sept. 12: Northern Monument Creek Interceptor design phase moves forward

Gardening

Information to assist the indoor and outdoor gardener...

• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Garden friends and foes and deleting voles
• Snapshots: Free ground cover-Purge the Spurge
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Early birds for gardens and mucho mulch
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Garden telltale signs and surprises
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Touch-free soil aeration, thistle sandwiches, and drunken compost
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): The green prescription to a healthy, long life
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Fall birds and gardens
• Snapshots: Community Garden, Aug. 7
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Autumn with an altitude
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Windowsill zombies; bringing outdoor pots indoors
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Are holiday plants safe for pets and kids?
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Winter seed planting with milk jug as cloche
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Sauntering through nature; winter watering requirements
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Spring hummingbirds and pollinators
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Microclimates, early planting, and "good bugs"
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Native plants make beautiful landscapes while protecting our ecosystem
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Eco-smart gardening for people, pets, and wildlife
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Colors and plants that repel mosquitoes
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Corn, seed bombs and dogs in the garden
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Nature harvest: Seeds are miracles in tiny packages
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): High altitude garden success in any season
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Nature, mood, and electro culture
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): December gardening
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Lords of the rings: our magnificent, ponderous pines

Health and Wellness

OCN has carried a series of articles and letters on various health and wellness topics. For more on this topic...

• Rabies alert issued for Tri-Lakes Area
• Letter: Alcohol, not marijuana, is the gateway drug
• Letter: Freedom of speech exercised
• Letter: Marijuana’s harmful health effects are Well-documented
• Letter: Effects of alcohol far worse than marijuana
• Snapshots: HAP Health Fair, May 3
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake Fun Run, April 15
• Snapshots: SEW Coalition, April 22

Jackson Creek

Jackson Creek is one of the fastest growing areas within the Town of Monument. The Triview Metropolitan District supplies water, sewer, and road maintenance services to Jackson Creek. For more on this topic...

• Important vote facing the Heights
• Heights at Jackson Creek update
• Heights at Jackson Creek vote to amend the covenants failed
• Monument board approves Addition #5, Regency Park zoning plan, and Marketplace site plan July 21

July 4th Celebrations

The Tri-Lakes area goes all-out in celebrating Independence Day. For more on this topic...

• July 4, 2017 events
• July 4th events
• Snapshots: July 4 festivities
• Snapshots: Barn dance, July 3
• Snapshots: Parade, July 4
• Snapshots: Pancake Breakfast
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake Fun Run
• Snapshots: Children's Parade, July 4
• Snapshots: Main Parade
• Snapshots: Flags along Gleneagle Dr., July 3
• Snapshots: Flyover, July 4
• Snapshots: "Virtual" July 4th Fun Run
• Snapshots: Independence Day Festivities, July 3 - Photos by David Futey
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake, July 3
• Snapshots: Independence Day Parade
• Snapshots: Independence Day Monument Street Fair
• Snapshots: Independence Day Festival on the Fourth

Law Enforcement

OCN carries a series of articles on local law enforcement issues...

• Fraud, ID theft seen in Tri-Lakes area
• Keeping our children safe, May 18
• County candidates present their priorities
• Letter: Defending Monument police
• Letter: Stealing is a crime
• Letter: Burglary mars store’s anniversary
• Inside the Monument Police Citizens’ Academy
• Inside the Monument Citizens Police Academy, weeks 3, 4, and 5
• Snapshots: Human Trafficking Series started, Jan. 31
• El Paso County Sheriff’s Office report: Highlights of March crimes in County Sheriff’s District 1
• Snapshots: Bomb threat at Wal-Mart, Dec. 5
• Snapshots: Coal car derailment, May 13
• Burglaries, shots fired in Monument
• Snapshots: Monument Police Bike Patrol
• Snapshots: MPD info night, Apr. 20

Lewis-Palmer School District 38

The Lewis-Palmer District 38 School Board typically meets monthly. OCN reports on most of those meetings. For more on this topic...

• District 38 District Accountability Advisory Committee, Jan. 12: LPES presentation, safety and security update, budget review
• Lewis-Palmer District 38 Board of Education, Jan. 25: Board marks School Board Recognition Month, discusses mid-year budget adjustment and conditions during pandemic
• Letters: Anonymous D38 ad criticized
• Lewis-Palmer District 38 Board of Education, Feb. 22: Board discusses impact of COVID-19 and plans for reopening
• Snapshots: Palmer Ridge High holds Snowball ;"Dance;"
• Lewis-Palmer District 38 District Accountability Advisory Committee, Feb. 9: Committee hears communication update, information about Lewis-Palmer Middle School
• Lewis-Palmer District 38 Board of Education, March 15: Board approves contracts for two principals, discusses return to in-person learning, testing
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 District Accountability Advisory Committee, April 13: Panel hears reports on Gifted Education, Home School Enrichment Academy
• Snapshots: Internship Symposium, Apr. 12
• Snapshots: LPHS presents Drowsy Chaperone
• Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, April 6 and 26, May 4 and 17: Progress on energy audit and Grace Best Facility Master Plan
• Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, June 14: Board approves energy plan, Grace Best plan, annual budget
• Snapshots: #NeonNights, Prom 2021
• Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Aug. 16: Board receives reports on Energy Performance Project, enrollment
• Letters: A call for School District 38 transparency
• Snapshots: Students present band show, Aug. 6
• Lewis-Palmer D 38 Board of Education, Sept. 20: Board cancels election, receives reports on priority 2 of strategic plan
• Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Oct. 18: Board hears presentation on student mental health, recognizes local partnerships, discusses staff compensation
• Lewis-Palmer D38 District Accountability Advisory Committee, Oct. 12: Discussion of Strategic Plan priority 1; review of bylaws
• Lewis-Palmer D-38: Board of Education, Nov. 15: Members take oath of office, student voices regarding No Place for Hate, budget discussion
• D-38 District Accountability Advisory Committee, Nov. 9: Update on Lewis-Palmer High School, Strategic Plan Priority 2: world-class education
• Lewis-Palmer D 38 Board of Education, Dec. 13: Communications program, demographic study, open enrollment policy discussed
• Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Jan. 24: Board recognized, grants announced, compensation approved
• rapidly
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 District Accountability Advisory Committee, Jan. 11: Committee addresses compensation, teacher evaluations, MA secondary school
• Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Feb. 22: Board discusses actions on Strategic Plan and No Place for Hate program, recognizes student achievements
• Lewis-Palmer D38 District Accountability Advisory Committee, Feb. 8: Budget overview, Strategic Plan Priority 4 fiscal stewardship, Prairie Winds update
• Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, March 14: Board recognizes student achievements, discusses grants and budget timeline
• Snapshots: LPHS won 4A, Mar. 12
• Snapshots: PRHS students win MVEA trips
• Snapshots: Bearbotics reaches regionals
• Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, April 18: Palmer Ridge geothermal project advances, baseball field draws complaints
• Lewis-Palmer D38 DAAC, April 12: Community engagement and Title programs
• Letters: Thanks for LPHS After Prom event
• Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, May 16: Board reviews preliminary budget that includes raises, welcomes new Kilmer principal, celebrates achievements
• Snapshots: PRHS musical wins Bobby G award
• Snapshots: LPHS final concert, May 10
• Snapshots: LPHS choirs performed, May 12
• Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, June 20: Board passes 2022-23 budget, learns of recent legislation, discusses potential annexation
• Letters: D38 is pretending it needs more dollars
• Snapshots: Fritzsche wins coaching award
• Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Aug. 22: Board approves wording of property tax ballot initiative, recognizes staff
• Lewis-Palmer D38 DAAC, Sept. 13: Committee adds two subcommittees, discusses MLO and spring test results
• Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Sept. 19: Board accredits schools, adopts character education programs, plans community engagement
• Letters: D38 has lost 400 students.Why do they need more money?
• Letters: Support our D38 school board
• Letters: Is the D38 MLO a good deal for seniors?
• Letters: Does anyone realize how much more money D38 will get in this mill levy override?
• Letters: Lies, lies, lies
• Letters: Thank you D38 teachers, staff,and school board!
• Lewis-Palmer District 38 Board of Education, Oct. 24: Board receives Monument Academy annual report, Unified Improvement Plan
• D38 Parent and Community (formerly District Accountability) Advisory Committee, Oct. 11: Committee votes to change name, include new subcommittees
• Letters: The need is now, the time is now
• Letters: D38 MLO
• Letters: Get the facts straight
• Letters: Yes to 4A
• Letters: Local investment is the only way forward
• Letters: Vote yes on MLO
• Letters: D38 mill levy
• Letters: The 4A facts
• Letters: You get what you pay for
• Letters: 4A is no slush fund—it means a raise for our teachers!
• Letters: An objective look at the D38 MLO question
• Letters: Honor and integrity
• Letters: Vote no on District 38 mill levy override
• Letters: Support mechanisms only go so far
• Letters: District needs more money, not less!
• Letters: Teachers are fighting for survival
• Letters: Approve 4A
• Letters: Yes on 4A
• Snapshots: Military appreciation at LP
• Snapshots: Powder Puff Football, Oct. 5
• Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Nov. 14: Board acts on bus purchases, opts out of FAMLI, ponders ways to cope with failure of the mill levy override ballot measure
• D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Nov. 15: Committee discusses options following election
• Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Dec. 12: Results of calendar survey discussed; mid-year compensation action approved

Library News

The Tri-Lakes area is part of the Pikes Peak Library District that sponsors many events. For more on this topic...

• December Library Events: Enjoy puppet shows and make last-minute gifts at your library
• January Library Events: Learn to play the ukulele, improve your diet, and hear about the work of a forensic pathologist
• February Library Events: Adult Winter Reading Program begins; Valentine crafts available
• April Library Events: All facilities closed until further notice
• May Library Events: Large selection of virtual programs available during closure
• June Library Events: Curbside service now available, Summer Reading game cards ready for pickup
• July Library Events: Library reopens with limited indoor services
• August Library Events: Limited indoor services continue
• September Library Events: In-person, curbside, and virtual services available
• October Library Events: Additional services return; curbside pickup remains available
• October Library Events: Indoor book drop added, curbside remains available
• December Library Events: Library access further restricted due to coronavirus risk
• December Library Events: Library continues curbside service
• February Library Events: Library reopens with limited services; adult reading program begins
• March Library Events: Adult Reading Program continues; Take and Make Kits available
• April Library Events: Library offers printing of tax forms, other services
• May Library Events: Changes in services, programming for May
• June Library Events: Summer Adventure begins
• July Library Events: Summer Adventure continues; some programs resume
• August Library Events: Some programs reinstated, summer reading ends
• September Library Events: Meeting room available by reservation
• September Library Events: Math tutoring returns
• November Library Events: Hours change; ramp progresses
• December Library Events: Holiday closures announced, ramp continues to progress
• January Library Events: Despite understaffing, Friday and Saturday hours extended
• February Library Events: Off-site story times, Palmer Lake ramp, math tutoring
• March Library Events: Palmer Lake branch reopens; spring break activities announced
• April Library Events: Art exhibit at Monument; number of programs grows
• May Library Events: Story Time and Toddler Time continue
• June Library Events: Summer Adventure begins with special programs, prizes
• July Library Events: Summer Adventure continues; library will have booth at July 4 fair
• August Library Events: Summer Adventure ends; All Pikes Peak Reads selections announced
• August Library Events: Math tutoring suspended, regular programming resumes
• October Library Events: Authors to visit, Friends of the Library Week set
• November Library Events: Schedule changes for November
• December Library Events: Invitation to relax
• January Library Events: Explore the resources at your library

Local History

There are a variety of sources of fascinating local history. For more on this topic...

• Snapshots: Monument pioneers, July 4, 2019
• Palmer Lake Historical Society: Celebrating Colorado in August: statehood, summiting Pikes Peak, and suffrage
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, July 17: Walking Tour: History of U.S. Pike Forest Monument Preserve
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Sept. 16: Pikes Peak Trolleys: past, present, future
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Oct. 21: Long Expedition Bicentennial: Exploring the Front Range, 1820
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Nov. 18: World War II ski troops: 10th Mountain Division
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake display at DIA
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Dec. 12: 88th Palmer Lake Yule Log Hunt
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Feb. 17: Adventures on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway
• Snapshots: Ute history at FoFRP, Mar. 24
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, April 21: The bad old days of Colorado
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, May 19: Helen Hunt Jackson—the Colorado years
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, June 16: The Night of a Thousand Heroes
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, June 16: Palmer Lake walking tours
• Snapshots: Historic Palmer Lake Town Flag
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Aug. 6: Chautauqua days remembered
• Palmer Lake Historical Society: Refurbished sign a historical legacy for Palmer Lake
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Sept. 15: Capt. Jepp and the Little Black Book
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Oct. 20: The history of the Alexander Film and Aircraft Company
• Palmer Lake Historical Society: Historic flood remembered
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Dec. 11: 89th Annual Yule Log Hunt
• Letters: Monument historic red barn gets a new home

Marijuana

• Letter: Vote yes for retail marijuana to move forward
• Letter: Legal marijuana sales revenue needed
• Letters: Deja vu all over again
• Letters: Please vote no on 301
• Letters: "Regulate Palmer Lake"—more to the story
• Palmer Lake Town Council, July 13 and 27: Town ponders ordinances for fire prevention, marijuana businesses
• Letters: When will we learn?

Monument Academy

The Monument Academy is a charter school within Lewis-Palmer District 38. For more on this topic...

• Monument Academy School Board, Nov. 14: Board hears revised budget and first COO report
• Monument Academy School Board, Dec. 9: Board hears from bond advisor, learns about secondary school program, accepts member’s resignation
• Letters: Monument Academy: poised for the future
• Monument Academy School Board, Jan. 9: Board discusses academic calendar, fills empty seat
• Monument Academy School Board, Feb.13: Board sets school calendar, discusses uniforms and board election
• Monument Academy School Board, March 12: Board approves pandemic plan, construction contingencies, and teachers’ raises
• MA School Board, April 9: Board reviews eLearning, construction
• MA School Board, May 6: Board approves 10% budget cut, cancels raises
• Monument Academy School Board, June 9: Board hears plans for next year, including increased marketing
• Monument Academy School Board, July 15 and 16: Board passes torch, discusses opening
• Letters: Monument Academy set to open new East campus
• Monument Academy School Board, Aug.13: Board approves opening plan for both campuses
• MA School Board, Sept.10: Board discusses school opening, distance learning challenges
• Monument Academy School Board, Oct. 8 and 15: Board considers changes to learning options, accepts board member Byrd’s resignation
• Monument Academy School Board, Nov. 4, 12, and 19: Board dips deeper into reserves, resets virtual learning
• Monument Academy School Board, Dec. 10: Board hears assessment report, COVID-19 impacts
• Letters: Thank you, Monument Academy
• Monument Academy School Board, Jan. 6 and 14: Board sets 2021 goals, reviews vision
• Monument Academy School Board, Feb. 11: Board discusses High School options, updates board policies
• Monument Academy School Board, March 11: Board hears from Concurrent Enrollment consultant, prepares for assessments
• Monument Academy School Board, April 8: COO Herrera resigns; board hears Highway 105 update
• Monument Academy School Board, May 13: Board selects new COO, discusses mask use
• Monument Academy School Board, June 14: Board discusses new COVID testing program, welcomes new board members
• Monument Academy School Board, July 15: Board rejects COVID testing; reverts to in-person only meetings
• Monument Academy School Board, Aug. 19: Board mourns Principal Richardson, loosens elementary school shoe dress code
• Monument Academy School Board, Sept. 9: Board offers alternative to hoodies
• Monument Academy School Board, Oct. 5, 7, and 28: Board negotiates temporary exit to Highway 105
• Monument Academy School Board, Nov.11: Monument Academy high school principal resigns
• Monument Academy School Board, Dec. 6 and 9: Monument Academy struggles with concerns about leadership
• Monument Academy School Board, Jan. 13, 21: Board increases COO coaching budget; hears plans for modulars
• Monument Academy School Board, Feb. 10: Board approves proclamation against gender identity
• Letters: Monument Academy School Board has poor values
• Letters: Sad, scared, and stunned
• Monument Academy School Board, March 3 and 10: Board considers arming staff, discusses term limits
• Monument Academy School Board, April 14: Board backs COO despite reviews, welcomes board candidates
• Monument Academy School Board, May 12: Board considers organizational chart that restructures Exceptional Student Services
• Monument Academy School Board, June 9: Phase 2 funding, Highway 105 construction hit roadblocks; arming staff decision
• Monument Academy School Board, July 14, 22, and 25: Board votes to arm staff, implement dress policy gender rules
• Letters: Monument Academy School Board is breaking the law
• Monument Academy School Board, Aug. 1 and 11: Board approves student handbook changes
• Monument Academy School Board, Sept. 1, 8, and 13: COO resigns; board fills vacancy and considers MLO
• Monument Academy School Board, Oct. 6, 13, and 25: Board approves joint resolution with D38 on MLO
• Monument Academy School Board, Nov. 10 and 18: Board adds to uniform policy, moves forward on COO hiring
• Monument Academy School Board, Dec. 1 and 8: Board launches fundraising campaign; CFO resigns

Monument Board of Trustees

The Town of Monument Board of Trustees typically holds two meetings per month. OCN reports on most of the meetings. For more on this topic...

• Monument Board of Trustees, April 6: Radium requests reconsidered and approved
• Monument Board of Trustees, April 20: Trustees sworn in; outgoing members shown appreciation
• Monument Board of Trustees, May 4: Trustee Clark censured; new trustees seated
• Monument Board of Trustees, May 18: Trustee censure remains in effect; treasurer appointed
• Monument Board of Trustees Special Meeting, May 27: Town prepares to open with expanded restaurant seating and retail space
• Monument Board of Trustees, June 15: Local young marine receives national recognition
• Monument Board of Trustees, July 6: Willow Springs and Monument Ridge projects approved
• Monument Board of Trustees, July 20: Possible tax increase ballot question; water issues occurring
• Monument BOT, Aug. 17, 24: Voters will see sales tax increase on Nov. ballot
• Monument Board of Trustees, Aug. 3: Board approves emergency water fixes, two land development requests
• Monument Board of Trustees, Sept. 8: Board prepares for bond sales
• Monument Board of Trustees, Sept. 21: Town sells $22 million in debt to finance water projects
• Monument BOT, Oct. 5: Request for high mill levy concerns board
• Monument Board of Trustees, Oct. 19: Board continues work on 2021 budget
• Monument Board of Trustees, Nov. 9: Willow Springs Ranch approved for infrastructure buildout
• Monument Board of Trustees, Nov. 16: Newest well will bring in additional ground water
• Monument Board of Trustees, Dec. 7: Board suggests town become pandemic sanctuary city; budget approved
• Monument Board of Trustees, Jan. 19: Financial investigation finds no wrongdoing; bond-related water projects move forward
• Monument Board of Trustees Special Meeting, Jan.11: Town passes pandemic-related resolution
• Letters: Misguided resolution by Monument trustees
• Letters: Monument welcomes COVID
• Letters: Monument Board of Trustees “irresponsible” for considering pandemic sanctuary city
• Letters: Upset over town’s COVID-19 response and anonymous ad
• Monument Board of Trustees, Jan.4: UPS distribution center; water-related projects
• Monument Board of Trustees, Feb. 1: Village at Jackson Creek development
•  Monument Board of Trustees, Feb. 16: Property purchase avoids new building costs
• Letters: Cleared town employees deserve public apology
• Monument Board of Trustees, March 1: Board continues to contend with Promontory Pointe access issue
• Monument Board of Trustees, March 15: Native Sun Annexation passes; new police vehicles on order
• Monument Board of Trustees, April 5: Home rule a possibility for Monument; land uses pass
• Monument Board of Trustees, April 19: Board repeals emergency pandemic declaration
• Monument Board of Trustees, May 3: Monument will hold Independence Day festivities
• Monument Board of Trustees, workshop and regular meeting, May 17: Monument residents may see refunds from town revenue overages
• Monument Board of Trustees, June 7: Monument approves land ordinances, hears presentations
• Monument Board of Trustees, June 21: Voters will be asked to forgo a refund, allowing town to keep excess revenue
• Monument Board of Trustees, July 19: In the fall, board will ask voters to raise taxes
• Monument Board of Trustees, Aug. 16: Conexus service plan denied after hundreds protest
• Monument Board of Trustees, Aug. 2 and 9: Town attorney put on leave amid ethical questions
• Monument Board of Trustees, Sept. 9: Darcy M. Schoening appointed to vacant trustee position
• Monument Board of Trustees, Oct. 4: Higby Road and Jackson Creek Parkway updates; land resolutions approved
• Monument Board of Trustees Special meeting Nov. 3: Raises built into 2F fund for police; disparities in raises questioned
• Monument Board of Trustees Meeting, Nov. 17: Unprecedented 10 percent raise for town employees; rules on remote attendance overridden
• Monument Board of Trustees Special Meeting, Dec. 7: Board approves 2022 budget
• Letters: Monument trustees need to enforce remote attendance rule
• Monument Board of Trustees, Jan. 3: Ballot issue 2F funds already working to improve MPD
• Monument Board of Trustees, Jan. 18: Town continues annexing enclaves for zoning consistency
• Monument Board of Trustees, Feb. 7: Remote participation approved; Hayes recognized for supporting 2F
• Monument Board of Trustees, Feb. 22: Conexus development moves forward
• Monument Board of Trustees, March 7: Town moves toward renewable water access; shows accord with Ukraine
• Monument Board of Trustees, March 21: Monument Junction development phase approved
• Monument Board of Trustees, April 4: Board member resigns; Independence Day festivities approved
• Monument Board of Trustees, May 2: Foreman receives Manager of the Year award
• Monument Board of Trustees, May 16: Lack of permitting causing small-business hardship
• Monument Board of Trustees workshop and meeting, June 20: Permits for business lake use approved
• Monument Board of Trustees, July 5: Board approves "suggestion" that members state reason for votes
• Monument Board of Trustees, July 18: Board gets presentations on legislation and history, approves Falcon Commerce Center Phase 2
• Monument Board of Trustees, Aug. 1: Board approves two ordinances, cancels two workshops
• Monument Board of Trustees, Aug. 15: Board approves ordinance but splits on amendment
• Monument Board of Trustees, Sept. 6 and 19: Developers clash with neighbors; trustees frustrated after planners quit
• Monument Board of Trustees, Oct. 17: Planning director hired; multifamily apartments approved following changes to the plans
• Snapshots: Monument Candidate Forum, Oct. 13
• Monument Board of Trustees, Nov. 7 and 21: Annexation action delayed; election results portent change in direction
• Monument Board of Trustees/Town Council, December 2022: Special investigator claims Home Rule Charter void in report alleging illegal electioneering by Monument staff

Monument Fire District

Formerly called the Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District until it merged with Donald Wescott Fire Protection District in 2022, the MFD serves much of the north El Paso County area.

• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, March 24: Chief impressed by collaboration during storm
• Snapshots: Which districts do you live in?
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District April 28, May 13, and 26: Unification explored; storm after-action report; wildland apparatus proposed
• Snapshots: Wildfire mitigation demo, May 15
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District special meetings May 13 and 17, regular meeting May 18: Wescott board directs chief to pursue feasibility of merger with TLMFPD
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, special meeting June 15: Board approves feasibility study for unification
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, June 23: Wescott unification progress; residential assessment rates dropping
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, July 20: 2021 budget tight; staff promoted
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, July 28: 2020 audit accepted; Wescott unification
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Aug. 17: Unification process progressing; interim fire chief extension
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Aug. 25: New operations chief sworn in; crew commendation received
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Sept. 22: Deputy chief’s retirement announced; wildland fire plans presented
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Sept. 21: Unification process concerns; volunteer pensions to increase
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Oct. 19: Staff take oath of office; volunteer retirement pension increase approved
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Oct. 4 and 27: Unification progressing; 2022 budget discussed
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District and Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Nov. 10: Joint special meeting hears feasibility study presentation for potential unification
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Nov. 16: Unification diving deeper; 2022 Budget proposed
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District and Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Nov. 10: Joint special meeting hears feasibility study presentation for potential unification
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Nov. 17: 2022 Budget approved early; surprise promotion
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District and Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Dec. 8: Historic fire district unification approved
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Dec. 8 and 15: IGA and 2022 budget approved
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District and Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Dec. 8: Historic fire district unification approved
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Dec. 1: Major step taken toward unification
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Jan. 18: Director resigns; unification moving
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Jan. 26: Battalion chief retires; unification insight; ladder truck approved
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Feb. 23: AMR requests remain high; squad vehicle approved
• Snapshots: Fire district ice rescue training
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Feb. 15: Call volume increases; merger exceeding expectations
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, March 15: Volunteer Pension Fund closed; May election cancelled
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, March 30: Board meeting too late for publication
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, April 19: Third ambulance in service; wildland fire mitigation efforts ramp up
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, March 30 and April 27: Election canceled; district will rebrand
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, May 17: Director positions determined; intergovernmental agreement near
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, May 25: Former board director remembered
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, June 2, 21 and 28: Unification hits speed bump; board votes to obtain station appraisal
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, June 22: District rebrands
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, July 8 and 27: Local 4319 seeks collective bargaining agreement; districts combine
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, July 19: 2021 audit is clean; funding transfer approved
• Snapshots: Two fire districts become one
• Monument Fire District, Aug. 24: New fire station proposed
• Monument Fire District, Sept. 28: Board meeting held after publication
• Monument Fire District, Sept. 28 and Oct. 26: Mill levy adjustment approved; 2023 proposed budget presented
• Monument Fire District, Nov. 16: 2023 budget approved; mill levy match maintains revenue
• Monument Fire District, Dec. 7: Meet and confer plus agreement extended; employee handbook revised

Monument Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment

The Monument Planning Commission typically meets monthly. The Monument Board of Adjustment meets as needed. Both make recommendations to the Board of Trustees regarding land use decisions. OCN reports on most of those meetings. For more on this topic...

• Monument Planning Commission, Feb. 13: New commissioners sworn in; St. Peter parking lot zone change and replat approved
• Monument Planning Commission, May 8: Planning Commission procedures and planning acronyms available on town website
• Monument Planning Commission, June 12: Three major items advance to the Board of Trustees
• Monument Planning Commission, July 10 and July 25: Sanctuary Pointe; Conexus Business Park; Peak Equipment Solutions; Home Place Ranch
• Monument Planning Commission, July 10 and July 25: Sanctuary Pointe; Conexus Business Park; Peak Equipment Solutions; Home Place Ranch
• Monument Planning Commission, Oct. 9: Site Plan Application and Final Plat for Jackson Creek North, Filing No. 2 approved
• Monument Planning Commission, November 13: Commissioners to depart MPC, Triview Final Plat and Comprehensive Plan Resolution approved, town code revision open houses to come
• Monument Planning Commission, Dec. 11: Tri-Lakes Monument fire station annexation approved
• Monument Planning Commission, Jan. 8: New members sworn in; Sanctuary Pointe Phase 3 Site Plan approved
• Monument Planning Commission, March 11: New planning commissioners and BOA member sworn in; Zone Change and PD Sketch Plan for The Village approved
• Monument Planning Commission, June 10 and 24: Planning Commission approves development projects in virtual meetings
• Monument Planning Commission, July 8 and 22: Commission recommends for approval project proposals including Falcon Commerce Center
• Monument Planning Commission, Aug. 12: Commission approves plans for Woodmen Valley Chapel, Conexus Business Park Phases 2 and 3; trail options discussed
• Monument Planning Commission, Sept. 9 and 23: Busy public comment; new leadership
• Monument Planning Commission, Oct. 14: Plans for Willow Springs Ranch Filing No. 1 Plat approved
• Monument Planning Commission, Dec. 9: UPS Distribution Center Site Plan and Sanctuary Pointe Filing No. 8 Plat approved
• Monument Planning Commission, Jan. 13: New chair and vice chair for PC; Gleneagle Dental relocation plan approved
• Monument Planning Commission, Feb. 10: The Flynn Project, UPS Distribution Center, Sanctuary Pointe Filing No. 9 all approved for recommendation
• Monument Planning Commission, April 14: Three projects recommended for approval
• Town of Monument Planning Open House, May 11: Monument updating land development code
• Monument Planning Commission, May 12: New planning director announced; alternate commissioner sworn in
• Monument Planning Commission, June 9: Annexation and zoning requests recommended for approval
• Monument Planning Commission, Sept. 8: Final plats for Home Place Ranch and Sanctuary Pointe filings approved
• Monument Planning Commission, Oct. 13: Higby Road annexation, town code, and industrial zoning standards discussed
• Monument Planning Commission Work Session, Nov.10: Maximum allowable building height and Higby Road designs discussed
• Monument Planning Commission Public Hearing and Work Session, Dec. 8: Triview and church enclave annexations approved; maximum building height discussed
• Monument Planning Commission, Jan. 12: QuikTrip and Monument Junction proposals approved
• Monument Planning Commission, Feb. 9: Conexus Phases 2 and 3 Preliminary PUD Plan and annexation of Limbach Park approved
• Monument Planning Commission, March 9: New commissioners sworn in, Monument Junction plans approved
• Monument Planning Commission, April 13: Monument to welcome new planning director; three proposals recommended for approval
• Monument Planning Commission, May 11: New industrial design standards draft approved

Monument Sanitation District

Sewer service in the Town of Monument is not provided by the town government. Service for the east and south are provided by the Triview Metropolitan District. Service for the west and north are provided by the Monument Sanitation District. For more on the Monument Sanitation District...

• Monument Sanitation District, Aug. 19: Interim manager appointed; Wagons West, Willow Springs on the horizon
• Monument Sanitation District, Sept. 12 and 16: Interim manager terminated; working to fill the gaps
• Monument Sanitation District, Oct. 21: No rate increases for now; learning curve continues
• Monument Sanitation District, Nov. 18: Board postpones budget approval due to failure to post it
• Monument Sanitation District, Dec. 16: Board approves 2021 budget
• Letters: We expect fair and accurate reporting
• Monument Sanitation District, Jan. 20: Board resolves infrastructure issue
• Monument Sanitation District, Feb. 17: District may refuse town’s TENORM treatment wastewater
• Monument Sanitation District, March 17: Preventive maintenance contracts; public access to meeting
• Monument Sanitation District, May 7 and 19: New district manager selected; attorney acts ahead of board’s direction
• Monument Sanitation District, June 16: New manager making district more efficient
• Monument Sanitation District, July 21: Updated 2020 audit approved
• Monument Sanitation District, Aug. 18: District reviews providers
• Monument Sanitation District, Sept. 15: Board sets public meetings on 2022 rates and budget
• Monument Sanitation District, Oct. 20: Board reviews finances and developments
• Monument Sanitation District, Nov. 17: Rates unchanged in 2022
• Monument Sanitation District, Dec. 15: Financial reports approved; election scheduled
• Monument Sanitation District, Jan. 19: Willow Springs Ranch development poised to
• Monument Sanitation District, Feb. 16: New auditor selected
• Monument Sanitation District, March 16: Board election canceled, rumors refuted
• Monument Sanitation District, April 20: District opts out of NMCI project
• Monument Sanitation District, May 18: Board members sworn in; officers elected
• Monument Sanitation District, June 15: Monument proposes water and sanitation consolidation
• Monument Sanitation District, July 20: NMCI participation drives wastewater realignment
• Monument Sanitation District, July 20: New developments enlarge service area
• Monument Sanitation District, Sept. 21: District receives $684,000 American Recovery grant
• Monument Sanitation District, Oct.19: Sewer overflow contained
• Monument Sanitation District, Nov.16: Board holds the line on rates
• Snapshots: Districts receive awards, Oct. 26
• Monument Sanitation District, Dec.21: Employees get 9% pay increase

Mountain View Electric Association

MVEA is the local co-op electrical utility which services much of the Tri-Lakes area. For more about MVEA see...

• Mountain View Electric Association, June 4: MVEA Directors re-elected
• Snapshots: MVEA linemen offer members rides
• MVEA planning broadband for rural Colorado

Nature of Our Community

Articles about the Tri-Lakes area...

• Snapshots: Business Expo, Oct. 17
• Snapshots: Pumpkin give-away, Oct. 19
• Snapshots: Trunk or Treat, Oct. 25
• Snapshots: Monument Lake dock extended
• Snapshots: Monument Lake fence, June 8
• Snapshots: Schuh wins PLAG scholarship
• Snapshots: Bears have people problems
• Thank You, Judy
• Snapshots: Fox family, Apr. 20
• Black Forest Slash/Mulch site kick-off, Apr. 16
• An important message for our readers: OCN needs your help!
• Letters: Qualified to volunteer?
• An important message for our readers: OCN needs your help!
• An important message for our readers: OCN needs your help!
• An important message for our readers: OCN needs your help!
• An important message for our readers: OCN needs your help!

See more about nature in the Gardening topic

NEPCO

The Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations is a coalition of over 30 homeowners associations representing more than 15,000 residents in the Tri-Lakes area. NEPCO’s mission is to enhance the quality of life of its member associations and their residents in a wide variety of areas. For more on this topic...

• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Homeowners Associations, Sept. 8: Crime prevention coordinator urges awareness
• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Homeowners Associations, Nov. 17: Transportation concerns rise as area grows
• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations, Jan. 19: County’s Water Master Plan presented
• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations Inc., March 9: Neighbors cooperate, collaborate for best outcomes
• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations Inc., Nov. 9: NEPCO holds annual elections, hosts county commissioners
• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations Inc., Jan. 11: NEPCO has plans for 2020 presentations
• NEPCO Inc., July 11: NEPCO reports on local land development projects
• NEPCO, Sept. 12: NEPCO continues virtual meetings
• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations, Nov. 14: NEPCO welcomes county commissioners
• Northern El Paso County Home Owners Associations (NEPCO), Jan. 23: NEPCO has Zoom meeting and welcomes county engineer
• Northern El Paso County Home Owners Association, March 13: Library district CEO gives overview
• Northern El Paso County Home Owners Associations (NEPCO), May 8: Land use and growth
• Northern El Paso County Homeowners Associations (NEPCO), Nov. 13th: NEPCO holds board elections, hosts county commissioners
• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations, Jan. 29: Guest speakers discuss water pipeline and code enforcement
• Northern El Paso County Homeowners Associations (NEPCO), March 19: PPACG chief describes its many duties
• NEPCO announces special speakers for May 14 meeting
• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations, May 14: Speakers explain state House and Senate bills affecting northern El Paso County
• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations, July 9: Pros and cons of HOA management companies discussed
• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations, Sept. 10: NEPCO learns about local developments and D38
• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations, Nov. 12: Two county commissioners speak on budgeting, spending

On the Trail

Many Coloradans enjoy recreation in the great outdoors. For more on this topic...

• Letters: People urged to control their dogs on the trails
• Snapshots: New county park opened June 27
• Snapshots: Creek Week in Palmer Lake
• Snapshots: NASTaP tree tour
• On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins): Ham radio from the mountaintop
• On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins): Santa Fe Open Space to open later this year
• Snapshots: Homestead Ranch Regional Park
• On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins): County Search and Rescue
• Snapshots: Sandstone Ranch Open Space
• Snapshots: “HollyDay” at Fox Run Park, May 15
• On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins): Be prepared
• On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins): Santa Fe Open Space update
• Snapshots: Glen Park Trail work, Oct. 16
• On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins): Santa Fe Open Space update
• Snapshots: SFOS not yet open, Jan. 30
• On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins): Hiking season is all year long
• Santa Fe Open Space Grand Opening, Apr. 7
• Snapshots: Pasque flowers in bloom, Apr. 19
• On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins): Ways to handle local wildlife encounters
• Snapshots: Ice Cave Creek forest restoration
• On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins): Forest Health Restoration Project update
• Letters: Trail rebuild–thank you

Palmer Lake Sanitation District

For more on this topic...

• A Perspective on Our Community: Nutrients, wastewater, and why you should care
• Colorado Water Quality Control Commission, March 12-14: Lengthy nutrients hearings end with new regulations
• Palmer Lake Sanitation District, Feb. 11: Lake of the Rockies inclusion approved
• Palmer Lake Sanitation District voters approve TABOR waiver for state grant
• Palmer Lake Sanitation District, Nov. 14: Sewer taps suspended; sewer collection system capacity evaluated
• Palmer Lake Sanitation District, May 8: Phase I sanitary sewer upgrades approved; up to 77 taps could be issued

Palmer Lake Town Council and Planning Commission

The Town of Palmer Lake Board of Trustees is commonly called the Town Council. They typically hold one workshop and one meeting per month. OCN reports on most of those meetings. For more on this topic...

• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Dec. 10: New mayor and trustees take their seats
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Special Meeting, Dec. 15: Board struggles to alleviate impacts of Level Red restrictions on restaurants
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Jan. 14 and 28: New leadership addresses old problem: water
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Feb. 4, 11, and 25: Board appoints new trustee; water debate continues
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, March 11 and 25: Parking strategy takes shape; water debate continues
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, April 8 and 22: Board continues to seek fair plan for street parking
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, May 13 and 27: Board rescinds parking ban for visitors
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, June 10 and 24: Board approves medical marijuana storefront, renews license for pub
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, July 8 and 22: Board charts course on short-term rentals
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Aug. 12 and 26: New town property proves challenging
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Sept. 9 and 23 : Wilma French commemorated
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Oct. 14 and 28: Time capsule planned for Town Hall
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Nov. 4 and 18: Proposed 2022 budget on track for approval
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Dec. 9: Policy on short-term rentals approved
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Jan. 13: Master Fee Schedule debated
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Feb. 10 and 24: De-annexation request debated
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, March 10: Mayor and chiefs have sobering message for town
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, March 31, April 14 and 28: Town Hall reopens, drainage study presented
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, May 12, 24, and 26: Financial challenges spotlighted
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake grand-reopening
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, June 9 and 23: Renewable water might be available
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Workshops, June 9 and 23: Town debates Fire Department merger and cannabis revenues
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, July 14 and 28: Board sets direction on tax revenue issues
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Workshops, June 29, July 9, and July 14: Board studies Elephant Rock plan and mill levy override
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Aug. 11 and 25: Elephant Rock developer chosen; cannabis and mill levy questions go to voters
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees workshop and special meeting, Aug. 11 and 15: Elephant Rock financials and mill levy override
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Sept. 8 and 22: Fire Department receives grant
• Letters: Elephant Rock developer chosen
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Oct. 13 and 27: Water Fund and municipal code prove contentious
• Letters: What you need to know about 2D
• Letters: Yes on 2D for Palmer Lake’s future!
• Letters: It’s our future, residents
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Nov. 10 and 17: Board adopts new town code, proceeds with retail marijuana
• Snapshots: GMS and TN Parker receive award
• Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Dec. 8 and 15: New leadership takes the helm

Palmer Lake Volunteer Fire Department

The PLVFD was formed to serve the town of Palmer Lake. It is a department within the town's government. For more on this topic...

• Letter: Retaliation for report of illegal activity
• Western Museum of Mining & Industry, July 15-17: Restoration Day at the museum
• Snapshots: PLVFD chili supper, Nov. 26
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, June 27: Palmer Lake asks district to explore serving town; Wescott and TLMFPD will investigate options
• Palmer Lake Town Council, May 9 and 23: Town finances cause concern; future of Fire Department debated
• Letters: Options facing the Palmer Lake Fire Department
• Letters: Move beyond the status quo and thrive in Palmer Lake
• Snapshots: PL firefighters collect slash
• Snapshots: PLFD wildfire training, Feb. 20
• Snapshots: Assessing fire danger, Apr. 12
• Snapshots: PL firefighters honored, May 4
• Snapshots: Car show benefits PLFD, May 14

Perspective on Our Community

Opinions and reflections on Tri-Lakes area issues and community.

• OCN photo contest winner
• Snapshots: That’s a lot of plants!
• Snapshots: Black Forest Festival, Aug. 7
• Snapshots: National Nightout, Aug. 3
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake Try-athlon, Aug. 7
• Snapshots: Hummingbird festival, Aug. 13
• Snapshots: Chamber awards, Aug. 20
• Snapshots: Monumental Impact, Aug. 13
• Snapshots: Benet Hill installs new prioress
• Snapshots: SEW Year of the Story, Aug. 22
• Snapshots: Ms. T gets garden plaque, Aug. 26
• Snapshots: WWII veterans recognized, Aug. 27
• Monument woman’s 9/11 memories still strong 20 years after Ground Zero work
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake Wine Festival, Sept. 11
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake Creek Week, Sep. 25
• Snapshots: Black Forest Farmers Market, Oct. 9
• Snapshots: Ruth Anne Steele fundraiser
• Snapshots: Pumpkin giveaway, Oct. 16
• Snapshots: Monument Lake Mural, Oct. 9
• Snapshots: Business Expo, Oct. 21
• Snapshots: Makers Market, Oct. 23
• Snapshots: Oktoberfest and Trunk or Treat
• Snapshots: St. Peter Trunk or Treat, Oct. 29
• Snapshots: TLC client appreciation pumpkins
• Snapshots: Ballot issue 2F, Nov. 2
• Letters: Proposed water tank in Fox Run Regional Park
• Snapshots: Small Town Christmas, Dec. 4
• Snapshots: Monument Tree Lighting, Dec. 4
• Snapshots: Drought Continues, Dec. 12
• Snapshots: DWFPD Santa on Patrol, Dec. 18
• Snapshots: Fox Run Park Pet Memorial Tree
• Snapshots: Letters to Santa, Dec. 20
• Snapshots: MITEE Exhibition
• Snapshots: View from Mt. Herman, Dec. 28
• Snapshots: NDS pipeline update, Jan. 18
• Snapshots: CDOT: Traffic deaths are up 50%
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic pits HS teams
• Snapshots: Blood drive, Jan. 15
• Snapshots: A vanishing scene, Jan. 20
• Snapshots: Quilt raffle in progress
• Neighbors hear about plans for Flying Horse North
• Snapshots: National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day at Lolley’s, Feb. 5
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake Winterfest, Feb. 12
• An important message for our readers: Our Community News needs your help!
• Snapshots: Park groundbreaking, Mar. 9
• Snapshots: SEW Monumentaries, Mar. 12
• Neighborhood meeting, March 29: Lake Woodmoor Holdings proposes developments in Woodmoor
• Letters: Praise from a news junkie
• Letters: Flush not!
• Snapshots: Quilter Monica Scott honored
• Snapshots: Bash-ton for Cashton, Mar. 25
• Snapshots: Depot sign preserved, Mar. 15
• Letters: Living on the edge
• Letters: Flush not!
• Letters: Flying Horse North concerns
• Snapshots: Looking south from Higby Road
• Snapshots: Wildfire Preparedness Day, Apr. 2
• Snapshots: Spring seed giveaway, Apr. 2
• Snapshots: Easter Egg Hunt
• Snapshots: Benet Hill makes commitment
• Snapshots: Funds raised for Ukraine, Apr. 21
• Snapshots: FoFRP celebrate Earth Day, Apr. 22
• Snapshots: Fundraiser for teacher
• Snapshots: Monument Lake restocked, Apr. 21
• Snapshots: Fundraiser for Wounded Heros
• Snapshots: Great American Clean-up, Apr. 30
• Snapshots: Work day in Fox Run Park, June 8
• Snapshots: Waterwise garden opened, June 15
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake Historical Society Annual Ice Cream Social, June 19
• Snapshots: TLC reopens client market
• Letters: Black Forest Section 16 lease renewals
• Snapshots: Sunrise over Palmer Lake, June 24
• Snapshots: Parade of Ponds, June 25-26
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake fishing at sunrise
• Snapshots: Explosion of fall flowers, Aug. 27
• Snapshots: UPS ribbon cutting, Aug. 23
• Snapshots: TLWC grant provides cameras
• Snapshots: Miss Monument: PRHS graduate
• Snapshots: National Night Out, Aug. 6
• Snapshots: Party for the Parks, July 16
• Snapshots: Hummingbird Festival, Aug. 5-6
• Snapshots: AARP chapter celebrates 50th
• Snapshots: Black Forest Festival, Aug. 13
• Snapshots: Senior center moves
• Snapshots: Trinity Community Park opens
• Snapshots: DCC Senior Sunrise, Aug. 19
• Snapshots: Hammond heads to Zambia
• Snapshots: Bella Casa moves, Sept. 23
• Snapshots: Luau at JCSL, Sept. 9
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake Wine Festival, Sept. 4
• Snapshots: Shiloh Pines wildfire risk reduction
• Snapshots: Focusing on the Fight, Sept. 4
• Snapshots: Chamber at Searle Ranch, Sept. 20
• Snapshots: NASTaP celebration, Sept. 24
• Snapshots: Lantern Festival, Oct. 8
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake 0.5K “race”, Oct. 9
• Snapshots: Skate Park Murals, Oct. 15
• Snapshots: Monument Warriors, Oct. 1
• Snapshots: Front Range Makers Market, Oct. 19
• Snapshots: Pumpkin Giveaway, Oct. 22
• Snapshots: JCSL Fall Festival, Oct. 27
• Snapshots: Trunk or Treat, Oct. 28
• Snapshots: Mt. Herman road closure
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake Star Lighting, Nov. 26
• Snapshots: Historic Barn Razed
• Snapshots: OCN mailing day, Nov. 3
• Snapshots: Chamber host non-profit night
• Snapshots: Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26
• Snapshots: SPCS Chess Tournament, Oct. 1
• Snapshots: Alpaca Extravaganza, Nov. 26-27
• Snapshots: Gobble Squabble, Nov. 19
• Snapshots: Monument tree lighting, Dec. 3
• Snapshots: Monument celebrates Small Town Christmas, Dec. 3
• Snapshots: Chamber Christmas Party, Dec. 20
• Snapshots: Pikes Peak Fireworks, Dec. 31
• An important message for our readers: OCN needs your help!
• Snapshots: Monument Lake closed for sewer replacement project, Dec. 5
• Snapshots: From a reader: The Moon, the Stars, and Mars, Dec. 8
• Snapshots: A Christmas Carol at Palmer Lake Town Hall, Dec. 10
• Snapshots: Wreaths Across America, Dec. 17

Pinon Pines Metropolitan District

Pinion Pines Metropolitan Districts 1 and 2 are in unincorporated El Paso County, but the commercial section PPMD 3 is within Monument town limits. It is a service district in El Paso County.  Forest Lakes Metropolitan Disrict is the half-acre operating district responsible for the public infrastructure and utility and general governmental services for the residents of PPMD 1, 2, and 3, which actually collect the property taxes. For more on this topic...

• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 1, 2, and 3, April 6: Land exclusions and inclusions; Forest Lakes PPMD 2 infrastructure underway
• Pinon Pines Metropolitan District 1, May 11 and 18: New board directors appointed
• Pinon Pines Metropolitan District 1, July 13: Reduction in mill levy sought; water restrictions, trail closures addressed
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 2 and 3, Aug. 11: Mandatory water restrictions; southern trail could be extended
• Pinon Pines Metropolitan District 1, Sept. 14: Bond refinanced for one section of Forest Lakes
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 2 and 3, Sept. 15: Water restrictions tighten; trail license approved
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 1, 2, and 3, Dec. 7: Wastewater rates increase approved
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 2 and 3, May 27: Wells pursued; water purchase approved
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 1, 2, and 3, July 13 and 19: Water restrictions change; Pinon Lake access denied; 2020 audits approved
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 2 and 3, Aug. 16: Denver well moving forward; long-term water solutions discussed
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2, and 3, Dec. 6: Rate increases for residents; 2022 budgets and mill levies adopted
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 2 and 3, Feb. 7: Contract for an emergency interconnection approved
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2, and 3, July 11 and 28: Residents rely on lake water; new trail approved
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District & Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2 & 3, Sept. 12: Northern Monument Creek Interceptor design phase moves forward
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District & Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2 and 3, Dec. 5: Rate increases for residents; 2023 budgets and mill levies adopted

Pollution

The Tri-Lakes environment is threatened by many types of pollution. There are steps residents and business owners can take to help. For more on this topic...

• Expert details extensive use and production of toxic chemicals in natural gas production
• Corrections to article on toxic chemicals used in gas drilling
• Stop at the Click: Save fuel and the environment
• Academy announces efforts to reduce flight noise
• Snapshots: Keeping our creeks clean

Property Taxes and Special Districts

While sales and income taxes are well understood, many have questions about property taxes, mill levies, and special districts. For more on this topic...

• Letter: Voters should say "No" to the "bad three"
• Letter: Fire district opposes ballot initiatives
• Letter: Ballot issues could be devastating
• Letter: A thank you to voters
• Assessor reports big declines in average assessed property values
• A Perspective on Our Community: Nutrients, wastewater, and why you should care
• Colorado Water Quality Control Commission, March 12-14: Lengthy nutrients hearings end with new regulations
• Tri-Lakes Area Maps - Know (literally) where you stand in the Tri-Lakes area
• Why is the Tri-Lakes map so complicated? June 2015 version: Learn about special service districts; prize drawing in July
• Tri-Lakes Area Maps - Know (literally) where you stand in the Tri-Lakes area

Recycling

OCN has been carrying information for Tri-Lakes area residents on how to properly dispose of unwanted items and remove wildfire fuel. Sites for recycling plants is also a local issue. For more on this topic...

• County now accepting batteries and electronics at waste facility
• Letter: Oh where, oh where?
• Ewaste event, Feb. 14

Red Rocks Homeowners Association

• Red Rock Ranch Homeowners Association, March 14: Town water tank site search explained

Reflections

OCN has carried a series of musings on life by Tri-Lakes area residents. For more on this topic...

• Snapshots: Enjoying Palmer Lake, May 29
• Letters: The choices we face
• Letters: Why did the Dems lose the non-college educated white male vote?
• Letters: The importance of your vote for county commissioner
• Letters: There's no substitute for community helpers
• Snapshots: Comet arrives in Monument
• Snapshots: Santa in Monument!
• Snapshots: Ice fishing on Monument Lake
• Letters: Show my dead body
• Thank You, Judy
• Snapshots: 9/11 Memorial Ceremony - 20th Anniversary, Sept. 11
• Snapshots: Historic former Henry Station Store demolished, Sept. 21
• Snapshots: Correction: Demolished building was Elliot’s store, not Henry Station
• Snapshots: Pronghorn antelope
• Snapshots: PL Little Free Libraries
• Snapshots: PL time capsule filled, Nov. 21
• Snapshots: MPD and Walmart deliver meals
• Snapshots: Chili and Star Lighting, Nov. 27
• Snapshots: St. Peter Holiday Boutique, Nov. 13
• Snapshots: Alpaca extravaganza
• Snapshots: The Palmer Lake Star shines brightly
• Letters: True democracies do not build fences
• Letters: Praise from a news junkie
• Letters: Many thanks!
• Letters: Supports Supreme Court ruling

Rehabilitation Facility

A proposal in 2018 to convert the Ramada Inn on Woodmoor Drive to a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility was greeted by stiff opposition. For more on this topic...

• Fierce opposition to proposed rehab facility at former Ramada Inn site
• Letters: Residential treatment center saved my life
• Letters: It’s not a done deal
• Letters: Do not turn Tri-Lakes into another "Rehab Riviera"
• Snapshots: MSR Center Meeting, Oct. 16

Roadwork

Roads throughout the Tri-Lakes area are a critical element of the infrastructure. For example, in Monument 2nd Street is has been extended from Beacon Lite Road to connect with the Highway 105 bridge over I-25. Also Beacon Lite Road has been extended to connect with the Old Denver Highway. Jackson Creek Parkway has been constructed from Highway 105 to Higby. For more on these and other road stories...

• Classic Homes proposes new road plan for Sanctuary Pointe
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Dec. 28, Jan. 16 and 23: Jackson Ranch development moves forward; more discussion of the I-25 gap project
• CDOT Listening Session receives strong opposition to I-25 express lane
• Tolled express lane certain
• Snapshots: Monument sidewalks
• Snapshots: Digging into safer, more efficient travel
• Snapshots: I-25 gap open house, Feb. 7
• Snapshots: Monument water line break repaired
• Snapshots: New signal on Highway 83
• Snapshots: New traffic light on 83, Sep. 5
• Drivers on I-25 cautioned to "heed the speed"
• Colorado Department of Transportation, Sept. 17: I-25 South Gap project: safety, cost-effectiveness, reliability
• County Line Road bridge reconstruction
• Snapshots: Woodmoor sinkhole, Oct. 22
• Snapshots: Furrow Road extension, Nov. 4
• CDOT Listening Session, June 29: Roundabout project being designed
• Snapshots: Furrow Road extension postponed

See also coverage on Baptist Road

Service Organizations

The Tri-Lakes area is blessed with a variety of non-profit and service organizations. Here is information on some of them and their activities:

• Snapshots: Monumental Impact
• Snapshots: Harvest of Love
• Snapshots: National Wreaths Across America
• Snapshots: Red Kettle Campaign
• Snapshots: Monumental Impact donates to TLC
• Snapshots: TreeCycle, Jan. 2
• Snapshots: Red Kettle donations, Jan. 14
• Snapshots: Ham radio field day, Jan. 30
• Snapshots: LEOs sort eyeglass donations
• Snapshots: Virtual wine tasting fund raiser
• Snapshots: Tri-Lakes Women’s Club contest raises over $10,000
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake bridge plaques
• Snapshots: TLC Boot Barn Fundraiser, Apr. 23
• Snapshots: Reynolds Ranch House, Apr. 24
• Snapshots: Earth Day at Fox Run Park, Apr. 22
• Snapshots: Operation Gratitude, Apr. 23
• Snapshots: TLC Boot Barn Fundraiser, Apr. 23
• Snapshots: 100+ Women Who Care, Apr. 21
• Snapshots: Great American Clean Up, Apr. 24
• Snapshots: Gravestone cleaning, Apr. 6
• Snapshots: Higby Road cleanup, Apr. 25
• Snapshots: Lions Club Fishing Derby, June 5
• Snapshots: DAR plants perennials, June 8
• Snapshots: WMMI Family Day, June 12
• Snapshots: TLC Appreciation Day, June 23
• Snapshots: MCSS needs drivers
• Snapshots: Purely Ponds Parade
• Snapshots: PLHS Ice Cream Social, June 20
• Snapshots: Monument Street Fair, July 3
• Snapshots: Jackson Creek Chipping Day, July 10
• Snapshots: Lodge honors five
• Snapshots: Sertoma places flags
• Snapshots: WMMI Family Day, Aug. 7
• Snapshots: Repairing trails at Fox Run Regional Park
• Snapshots: Cruisers donate to TLC, Sept. 24
• Snapshots: American Heritage Girls, Oct. 1
• Snapshots: PLAG Show, Oct. 8
• Snapshots: DAR work on Fox Run Park, Oct. 9
• Snapshots: 100+ Women Who Care, Oct. 20
• Snapshots: PLAG makes Holiday ornaments
• Snapshots: Teens help clean up the community garden
• Snapshots: WMMI Oct. events
• Snapshots: Awake Palmer Lake .5K, Oct. 10
• Snapshots: Cruisers elects new board, Nov. 3
• Snapshots: Cruisers donate to TLC, Nov. 19
• Snapshots: EIS volunteers help fire victims
• Snapshots: Forest appreciation walk, Nov. 13
• Snapshots: Ringing the bell, Nov. 15
• Snapshots: Black Forest AARP returns
• Snapshots: MPD, PLPD Santa on Patrol, Dec. 18
• Snapshots: Ornament Party, Dec 11
• Letters: Every penny counts
• Snapshots: Boy Scouts Honored Vets, Nov. 8
• Snapshots: TLMA Benefit Concert, Dec. 18
• Snapshots: Wreaths Across America, Dec. 18
• Snapshots: TLWC helps Monumental Impact
• Snapshots: Bell Ringing, Dec. 18
• Snapshots: North Pole Fair, Dec. 4
• Snapshots: Tip-A-Cop, Dec. 9
• Snapshots: Key Club Volunteers at TLC, Dec. 15
• Snapshots: TLWC gardening event, Jan. 12
• Snapshots: TLWC wine tasting, Jan. 21
• Snapshots: Lions honor Strong, Jan. 6
• Snapshots: Red Kettles collect more than $32K
• Snapshots: TLWC gets CPR training, Feb. 7
• Snapshots: TLWC builds beds for needy kids
• Snapshots: TLWC donates gift cards, Mar. 20
• Snapshots: Three become Eagle Scouts, Apr. 9
• Snapshots: 100+ Women Who Care, Apr. 20
• Snapshots: TLWC grant in action, Apr. 18
• Snapshots: WMMI Lecture, May 10
• Snapshots: Gleneagle Sertoma presents checks
• Snapshots: Tri-Lakes Lions Club Fishing Derby, June 4
• Letters: Thanks for helping put on theTri-Lakes Kids Fishing Derby
• Snapshots: Ham radio field day, June 25
• Snapshots: Friends of Fox Run Park trail work
• Snapshots: Wynn named Sertoman of the Year
• Snapshots: WMMI Family History Day, Aug. 20
• Letters: Thanks to Tri-Lakes Women’s Club for supporting youth baseball
• Snapshots: Regional Sertoman of the Year
• Snapshots: TL Cruisers Car Show, Aug. 28
• Letters: Thanks to the Kiwanis Monument Foundation
• Snapshots: 100+ Women Who Care, Oct. 19
• Snapshots: TLC Client Appreciation, Oct. 31
• Snapshots: WMMI Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 1
• Snapshots: Empty Bowls raised over $19K
• Snapshots: Silver Key at Tri-Lakes ribbon cutting
• Snapshots: Ham Radio Tech Day, Oct. 29
• Snapshots: Cruisers donate food to TLC
• Snapshots: Monument Hill Kiwanis sponsors North Pole Craft Fair, Dec. 3
• Snapshots: Monument Hill Kiwanis rang the bell at King Soopers and Walmart
• Snapshots: Shield616 awards Monument PD protective gear, Dec. 5
• Snapshots: Friends of Fox Run Park Ornament Party, Dec. 10
• Snapshots: TLWC to accept 2023 grant applications starting Jan. 15

Sunshine Laws

Colorado State Statute 24-6-402 is known as the Open Meetings Law or the Meetings section of the Sunshine Law. Much misinformation has circulated about the statute and its application. For more on this topic...

• Letter: Sunshine Law Rumor vs. Fact

Tri-Lakes Land Use Committee

The Tri-Lakes Land Use Committee met in December 2015 to reform what has been for years an inactive group in the community. The committee aims to form and maintain working relationships with the county, towns, and in the Tri-Lakes area with the ultimate goal of reviewing current land use requests. For more on this topic...

• Citizens' Land Use Committee Reviving
• Snapshots: Tri-Lakes Land Use Committee, Jan. 10

Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility

The Monument Sanitation District, Palmer Lake Sanitation District, and the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District jointly operate the facility and manage it through the Joint Use Committee. For more on this topic...

• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Jan. 14: Total phosphorus treatment under way
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Feb. 11: Unexpected benefits apparent in new clarifier system
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee, March 10: Plans reviewed for uninterrupted wastewater facility operations
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee, Sept. 9: Budget, sampling, and sharing knowledge
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee, Oct. 13: Dealing with issues one at a time
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Jan. 12: What regulations will be coming down the pipe?
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee, March 9: Cost-sharing method confirmed
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Oct. 12: Master plan update scheduled for 2022
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Dec. 14: Another successful year appreciated
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Jan. 11: Radium ramifications in biosolids considered
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee, April 12: Sludge lagoon flips
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee, June 14: Three districts leaning against wastewater regionalization
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Sept. 20: 2023 budget planning begins; costs increasing

Triview Metropolitan District

Triview is a Title 32 special district within Monument that provides road, landscaping, and open space maintenance, and water and wastewater services to Jackson Creek, Promontory Pointe, Sanctuary Pointe, and several commercial areas. For more on this topic...

• Triview Metropolitan District, Nov. 20: October’s record snowfall and cold temperatures stall Jackson Creek Parkway progress
• Triview Metropolitan District, Dec. 11: Rates up, mills down
• Triview Metropolitan District, Jan. 22: Misinformation dispelled and actions approved
• Triview Metropolitan District, Feb. 19: Coming to Triview homes: new water meter technology
• Triview Metropolitan District, March 18: New NMCI role explored; COVID-19 addressed
• Triview Metropolitan District, April 22: Resolutions mark significant changes
• Triview Metropolitan District, May 20: Big water rights and water storage plans advance
• Triview Metropolitan District, June 16 and 17: District responds to social media commentary
• Triview Metropolitan District, July 23: District pursues Nov. 3 ballot initiative
• Triview Metro. District, Aug. 18: Working to keep developments and financial strength aligned
• Triview Metropolitan District, Sept. 15: Triview wins Colorado State accolade for JCP project
• Triview Metropolitan District, Oct. 6 and 22: Scammer masquerading as Triview personnel?
• Triview Metro District, Nov. 19: District contemplates decrease in mills and change in address
• Triview Metropolitan District, Dec. 10: $5.5 million for water storage tops 2021 list of needs reserves
• Triview Metropolitan District, Dec. 28 and Jan. 21: Renewable water resource secured
• Triview Metropolitan District, Feb. 18: District strives to create robust water system
• Triview Metropolitan District, March 18: Warmer weather gives rise to project activity
• Triview Metropolitan District, April 29 and May 20: Big summer project: boring under I-25
• Triview Metropolitan District, June 17: Board decisions continue water progress and potential road collaboration
• Triview Metropolitan District, July 22: Conexus warehouse plans explained; audit nears completion
• Triview Metropolitan District, Aug. 19: Public safety, a common priority
•  Triview Metropolitan District, Sept. 16: Filtering, transporting, storing, and acquiring water
• Triview Metropolitan District, Oct. 21: District might expand service boundary
• Triview Metropolitan District, Nov. 17 and 18: Potential regional water system becomes more tangible
• Triview Metropolitan District, Dec. 14: Triview to provide Forest Lakes Metro District operator services
• Triview Metropolitan District, Jan. 20 and 24: Water lease agreements authorized
• Triview Metropolitan District, Feb. 17: Water lease agreements amended
• Triview Metro District, March 17: NDS route decision looms near
• Triview Metropolitan District, April 21: More details revealed about regional water delivery system
• Triview Metropolitan District, May 19: Water rights purchase leads to Buena Vista visioning
• Triview Metropolitan District, July 20: Moving forward with NMCI
• Triview Metropolitan District, Aug. 18: 2021 audit receives "clean opinion"; sewer cleaning truck approved
• Triview Metropolitan District, Sept. 15: Contract awarded; district receives funding
• Triview Metropolitan District, Oct. 20: Home Rule Charter concerns; Northern Delivery System pipeline details laid out
• Triview Metropolitan District, Nov. 17: Colorado Springs Utilities contract awaiting approval
• Triview Metropolitan District, Dec. 13: 2023 budget approved; NDS timeline

Village Center Metropolitan District

Village Center Metro District is located south of Highway 105 and East Knollwood Drive and provides several essential services for the Village Center community including maintenance of the streets, snow removal, and maintenance of the storm water system and the common areas. On May 24, 2013, the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office announced that there are two separate recall petitions for two members of The Village Center Metropolitan District, Bruce Hacker and Steven Barr. For more on this topic...

• Two Village Center metro district board members face potential recall elections

Wagons West Metropolitan District

This special district was approved at the Monument Board of Trustees (BOT) Aug. 6, 2018 meeting for the developer, ProTerra Properties LLC. The property, on the west side of Old Denver Road, north of the Monument ice rink and south of Trails End, was annexed into the town on Dec. 4, 2017. The associated service plan provides initial improvements to the land and includes ongoing maintenance of the open space, detention pond, and park. Once the metro district builds the assets, all will be gifted to existing service providers because the plan does not provide ongoing services associated with the improvements. For more on this topic...

• Wagons West Metropolitan District, Jan. 24: New metro district holds first meeting

Water Supply

Water is a critical resource all along the front range. For more on this topic...

• El Paso County Water Authority, Dec. 1:Authority prepares revision to its governing document
• Pikes Peak Regional Water Authority, Dec. 15:Water authority dissolves
• A Perspective on Our Community: Nutrients, wastewater, and why you should care
• Colorado Water Quality Control Commission, March 12-14: Lengthy nutrients hearings end with new regulations
• NEPCO meeting, May 11: Saving water takes landscape planning
• Letter: The water conservation conversation
• Rain barrel bill dies in state Senate
• Town bulletin cites radium level in drinking water
• Letters: Protect Palmer Lake water and wildlife
• Snapshots: Radium reduction system

For more articles on Tri-Lakes area water supplies, see also the Academy Water and Sanitation District, Donala Water and Sanitation District, Forest View Acres Water District, Monument Board of Trustees, Monument Dam and Lake, Palmer Lake Town Council and Planning Commission, Triview Metropolitan District, and the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District topics.

Weather

• January Weather Wrap
• February Weather Wrap
• March Weather Wrap
• April Weather Wrap
• Snapshots: A Fowl Day, Apr. 21
• May Weather Wrap
• June Weather Wrap
• July Weather Wrap
• August Weather Wrap
• September Weather Wrap
• October Weather Wrap
• November Weather Wrap
• December Weather Wrap
• January Weather Wrap
• February Weather Wrap
• March Weather Wrap
• Snapshots: Snowstorm, Mar. 17
• April Weather Wrap
• May Weather Wrap
• June Weather Wrap
• July Weather Wrap
• August Weather Wrap
• September Weather Wrap
• October Weather Wrap
• November Weather Wrap
• December Weather Wrap

Woodmoor Improvement Association

As the largest homeowners association in the Tri-Lakes area, WIA has to deal with a variety of issues. For more on this topic...

• Woodmoor Improvement Association, July 22: Board levies fire fines, approves improvements to the Barn
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Aug. 26: Board fills vacancy, approves roof work on Barn
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Sept. 23: Board begins five-year trail and open space improvement plan
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Oct. 28: Board approves replacement of Barn windows
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Dec. 18: Board approves budget, plans common areas improvements
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Jan. 27: Board shares annual report, organizes for
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Feb. 24: Board hears certified election results, reviews finances
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, March 24: Updates on developments including the Walters property
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, April 28 and May 26: Board discusses Furrow Road traffic, trash service
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, June 30 and July 28: WOSC requests easement clarification; board discusses fire danger
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Aug. 25: Board discusses tall grass and resident communication
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Sept. 22: Board hears owner’s concerns, discusses fee increases
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Oct. 27: Board recognizes Chief Kevin Nielsen for 30 years of service
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Nov. 17: Board raises dues, fines, and fees
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Dec. 15: Middle school speed limit signs to be reinstated
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Jan. 31 and Feb. 23: Annual Meeting and Reorganization
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, March 23: Board accepts open space donation, discusses upcoming developments
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, April 27: Board discusses subdivision, fire insurance, short-term rentals
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, May 25: Board hears suggestions on replatting guidelines
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, June 22: All fireworks prohibited; up to $5,000 fine
• Snapshots: WIA chipping days, June 25-26
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, July 20: Board hears resident concerns about open space improvements
• Snapshots: Open space deeded to WIA
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Aug. 24: Residents bring lawyer to subdivision appeal, hear about D38 MLO
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Sept. 28 and Oct. 26: Owners raise concerns about excess dogs, new open space
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Nov. 16: Board passes budget, increases annual dues

Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District

Water and sewage services to Woodmoor are provided by the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District. For more on this topic...

• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Jan. 11: Board considers non-potable water strategy
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Feb. 8: Regional water re-use project planning underway
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, March 8: Capital projects and water re-use plan move forward
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, April 12: Cost of water re-use study increases
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, May 10: Board plans to refinance bonds, replace old meters
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, June 21 and July 12: District bond refinancing plan approved
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 9: $6.8 million in savings expected from bond refinancing
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Sept. 13: Savings from bond refinancing exceed expectations
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Oct. 10: Irrigation water policy examined
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Nov. 15: Rates likely to rise in 2022
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Dec. 20: New year to bring new rates; lake trail to be temporarily closed
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Jan. 10: Water supply examined; new well
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Feb. 14: Board amends sick leave policy
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, March 14: Board approves upgrade to golf course sanitation facilities
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, April 21: Board approves supplemental water; Deer Creek Road to be closed
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, May 9: Barrie Town joins board; supplemental water approved for Monument Junction west
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, June 13: Board opts out of state medical leave act
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, July 18: Audit shows sound finances
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 18: Residents question water taste and availability
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Sept. 12: Long-range plan turns away from additional wells
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Oct. 13: Board proceeds with long-range plan
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Nov. 17: Water and sewer rates to rise
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Dec. 21: Board approves rate increases for 2023

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