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
• 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 Methadone Clinic
• 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 Monument Fire Protection District
• 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

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...

• Snapshots: Benet Hill Concert
• Snapshots: David Payne portrays C.S. Lewis
• Snapshots: Shawn Colvin at TLCA
• Snapshots: Bumper Jacksons at TLCA
• Snapshots: Art Matters: Local art: for a big kick out of the most beautiful of small artworks
• Snapshots: Haggard at TLCA, Nov. 4
• Snapshots: Snapshots: Dakota Blond at TLCA, Nov. 17
• Snapshots: Art Matters: All in good spirits for 2018
• Snapshots: Handbell Choir concert, Dec. 9
• Snapshots: Hazel Miller at TLCA, Dec. 1
• Snapshots: John Adams at TLCA
• Snapshots: Ice carving at Galery 132
• Snapshots: The Story of Christmas, Dec. 15
• Snapshots: Community Caroling, Dec. 15
• Snapshots: St. Peter Christmas Concert
• Art Matters: February is for art made with love
• Snapshots: Patrick at Gallery 132, Jan. 13
• Snapshots: RMMA concert, Jan. 20
• Snapshots: Benet Hill concert, Jan. 14
• Snapshots: PLAG at TLCA, Feb. 2
• Art Matters: Felted fiber art from Black Forest
• Art Matters: Plein air painting in April
• Snapshots: AZA at TLCA, Mar. 3
• Snapshots: Barlow at TLCA, Mar. 16
• Snapshots: Benet Hill Concert, Mar. 4
• Snapshots: RMMA Concert, Mar. 16
• Art Matters: Art in nature: power boost for kids, health
• Snapshots: Pine Forest show supports local nonprofits
• Snapshots: Acoustic Eidolon at TLCA
• Art Matters: Art and nature: how we shape our wellbeing
• Snapshots: First 2018 Art Hop
• Snapshots: Tillis at TLCA, June 15
• Art Matters: Confessions of topophilia
• Snapshots: PLAG at TLCA
• Snapshots: Concerts in the Park
• Snapshots: TLMA Concert, July 1
• Snapshots: Tri-Lakes Views celebrates
• Snapshots: Al-Saadi at TLCA, June 22
• Art Matters: Authenticity
• Snapshots: Art Hop, July 19
• Snapshots: Wirewood Station Concert
• Snapshots: Rosie's Diner Car Show
• Art Matters: Beauty in black and white from elegant stone-age art
• Snapshots: Art Hop, Aug. 16
• Snapshots: Pickin’ on the Divide, Aug. 18
• Snapshots: Boxmasters at TLCA, Aug. 21
• Snapshots: Sawyer Fredericks, Aug. 24
• Art Matters: National Arts Month has a big local buzz, too
• Snapshots: Art Hop, Sep. 20
• Snapshots: Monochrome photo show, Sep. 7
• Snapshots: Monu-Palooza, Sep. 2
• Snapshots: Front Range Open Studios
• Snapshots: Iron Pour, Sep. 29
• Art Matters: An artist’s small business turns into big business
• Snapshots: PLAG Fair, Oct. 5
• Snapshots: Senior Center art show, Oct. 7
• Snapshots: Benet Hill Concert, Oct. 28
• Snapshots: RMMA concert, Sep. 1
• Art Matters: Holidays, art, and saving lives
• Snapshots: John Adams at TLCA, Nov. 9
• Snapshots: Fraser and Haas at TLCA, Nov. 16
• Art Matters: Why tech leaders have their kids in artful pursuits
• Snapshots: Dakota Blonde at TLCA, Dec. 14
• Snapshots: Fa La La La La! Dec. 16
• Snapshots: Rocky Mountain Music Alliance Concert, Jan. 19
• Art Matters: The extraordinary benefits of living with art
• Art Matters: Imagination, freedom, and billion-dollar ducks
• Snapshots: Handbell concert, Feb. 24
• Art Matters: "Amateur" artists a misnomer
• Snapshots: Visions of Light
• Snapshots: Palmer Divide Photographers
• Art Matters: Art: Secret knowledge as poetry, flower power
• Snapshots: Acoustic Eidolon at TLCA, April 12
• Art Matters: Get out and about: local art events
• Snapshots: Black Forest Arts & Craft Guild
• Snapshots: Sayer Frederics
• Snapshots: Rufus Cappadocia at TLCA, May 11
• Snapshots: Taste of TLC, May 8
• Snapshots: Action photography, May 13
• Snapshots: Art Hop May 16
• Snapshots: Meadow Grass Festival, May 25
• Snapshots: Cirque du Monument
• Art Matters: Nature, art, and the "curated experience"
• Snapshots: Art Hop, June 20
• Snapshots: Soul Sacrifice at TLCA, June 21
• Snapshots: Concert in the Park, June 26
• Snapshots: Kim Richey at TLCA, June 28
• Snapshots: Boyce at Black Rose, June 28
• Snapshots: Hummingbird festival, June 22
• Art Matters: Art rentals—the Netflix of art?
• Snapshots: Suzy Bogguss at TLCA, July 17
• Snapshots: Spiderman, July 26
• Snapshots: Amy Helm at TLCA, July 27
• Snapshots: Limbach Park Quilt Show, July 20
• Snapshots: Butterfly Tour, July 13
• Snapshots: Forest Lakes Concert, July 26
• Snapshots: TLWC funds RMMA master class
• Art Matters: Fine art and "dolce far niente"
• Snapshots: Tom Rush at TLCA, Aug. 27
• Art Matters: Visual culture: ranching and the ecology of art
• Snapshots: New Christy Minstrels at TLCA
• Snapshots: RMMA Concert, Sep. 14

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, March 20: Knockout blizzard, Station 2, and potential impact fees
• Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District, April 5 and 24: Black Forest fire chief retires; board member steps down
• Snapshots: BFFRPD hosts Easter Egg Hunt
• Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District, May 15: Board chairman becomes interim chief and is cleaning house
• Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District, June 19: Interim chief extended; neglected priorities and staff increases addressed
• Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District, July 17: Training captain sworn in; staffing search continues; board chairman resigns
• Snapshots: BFFRPD Open House, July 13
• Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District, Aug. 20: Interim chief extended again; 2018 audit is "clean"
• Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District, Sept. 25: Three apply for replacement position; fiscal policy updated

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)

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: Books take to the silver screen
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Spotlight on local authors
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: National Poetry Month
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Mom Would Love A Book
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Celebrate dads and grads
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Great summer reads
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: The Great Outdoors
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Celebrating the classics
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: New Young Adult and Children’s Books
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Fall into great books
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Books for the discerning reader
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Start off the new year right
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Exciting new fiction in paperback
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Spring break reads and activity books
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: National Poetry Month
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Encourage and inspire mom
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Celebrate dads
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Celebrate25 years!
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: 25th birthday party washed away!
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Celebrating women authors
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: New nonfiction books
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Fall into great books
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: The Holiday Magic of Books
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Kicking off the new year right
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Biographies, autobiographies, memoirs
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Children’s and teens’ spring break suggestions
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Mary Oliver and National Poetry Month
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Gardening and wildflower season is here!
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Enjoying the great outdoors
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Summer reading
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Try to solve the newest mysteries
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Enjoy fall activities in Colorado
• Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore: Book clubs are reading …

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, May 23: Academy Gateway and Gleneagle Golf Course projects approved
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, June 27: Proposal for emergency services impact fee policy withdrawn
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, July 18: Final BRRTA funds approved for Baptist Road improvements
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Aug. 1 and 22: Rockwood Minor Subdivision approved
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Aug. 29, Sept. 5, and Sept. 26: Infrastructure project excess revenue ballot measure approved
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Oct. 3, 10, and 17: Rezoning approved for outdoor RV, boat storage
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Oct. 31, Nov. 7, 9, 14, and 16: Voters thanked for passing TABOR excess revenue ballot item
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Nov. 30, Dec. 5, 12, 19, and 21: Commissioners oppose I-25 third-lane toll
• 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
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, March 20 and 27: Preparation for wildfires urged; The Beach at Woodmoor approved
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, March 29, April 10, 12, 17, and 19: Wildfires remain a real danger; I-25 widening update
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, May 1, 8, 15, 17, and 22: Commissioners urged to oppose "urban" development density at Forest Lakes
• El Paso County Board of County Commissioners District 1: County Commissioner Candidate Statements
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners May 29, June 7, 12,and 28: New Academy Village lot approved; I-25 toll opposed
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, July 3, 10, 24,and 31: Final Forest Lakes plat approved; potential ballot question discussed
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Aug. 7, 21: Gleneagle golf course redevelopment moves forward
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Aug. 28 and Sept. 4 and 11: 80 Flying Horse North homes approved despite opposition
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Oct. 2, 9, and 11: License granted for western interceptor project
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Oct. 30, Nov.6, 13, and 15: Approval for Mountain Springs Recovery site development plan; updated water and county master plans progress
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Nov. 29, Dec. 4, 11, 18, and 20: Neighbors’ appeal against rehabilitation facility denied
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Jan. 8, 10, 15, 17, and 22: New commissioners sworn in; I-25 gap funding progresses
• Letters: Commissioner Williams reaches out
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Jan. 29, Feb. 5, Feb. 26: Highway 105 project and Walden Preserve development move forward
• El Paso County Planning Commission, Feb. 5 and 19: Progress on the county water and master plans; special use for Black Forest stables advances
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Feb. 28, March 12, 19, 21, and 26: Willow Springs annexation impact report accepted; Master Plan Advisory Committee appointed
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, April 4, 9, 11, and 23: Forest Lakes Phase II rezoning and preliminary plan approved
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, May 7, 14, and 21: Roundabout construction contract approved for intersection
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, May 28, June 6, 11, 18, and 25: Special use requests approved but might trigger changes to county regulations
• 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

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...

• Letter: Share your vision for local trails, sidewalks
• El Paso County Planning Commission, June 21: Variance of use sought for outdoor RV and boat storage
• El Paso County Planning Commission, July 19: Jackson Ranch higher density rezone moves forward
• El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Aug. 31 and Sept. 20: Forest Lakes moves forward
• El Paso County Planning Commission, Oct. 18: Gleneagle golf course rezone OK’d; Flying Horse North denied
• El Paso County Planning Commission, March 21: Gleneagle golf course project application considered
• El Paso County Planning Commission, May 2: Gleneagle Golf Course residential infill project and Academy Gateway applications approved
• El Paso County Planning Commission, Sept. 5: Rezoning denied for outdoor RV, boat storage
• El Paso County Planning Commission, March 6: The Beach at Woodmoor recommended for approval
• El Paso County Planning Commission, April 17: Rezoning and subdivision approval recommended for a Wakonda Hills property
• El Paso County Planning Commission, July 17: Flying Horse North and Forest Lakes development plans advance
• El Paso County Planning Commission, Dec. 4 and 18: Water master plan approved
• El Paso County Planning Commission, March 5 and 19: High Plains, Settlers View plans advance
• El Paso County Planning Commission, April 2 and 16: Second phase of Forest Lakes development recommended for approval
• El Paso County Planning Commission, May 7: Location approved for MA school
• Snapshots: County Master Plan, May 14
• El Paso County Planning Commission, June 18: Final 12 lots at former golf course development recommended for approval
• El Paso County Planning Commission, July 2 and 16: Development at Highway 83 and Hodgen Road recommended for approval
• El Paso County Planning Commission, Sept. 17: Abert Ranch preliminary plan recommended for approval

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, Sept. 15: Proposed 2017 rate increases announced
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Oct. 20: First draft of 2017 budget includes water rate increase
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Dec. 8: 2017 budget approved, water rates up 4 percent, commercial taps up 10 percent
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Jan. 19: Preliminary 2016 financial results reported
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Feb. 16: 2017 regional issues and major construction discussed
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, March 16: Water leak repair in "miserable" conditions praised
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, April 20: Laughlin Ditch renewable surface water right purchase approved
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, May 18: No cut expected in 2018 special district residential property tax revenue
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, June 22: Renewable surface water purchase completed
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 17: Southeastern Conservancy District director gives membership briefing
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Sept. 21 and Oct. 19: Emergency action earns award
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Dec. 7: 2018 budget approved; water rates up 4 percent, wastewater up $2 per month
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Jan. 18: May 8 polling place director election approved
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Feb. 15: Summer construction projects will affect Struthers Road and Gleneagle Drive
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, March 15: CSU’s regional collaboration plans for Tri-Lakes area presented
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, April 19: Staff prepared for higher summer workload and drought contingencies
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, May 17: New board officers sworn in and updated on summer drought
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, June 28: Three capital construction contracts awarded
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, July 19: New rates proposed for large commercial customers
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Sept. 20: WMMI and reserve fund use approved; regulatory compliance discussed
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Oct. 18: Board evaluates budget draft; rate increase approved
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Dec. 6: 2019 budget approved; water rates up 4 percent, wastewater up $2 per month
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Jan. 17: Future brightens for long-term renewable water contracts
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, Feb. 21: Efforts to complete treatment project expedited
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, March 21: Commissioner visit a first; water resources prioritized
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, April 18: Regional pipeline plans encounter complications
• 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

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, July 19: Mill levy hike on November ballot
• Donala Water and Sanitation District, July 20: Board restates top water mission: to provide water solely to Donala customers
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Aug. 15: District prepares for November election
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Sept. 19: Budget depends on mill levy vote
• Letters: Why does Wescott Fire District seek a tax increase?
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Oct. 17: Wescott welcomes volunteers, receives a gift
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Nov. 21: After mill levy win, district looks to finalize budget
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Dec. 5: 2018 budget and resolutions adopted; transparency questioned
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Jan. 16: Residents question, or attempt to question, Wescott board
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, special meeting Jan. 26: 2018 mill levies set again; 2018 budget hearing set for Feb. 20
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Feb. 20: New firefighters commissioned; budget ratification follows many questions
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, March 15 and 20: District begins long-range planning and hears residents’ comments
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District candidate statements
• Fire districts to hold May 8 polling place elections
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, April 17: District prepares for election, high fire-risk summer, and additional personnel
• Letters: Wescott Fire needs better tax dollar management
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, May 29: Three new firefighters, four board members sworn in
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, June 19: Audit report "clean"; budget session planned
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, July 17: Directors explore "de-Gallagherizing," combining districts
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Aug. 21: "De-Gallagherization" resolution fails
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Sept. 18: Accepted 2018 budget draws concerns
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Oct. 16: 2019 budget may include 52% pay boost
• Snapshots: Wescott Safety Fair, Oct. 13
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Nov. 14: Smaller 2019 pay boosts proposed; subdistrict dissolution considered
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Dec. 4: 2019 budget changed then approved, including some raises
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Jan. 15: 2019 salary decision fallout
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Feb. 19: Merger talks decline; firefighter promotions approved
• Donald Wescott FPD board meeting, March 19: Bomb cyclone adds work and personnel to shifts
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, April 16: Equal taxation idea stalls; merger talks suspended
• Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, May 21: Southern district won’t be annexed by Colorado Springs
• 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

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

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...

• Letter: Fire mitigation project terms clarified
• Library event: Firefighters explain fire behavior and mitigation techniques
• Snapshots: FireWise Daze, May 2
• Snapshots: The Tri-Lakes Emergency Preparedness Fair, Sep. 12
• Emergency response practiced during Operation "Deep Freeze 16" Jan. 9
• Snapshots: Operation "Deep Freeze 16", Jan. 9
• Snapshots: Emergency Preparedness Training, Feb. 4
• 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

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, is west of I-25 at the end of West Baptist Road. It is a service district in El Paso County. For more on this topic...

• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 1, 2, and 3, Dec. 5: 2016 budgets amended; 2017 budgets approved, mill levies certified
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 1, 2, and 3, May 1: Forest Lakes Citizens Advisory Committee forming; change in management practices requested
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 1, 2, and 3, June 5: Development fees for commercial property set
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 1, 2, and 3, Sept. 15: Surface water treatment plant contractor selected
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 1, 2, and 3, Oct. 30: Tap fees increased to bridge more of the gap
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 1, 2, and 3, Dec. 4: Budgets approved; elections and wastewater rates adjustment planned
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 1, 2, and 3, April 2: District owns both groundwater and renewable surface water for future demands
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 1, 2, and 3 combined Board meeting, May 7: Wastewater rates increase and watering restrictions OK’d; two residents elected to PPMD 1
• 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 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

Gardening

Information to assist the indoor and outdoor gardener...

• High Altitude Natural Gardening: Tiny helpers in the garden
• Letters: A thank you and a clarification
• High Altitude Natural Gardening: Forest habitat: It?s why we are here
• High Altitude Natural Gardening: Enchanted forests, and plants as homicide detectives
• High Altitude Nature and Gardens: Dandelions benefit gardeners, soil
• High Altitude Nature and Gardens (HANG): Forest wisdom: a gardening guide for what to plant and when
• High Altitude Nature and Gardens (HANG): Protect soil for best results
• High Altitude Nature and Gardens (HANG): With a raised bed or container, crops thrive
• High Altitude Nature and Gardens (HANG): Local forest "farmacy" and Shakespeare’s timely advice
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): The book of nature and lazy gardening
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Ethnobiology: leaving the garden natural for fall
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Ethnobiology: gorgeous natives, ancient olla water tech
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Winter’s Back to Eden: No till, no tractor, no trouble gardening
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Of singing forests and thriving gardens
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Success is local wisdom for local garden pioneers
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Ponderosa forest foraging; HANG flower-friendly garden
• Snapshots: Gardening class, Jan. 30
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Companion planting, zombies, and slice of life gardening
• Snapshots: Waterwise Gardening, Mar. 14
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Ponderosa forest: alfresco dining, kids, bugs, safe salads
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Trees use their forest wisdom; two-week compost for gardens
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Ponderosa pine needle compost; mid-summer garden tips
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Forests and gardening: wonderful for your brain, love life, and fitness
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Garden’s success shows value of "lazy" methods
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Ponderosa pine needles: free champions, lazy gardening victory
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Leafy mulch, early potting, and indoor blooms
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Plants help improve health, indoors and outdoors
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Forest bathing, space travel, and indoor air
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Earth: It’s rescued by lazy gardening
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Indian Science: Using native wisdom can help save the world
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Bomb cyclone devastates America’s food
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Indigenous science, ponderosa, and local gardening
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Indian science, ponderosas, beauty and the bees
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Indigenous science hacks for modern gardening
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Indigenous science: our backyard Russian sage
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Gardens for people and pets; fall plantings
• High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG): Mullein, a backyard fountain of youth

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 4th, 2016 events
• Snapshots: 900 compete in July 4 Fun Run
• Snapshots: Pancake breakfast
• Snapshots: Children’s parade
• Snapshots: Main parade
• Snapshots: Post-Parade
• Snapshots: Hendrix and Maines: "Faith and hope"
• 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

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

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...

• Letters: Supporting long-range planning by school board
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education, Feb. 15: Board continues discussion of long-term planning
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education work session, Jan. 30: Board prepares for public deliberation session
• D-38 deliberates: Community Outreach meeting Feb. 5: Community encouraged to consider options for long-term facilities planning
• District Accountability Advisory Committee, Feb. 13: Committee receives reports on Sources of Strength, long-term facilities planning
• Letters: Student denied chance to show solidarity
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education special meeting, Feb. 27: Board explores security, design/build process
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education, March 15: Board announces state recognitions, discusses safety, OKs Monument Academy contract
• District Accountability Advisory Committee, March 13: Special security briefing, updates on Gifted Education Leadership Team
• Letters: To the D38 school board
• Letters: Security funds available
• Letters: Cookies, anyone?
• District Accountability Advisory Committee, April 17: Committee elects new co-chair, hears communication and budget updates
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education, April 19: Brofft contract extended; Sampayo censured, resigns
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education special meeting, April 9: Board discusses growth and facilities planning, goals
• D-38 Deliberates, April 16: Community members discuss safety, mental health priorities
• Letters: Students, not politics, are priority
• Letters: To Paul Lundeen
• Letters: D38 transparency
• Letters: Explosion?
• Letters: Kids first, politics last
• Letters: D38—just follow the rule of law
• Letters: What is the real scandal?
• Letters: No more division, distraction, or delay! Deal with growth now!
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education, May 17: Facilities and growth discussion continues; individuals and district recognized
• Letters: To Charles Ashford
• Letters: The big board coverup
• Letters: Aliorum De Awards
• Letters: High school physical education
• Letters: Have we become part of the problem!
• Letters: LPHS After Prom thanks
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education, June 18: Board installsnew member, finalizes funding requests for November ballot
• Letters: D38 empire building at our expense
• Letters: Keep D38 strong!
• Letters: The ball is in your court
• Snapshots: NEPCO hears from D38, July 14
• Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education Special Meeting, Aug. 23: "Win-win" school district bond ballot language approved
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education Special Meeting, Aug. 6: Monument Academy wants funds added to bond issue
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education, Aug. 20: Discussion of bond issue continues
• Letters: Strong schools equal strong property values
• Letters: Safety and security?
• Letters: Save the character of our community
• Letters: Stronger security needed in D38
• District Accountability Advisory Committee’s Committee for Political Action Forum, Sep. 13: D38 officials provide ballot information
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education special meeting, Sept. 10: Board approves intent to spend proceeds of proposed bond and MLO measures
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education, Sept. 17 and 27: Board hears from construction firm for new elementary, discusses Amendment 73
• Letters: Vote no on 4B
• Letters: Supporting the D38 bond and MLO as an empty nester
• Letters: It’s all about the kids
• Letters: Actions speak louder ...
• Letters: Support our great schools
• Letters: Support Ballot Issues 4A and 4B
• Letters: Funding lag requiring bond for new school in D38
• District 38 Accountability Advisory Committee, Oct. 9: Committee hears superintendent’s annual report, discusses election
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education, Oct. 15: Board hears about preschool services, recognizes students and Hall of Fame honorees
• Letters: Yes on 4A and 4B
• Letters: 4A and 4B are smart, sensible solutions for our community
• Letters: A measured "no" on 4A and 4B
• Letters: Invest in our community's future
• Letters: For the kids? D38's 4B construction project is full of impropriety
• Letters: Is the Golden Rule dead in D38?
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education, Nov. 13: Board considers actions after voters reject ballot measures
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education Special Meeting and Work Session, Dec. 3: Board discusses short-term solutions to growth; Superintendent to retire
• Lewis-Palmer School District 38 District Accountability Advisory Committee, Nov. 27: Committee discusses election results, urges new vote in 2019
• D-38 Deliberates: Centralized vs. site-based locations for preschool, Dec. 5: Community members and staff discuss preschool growth
• Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Board of Education, Dec.18: Board acts on near-term growth solutions, hears security update, discusses future bond issue
• Letters: Don’t be fooled by deceptive "solution"
• Snapshots: Talking with teens, Dec. 4
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education Special Meeting and Work Session, Jan. 7: Board discusses superintendent search, potential bond issue, statement about rehab facility
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education Regular Meeting, Jan. 15: Board recognizes district achievements, hears Monument Academy Annual Operations Report
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 District Accountability Advisory Committee, Jan. 15: Committee hears about portable classrooms, alternative education opportunities
• Letters: Isolating the effect of school quality on property values
• Snapshots: Strong D38 Community, Jan. 17
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education regular meeting, Feb. 11: Board passes bond issue resolution, hears update on superintendent search
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education special meeting and work session, Feb. 4: Board discusses use of Grace Best, potential bond issue
• District Accountability Advisory Committee, Feb. 12: Committee learns about Special Education Advisory Committee, Safe Routes to School, social emotional learning
• Letters: D38 bond election
• Snapshots: D38 hosts 13th annual chess tournament, Feb 9
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education, March 4 and 18: Board discusses bond issue, recognizes staff and students
• Letters: Rebuilding trust
• Letters: D38 censorship
• Letters: D38 needs another school
• D-38 District Accountability Advisory Committee, March 12: Committee discusses budget, growth, proposed bond issue
• Snapshots: Strong D38 Community hosts discussion of rapid Tri-Lakes area growth
• Snapshots: Meet & Greet at PWES
• Snapshots: Meet & Greet at PRHS
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education, April 1 and 8: Board hears growth projections, selects new superintendent
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 District Accountability Advisory Committee, April 16: Committee hears updates on communications, technology, and security
• Letters: What's the truth?
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education, May 6 and 20: Board approves contracts for Lewis-Palmer High School principal and head of Financial Services
• Letters: D38--Apparently the truth hurts
• Letters: A school bond developed with community feedback
• Letters: LPHS After Prom thanks
• Letters: 2019 bond initiative for LPSD 38
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education, June 10: Board hears comments on new Monument Academy location, passes budget
• Letters: Stop wasting money
• Letters: 20th anniversary reminder to continue investing in our children
• Letters: D38 bond: Support the district now and for the future
• Letters: Welcome, Dr. KC Somers
• Snapshots: Meeting with Somers, July 19
• Letters: LPSD 38: property tax effect of 2019 bond
• Letters: Transparency?
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education, Aug. 26: Board approves wording of bond issue, discusses local control in light of sex-ed law
• Letters: How about those portables?
• Letters: Running for re-election
• Letters: Adam Cupp for D38 school board
• Letters: Penny-wise but pound-foolish
• Letters: D38-What is the truth?
• Letters: LPSD 38-middle school overcrowding
• Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Sept. 10, 12 and 16: Board passes resolution regarding local control, designates strategic goals
• Letters: It’s all about the kids!
• Letters: Vote “yes” on question 4A
• Letters: On teacher compensation and Bond Issue 4A
• Letters: LPSD 38 needs Matthew Clawson
• Letters: Matt Clawson for school board
• Letters: The unmeasured costs of an overcrowded middle school
• Letters: Vote Matthew Clawson for school board
• Letters: Listen to our teachers
• Letters: The right man for the job
• Letters: Matt Clawson for re-election
• Letters: Moms for Matt Clawson
• Letters: Why does my education tax rate keep decreasing?
• Letters: “Yes” on 4A for a strong community
• Letters: D38 still not listening: Vote “no” on school bond
• Letters: Why I support Matthew Clawson
• Letters: Here we go again
• Letters: Matthew Clawson, qualified to serve kids and community
• Letters: Critical thinking and dreams
• Letters: Vote for Clawson and for 4A
• Letters: D38 bond and school board election
• Letters: Why I continue to support Matthew Clawson
• Letters: Matthew Clawson is my choice for D38
• Letters: Why our kids and community need Matthew Clawson
• Letters: D38 student estimates wrong
• Letters: Lewis-Palmer School District and your property taxes
• Letters: Vote for change
• Letters: MA’s new school provides new seats in D38
• Letters: Schwarz announces candidacy
• Letters: 2019 Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Bond—a “pro” statement
• Letters: Adam Cupp: D38 School Board candidate and man of integrity
• Snapshots: D38 bond open house, Sep. 10
• Snapshots: Somers at Outpourings, Sep. 17

Library News

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

• January Library Events: Get involved in 2017
• February Library Events: Families can participate in Coloring for Everyone
• February Library Events: Visit the library for national quilting month
• April Library Events: Celebrate Earth Day and attend a book signing in April
• Snapshots: Monument Teen Writers Group
• May Library Events: Come to the Library for intergenerational fun
• June Library Events: Summer Adventure begins
• July Library Events: Summer reading continues with many special events
• August Library Events: Annual Ice Cream Social set for Aug. 12
• September Library Events: All Pikes Peak Reads program begins
• October Library Events: All Pikes Peak Reads events continue in October
• November Library Events: Learn about hovercrafts in family program
• December Library Events: Enjoy holiday music and a planetarium at the library
• January Library Events: Volunteer for the Teen Advisory Board or enjoy a craft scrap exchange
• February Library Events: Learn about the health benefits of chocolate and about Chinese New Year customs
• March Library Events: Spring break special events; quilts in the library
• April Library Events: Adult drawing classes continue; kids meet the STEM fairy
• May Library Events: Enjoy family activities such as button making while adults continue drawing classes
• June Library Events: Summer Adventure begins
• July Library Events: Summer Adventure party set for July 20
• August Library Events: Summer reading program closes with a party
• September Library Events: Fall brings All Pikes Peak Reads, return of some favorites
• October Library Events: October events feature Halloween and art themes
• November Library Events: Experience Cool Science and teen book craft
• December Library Events: Enjoy some seasonal crafts and conversation at the library
• January Library Events: Start the new year with a new activity
• February Library Events: Enjoy Valentine crafts and discussions at the library
• March Library Events: Display of quilts and continuation of Winter Adult Reading
• April Library Events: Easter crafts for kids featured in April
• May Library Events: A Tea for All Ages and Kusogea Nobi Drum Ensemble among May’s programs
• June Library Events: Summer Adventure begins
• July Library Events: Summer Adventure continues, with party July 31
• August Library Events: Regular schedule resumes
• September Library Events: Welcome fall with a library program
• October Library Events: Explore All Pikes Peak Reads

Local History

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

• Western Museum of Mining & Industry, Jan. 2: Museum hosts Geology Day
• Palmer Lake Historical Society: New board members elected
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Feb. 18: Boys who fought in the Civil War
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Mar. 17: Early automobiles in the Pikes Peak Region
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, April 21: Development of spinning in the West
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, May 18: Spencer and Julie Penrose: Colorado’s community collaborators
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, June 19: 200 take part in Ice Cream Social
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, July 21: The legacies of Charles Goodnight
• Western Museum of Mining & Industry, July 15-17: Museum Expo offers activities, vendors
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, August 6: Chautauqua brings history to life
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, September 15: Colorado inventors of the 19th century
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, October 20: When the fight against Comanches raged on the Front Range
• Western Museum of Mining & Industry, July 15-17: 1,600 attend fifth annual Harvest Festival
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Nov. 17: Husted railroad towns once thrived
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Jan. 19: 2016 presentations recalled at annual meeting
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Jan. 19: Colorado "coal baron" built a fortune
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, March 16: From boy soldier to Colorado teacher
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, April 20: The story behind the pioneering Alexander Film Co.
• Palmer Lake Historical Society: Presentations, Ice Cream Social made for a busy June
• Palmer Lake Historical Society: Legacy of Pete Seeger celebrated; Chautauqua on tap
• Palmer Lake Historical Society: Activities, entertainment mark Chautauqua
• Palmer Lake Historical Society: A look at local historic homes
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Oct. 19: Filmmaker focuses on scenery, trains
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Jan. 18: Officers elected at annual meeting
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Feb. 15: Vintage railroad coaches—"a living museum"
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Mar. 15: Mt. Manitou & Incline Railway story told
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, April 19: Pueblo steel mill drove Western industry
• Snapshots: Monument History project
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, May 17: Pioneer woman’s tale sheds light on massacre motive
• Palmer Lake Historical Society: Ice cream social, historyprogram mark June activities
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, July 19: Presentation honors Woody Guthrie
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, July 19: Past becomes present at Chautauqua
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, September 20: Harvey Girls brought hospitality to West
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, October 18: Film honors local WWII hero
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, November 15: History series features Colorado’s only WWI flying ace
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Jan. 17: At annual meeting, group looks back
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Feb. 21: "Poker Alice" was dealt good cards and bad
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Feb. 21: Rock Island Railroad a force in the Pikes Peak area
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, April 18: Emma Langdon was resilient advocate of miners’ rights
• Snapshots: Preparing for Monument’s 140th
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, May 16: History of the singing cowboy
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, June 20: A short history of U.S. ties to North Africa
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, July 18: Now-endangered oxen pulled wagons westward
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Aug. 3: Railroad Days celebrates completion of ‘Transcon’
• Palmer Lake Historical Society, Sep. 19: Student details lives of Doc Holliday, Kid Curry

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, April 13: Board hears improvement plan, approves budget
• Monument Academy School Board, May 22: Board hears advisory committee recommendations
• Monument Academy School Board, June 15: Board modifies policies, changes members
• Monument Academy School Board, Aug. 10 and Sept. 14: Board defines roles, hears financial audit review
• Monument Academy School Board, Oct. 11: Progress on high school application; background checks for board members
• Monument Academy School Board, Nov. 9: Board revises budget, modifies teacher representative policy
• Snapshots: Student’s view of Veterans Day
• Monument Academy School Board, Jan. 17: Board discusses marketing, revises open records policy
• Monument Academy School Board, Feb. 8: Board discusses assessments, revises opt-out policy
• Monument Academy School Board, March 8: Board hears about partnerships, reviews multiple policies
• Monument Academy School Board, April 12: Board revises policies, approves budget
• Monument Academy School Board, May 10: Parents speak out on new uniform policy, phasing out of National Junior Honor Society
• Monument Academy School Board, June 21: Parents speak on controversial new hire
• Monument Academy School Board, July 18: New board elects officers, makes committee assignments
• Monument Academy School Board, Aug. 9: Board discusses preparations for the new year, grant application for new facility
• Monument Academy School Board, Sept. 13: Board supports D38 bond and MLO ballot measures
• Monument Academy School Board, Oct. 10: Board hears about increased counseling, agreement with D38 on bond use
• Monument Academy School Board, Nov 8: Board sees robot demo, revises 2018-19 budget
• Snapshots: Veterans Day at MA, Nov. 9
• Monument Academy School Board, Jan. 10: Board hears plans for assessment season, Saxon math replacement
• Monument Academy School Board, Feb. 14: Board discusses School Resource Officer availability, state legislation
• Snapshots: MA presents assessments, Jan. 30
• Monument Academy School Board, March 21: Board hears Unified Improvement Plan, approves bond underwriter
• Letters: A word of thanks
• Monument Academy School Board, April 12: Board approves 2019-20 budget
• El Paso County Planning Commission, May 7: Location approved for MA school
• Monument Academy School Board, May 9: Board speaks on rumors, modifies open records policy
• Monument Academy School Board Special Meeting, May 28: Executive Director’s contract not renewed
• Monument Academy School Board, June 13: Public pushes back on new school; board provides project update
• Monument Academy School Board, July 18: Board hears stakeholder feedback on new school
• Monument Academy School Board, Aug. 8: Board hears leadership, funding, and design concerns
• Letters: Building upon the legacy of Monument Academy
• Monument Academy School Board, Sept. 12: Secondary school update: no YMCA, no new middle school seats
• Letters: Advancing the excellence of Monument Academy

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, Oct. 9 and 16: "Dreaming big" in capital improvements workshops
• Monument Board of Trustees, Nov. 20.: Pay raise for police proposed
• Monument Board of Trustees special meeting, Dec. 2: Resolution increasing police base salary approved
• Monument Board of Trustees, Dec. 4: 2018 budget approved; Wagons West moves along
• Monument Board of Trustees, Jan. 2: Trustees will participate in 2019 budget-related committees
• Monument Board of Trustees, Jan. 16: Mayor and trustee election slate is finalized
• Monument Board of Trustees, Feb. 5: Town manager and police chief on administrative leave; investigation initiated
• Monument Board of Trustees special meeting, Feb. 15: Town manager’s administrative leave extended indefinitely
• Monument Board of Trustees candidate statements
• Monument Board of Trustees, March 5: Triview reports on status; service plan for Village Center Metro District discussed
• Monument Board of Trustees, March 19: Sanctuary Pointe modifies its proposed Final PD site plan; Village Center Service Plan finally amended
• Monument Board of Trustees, April 16: New mayor, trustees, and police officer sworn in; downtown revitalization plan outlined
• Monument Board of Trustees, May 7: Newly-seated board’s grudge match mystifies public
• Monument Board of Trustees cancelled special meetings, May 14 and May 16: Special meetings yield criticism but no results
• Summary of Town of Monument Public Notice, May 17: "Rumor control"
• Monument Board of Trustees, May 21: Trustee governance crisis continues; public demands answers about four staff positions
• Monument Board of Trustees, June 4: Town manager fired in unanimous vote
• Monument Board of Trustees, June 13, 18, and 21: Board getsadvice on town manager selection process
• Town of Monument press release, June 22: Lowe"resolution" approved
• Monument Board of Trustees, July 16: Police chief lists needs for growing town: "We are not Mayberry"
• Monument Board of Trustees special meeting, July30: Board asks for extension in approving 2017 audit
• Monument Board of Trustees, Aug. 6: Town still lacks code enforcement officer
• Monument Board of Trustees Special Meeting, Aug. 13: Board conducts interviews for interim town manager
• Monument Board of Trustees, Aug. 20: Board questions water projects
• Monument Board of Trustees Special Meeting, Aug. 27: Board whittles interim town manager finalists to three
• Monument candidate statements
• Monument Board of Trustees, Sept. 4: Interim town manager finalist selected
• Monument Board of Trustees, Sept. 17: Loan for well upgrade project fails; still no interim manager
• Monument Board of Trustees, Oct. 1: Argument erupts over interim town manager negotiations; Willow Springs/Monument Creek Ranch annexation hold
• Monument Board of Trustees, Oct. 15: Annexation of Willow Springs/Monument Creek Ranch nixed
• Monument Board of Trustees, Nov. 5: Three trustees avoid special board meeting
• Monument Board of Trustees, Nov 19: Still no attorney for the town
• Monument Board of Trustees, Dec. 3: Town attorney and seventh trustee sworn in; interim town manager named
• Monument Board of Trustees, Dec. 17: Interim town manager starts work
• Monument Board of Trustees, Jan. 7, Jan. 22: Traffic connection required for Sanctuary Pointe
• Monument Board of Trustees, Feb. 4: Town attorney working extra hours; historic arch coming down
• Monument Board of Trustees, Feb. 19: Board learns election residency depends on intent
• Monument Board of Trustees, March 4: Treasurer put on leave; residency answers demanded; CSU explains regionalization idea
• Monument Board of Trustees, March 18: Permanent town manager approved
• Monument Board of Trustees, April 1: Town manager made permanent; Monument becomes 2nd Amendment sanctuary
• Monument Board of Trustees, April 15: Goodwill merger approved with no financial liability to the town
• Monument Board of Trustees, May 6: Willow Springs/Monument Creek Ranch annexation approved
• Monument Board of Trustees, May 20: Water rates discussion begins again
• Monument Board of Trustees, June 3: Water rate changes proposed
• Monument Board of Trustees, June 17: Town water rate increases approved
• Monument Board of Trustees, July 1: Three commercial development sites approved; emergency well repairs OK’d
• Monument Board of Trustees, July 15: Board surprised by large special event request
• Monument Board of Trustees, Aug. 19: "Clean" 2018 audit accepted with board questions
• Monument Board of Trustees, Sept. 16: Home Place Ranch a nonstarter

Monument Methadone Clinic

In 2015 a clinic for distributing methadone at a building in downtown Monument was proposed. For more on this topic...

• Mon. Board of Trustees, July 6: "Our hands are tied" on methadone clinic
• Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Community Meeting, July 13: Planned methadone clinic enrages community
• Monument Board of Trustees, July 20: Mayor responds to accusations about town government; 2014 audit accepted
• "No Methadone in Monument" Community Meeting, July 23: Organization discusses strategy, raises funds, solicits volunteers
• Monument Board of Trustees, Aug. 3: Methadone clinic administrative decision debated
• Monument Board of Adjustment, Aug. 10: Board of Adjustment reverses approval of methadone clinic
• Monument Board of Trustees special meeting, Aug. 24: Emergency moratorium on clinics approved
• Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education, Sept. 10: Board passes resolution opposing methadone clinic, approves policies
• Monument Board of Trustees, Sept. 8: " We will fight this" citizens asked to help lobby state reps
• Monument Board of Trustees, Feb. 16: Clinic moratorium extended; March 7 water rates vote planned
• Snapshots: Monument signs methadone settlement

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, Oct. 14: New planning commissioners; Monument Heights project advances
• Snapshots: Monument Heights discussed
• Monument Planning Commission, Nov. 12: How to find out what’s on the planning agendas
• Monument Planning Commission, March 9: Zoning recommended for Dominguez property; senior centers and care facilities discussed
• Monument Planning Commission, June 8: Murphy Express gas station Final PD Site Plan approved; potential landscape ordinance updates discussed
• Monument Planning Commission, July 13: Proposed changes to landscape ordinance continued
• Monument Planning Commission, Aug. 10: No vote on landscape ordinance changes; trustees to receive mixed opinions
• Monument Planning Commission, Sept. 14: Senior living center’s final plat and final PD site plan approved
• Monument Planning Commission, Dec. 14: Three developments move forward
• Snapshots: Monument Open House, Nov. 30
• Monument Planning Commission, Jan. 11 and 25: Draft of Comprehensive Plan update discussed and revised
• Monument Planning Commission, Feb. 8: Town comprehensive plan approved
• Monument Planning Commission, March 8: Lake of the Rockies North Filing 1 advances with approval of rezoning and site plan
• Monument Planning Commission, June 14: Kentucky Fried Chicken Final PD Site Plan, Major PD Amendment for Anderson Substation Approved
• Monument Planning Commission, Aug. 9: Wolf Business Park, Tri-Lakes Collision, and Pilot Travel Center plans move forward
• Monument Planning Commission, Sept. 15, 2017: Monument Ridge Amendment passed, tire center Site Plan Amendment denied
• Monument Planning Commission, Nov. 8: Wagons West development proposal advances
• Monument Planning Commission, Jan. 24: Conexus Industrial Development zone change recommended
• Monument Planning 101 Class, Jan. 8: An Overview of the Planning Process
• Monument Planning Commission, Feb. 14: Sanctuary Pointe Phase 2 Preliminary/Final PD Site Plan approved
• Monument Planning Commission, June 13: Sanctuary Pointe plat changes approved
• Monument Planning Commission, July 11: Wagons West development, Conexus business park plan recommended for approval
• Monument Planning Commission, Aug. 8: Drive-through restaurant, addition to body shop approved
• Monument Planning Commission, Sept. 12: Sanctuary Pointe filing, Monument Creek Ranch annexation advance
• Monument Planning Commission, November 14: New Planning Commission members sworn in; three development plans approved
• Monument Planning Commission, Dec. 12: Delaney to step down; Sanctuary Pointe Filing 5 Final Plat approved
• Caption correction
• 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 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, June 19: District, Tri-Lakes facility audits for 2013 approved
• Monument Sanitation District, July 17: District receives $20,940 state grant reimbursement
• Monument Sanitation District, Sept. 18: Draft 2015 budget predicts rise in costs
• Monument Sanitation District, Oct. 16: Draft 2015 budget reviewed
• Monument Sanitation District, Dec.18: 2015 district budget approved
• Monument Sanitation District, March 19: Request for Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility expansion approved
• Monument Sanitation District, April 16: Wastewater treatment expansion bid approved
• Monument Sanitation District, June 18: Rate increase hearing July 16
• Monument Sanitation District, July 16: Rate increase approved
• Monument Sanitation District Board Meeting, Sept. 16: Howe named to fill board vacancy
• Monument Sanitation District, Sept. 20: One-year judgment mill levy up to 10 mills approved
• Monument Sanitation District, Dec. 13: 2018 budget and judgment mill levy approved
• Monument Sanitation District, Nov. 21: District endorses CSU wastewater connection option
• Monument Sanitation District, Aug. 21: So-called "flushable" wipes clogging lift stations

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

Nature of Our Community

Articles about the Tri-Lakes area...

• Local beekeepers share important buzz on honeybees
• Motorists should take extra care in migration season
• Snapshots: Tree seedlings for forest fire victims
• Letters: Thank you for help catching a thief!
• Snapshots: Memorial Day Ceremony at Monument Cemetery, May 30
• Snapshots: Senior facility groundbreaking
• Snapshots: Monument Free Movie Night
• Snapshots: Great Divide film presentation
• Snapshots: Black Forest Fire Remembrance
• Snapshots: Proposed open space
• Snapshots: Moose in Woodmoor, Nov 27
• Friends of Monument Preserve Board of Directors, May 10: Volunteers needed to protect open space
• Snapshots: Birders sighted, June 3
• Snapshots: Bears in the area
• Students get an eyeful of the solar eclipse
• Snapshots: K-Kids make Compassion Kits
• Snapshots: Pine Hills Firewise, Apr. 21
• Snapshots: Great American Clean Up, Apr. 28
• Snapshots: Random Acts of Kindness
• Snapshots: Healthy Kids Day at the Y
• Snapshots: Arbor Day, Apr. 28
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake Chipping, Aug. 19
• Snapshots: Mountain Biking Day, Oct. 6
• Snapshots: Yule Log Hunt, Dec. 16
• Snapshots: Caption correction
• Snapshots: Kids come first for first responders
• Snapshots: Hugs & high-fives at Limbach Park
• Snapshots: Wreaths Across America, Dec. 15
• Snapshots: Santa and Wescott deliver cheer
• Snapshots: TreeCycle accepting trees
• Snapshots: Simply irresistible
• Snapshots: Rescuing our forests and us from the worst of litterbugs
• Snapshots: Nature Center Planned, April 4
• Snapshots: National Poetry Month, April 13
• Snapshots: Full Moon Hike, April 19
• Snapshots: Coolest Dog contest donation
• Snapshots: Beautiful day at Palmer Lake
• Snapshots: Tree planting Demo, April 26
• Letters: Noxious weed control
• Letters: Time to save our bees
• Snapshots: Black Forest Festival, Aug. 10
• Snapshots: Slash & Mulch program popular
• Snapshots: 100’s attend RAD event, Aug. 23
• Snapshots: YMCA Volunteer Fair, Aug. 22
• "TRY-athletes" enjoy a cool Palmer Lake splash
• Snapshots: National Night Out, Aug. 3
• Snapshots: BBQ at Jackson Creek Senior Living
• Snapshots: Elephant Rock Hike, Aug. 30
• Snapshots: Monument Indie Fest, Aug. 31

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...

• NEPCO, May 9: Area water issues
• What is NEPCO?
• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO), Sept. 26: Sheriff discusses law enforcement issues and initiatives
• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO), Nov. 14: County commissioner discusses local economics
• NEPCO Meeting, March 12: County transportation updates addressed
• Crime prevention discussed at NEPCO meeting
• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO), Nov. 19: Roads projects in search of funding
• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO), Jan. 7: Committee and county speak on development
• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations, March 11: NEPCO hosts local fire chiefs’ forum
• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations, Sept. 9: Think strategically, fix the roads
• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations Inc., Nov. 18: Energy representatives inform and enlighten
• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations Inc., Jan. 13: Leaders propose new Regional Transportation Authority
• Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations, March 10: Message is clear: Conserve now
  for the future of Colorado
• 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

On the Trail

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

• Limbaugh Thrills and Spills
• Trail Daze
• Winter Trail Tips
• Be mindful of where you are
• Limbaugh Trail still requires alternate route
• Trails still snow-covered or wet
• Fox Run Regional Park
• Treat our suffering trails with care
• Letter: Share your vision for local trails, sidewalks
• Vote yes for parks
• Letter: Be a friend of Black Forest park
• New Santa Fe Trail still off-limits to the general public
• Letters: Observe rules for trail vehicles

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 Town Council, Feb. 9: Board tables request to vacate road
• Palmer Lake Town Council, March 9 and 23: Board closes popular hiking trail, moves to raise fines
• Palmer Lake Town Council, April 13 and 27: Council reopens hiking trail, sets stiff fines
• Letters: Awake Palmer Lake defended
• Palmer Lake Town Council, May 11: Council debates bridge design
• Palmer Lake Town Council, June 8: Town plans for Fourth of July fun
• Palmer Lake Town Council, July 13 and 27: Town ponders ordinances for fire prevention, marijuana businesses
• Palmer Lake Town Council, Aug. 24: Council OKs marijuana ordinance
• Palmer Lake Town Council, Sept. 14: The Palmer Lake .5K race scheduled for Oct. 8
• Palmer Lake Town Council, Oct. 12 and 26: Town Council adds restrictions on marijuana-related businesses
• Palmer Lake Town Council, Nov. 9: Discussion of Great Outdoors Colorado grant becomes heated
• Palmer Lake Town Council, Dec. 14: Several personnel changes announced
• Palmer Lake Town Council, Jan 11 and 25: Resolutionsm, ordinances enacted
• Palmer Lake Town Council, Feb. 8 and 22: Council crafts resolutions and plans for election
• Palmer Lake Town Council, March 8: Council raises water fees
• Palmer Lake Town Council, April 12: New leadership sworn in
• Palmer Lake Town Council, May 10 and May 24: Council considers updated fire ordinance and trailhead parking
• Palmer Lake Town Council, June 14: Mayor announces effort to consolidate fire departments
• Palmer Lake Town Council, July 12 and 26: Well fails; council declares water emergency
• Palmer Lake Town Council, Aug. 9 and 23: Recreational marijuana headed for the ballot again
• Palmer Lake Town Council, Sept. 13 and 27: Water issues occupy council
• Letters: Vote yes on Palmer Lake 2B
• Palmer Lake Town Council, Oct. 10 and 25: No new sewer or water taps
• Letters: Please vote no on Palmer Lake measure 2B
• Letters: Vote yes on 2B
• Palmer Lake Town Council, November 8: Council focuses on budgets for 2018 and 2019
• Palmer Lake Town Council, Dec. 13: Bridge project receives extension
• Palmer Lake Town Council, Jan. 10 and 24: Fire safety program presented
• Palmer Lake Town Council, Feb. 14: 24-hour fun run on its way back to the lake
• Palmer Lake Planning Commission, Feb. 20: Commission hears proposals for permits
• Letters: Awake the Lake is alive and well
• Letters: Palmer Lake Lantern Festival benefitted whom?
• Palmer Lake Town Council, Feb. 28 and March 28: Council considers water rate hike
• Palmer Lake Town Council, April 11 and April 25: Further study of drainage issues recommended
• Palmer Lake Town Council, May 9 and 23: Town finances cause concern; future of Fire Department debated
• Palmer Lake Town Council, June 13 and June 27: Community speaks out on future of the Fire Department
• Palmer Lake Town Council, July 17: Board agrees to work on ballot tax issue to keep Fire Department
• Palmer Lake Town Council, July 11 and 25: Council hears update from Awake the Lake, audit report
• Palmer Lake Town Council, Aug. 8 and 22: Council defers ballot initiative to fund Fire Department
• Palmer Lake Town Council, Sept. 12 and 24: Citizens’ committee presents concerns

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...

• Snapshots: PLVFD participates in fire prevention week, Oct. 13
• Snapshots: PLVFD holds Kids Carnival, Oct. 31
• Palmer Lake Town Council, March 13: New fire chief sworn in; fire mitigation grant application submitted
• Palmer Lake Volunteer Fire Department’s Future, June 7: Committee explains problems, provides options and solicits community input
• Palmer Lake Volunteer Fire Departments Future Committee: Panel favors ballot issue on fire protection
• Letter: Thanks to helpful firefighters
• Remember Chief Truty’s projections
• 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

Perspective on Our Community

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

• Snapshots: The Blood Vessel, Jan. 16
• Snapshots: Winter Woodland Wonders
• Snapshots: CERT Training, Jan. 31-Feb. 3
• Snapshots: Fireworks Fundraiser, Feb. 3
• Snapshots: Marketing class, Feb. 6
• Snapshots: Alpacas in Monument, Feb. 10
• Snapshots: Forest Lakes meeting, Feb. 22
• Snapshots: CPR class, Feb. 10
• Snapshots: Winterfest, Feb. 24
• Letters: Thanks to OCN volunteers
• Letters: Cut spending if you lower taxes
• Election Results
• Letters: Outside money, insider influence
• Snapshots: Home Place Ranch Meeting
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake Town Hall Easter Egg hunt
• Snapshots: Coffee with a Cop, Mar. 15
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake Candidate Forum
• Snapshots: Sanctuary Pointe hearing, Mar. 19
• Snapshots: Monument Candidate Forum
• Letters: Evacuation in the event of a local wildfire
• Snapshots: Memorial Day Traditions
• Snapshots: Higby Estates Firewise
• Snapshots: Thunderbirds
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake chipping day
• Snapshots: Wildfire defense tactics
• Snapshots: Mother’s Day Purse Party
• Snapshots: WMMI hosts Machinery Days
• Snapshots: Monument Revitalization
• Snapshots: New Palmer Lake dock
• Snapshots: Summit House
• Letters: I vote for Ross Meyer
• Letters: CU regent candidate Wolusky talks tuition
• Snapshots: Watkins bike racks dedicated
• Snapshots: Civilian Police Academy, May 29
• Snapshots: Cirque du Monument, June 2
• Letters: Anonymous letter criticized
• Snapshots: Downtown revitalization
• Snapshots: Santa in Monument
• Letters: Hail and climate change
• Letters: Concerns regarding local eldercare facility
• Snapshots: Sep. 11 attacks remembered
• Snapshots: Walters Open Space meeting
• Snapshots: Fill the Boot, Sep. 3
• Snapshots: Rightsizing, Sep. 15
• Snapshots: Candidate forum, Oct. 8
• Snapshots: Star's twinkle competes with bitter temps
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake Lantern Festival
• Snapshots: RRR earns NFPA certification
• Snapshots: Community involvement
• Snapshots: Historic Monument Merchants Holiday Open House, Nov. 3
• Snapshots: Community pitches in
• Snapshots: Collecting Monument history
• Snapshots: Child trafficking widespread
• Nov. 6 Election Local Results
• Our Community News needs your help!
• Letters: Publisher’s note
• Snapshots: Not just kids enjoy snow days
• Snapshots: State of Tri-Lakes, Feb. 1
• Red Cross shelter saved lives
• Snapshots: Fox Run Park group advocated
• Snapshots: Drumming at Yoga Pathways
• Snapshots: Bill Nance Memorial blood drive
• Snapshots: OCN mailing day needs you
• Snapshots: Next solar cooking demo, Apr. 7
• Letters: Public and their dogs need to stay away from moose
• Snapshots: Moose in Monument, May 3
• Snapshots: Mother's Day at Fox Run Park
• Snapshots: Annual Kid’s Fishing Derby at Palmer Lake
• Snapshots: Blacksmithing at WMMI, June 5
• Snapshots: Coffee with town manager, June 13
• Snapshots: Pikes Peak Celtic Festival, June 15
• Snapshots: Wildland fire mitigation, June 5
• Snapshots: Monument celebrates 140^th, June 15
• Snapshots: Barefoot Mile, June 8
• Snapshots: Chief Shirk’s retirement party
• Snapshots: Fox Run Park cleanup, July 13
• Snapshots: Bethesda Gardens BBQ, July 3
• Snapshots: Barn Dance, July 3
• Snapshots: Pancake Breakfast, July 4
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake Fun Run, July 4
• Snapshots: Independence Day Parade
• Snapshots: MVEA thanks members, July 18
• Snapshots: Run 4 Hope, July 20
• Snapshots: Rosie’s car show, July 28
• Snapshots: Weeds beware!
• Snapshots: Short-term rental assessments
• Snapshots: Citizens for a Better Palmer Lake reviews survey, considers actions

Pinon Pines Metropolitan District

• Pinon Pines Metropolitan District 1 will hold mail ballot election
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 1, 2, and 3, April 2: District owns both groundwater and renewable surface water for future demands
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 1, 2, and 3 combined Board meeting, May 7: Wastewater rates increase and watering restrictions OK’d; two residents elected to PPMD 1
• Pinon Pines Metropolitan District 1, July 2: Forest Lakes residents asked to reduce irrigation
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metro Districts 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, March 12: Interceptor approved; water treatment plant up and running
• Forest Lakes Metropolitan District and Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2, and 3, July 1: 100% renewable water supply in use

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...

• My quest for an umbrella stand
• A Care Bear Color Wheel
• The Cliffs Notes version, please
• Drowning in Electrons
• Meeting Lorna: first lessons in sign language
• Memorial service held for the Zen Cowboy
• Snapshots: Service for Zen Cowboy
• Snapshots: The Tri-Lakes area is beginning to look a lot like Christmas
• Snapshots: Thanks, RaeJean and Wayne
• Letter: Woodmoor residents are national tennis champions
• Letters: #letsfindmia
• Letters: Tri-Lakes residents urged to join PPACG panel
• Letters: A better way for health care
• Snapshots: Community stands together
• Letters: Publisher's Note
• Letters: Who does Our Community News really represent?
• A Fond Farewell
• Snapshots: TLCA honors Ward, Sep. 22
• Letters: Thanks to the "Saturday Ladies"
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake enjoys Winterfest
• Ronald Henrikson, 1940-2019: Thanks for being you, Ronald
• Citizens urged to complete county Master Plan survey

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...

• NEPCO, Sept. 14: County official details planned roadwork
• North Gate under I-25 reopens with roundabouts
• Controversial intersection reworked
• Snapshots: Bridge to (almost) Nowhere
• Colorado Department of Transportation, Jan. 24 and 26: CDOT gets public input on I-25 widening
• Roundabout community meeting, Feb. 6: Community meeting shows division on roundabout
• I-25 "Gap" Planning
• 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

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: Lions contribute to TLC, Nov. 28
• Snapshots: Kiwanis, Sertoma ring the bell
• Snapshots: North Pole Fair, Dec. 3
• Snapshots: Overhead myth, Dec. 20
• Snapshots: Relationship Marketing, Dec. 13
• Snapshots: Wal-Mart donation to TLC
• Snapshots: WMMI Geology Day, Jan. 7
• Tri-Lakes Senior Center Identity Theft Seminar, Feb. 10: Protect yourself from nefarious identity thieves
• Snapshots: Chamber seminar, Feb. 8
• Snapshots: RMMA Concert, Feb. 25
• Snapshots: Value Up, Feb. 12
• Snapshots: Fallen Heroes honored, Mar. 2
• Snapshots: Panning at WMMI, Mar. 18
• Snapshots: Sertoma names essay winners
• Snapshots: Bill Nance blood drive, Mar. 30
• Snapshots: Veterans Outreach, April 8
• Letters: Monument Hill Foundation thanks Chamber for award
• Snapshots: Pine Forest Show gets better with age
• Snapshots: Pikes Peak Antique Machinery Days at WMMI
• Snapshots: Silver Alliance’s Spring Fling
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake Fishing Derby
• Snapshots: Park bench dedicated, June 7
• Snapshots: Tri-Lakes Cares graduation
• Snapshots: Tri-Lakes Views installation
• Snapshots: Parkinson’s group formed
• Snapshots: Bagnall honored for service
• Snapshots: Films laud women’s contributions
• Snapshots: Monu-Palooza
• Snapshots: Funds benefit suicide prevention
• Snapshots: Shredding and recycling
• Snapshots: Harvesting Hope Fundraiser
• Snapshots: RMMA Concert, Sept. 30
• Snapshots: Empty Bowls fundraiser, Oct. 4
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake Art Group (PLAG) Art and Craft Sale
• Snapshots: Legacy Sertoma rings the bell
• Snapshots: Gold mining exhibit at WMMI
• Snapshots: Science Day at WMMI, Mar. 17
• Snapshots: Boot Scootin’ Boogie, Apr. 14
• Snapshots: Awake the Lake Fundraiser
• Snapshots: Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares
• Snapshots: Questers donate to WMMI
• Snapshots: Gleneagle Sertoma Hearing Expo
• An important message to our readers: Our primary mission: Accurately report what was discussed and decided at public governmental meetings
• Snapshots: Founders of Tri-Lakes Cares honored
• Snapshots: Fireworks fundraiser, June 2
• Snapshots: 5-year remembrance, June 10
• Snapshots: Value-up Tournament, June 15
• Snapshots: Over $17,000 raised for Shield 616
• Snapshots: Flags in Gleneagle for July 4
• Snapshots: Fishing Derby, June 2
• Snapshots: Barn Dance, July 3
• Snapshots: Sertoma Golf Benefit, Aug. 13
• Snapshots: Northern El Paso County information shared at Parks Party, Aug. 16
• Snapshots: Pancakes for Purpose, Aug. 18
• Snapshots: WMMI demo day, Aug. 25
• Snapshots: Bines and Brews Hopfest, Sep. 15
• Snapshots: WMMI Family Day, Sep. 8
• Snapshots: WMMI Ranch House Renovation
• Snapshots: VFW Family Freedom Festival
• Snapshots: Bill Nance Blood Drive, Sep. 4
• Snapshots: Barefoot Mile, Sep. 8
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake .5K, Oct. 7
• Snapshots: WØTLM Tech Day, Oct. 13
• Snapshots: WMMI Harvest Festival, Oct. 6
• Snapshots: Empty Bowl, Oct. 10
• Snapshots: BBQ for first responders, Oct, 13
• Snapshots: Spirit Tree Tour, Oct 13
• Snapshots: Trunk or Treat, Oct. 26
• Snapshots: Creepy Crawl, Oct. 27
• Snapshots: Gleneagle Renovation Project
• Snapshots: Kiwanis presents grant to LPMS
• Snapshots: AARP fills stockings, Nov. 14
• Snapshots: Keaggy wows TLCA audience, Dec. 7
• Snapshots: Kiwanis shares magic of reading
• Snapshots: Sertoma donates to officer’s family
• Snapshots: Community supports kettles
• Snapshots: WMMI Geo Day, Jan. 5
• Snapshots: Pinewood Derby, Jan. 26
• Snapshots: Red kettle bell ringers collect $50K
• Snapshots: Paws N Hooves meet & greet, Feb. 9
• Snapshots: AARP Driver Safety Course
• Snapshots: Bearbotics team headed to Houston
• Snapshots: Fun and games at the senior center
• Snapshots: Slash/Mulch kickoff, April 20
• Snapshots: Understanding Alzheimer’s
• Snapshots: Spring into Vintage, April 27
• Snapshots: Seedling giveway, May 4
• Snapshots: Hear It Here, May 17
• Snapshots: Dawson aquifer wells, May 13
• Snapshots: PLHS hosts Father’s Day, June 16
• Snapshots: Sertoma plants flags, July 3
• Snapshots: Bryson’s Chase tournament, June 14
• Snapshots: Getting Ahead class, June 19
• Snapshots: TLWC supports MCSS
• Snapshots: AARP at the Black Forest Festival
• Snapshots: Family Day at WMMI, Sep. 7
• Snapshots: Family Freedom Festival, Sep. 14
• Snapshots: Palmer Lake Wine Festival, Sep. 14
• Snapshots: Sertoma Patriot Golf, Sep. 17
• Snapshots: Flying Horse VIN Festival, Sep. 15
• Snapshots: Bines andBrews, Sep. 21
• Snapshots: Hope Restored in Black Forest

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 Monument Fire Protection District

The TLFPD was formed to serve El Paso County areas outside Woodmoor and Monument and north of Baptist Road that are predominantly without hydrants. In January 2008, the  name was changed from the Tri-Lakes FPD to the Tri-Lakes Monument FPD to recognize the inclusion of the former Woodmoor/Monument FPD. For more on this topic...

• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Sept. 23: 2016 draft budget presented; one vacant firefighter position filled
• Monument apartment fire, Nov. 4
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Nov. 19: Board discusses 2016 budget, seeks advisory committee members
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Dec. 8: 2016 budget approved
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Jan. 28: Community input needed
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Feb. 24: Staffing and fleet discussed
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, April 27: Consolidation ideas and hiring process discussed; mill levy vote postponed
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District station tour, June 22: TLMFPD board tours fire stations
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, July 27: Leadership development study begun
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Aug. 24: Chief Truty addresses staffing concerns
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Oct. 26: Budget, hiring discussed
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Nov. 15: Wage increase included in 2017 draft budget
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Dec. 7: 2017 budget, wage increase approved
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Jan. 25: Rescue, call volume disparity discussed
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Feb. 22: Mill levy election consultant hired
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, March 11 and 22: Mill levy citizens advisory task force begins work
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, April 26: Six paramedic-only hirings approved
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, May 24: Engine taken out of service due to reduced staffing
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, June 28and July 26: Tri-Lakes Monument district will ask for mill levy increase
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Aug. 23: New hires, promotions announced
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Sept. 27: How mill levy outcome will affect 2018 budget
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Oct. 25: 2017 budget amended; 2018 budget hearing coming in November
• Snapshots: Free pumpkins, Oct. 21
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Nov. 15: Voter approval increases TLMFPD revenue for 2018 and beyond
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Dec 6: 2018 budget includes 25 percent base wage increase
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Jan. 24: Three director positions up for election
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Feb. 28 and March 28: Wildfire risk reduction advocated; collective bargaining idea introduced
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District candidate statements
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, April 25: New engine approved; plea for reverse 911 sign-ups
• Fire districts to hold May 8 polling place elections
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, May 23: Board members sworn in, goals outlined
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, June 27: Palmer Lake asks district to explore serving town; Wescott and TLMFPD will investigate options
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, July 25: Board forms committee to keep in touch with Wescott
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Aug. 22: Merger talks with Wescott continue; collective bargaining agreement pursued
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Sept. 26: Board receives advice on collective bargaining; 2019 budget presented
• Snapshots: TLMFPD Open House, Sep. 20
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Oct. 24: Union frustrated over postponement of collective bargaining agreement discussion
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Nov.14: 2019 budget hearing; negotiations with union approved
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Dec. 5: Front Range fire risk a stark reality; another new engine, pay raises in budget
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Jan. 23: Emergency response times rise along I-25 gap; "full staffing" achieved
• Tri-Lakes Monument FPD board meetings, Feb. 27, Mar. 27: Storm report and Master Plan recommendations
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, April 24: Meritorious service medals awarded; strategic plan pondered
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, May 22: Standards of coverage discussed and solutions explored
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, June 26: Joint Fleet Maintenance Facility proposed; board president Shirk announces his retirement
• Snapshots: Firehouse tradition continues
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, July 24: Board approves "De-Gallagher" ballot initiative; 2018 audit accepted
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Aug. 28: Labor agreement reached; Station 1 remodel approved
• Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, Sept. 25: New board president and treasurer selected; preliminary 2020 budget presented
• Snapshots: TLMFPD Open House, Sep. 28

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 Facility Joint Use Committee, Nov. 10: 2016 budget adjusted and approved; recent water quality control meetings summarized
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee, Dec.8: Construction continues on schedule
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Jan.12: Total phosphorus clarifier remains on schedule
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Feb. 9: Disagreement over need for resolution tabling Phases 2 and 3
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, March 8: Phase 1 construction on schedule
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, April 12: Phone line damaged by town repair work; TP clarifier construction ahead of schedule
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, May 10: Consensus growing for changes in stream temperature standards
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, June 14: Change order requested
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee, July 12: New phosphorus treatment project to be shared at tri-state conference
• Tri-Lakes Monument Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Aug. 9: Permitting process in flux
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Sept. 16: Steady as she goes for 2017
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Oct. 11:Planning for permits; radium questions
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Nov. 8: 2017 budget approved; Monument’s radium still a concern
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Dec. 13: Radium treatment communication with town consultant begins
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Jan. 10: Final 2016 payment made on total phosphorus chemical removal clarifier expansion
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Feb. 14: Phosphorus removal clarifier working well
• Snapshots: Wastewater plant tour, Feb. 6
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee, March 14: Still working toward relationship with Town of Monument
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, April 11: Communication with town remains an issue
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, May 9: 2016 audit report delayed
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, June 13: 2016 audit report accepted
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, July 11: Indirect potable water reuse involves state regulations
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Aug. 8: Tetra Tech water reuse study discussed
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Sept. 12 and Oct. 10: What’s new in the draft 2018 budget
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Nov. 14: Final payment made on total phosphorus removal tertiary clarifier expansion
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Dec. 12: Waste solids loading higher than normal
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Jan. 9: Wildlife experts drawn to bird haven at facility
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Feb. 13: State inspection results reported
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, March 13: Facility joins nutrient reduction incentive program; sampling measures revised
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee, April 10: Clean 2017 audit report presented to JUC
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee,June 12: Education for customers; wins at rulemaking hearing
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use meeting, July 10: Love and Skrdlant earn certifications
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Aug. 14: Source of higher biosolids levels still not identified
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Sept. 11 and Oct. 9: Planning for 2019; more time allowed for big decisions
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Dec. 11: Biosolids unexpectedly high for Palmer Lake Sanitation
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Feb. 12: Operations going well for Tri-Lakes facility
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, July 9: Treatment facility running just as it should
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Aug. 13: Directors agree on baseline testing of radium in wastewater
• Tri-Lakes Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Use Committee, Sept. 10: Budget planning begins; testing talk continues

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. 10: Budget and water rates hearings set for Dec. 8 meeting
• Triview Metropolitan District, Dec. 8: Snowplowing discussed; 2016 budget and water rates increase approved
• Triview Metropolitan District, Jan. 12: Four director positions for May election
• Triview Metropolitan District, Feb. 9: Corrected 2015 revenue report from Monument still missing
• Triview Metropolitan District, March 8: Planning for this year’s operations
• Triview Metropolitan District, May 17: Water operator hired
• Triview Metropolitan District, June 14: Triview talks about rapid growth and change
• Triview Metropolitan District, July 12: Remington reports "20 to 30 million gallon" leak; future budgeting discussed
• Triview Metropolitan District, Aug. 9: Looking ahead after 5-foot break repaired
• Triview Metropolitan District, Sept. 13: Roads maintenance approved
• Triview Metropolitan District, Oct. 13: District begins to make 2017 budget choices
• Triview Metropolitan District, Nov. 8: Water rates, tap fees to increase
• Triview Metropolitan District, Dec. 13: Plans for capital improvements and new water rates and fees summarized
• Triview Metropolitan District, Jan. 10: Roads and other maintenance scheduled
• Triview Metropolitan District, Feb. 15: Contract awarded to improve water monitoring and control systems
• Triview Metropolitan District, March 14: "Financially healthy ... but not where we’d love to be"
• Triview Metropolitan District, April 11: Consultants recommend 2017 road maintenance options
• Triview Metropolitan District, June 13: Water supplies, roads, and landscaping get attention
• Triview Metropolitan District, July 11: Residents frustrated by poor maintenance; new landscape policy adopted
• Triview Metropolitan District, Aug. 8: Town solicits feedback on plans; board accepts road bid
• Triview Metropolitan District, Sept. 11 and Sept. 21: Multiple rate and fee increases on the horizon for Triview
• Snapshots: Triview Metro listens
• Triview Metropolitan District, Sept 29, Oct. 5, 10, and 18: Water rates, fees evaluated; interim district manager hired
• Triview Metropolitan District, Nov. 14: Board hears central irrigation control proposal
• Triview Metropolitan District, Dec. 12: Positive changes continue under interim manager’s direction
• Triview Metropolitan District, Jan. 9: Water and roads are primary focuses
• Triview Metropolitan District, Feb. 13: Water, wastewater management dominate discussion after scolding by ex-director
• Triview Metropolitan District, March 13: No May election but new cooperation on water, wastewater
• Triview Metropolitan District, April 10: District manager no longer "interim"; board brainstorms public works and traffic ideas
• Triview Metropolitan District, May 15: Board transitions and continues work
• Triview Metropolitan District, June 12:  District seeks collaboration on water, wastewater
• Triview Metropolitan District, July 10: Water and wastewater rate increases approved
• riview Metropolitan District, Aug. 14: District continues to prepare for water, wastewater needs
• Triview Metropolitan District, Sept. 11: Western interceptor contract awarded; revocable license supersedes easement
• Triview Metropolitan District, Oct. 9: Bond resolution, water shares purchase approved
• Triview Metropolitan District, Nov. 13: Priority to connect with CSU wastewater pipeline grows
• Homebuilder revises plan for Forest Lakes development
• Triview Metropolitan District, Dec. 11: District commits to roads and North Monument Creek Interceptor
• Triview Metropolitan District, Jan. 15: Water and wastewater ideas advanced
• Triview Metropolitan District, Feb. 19: Major projects coordinating well; long-term finances forecasted
• Triview Metropolitan District, March 19: Pipes and asphalt remain priorities
• Triview Metropolitan District, April 16: District takes steps toward collaboration
• Triview Metropolitan District, May 21: Town and district seek commercial expansion together
• Triview Metropolitan District, June 18: Discussions reveal efforts to expand water resources portfolio
• Triview Metropolitan District, July 16 and 23: Jackson Creek Parkway widening project started
• Triview Metropolitan District, Aug. 20: Jackson Creek Parkway widening project ahead of schedule
• Triview Metropolitan District, Sept. 10: Jackson Creek Parkway construction near midway point

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

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
• 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
• April Weather Wrap
• May Weather Wrap
• June Weather Wrap
• July Weather Wrap
• August Weather Wrap
• September 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 Board of Directors, April 26: Board hears about increase in area crime
• Woodmoor Improvement Association Board of Directors, May 25: Event to close some Woodmoor streets; rules and regulations updated
• Letters: Proposed development alarms resident
• Woodmoor Improvement Association Board of Directors, June 28 and July 27: Residents speak on speeding, development, and short-term rentals
• Letters: Protest dense new subdivisions in Woodmoor
• Woodmoor Improvement Association Board of Directors, Aug. 23 and Sept. 27: Board approves new business application form, updates fines
• Woodmoor Improvement Association Board of Directors, Oct. 25: Board seeks candidates, maintains annual dues amount
• Woodmoor Improvement Association Board of Directors, Nov. 15: Board reports current highlights
• Woodmoor Improvement Association Board of Directors, Dec. 13: Board approves North Bay replat, will review Tri-Lakes Comprehensive Plan
• Woodmoor Improvement Association Board of Directors, Jan. 24: Board discusses water augmentation plan, reviews finances
• Woodmoor Improvement Association Annual Meeting, Jan. 29 and Reorganization, Jan. 31: Board sets goals for 2018, conducts board election
• Woodmoor Improvement Association Board of Directors, Feb. 28, March 28, and April 25: Board president provides updates; board hears resident’s composting proposal
• Woodmoor Improvement Association Board of Directors, May 24: Residents ask for options for Hidden Pond
• Woodmoor Improvement Association Board of Directors, June 27: Board agrees to reconsider Hidden Pond, survey community
• Woodmoor Improvement Association Board of Directors, July 25: Board discusses Hidden Pond, Brookmoor Estates, plan for rehab center at Ramada Inn
• Woodmoor Improvement Association Board of Directors, Aug 22: Owners speak on Walters property, Brookmoor Estates gate, and Hidden Pond
• Woodmoor Improvement Association Board of Directors, Sept. 26: Board hears about D38 bond and MLO, update from Walters "Open Space" group
• Woodmoor Improvement Association Board of Directors, Oct. 25: Board approves Barn addition for Woodmoor Public Safety
• Woodmoor Improvement Association Board of Directors, Nov. 28 and Dec. 19: Board hears updates on Walters Open Space, rehab facility, and The Beach
• Letters: Neighbors band together to save open space
• Woodmoor Improvement Association Annual Meeting, Jan. 28 and Reorganization, Jan. 30: Board reviews 2018, sets goals for 2019
• Woodmoor Improvement Association board, Feb. 27 and March 27: Board honors Vincent Elorie award winner; finishes ADA bathroom
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, April 24: Board discusses liens for unpaid dues, possible forestry grant
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, May 22: Board acts on outstanding dues, wildfire concerns
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, June 26: Board directors provide reports
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, July 24: Better public safety communication; uptick in mountain pine beetle activity
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Aug. 23: >Board hears from D38 superintendent, updates project standards
• Woodmoor Improvement Association, Sept. 25: Board discusses tall grass mowing, new employee policy

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. 12: Growth in district increases demand for water
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Feb. 9 : Plumbing problem leads to huge water bill
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, March 9: Board updates ranch contract
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, April 6: Board considers transfer of taps to Dunes at Woodmoor
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, May 11: Board hears discussion of long-range plan for district
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, June 8: Board rejects water request from outside the district
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, July 13: Board hears audit report, debates bond strategy
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 17: Regional water plan presented to the board
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Sept. 21: Lawsuit decided in favor of district
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Oct. 12: Revegetation project at Woodmoor Ranch making progress
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Nov. 9: Board hears preliminary discussion of rates
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Jan. 11: Board prepares for election; candidates sought
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Feb. 8: Board approves The Barn as polling place for election
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, March 8: Board cancels election
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, April 12: Board moves ahead with new well
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, May 17: Two directors sworn in; officers elected
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, June 18: Board vacancy filled; retirement plan and 2017 audit addressed
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, July 9: Strategy for ponds considered; Woodmoor Ranch trip planned
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 13: Mid-year review of budget detailed; water service request approved
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Sept. 10 : Board updates retirement plan, awards contract
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Oct. 8: Rehab center requests supplemental water service
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Nov. 12: Board mulls strategy for water and sewer rates
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Dec.10: Board wraps up work on 2019 rates and budget
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Jan. 14: Board moves forward with four-day work week
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Feb. 11: Board finalizes changes to benefits platform
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, March 11: Board approves homeowners’ association’s easement request
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, April 8: Board to study North Monument Creek Interceptor project
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, May 13: Board adds retirement option
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, June 10: Audit report delayed
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, July 8: Board hears favorable audit report
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 12: Budget gets mid-year update
• Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Sept. 9: Radium concerns being addressed

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