🌱 Colorado Springs Patch: What's Happening Today (Wed, Jan 25)

Morning, everybody! It's me, Celeste "Pirate Queen" Wetzel, your host of the Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out the most important things going on around town, including updates on:

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But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy and cold. High: 30 Low: 11.

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Here are the top stories in Colorado Springs today:

1. 28th annual fruitcake toss competition in Manitou Springs set for Saturday (Colorado Springs Gazette)
2. New Childcare Center Opening in Colorado Springs (FOX21News.com)
3. Woman in wheelchair hit at Colorado Springs intersection (KKTV)
4. Colorado Springs weather: Possibility of snow Wednesday, Wednesday night, high near 30 (Colorado Springs Gazette)
5. 012523-food-table-talk-titos | | gazette.com (Colorado Springs Gazette)
6. 1 injured in southeast Springs shooting (KKTV)
7. Air Force Academy cadet found guilty of sexual assault (KKTV)
8. Zainab Johnson brings her comedy to Springs (Colorado Springs Gazette)
9. Letter requests neutral group run February El Paso County GOP meeting (KRDO)
10. Delay in power outage fix left apartment residents without a place to stay two nights in a row (KOAA News 5)
11. One on One with Colorado College goalie Kaidan Mbereko (KRDO)
12. TikTok influencer encourages plus-size, POC hikers (FOX 31 Denver)
13. Colorado Springs police say social media is a big part of auto theft (KKTV)
14. Sweetwater Flower Market in Colorado Springs offers the sweetest flowers for Valentine’s and more (KRDO)
15. ‘We just need more help’: Residents lay out hopes ahead of police plan to address crime in Colorado Springs park (KKTV)
16. Green Box January Artist in Residence Stilhouse Junkies to perform at UCCS Ent Center for the Arts (Colorado Springs Gazette)
17. Calls to child abuse, neglect hotline increase in El Paso County (Colorado Springs Gazette)
18. Staff at a Colorado Springs middle school credited with quick response helping to detain trespassing suspect (KKTV)
19. Colorado home for sale getting attention for its trippy interior (9News.com KUSA)
20. 012323-dg-s-nuggets 21.JPG | | gazette.com (Colorado Springs Gazette)
21. New school start and end times announced for D-20 in the Colorado Springs area (KKTV)
22. New Southern-style chicken salad chain restaurant ready to roost in Colorado Springs (Colorado Springs Gazette)
23. Giving Group Colorado Springs gives to local non-profits (KOAA News 5)
24. WATCH: Puppy reportedly stolen in Colorado Springs, suspect sought (KKTV)
25. Thieves strike Colorado Springs home twice in same day, taking items valued at $10,000 (KRDO)
26. Order delays: Support pours in for Atrevida Beer Co. after Club Q tragedy (FOX21News.com)
27. More than 20 candidates in the April 4 running for Colorado Springs mayor, City Council (Colorado Springs Gazette)
28. El Paso County rep settles lawsuit with ex-staffer over COVID response, workplace complaints (9News.com KUSA)
29. Air Force begins renovations to the east side of Falcon Stadium (Colorado Springs Gazette)
30. COLORADO COLD CASE: Teen shot and killed in Colorado Springs in 2004 (KKTV)

Today in Colorado Springs:

From my notebook:

• Visit Colorado: "POV: PUEBLO, CO 😎🌄🚵‍♀️ Plan your trip to southern Colorado today! 👉visitpueblo.org #visitpueblo" (Visit Colorado via Instagram)
• Colorado Springs School District 11: "Congratulations to Melissa Phillips! She is a new inductee to the Colorado Academy of Educators for the Gifted, Talented, and Creative – an honor society. Melissa is a gifted resource teacher at Audubon and Keller Elementary Schools. Aud..." (Colorado Springs School District 11 via Facebook)
• Pueblo Zoo: "Happy National Peanut Butter Day cuteness! Kanoa is enjoying his special treat. #pueblozoo #peanutbutterlover Video credit - Keeper Anna" (Pueblo Zoo via Facebook)
• Colorado Springs School District 11: "Every Tuesday, D11 will highlight a teacher who has been nominated by their principal for #D11TeacherTuesdays. The teachers highlighted have demonstrated rigorous instruction, planning, and create engaging environments for students." (Colorado Springs School District 11 via Facebook)
• The Gazette: "Another chicken newcomer is getting ready to roost in the Springs." (The Gazette via Facebook)
• Colorado Springs Airport: "🐾 Everyone say hello to our new friend, Flynn. ♥️ Flynn is the newest member of our #COS4PAWS dog therapy program." (Colorado Springs Airport via Facebook)
• Pueblo School District 60: "BULLS AND COLTS JOIN YEARLINGS FOR A DAY OF EXPLORING For the young leaders of Sunset Park Elementary School, a Leadership in Me Lighthouse School, a visit from members of the Pueblo Bulls Hockey Club and student leaders from South High ..." (Pueblo School District 60 via Facebook)
• The Gazette: "Soon to be 50, Todd Helton is experiencing a midlife renaissance. Although the remarkable Helton’s great wait is not quite over, his great weight will be lifted in 2024. Todd was thisclose this time. He’ll get over the top next year. - T..." (The Gazette via Facebook)
• US National Weather Service Pueblo Colorado: "Light snow will continue through this evening across the mountains and adjacent plains. Accumulations will be light and spotty in nature, with a dusting to up to 2 inches possible, especially in and near the higher terrain. Much colder t..." (US National Weather Service Pueblo Colorado via Facebook)
• Colorado Springs Airport: "🐾 Everyone say hello to our new friend, Flynn. ♥️ Flynn is the newest member of our #COS4PAWS dog therapy program." (Colorado Springs Airport via Instagram)
• The Gazette: "Only 11 votes stood between Helton and induction. No player with eligibility left has ever come that close without eventually making it." (The Gazette via Facebook)
• Colorado College: "This Half Block, more than 120 students are participating in Wilderness First Responder and WFR Recertification courses through NOLS. During the courses, students are taught how to respond to an emergency in the wilderness, including ass..." (Colorado College via Facebook)
• Downtown Colorado Springs: "Join us on Friday, Feb. 3 for our annual Haute Chocolate Hop! Explore Downtown and stop into 10 of our local venues for a tasty, chocolate treat. Tickets go on sale this Thursday, Jan. 26 at https://downtowncs.com/event/haute-chocolate-h..." (Downtown Colorado Springs via Facebook)
• Downtown Colorado Springs: "As we approach the final weekend of Skate in the Park, we want to say a big thank you to our sponsor @amazon for gifting tickets to Hillside Connections and Big Brother Big Sister this year. Thank you, Amazon!" (Downtown Colorado Springs via Facebook)
• Colorado Farm Bureau: "Want to show high school students what rural life and agriculture is all about? We are looking for host families for the 2023 senior field studies! Link in bio if you’re you are interested!" (Colorado Farm Bureau via Instagram)
• Food to Power: "Street Petz is a crucial initiative that makes sure that everyone gets the nutrition they need by providing food for humans and food for their pets! Major vendors are currently experiencing a shortage of pet foods needed to support this ..." (Food to Power via Instagram)
• The Gazette: "At the end of the video, the individual picks up the puppy and begins to run." (The Gazette via Facebook)
• Colorado Springs Police Department: "Due to technical difficulties, tonight’s Crime Stoppers town hall will not be on Facebook live. However, you can watch KOAA’s live stream of the event here: https://www.koaa.com/live2 ." (Colorado Springs Police Department via Facebook)
• Colorado Animal Rescue: "Does your windowsill have a blank space? Fill that empty spot with a cat bed for a suave new friend, Whiskey. You will never feel alone having this companion peaking over your shoulder. Believe it or not this big boy has an even bigger ..." (Colorado Animal Rescue via Instagram)
• Colorado Springs Police Department: "Join CSPD, EPSO, the 4th Judicial District Attorney, and other community leaders for the Pikes Peak Regional Crime Stoppers Town Hall, TODAY at 5:30 PM. Learn about crime rates in the Pike’s Peak region, how to prevent being a victim of ..." (Colorado Springs Police Department via Facebook)
• Pueblo School District 60: "UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL OPENS DOORS FOR MORE FAMILIES Beginning in the 2023-24 school year, the state-funded Universal Preschool Colorado program offers every 4-year-old child the opportunity to attend a half-day (up to 15 hours) of preschoo..." (Pueblo School District 60 via Facebook)
• The Gazette: "It is The Daily Best Guess Weather Report powered by American Furniture Warehouse! Read more here: http://ow.ly/MT0h50Mz2Iw" (The Gazette via Facebook)
• Colorado Springs School District 11: "What makes D11 preschool different? We have high standards and give your child the individualized attention they need! Visit www.d11.org/preschool to see what sets us apart. #Preschool #EarlyChildhoodEducation" (Colorado Springs School District 11 via Facebook)
• City of Pueblo, Colorado - City Government: "Volunteers needed! Do you care about the community and want to make it better? Consider joining the Community Services Advisory Commission. CSAC studies the needs of the community and makes recommendations for funding in the areas of hea..." (City of Pueblo, Colorado - City Government via Facebook)
• Pueblo Arts Alliance: "YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS!! . First Friday Art Walk 2.3.2023 5p-7p. Exhibited will be the 2022 Colorado State Fair Pueblo Arts Alliance pick Christy Furman. Come for the art, and stay for the complimentary snacks and refreshments. . #p..." (Pueblo Arts Alliance via Facebook)
• The Gazette: "There’s a saying in the West that when things get tough, you have to cowboy up." (The Gazette via Facebook)
• The Gazette: "While Polis has signed two bills in the last two sessions tied to rent control, he did so only after veto threats to the sponsors if they didn’t modify the language to his liking." (The Gazette via Facebook)
• Colorado Springs School District 11: "This message from the D11 Superintendent was shared with all D11 families and employees via email and app notification: Dear D11 Families and Community, Over the past several days, our news feeds have reminded us of the real threats in o..." (Colorado Springs School District 11 via Facebook)
• Pueblo School District 60: "BOARD OF EDUCATION TO MEET Tonight's regular session starts at 6 p.m. https://vimeo.com/event/2772206" (Pueblo School District 60 via Facebook)
• Colorado Springs School District 11: "As we continue to celebrate our Sesquicentennial year, these artifacts are still fascinating and help us truly understand our place in history!" (Colorado Springs School District 11 via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Cherry Creek Crossing: "Does anyone need crickets and mealworms? - I have an order coming today but do not need them. My old chameleon has died and I just want to give them to someone who can use them." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Fort Carson: "Hey, I'm new here. - I'm wondering if anyone interested in car detailing? I've been doing it for a while on my own car and only that." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, The Farm: "Hello all, - Do you guy’s have any recommendations for indoor skiing classes around Colorado Springs for kids? Thanks in advance" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Montebello: "Is anyone familiar with Hatler-May Village? - They're affordable (so they say anyway) 1BR & 2BR apartments for low income Senior Citizens on Vickers Drive. They're run by Christian Church Homes but indicate they are open to all regardles..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Patty Jewett East: "Please, folks, make an effort to shovel your snow as soon as possible after a weather event. - Yesterday morning, I was walking and didn't realize there was ice under the fresh snow. I fell and dislocated my knee. Luckily, I didn't Inj..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Mountain Shadows: "Greetings, - I'm looking for some tan carpet car mats that someone might not have thrown away. I've found a way to patch in where the holes are but need some donor mats this color. Honda no longer makes these. The donors don't have to be..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Northgate: "Anyone know what happened at the north Rollercoaster entrance to Fox Run Park? - Just went by and it’s full of first responders and police cars?" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Park Vista: "We live in Park Vista, close to Austin Bluffs Parkway. - Someone stole mail out of the mail boxes today on 2 or 3 streets. My husband saw them do it and got a license plate # and reported it. If anyone has footage on their ring camera or..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Pahokee: "Putting this out there there is a 5 hour position open in the cafeteria as a Kitchen assistant. - Please apply at d11.org. Work while kids in school and off during the summer, unless you want to work the summer too. My girl I have now is..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Park Hill: "Someone broke into my car on Kenwood early this morning, keep a look out for this guy. - If you’d like to return that ancient Galaxy Note 4, drop it in my mailbox…thing is useless, not sure why you wanted it lol Person Hair: Hat with t..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Knob Hill: "Does anyone have any storage/ organization/ planning stuff they do not use anymore or also a dresser, queen bed frame, shoe rack , hangers, I desperately need all of these things i also desperately need warmer clothing/ shoes or business..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Forest Meadows: "We have just moved to the area, in Forest Meadows (I believe it is called) and we will have a lot of moving boxes and paper that we want to give to someone who could use it. - Any suggestions appreciated! Thanks." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Fountain Valley Ranch II: "I would like to say a great big thank you to an unknown soldier. - I took my 90 year old husband out to Fort Carson to have lab work done. We went early trying to avoid a long line as he is diabetic and was fasting. Unable to eat prior t..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Claremont Ranch: "DOGGIES!!! - Mobile treadmill… Just found this Service, EZDog mobile. Going to try it for my doggie. Want her interactions with others and see if she can break the record of 56MPH. I walk her regularly, but what I like is if you can’t wa..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, The Mesa: "FYI for parents of elementary students in and around CME, I spoke with the transportation supervisor today regarding our bus being early and nearly leaving all of our kids behind. - Apparently they decided on Jan 13 to change the time bu..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Stratmoor Hills: "Has anyone had a scam call that was a 'wrong number' or 'wrong address' on any social media app/email? - The caller admits the wrong number but tries to strike up a conversation like you have things in common or what ever. 'I'd like to ..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Serenity Park: "Is anyone experiencing comcast outage? - Our Internet has been down since noon time." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Old North End: "Was headed south on Cascade at 7pm and there was a coyote on the eastern side meandering south. - It turned east at Fontanero before we could get a picture. I also saw a coyote a couple months back on the Pikes Peak Greenway near the ro..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Mountain Shadows: "Just wanted to share my sunset of pikes peak. - Taken in Nov of last year." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Falcon's Nest: "For Rent. - Two room basement with full bath. Rent to one tenant. No smoking. Unfortunately, no pets." (Nextdoor)

Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you soon!

— Celeste "Pirate Queen" Wetzel

About me: The original Pirate Queen and QA engineer for Patch. Did you know that this week I have worked at least two fourteen hour days? This sprint has been nuts and the engineering team has been keeping me hopping non-stop. I'm exhausted and very close to needing a vacation.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Colorado Springs Patch newsletter? Contact me at celeste.wetzel@patch.com