Our Community News

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Pandora | YouTube To subscribe on other podcasting sites, you will need to enter this RSS feed: https://wp.ocn.me/feed/podcast/ocn/ This podcast is a summary of this issue. An mp4 file of this podcast is posted at https://ocn.me/mp4/ocn2611highlights.mp4. It was generated using an AI tool and has not been fact-checked in every detail by OCN volunteers. A transcript is posted at https://wp.ocn.me/pdf/ocn2611highlightstranscript.pdf. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:20 Buc-ee's submits site plan 00:01:55 Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education Meeting, Oct. 19 – Board considers partnership with online academy 00:03:24 Monument Academy School Board Meeting, Oct. 15 – Board approves improvement plans, hears legislative update 00:05:11 Parent and Community Advisory Committee Meeting, Oct. 13 – Proposed partnership with online school discussed 00:06:32 Monument Town Council Meeting, Oct. 5 – Increases in 2027 budget proposed 00:07:47 Monument Planning Commission Meeting, Oct.14 – Monument 2040, Downtown Master Plan recommendation finalized 00:08:55 Monument Town Council Meeting, Oct. 19 – Council approves e-bike restrictions 00:10:39 Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Meetings, Sept. 10 and 24 – September Meeting Highlights 00:12:10 Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Meeting, Oct. 8 – Trustees take up governance, ethics, financial policies 00:13:29 Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Meeting, Oct. 22 – Trustees tackle policy changes, bear mitigation, budget concerns 00:14:44 Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Budget Workshop Highlights, Oct. 28 Board wrestles with up to $1 million budget deficit 00:15:49 Monument Fire District Board Meeting, Oct. 28 – Training Center, Station 3 progressing 00:16:58 Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District Board Meeting, Oct. 12 – Aerial sewer rehab contract awarded 00:18:20 Donala Water and Sanitation District Board Meeting, Oct. 8 – 2027 budget updated 00:20:09 Triview Metropolitan District Board Meeting, Oct. 22 – Economic development agreement with Costco Wholesale proposed 00:21:56 Monument Sanitation District Board Meeting, Oct. 21 – 2027 budget discussed 00:23:31 Gleneagle Civic Association Board Meeting, Oct. 12 – Interim GCA board affirms positions 00:25:08 Woodmoor Improvement Association Board Meeting, Oct. 28 – Board hears about the Tri-Lakes Foundation for First Responders 00:26:24 Letters to Our Community – Support District 38 – fine and performing arts 00:27:24 Letters to Our Community – Laura Kronick for mayor 00:28:27 Letters to Our Community – A community that cares for its neighbors 00:29:22 Letters to Our Community – Vote for Laura Kronick 00:30:10 Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore - What's new this fall? 00:31:07 Library Events – Craft gatherings, book party, holiday schedule changes 00:32:54 Palmer Lake Historical Society Meeting, Oct. 15 – Palmer Lake Historical Society celebrates 70 years 00:34:11 November Emergency Preparation Tips – Reduce fuels even in cold weather 00:35:01 The Nature of Our Community – What is beneath the Palmer Divide? Where? How deep? 00:36:07 High Altitude Nature and Gardens – Gratitude in the quiet of November 00:37:11 On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Ice Cave Creek Loop 00:37:50 Art Matters – Restorative art and Grandpa Chic 00:38:47 Our Community Notices 00:39:57 Conclusion Any questions or concerns you have about the details should be double-checked by reading the corresponding article in this month's issue https://wp.ocn.me/v26n11/. All OCN podcasts are posted at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/. This episode is at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/ocn2611highlights/. The related audio articles episode is at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/ocn2611articles/.

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Pandora | YouTube To subscribe on other podcasting sites, you will need to enter this RSS feed: https://wp.ocn.me/feed/podcast/ocn/ To be notified every time we post a new podcast, go to https://wp.ocn.me/newslettersignup/. This podcast consists of the audio files from this issue. An mp4 file of this podcast is posted at https://ocn.me/mp4/ocn2611articles.mp4. It was computer-generated and has not been fact-checked in every detail by OCN volunteers. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:20 Buc-ee's submits site plan 00:04:38 Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education Meeting, Oct. 19 – Board considers partnership with online academy 00:12:40 Monument Academy School Board Meeting, Oct. 15 – Board approves improvement plans, hears legislative update 00:25:42 Parent and Community Advisory Committee Meeting, Oct. 13 – Proposed partnership with online school discussed 00:30:54 Monument Town Council Meeting, Oct. 5 – Increases in 2027 budget proposed 00:35:52 Monument Planning Commission Meeting, Oct.14 – Monument 2040, Downtown Master Plan recommendation finalized 00:44:42 Monument Town Council Meeting, Oct. 19 – Council approves e-bike restrictions 00:47:42 Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Meetings, Sept. 10 and 24 – September Meeting Highlights 00:57:55 Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Meeting, Oct. 8 – Trustees take up governance, ethics, financial policies 01:03:59 Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Meeting, Oct. 22 – Trustees tackle policy changes, bear mitigation, budget concerns 01:09:50 Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Budget Workshop Highlights, Oct. 28 Board wrestles with up to $1 million budget deficit 01:15:52 Monument Fire District Board Meeting, Oct. 28 – Training Center, Station 3 progressing 01:24:16 Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District Board Meeting, Oct. 12 – Aerial sewer rehab contract awarded 01:30:08 Donala Water and Sanitation District Board Meeting, Oct. 8 – 2027 budget updated 01:39:02 Triview Metropolitan District Board Meeting, Oct. 22 – Economic development agreement with Costco Wholesale proposed 01:49:06 Monument Sanitation District Board Meeting, Oct. 21 – 2027 budget discussed 01:53:54 Gleneagle Civic Association Board Meeting, Oct. 12 – Interim GCA board affirms positions 01:58:19 Woodmoor Improvement Association Board Meeting, Oct. 28 – Board hears about the Tri-Lakes Foundation for First Responders 02:04:14 Letters to Our Community – Support District 38 – fine and performing arts 02:06:39 Letters to Our Community – Laura Kronick for mayor 02:09:12 Letters to Our Community – A community that cares for its neighbors 00:29:22 Letters to Our Community – Vote for Laura Kronick 02:13:21 Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore - What's new this fall? 02:20:30 Library Events – Craft gatherings, book party, holiday schedule changes 02:24:20 Palmer Lake Historical Society Meeting, Oct. 15 – Palmer Lake Historical Society celebrates 70 years 02:28:40 November Emergency Preparation Tips – Reduce fuels even in cold weather 02:30:53 The Nature of Our Community – What is beneath the Palmer Divide? Where? How deep? 02:35:53 High Altitude Nature and Gardens – Gratitude in the quiet of November 02:39:39 On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Ice Cave Creek Loop 02:40:58 Art Matters – Restorative art and Grandpa Chic 02:45:03 Our Community Notices 02:54:39 Conclusion Any questions or concerns you have about the details should be double-checked by reading the corresponding article in this month's issue at https://wp.ocn.me/v26n11/: All OCN podcasts are posted at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/. This episode is at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/ocn2611articles/. The related highlights episode is at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/ocn2611highlights/.

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Pandora | YouTube To subscribe on other podcasting sites, you will need to enter this RSS feed: https://wp.ocn.me/feed/podcast/ocn/ To be notified every time we post a new podcast, go to https://wp.ocn.me/newslettersignup/. This podcast consists of the audio files from this issue. An mp4 file of this podcast is posted at https://ocn.me/mp4/ocn2610articles.mp4. It was computer-generated and has not been fact-checked in every detail by OCN volunteers. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:21 On the Trail (in Memory of Tim Watkins) – Ride for Tim memorial 00:03:30 Monument Town Council, Sept. 8 – E-moto and e-bike public safety concerns 00:06:21 Gleneagle Civic Association, Sept. 15 – GCA Board members removed, new members elected 00:22:57 Monument Planning Commission, Sept. 9 – Draft reviewed for Monument 2040 Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Master Plan 00:26:46 Monument Town Council, Sept. 8, 21 – Meeting Highlights 00:37:03 Monument Fire District, Sept. 23 – Training Center plans finalized 00:44:07 Monument Academy School Board, Sept. 10 – Assessment drives improvement plan; D38 superintendent seeks collaboration 00:55:46 Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Sept. 21 – Homeschool enrichment pathway, accreditation of schools, and assessment results 01:04:04 Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Sept. 8 – Committee's purpose reviewed; assessment report; enrollment analysis 01:11:41 Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Sept. 14 – Cost-sharing plans approved 01:17:15 Monument Sanitation District, Sept.19 – Manager reports orderly operations 01:20:04 Donala Water and Sanitation District, Sept. 10 – 2027 budget takes shape 01:27:09 Triview Metropolitan District, Sept. 24 – Pair of resolutions update water engineering standards and wastewater enforcement procedures 01:36:19 El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Sept. 24 – Board wraps up finances 01:42:04 NEPCO hosts El Paso County Planning and Community Development Department, Sept. 21 – Efforts to update Land Development Code 01:44:53 NEPCO, Sept. 12 – PPRTA projects ongoing 01:48:49 Woodmoor Improvement Association, Sept. 23 – Board declines open space offer 01:56:43 Letters to Our Community – Laura Kronick for Monument mayor 01:58:45 Letters to Our Community – Keep a one-page record before you need it 02:00:56 Letters to Our Community – No Kings 4 — vote early 02:03:37 Letters to Our Community – Praise for firefighters 02:05:01 Letters to Our Community – Shaping growth responsibly 02:07:25 Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – What do(n't) you know about your Colorado home? 02:14:18 Library Events – Closed morning of Oct. 5 for training; homeschool program on crows 02:18:19 The Nature of Our Community – What is beneath the Palmer Divide? 02:24:14 October Wildfire Preparation Tips – Don't block fire evacuation route 02:26:06 High Altitude Nature and Gardens – Living in the Light: What Shorter Days and Bright Bulbs Mean for Our Trees, Soil, and Families 02:31:50 Art Matters – "Loser chic" and fine art 02:35:15 Our Community Notices 02:44:43 Conclusion Any questions or concerns you have about the details should be double-checked by reading the corresponding article in this month's issue at https://wp.ocn.me/v26n10/: All OCN podcasts are posted at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/. This episode is at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/ocn2610articles/. The related highlights episode is at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/ocn2610highlights/.

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Pandora | YouTube To subscribe on other podcasting sites, you will need to enter this RSS feed: https://wp.ocn.me/feed/podcast/ocn/ This podcast is a summary of this issue. An mp4 file of this podcast is posted at https://ocn.me/mp4/ocn2610highlights.mp4. It was generated using an AI tool and has not been fact-checked in every detail by OCN volunteers. A transcript is posted at https://wp.ocn.me/pdf/ocn2610highlightstranscript.pdf. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:21 On the Trail (in Memory of Tim Watkins) – Ride for Tim memorial 00:01:30 Monument Town Council, Sept. 8 – E-moto and e-bike public safety concerns 00:02:55 Gleneagle Civic Association, Sept. 15 – GCA Board members removed, new members elected 00:04:10 Monument Planning Commission, Sept. 9 – Draft reviewed for Monument 2040 Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Master Plan 00:05:35 Monument Town Council, Sept. 8, 21 – Meeting Highlights 00:06:23 Monument Fire District, Sept. 23 – Training Center plans finalized 00:07:59 Monument Academy School Board, Sept. 10 – Assessment drives improvement plan; D38 superintendent seeks collaboration 00:09:53 Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Sept. 21 – Homeschool enrichment pathway, accreditation of schools, and assessment results 00:11:30 Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Sept. 8 – Committee's purpose reviewed; assessment report; enrollment analysis 00:12:59 Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Sept. 14 – Cost-sharing plans approved 00:14:41 Monument Sanitation District, Sept.19 – Manager reports orderly operations 00:15:50 Donala Water and Sanitation District, Sept. 10 – 2027 budget takes shape 00:17:39 Triview Metropolitan District, Sept. 24 – Pair of resolutions update water engineering standards and wastewater enforcement procedures 00:19:11 El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Sept. 24 – Board wraps up finances 00:20:51 NEPCO hosts El Paso County Planning and Community Development Department, Sept. 21 – Efforts to update Land Development Code 00:21:57 NEPCO, Sept. 12 – PPRTA projects ongoing 00:23:05 Woodmoor Improvement Association, Sept. 23 – Board declines open space offer 00:24:35 Letters to Our Community – Laura Kronick for Monument mayor 00:25:31 Letters to Our Community – Keep a one-page record before you need it 00:26:23 Letters to Our Community – No Kings 4 — vote early 00:27:19 Letters to Our Community – Praise for firefighters 00:28:05 Letters to Our Community – Shaping growth responsibly 00:29:19 Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – What do(n't) you know about your Colorado home? 00:30:42 Library Events – Closed morning of Oct. 5 for training; homeschool program on crows 00:32:22 The Nature of Our Community – What is beneath the Palmer Divide? 00:33:51 October Wildfire Preparation Tips – Don't block fire evacuation route 00:34:44 High Altitude Nature and Gardens – Living in the Light: What Shorter Days and Bright Bulbs Mean for Our Trees, Soil, and Families 00:35:55 Art Matters – "Loser chic" and fine art 00:37:02 Our Community Notices 00:38:28 Conclusion Any questions or concerns you have about the details should be double-checked by reading the corresponding article in this month's issue https://wp.ocn.me/v26n10/ All OCN podcasts are posted at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/. This episode is at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/ocn2610highlights/ The related audio articles episode is at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/ocn2610articles/

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Pandora | YouTube To subscribe on other podcasting sites, you will need to enter this RSS feed: https://wp.ocn.me/feed/podcast/ocn/ This podcast is a summary of this issue. An mp4 file of this podcast is posted at https://ocn.me/mp4/ocn2609highlights.mp4. It was generated using an AI tool and has not been fact-checked in every detail by OCN volunteers. A transcript is posted at https://wp.ocn.me/pdf/ocn2609highlightstranscript.pdf. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:20 El Paso County Board of County Commissioners, Aug. 27 – Commissioners find Buc-ee's is a convenience store, not a gas station, despite having 120 fueling stations 00:01:30 Monument Town Council, Aug. 3 – Water rate increases, withdrawal from the loop approved 00:03:04 Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Aug. 13 – Board appoints administrator, declares water emergency and imposes water restrictions 00:04:28 Monument Planning Commission, Aug. 12 – 7 Brew Coffee, Native Sun projects advance to council 00:05:35 Monument Town Council, Aug. 17 – Development adjacent to AF Academy rejected 00:07:24 Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Aug. 27 – Legal and water matters take a front seat 00:09:14 Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 10 -Taste and odor issues battled 00:10:29 Monument Sanitation District, Aug.19 – High-speed internet installation gets support 00:11:48 Donala Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 13 – General manager terminated; district withdraws from Loop 00:13:06 El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Aug. 20 – Two member withdrawals trigger dissolution 00:14:54 Triview Metropolitan District, Aug. 20 – Joint transportation plan with Town of Monument reviewed 00:16:15 Monument Fire District, Aug. 26 – Station 3 work continues; health benefits discussed 00:17:49 Monument Academy School Board, Aug. 20 – Board hears marketing update, approves strategic plan 00:19:25 Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Aug. 17 – Board enters contract for new Home School Enrichment curriculum, sets focus subjects for upcoming year 00:20:50 Woodmoor Improvement Association, Aug. 26 – New state law increases fines as bear activity rises 00:22:12 Letters to Our Community – Reform metro district laws 00:22:55 Letters to Our Community- Night sky/Buc-ee's 00:24:09 Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Some favorite books of this summer 00:25:26 Library Events – Changes in Palmer Lake Library hours; new programs in Monument 00:26:55 The Nature of Our Community – What and where is the Palmer Divide? 00:27:52 September Wildfire Preparation Tips – Free home wildfire preparedness course available 00:28:55 High Altitude Nature and Gardens – The environmental impact: why dark skies matter 00:30:21 On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Ride for Tim scheduled for Sept. 19 00:31:06 Art Matters – Art: our sanctuary for daily life and common ground 00:32:10 Our Community Notices 00:33:12 Conclusion Any questions or concerns you have about the details should be double-checked by reading the corresponding article in this month's issue https://wp.ocn.me/v26n9/ All OCN podcasts are posted at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/. This episode is at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/ocn2609highlights/ The related audio articles episode is at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/ocn2609articles/

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Pandora | YouTube To subscribe on other podcasting sites, you will need to enter this RSS feed: https://wp.ocn.me/feed/podcast/ocn/ To be notified every time we post a new podcast, go to https://wp.ocn.me/newslettersignup/. This podcast consists of the audio files from this issue. An mp4 file of this podcast is posted at https://ocn.me/mp4/ocn2609articles.mp4. It was computer-generated and has not been fact-checked in every detail by OCN volunteers. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:20 El Paso County Board of County Commissioners, Aug. 27 – Commissioners find Buc-ee's is a convenience store, not a gas station, despite having 120 fueling stations 00:06:40 Monument Town Council, Aug. 3 – Water rate increases, withdrawal from the loop approved 00:13:50 Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Aug. 13 – Board appoints administrator, declares water emergency and imposes water restrictions 00:18:35 Monument Planning Commission, Aug. 12 – 7 Brew Coffee, Native Sun projects advance to council 00:22:05 Monument Town Council, Aug. 17 – Development adjacent to AF Academy rejected 00:26:21 Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, Aug. 27 – Legal and water matters take a front seat 00:32:26 Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 10 -Taste and odor issues battled 00:39:24 Monument Sanitation District, Aug.19 – High-speed internet installation gets support 00:42:10 Donala Water and Sanitation District, Aug. 13 – General manager terminated; district withdraws from Loop 00:49:49 El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, Aug. 20 – Two member withdrawals trigger dissolution 00:54:25 Triview Metropolitan District, Aug. 20 – Joint transportation plan with Town of Monument reviewed 01:06:14 Monument Fire District, Aug. 26 – Station 3 work continues; health benefits discussed 01:12:35 Monument Academy School Board, Aug. 20 – Board hears marketing update, approves strategic plan 01:24:54 Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Aug. 17 – Board enters contract for new Home School Enrichment curriculum, sets focus subjects for upcoming year 01:34:24 Woodmoor Improvement Association, Aug. 26 – New state law increases fines as bear activity rises 01:39:16 Letters to Our Community – Reform metro district laws 01:40:25 Letters to Our Community- Night sky/Buc-ee's 01:43:00 Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Some favorite books of this summer 01:51:30 Library Events – Changes in Palmer Lake Library hours; new programs in Monument 01:57:31 The Nature of Our Community – What and where is the Palmer Divide? 02:02:44 September Wildfire Preparation Tips – Free home wildfire preparedness course available 02:05:15 High Altitude Nature and Gardens – The environmental impact: why dark skies matter 02:09:25 On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Ride for Tim scheduled for Sept. 19 02:10:54 Art Matters – Art: our sanctuary for daily life and common ground 02:14:31 Our Community Notices 02:24:07 Conclusion Any questions or concerns you have about the details should be double-checked by reading the corresponding article in this month's issue at https://wp.ocn.me/v26n9/: All OCN podcasts are posted at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/. This episode is at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/ocn2609articles/. The related highlights episode is at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/ocn2609highlights/.

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Pandora | Spotify | YouTube To subscribe on other podcasting sites, you will need to enter this RSS feed: https://wp.ocn.me/feed/podcast/ocn/ This podcast is a summary of this issue. An mp4 file of this podcast is posted at https://ocn.me/mp4/ocn2608highlights.mp4. It was generated using an AI tool and has not been fact-checked in every detail by OCN volunteers. A transcript is posted at https://ocn.me/pdf/ocn2608highlightstranscript.pdf. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:20 Buc-ee's appeals "non-approval" 00:01:31 El Paso County Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners, July 2, 24 – MA Subdivisions rezone denied 00:02:40 Monument Town Council, July 20 – Lake parking permits, data center moratorium approved 00:03:48 Monument Town Council, July 6 – Nearly half of objectives accomplished 00:05:19 Monument Planning Commission, July 8 – Commission approves Powersports dealership, new high-density residential development 00:06:49 Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, July 9 – Board announces three finalists in administrator search 00:07:52 Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, July 23 – Board tackles harassment probe, financial transparency 00:09:01 Monument Fire District, July 22 – A moment of silence for fallen firefighters; Chief Kovacs farewell 00:10:04 Monument Academy School Board, July 15 – Board supports denial of nearby property rezoning 00:11:43 Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, July 13 – District prepares for Woodmoor Drive roundabout 00:13:44 Monument Sanitation District, July 15 – District prepares liens 00:14:32 Donala Water and Sanitation District, July 16 – Water for Tomorrow plan takes shape 00:16:03 El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, June 3 and 18 and July 16 – Executive director role takes shape 00:17:24 Triview Metropolitan District, July 22 – Auditor finds healthy 2025 financial status 00:18:53 NEPCO, July 11 – Five new laws impact HOAs 00:20:04 Woodmoor Improvement Association, July 22 – Board hears from fiber installer 00:21:10 Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Here comes school 00:21:59 Library Events – Concert series is announced; Summer Adventure comes to an end 00:23:20 The Nature of Our Community – Free Palmer Divide land stewardship booklets available 00:24:10 August's Wildfire Preparation Tips 00:25:01 High Altitude Nature and Gardens – Our dry summer season 00:25:37 On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Palmer Lake Reservoirs—beautiful even in the heat 00:26:25 Art Matters – The architecture of our daily lives 00:27:24 Our Community Notices 00:28:48 Conclusion Any questions or concerns you have about the details should be double-checked by reading the corresponding article in this month's issue https://wp.ocn.me/v26n8/ All OCN podcasts are posted at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/. This episode is at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/ocn2608highlights/ The related audio articles episode is at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/ocn2608articles/

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Pandora | Spotify | YouTube To subscribe on other podcasting sites, you will need to enter this RSS feed: https://wp.ocn.me/feed/podcast/ocn/ To be notified every time we post a new podcast, go to https://wp.ocn.me/newslettersignup/. This podcast consists of the audio files from this issue. An mp4 file of this podcast is posted at https://ocn.me/mp4/ocn2608articles.mp4. It was computer-generated and has not been fact-checked in every detail by OCN volunteers. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:20 Buc-ee's appeals "non-approval" 00:04:49 El Paso County Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners, July 2, 24 – MA Subdivisions rezone denied 00:10:27 Monument Town Council, July 20 – Lake parking permits, data center moratorium approved 00:15:40 Monument Town Council, July 6 – Nearly half of objectives accomplished 00:20:27 Monument Planning Commission, July 8 – Commission approves Powersports dealership, new high-density residential development 00:25:10 Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, July 9 – Board announces three finalists in administrator search 00:29:45 Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, July 23 – Board tackles harassment probe, financial transparency 00:34:05 Monument Fire District, July 22 – A moment of silence for fallen firefighters; Chief Kovacs farewell 00:41:35 Monument Academy School Board, July 15 – Board supports denial of nearby property rezoning 00:55:55 Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, July 13 – District prepares for Woodmoor Drive roundabout 01:02:58 Monument Sanitation District, July 15 – District prepares liens 01:06:05 Donala Water and Sanitation District, July 16 – Water for Tomorrow plan takes shape 01:15:10 El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority, June 3 and 18 and July 16 – Executive director role takes shape 01:22:40 Triview Metropolitan District, July 22 – Auditor finds healthy 2025 financial status 01:35:15 NEPCO, July 11 – Five new laws impact HOAs 01:39:28 Woodmoor Improvement Association, July 22 – Board hears from fiber installer 01:45:53 Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Here comes school 01:51:50 Library Events – Concert series is announced; Summer Adventure comes to an end 01:56:45 The Nature of Our Community – Free Palmer Divide land stewardship booklets available 02:01:48 August's Wildfire Preparation Tips 02:03:40 High Altitude Nature and Gardens – Our dry summer season 02:07:34 On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Palmer Lake Reservoirs—beautiful even in the heat 02:09:06 Art Matters – The architecture of our daily lives 02:12:45 Our Community Notices 02:22:14 Conclusion Any questions or concerns you have about the details should be double-checked by reading the corresponding article in this month's issue at https://wp.ocn.me/v26n8/: All OCN podcasts are posted at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/. This episode is at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/ocn2608articles/. The related highlights episode is at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/ocn2608highlights/.

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Pandora | Spotify | YouTube To subscribe on other podcasting sites, you will need to enter this RSS feed: https://wp.ocn.me/feed/podcast/ocn/ This podcast is a summary of this issue. An mp4 file of this podcast is posted at https://ocn.me/mp4/ocn2607highlights.mp4. It was generated using an AI tool and has not been fact-checked in every detail by OCN volunteers. A transcript is posted at https://ocn.me/pdf/ocn2607highlightstranscript.pdf. 00:00:00 OCN Vol. 26 No. 7 – July 4, 2026 00:00:20 Buc-ee's seeks to avoid public hearings 00:01:20 El Paso County Planning Commission June 18 – MA Subdivisions recommended for denial 00:02:45 Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, June 22 – Contract with Falcon AeroLab, recognition of grants for teachers, adoption of budget 00:04:20 Monument Academy School Board, June 4 – Board membership changes 00:05:56 Woodmoor Improvement Association, June 24 – Enhanced fireworks patrols, $5000 fine 00:07:17 Monument Town Council Meetings, June 1 and 15 – Use tax for November ballot, water tank site rezoned, crack seal machine purchased, police officers sworn in and promoted 00:08:53 Monument Planning Commission, June 10 – Backs Density Drop, Single-Family Shift at Falcon Commerce Center 00:10:50 Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Meetings, June 11 and June 25 – Palmer Lake trustees tackle legal turmoil, infrastructure priorities, and internal tensions 00:12:14 Palmer Lake Citizen's Briefing, June 22 – Two Palmer Lake Trustees give their perspectives 00:13:45 Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, June 8 – Board defers emergency interconnect with Triview Metro 00:15:18 Monument Sanitation District, June 17 – District expands service area 00:16:46 Donala Water and Sanitation District, June 18 – Kuosman takes the reins 00:18:21 Triview Metropolitan District, June 18 – Ribbon cutting, open house planned for new district building 00:19:50 Letters to Our Community – Thanks, OCN, for all you do 00:20:26 Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Happy Birthday, America! 00:21:02 Library Events – Summer Adventure continues with special programs 00:22:21 The Nature of Our Community – Pine beetle conundrums, myths, and blunders 00:23:35 July's Wildfire Preparation Tips 00:24:33 High Altitude Nature and Gardens – Nature's Soil Architects: The Backyard Science of "Black Gold" 00:25:24 Art Matters – Designing Sanctuaries: How Restorative Art Heals Our Communities 00:26:24 Our Community Notices 00:27:34 Conclusion Any questions or concerns you have about the details should be double-checked by reading the corresponding article in this month's issue https://wp.ocn.me/v26n7/ All OCN podcasts are posted at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/. This episode is at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/ocn2607highlights/ The related audio articles episode is at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/ocn2607articles/

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Pandora | Spotify | YouTube To subscribe on other podcasting sites, you will need to enter this RSS feed: https://wp.ocn.me/feed/podcast/ocn/ To be notified every time we post a new podcast, go to https://wp.ocn.me/newslettersignup/. This podcast consists of the audio files from this issue. An mp4 file of this podcast is posted at https://ocn.me/mp4/ocn2607articles.mp4. It was computer-generated and has not been fact-checked in every detail by OCN volunteers. 00:00:00 OCN Vol. 26 No. 7 – July 4, 2026 00:00:20 Buc-ee's seeks to avoid public hearings 00:05:57 El Paso County Planning Commission June 18 – MA Subdivisions recommended for denial 00:09:08 Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, June 22 – Contract with Falcon AeroLab, recognition of grants for teachers, adoption of budget 00:18:17 Monument Academy School Board, June 4 – Board membership changes 00:27:22 Woodmoor Improvement Association, June 24 – Enhanced fireworks patrols, $5000 fine 00:34:57 Monument Town Council Meetings, June 1 and 15 – Use tax for November ballot, water tank site rezoned, crack seal machine purchased, police officers sworn in and promoted 00:44:57 Monument Planning Commission, June 10 – Backs Density Drop, Single-Family Shift at Falcon Commerce Center 00:53:09 Palmer Lake Board of Trustees Meetings, June 11 and June 25 – Palmer Lake trustees tackle legal turmoil, infrastructure priorities, and internal tensions 01:02:15 Palmer Lake Citizen's Briefing, June 22 – Two Palmer Lake Trustees give their perspectives 01:09:06 Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, June 8 – Board defers emergency interconnect with Triview Metro 01:17:23 Monument Sanitation District, June 17 – District expands service area 01:20:35 Donala Water and Sanitation District, June 18 – Kuosman takes the reins 01:25:04 Triview Metropolitan District, June 18 – Ribbon cutting, open house planned for new district building 01:32:34 Letters to Our Community – Thanks, OCN, for all you do 01:34:12 Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Happy Birthday, America! 01:42:36 Library Events – Summer Adventure continues with special programs 01:49:52 The Nature of Our Community – Pine beetle conundrums, myths, and blunders 01:55:33 July's Wildfire Preparation Tips 01:57:49 High Altitude Nature and Gardens – Nature's Soil Architects: The Backyard Science of "Black Gold" 02:01:32 Art Matters – Designing Sanctuaries: How Restorative Art Heals Our Communities 02:05:11 Our Community Notices 02:15:30 Conclusion Any questions or concerns you have about the details should be double-checked by reading the corresponding article in this month's issue at https://wp.ocn.me/v26n7/: All OCN podcasts are posted at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/. This episode is at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/ocn2607articles/. The related highlights episode is at https://wp.ocn.me/podcast/ocn2607highlights/.