Savannah Eller

2 days ago | gazette.com | Savannah Eller

Based on current budget projections, the town of Monument may need to tighten the belt to compensate for a recession. That was the conclusion of the town’s most recent 2025 budget adjustment, which predicts flat sales tax revenue into 2026, compared to a 2% increase in 2024. “If we had a good economy, and things were going well like they have the last couple of years, we would be right on track,” said Monument finance director Jennifer Phillips.

2 days ago | gazette.com | Savannah Eller

Manitou Springs schools reopened Wednesday after a closure due to the city's emergency water shortage. The district was closed Tuesday as the city attempted to conserve limited potable water. In a statement on the district's website, district Superintendent Sean Dorsey said that he was "pleased to report encouraging developments" in the city's efforts to treat the water supply. The city began asking residents and businesses to stop all but essential water uses Monday.

3 days ago | gazette.com | Savannah Eller

Even as water restrictions hit downtown Manitou Springs, the streets held a steady stream of spring visitors on a warm Tuesday afternoon. "We're just watching our usage," said Neely Alman serving treats at the Colorado Custard Co. The city is gearing up for its tourist season amid a serious potable-water crisis.

3 days ago | gazette.com | Savannah Eller

Water troubles in Manitou Springs will likely not be over until this weekend, the city said in a new release Tuesday. Due to continuing "critically limited potable water supply," the city popular with summer tourists west of Colorado Springs has been under strict water use restrictions since Monday. Officials asked residents and businesses to remain under restrictions, which limit use to essential drinking and sanitation, until repairs can be made to a backup supply pipeline later in the week.

4 days ago | gazette.com | Savannah Eller

The town of Palmer Lake is preparing to take proposals from parties interested in the main buildings of the Elephant Rock property, a former hub of the Living Word Fellowship, widely recognized as a cult organization. The property was donated to the town in 2021. The property originally contained a large main sanctuary, a multi-level dormitory, a residence, several cabins and other outbuildings. The town tore down the cabins last year, citing asbestos contamination and danger from trespassing.