Hello Colorado Springs! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Buc-ee’s zoning request, a new 911 authority, and puppies on the patio + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Zoning decision ahead: El Paso County received a request from a company tied to Buc-ee's for a zoning check only, not construction approval. The Planning Director will decide or refer it to commissioners -- see the zoning request.
New downtown dining spot: House of Birria has opened in downtown Colorado Springs, adding a new birria-focused eatery to the city center, serving birria specialties in the heart of downtown -- tour the new birria spot.
A major service shift: City officials announced Monday plans for a new Colorado Springs 911 Authority, shifting from EPTC-911. Council approval is pending, with changes targeted for 2027 and funded by surcharges -- learn about the 911 shift.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Tired of fees that feed shareholders? Minnequa Works Credit Union* has been member-owned since 1937, returning value to Southern Colorado depositors through no-monthly-fee checking, savings that pay dividends, and Co-Op shared branching that follows you wherever you travel. Run the numbers, make the switch, and stop paying shareholders you'll never meet.
Green your week: Whether your living room needs a leafy statement or just a forgiving little buddy, Hapke’s Hortum Houseplants & Supply keeps it fun with curated houseplants, smart care tips, and hands-on workshops. Locally owned in Old Colorado City, they’ll set you up with pots, soil, and the confidence to keep things thriving.
Ranch vibes, splash time: Need an easy win this week, check out John Venezia Park, a ranch-themed north side hangout with the Watering Hole spray ground, pickleball courts, soccer fields and mellow walking loops. Great for after-dinner kid energy and low-stress meetups when you don’t want to cross town.
Make your week epic: Level Up Virtual Reality turns this week into a mini adventure, with free roam VR where your body is the controller, plus escape room challenges and laser tag style battles. Grab a friend, a kid, or that coworker who “never games” and watch them grin like it’s their first snow day.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎷 Big Band @ Bancroft Park | Wednesday (6/24) at 6:00 PM – Break up the week and stroll to OCC’s Bancroft Park for free big band under the bandshell every other Wednesday. Real horns, real charts, and more toe-tapping than your Fitbit can handle. Lawn chairs appear, familiar neighbors nod, everyone pretends to know the Charleston.
🧒 Little Ranger World @ Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center | Friday (6/26) at 10:00 AM – Park Guide and Jr Ranger co-author Jennifer is leading a mellow hour for Little Rangers in the Red Rocks Room, complete with a touch table, a nature story, and a simple craft. Topics change monthly, groups stay small, and your carpet stays clean.
🐞 Big Bugs Day @ Bear Creek Nature Center | Friday (6/26) at 12:30 PM – Big Bugs Day is buzzing into Bear Creek Nature Center with bug sweeps, hands-on antics, and easy ways to help habitats and biodiversity. In partnership with the Colorado Pollinators Network, it is $5 a person, pre-registration required, and surprisingly entertaining for you and the grandkids.
🚗 Last Saturday's Car Show @ Bass Pro Shops | Saturday (6/27) at 8:30 AM – This free car show brings out all makes and models, from rumbling carburetors to whisper-quiet kilowatts. Sponsored by the Colorado Springs EV Club, it is prime time for coffee, chrome, and mountain views, even if your idea of range is still Ute Pass.
🎗 Fundraiser for Childhood Cancer @ Panorama Park | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Panorama Park turns into Millie’s Lemonade Stand, raising money for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, so you can hydrate your conscience and the kids at once. Fresh-squeezed classics, Unicorn and cotton candy magic, and photo ops, while every cup funds childhood cancer research and supports families.
🧵 Crafters Collective - Maker's Market @ The Public House at The Alexander | Sunday (6/28) at 11:00 AM – Every fourth Sunday, trade errands for a slow stroll through the Crafters Collective, a rotating maker's market with legit local talent. Vendors change monthly, which means new finds, fewer repeats, and plenty of chances to justify another handmade mug, candle, or clever card.
🐶 Puppies on the Patio @ Treehouse Cafe COS | Sunday (6/28) at 1:00 PM – This patio hangout at Treehouse pairs local rescue adoptions with laid-back community vibes. Last year a whole lot of good dogs went home, so Sundays are basically lucky for everyone. Expect snuggles, education, and pants that suddenly match your new best friend.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Colorado Springs report Weather forecastToday — High: 85°F — Low: 57°F — Precip: 37%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. South southeast wind 0 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. West southwest wind 0 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tomorrow — High: 82°F — Low: 55°F — Precip: 88%
A chance of rain showers before noon, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. East wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9pm and midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. South southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. This house is wildThis extraordinary Black Forest estate spans 3.5 private acres with sweeping panoramic views and landscaping accented by more than 40 mature trees. The zero-entry design pairs accessibility with luxury, while 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, a private office, chef’s kitchen, prep kitchen, wine pantry, golf simulator, theater room, and heated 6-car garage deliver resort-style living.
Take a peek inside → |
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