At this time 12 months ago, everyone involved with Creative Alliance Manitou Springs thought 2023 would bring all kinds of challenges and opportunities. Looking back now over the past 12 months, those expectations were on target. For those who need a primer, the Creative Alliance — or CRANE, as the organization likes to be known […]
In a recent episode of the “Amanpour Hour,” acclaimed journalist Christiane Amanpour answered a question from a viewer. “As a concerned citizen of the world and as a father of an 11-year-old girl, how can I add to the democratic voice of the world? Democracy is starting to feel increasingly like an endangered species.” Amanpour […]
It all started when Peggie Yager went for a walk 15 or 16 years ago. The longtime chatelaine of Miramont Castle was strolling the neighborhood, thinking about the beautiful decorations she and her helpers had set up throughout the building the Manitou Springs Historical Society owns. “I thought how sad it was that we didn’t […]
During its regular meeting on Thursday, Dec. 7, the District 14 Board of Education ushered in the end of the year by swearing in three new board members, followed by a performance from the Ute Pass Elementary School Honor Choir and a presentation from Principal Jackie Powell. The Manitou Springs High School media center was […]
Photography has enlightened, amused and amazed Colorado residents since the 1870s, when pioneer photographer William Henry Jackson loaded his mules with the cumbersome gear of the era and brought back black and white images of the peaks, plains, canyons and historic places of our magnificent state. Jackson, who was the first to photograph Mesa Verde, […]
It’s just 1,188 square feet, but it holds a lot of education and, eventually, hope for a deserving family. After about two years of hard work, Manitou Springs High School’s first homebuilding project was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Nov. 30. The house still needs a few finishing touches, but the major work is […]
Small local newspapers were abundant in 19th and early 20th century Colorado. Every town, however small, boasted its own weekly or semi-weekly. News, gossip, cheerful advertisers and compelling stories kept them afloat. Few survive. Many, including the Colorado City Iris, the Colorado City Argus (1909-1921), the El Paso County Democrat (1906-1921) and the Colorado Springs […]
Yule Day Highlights Though the weather outside was frightful (frightfully cold with wind), the warmth, songs and festivities of Yule Day in Green Mountain Falls on Saturday, Dec. 2, were delightful! Sponsored by Green Box Arts, Church in the Wildwood and the town of Green Mountain Falls, the day held a variety of family-friendly activities […]
The low point of Zach Morriss’ life came when he was 14 years old. “I had aspirations to be in the military and join the Navy,” Morriss said. “Those aspirations were put to a halt after spinal fusion surgery of my upper spine to correct scoliosis. The military would no longer take me, so I […]
On a bright and cheerful morning last week, I drove a few blocks from our Westside house to the Old Colorado City History Center at 1 S. 24th St. It’s an all-volunteer organization, so it’s open only 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Over the years, the OCC History Society has published/sponsored several books about […]
When I was young, my mother had me read the newspaper headlines for her. As I got older, she’d pick a story for me to read out loud. Later, I would read the front page and give her a report. I guess this is when I fell in love with newspapers! I received a degree […]
H is name was Marvin, and he was 24 years old. He was a radioman on the U.S.S. Arizona, stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He never made it home to his family in Cañon City. He was my uncle. The echoes of Dec. 7, 1941, the “day that will live in infamy,” reverberated for decades […]
During my recent birthday, my wife, Laura, and I spent the morning and afternoon at the University of Denver. We attended the “Gifting Gathering” for the Into Light Project. We had a small part in sponsoring and bringing the project to Colorado. The exhibit opened Aug. 31, 2023, and moved around the campus in three […]
The Manitou Springs girls swim team eased into its season with its first — and potentially only — home dual of the season, losing to Kent Denver 113-47 on Tuesday, Nov. 28. But the season-opener wasn’t as much about winning as it was getting the girls into a competitive mindset so they can fully take […]
In 2022, the Manitou Springs Police Department received 760 behavioral-related calls that were all fielded by regular patrol officers. They might have involved erratic behavior by someone experiencing a psychotic break, someone overdosing on drugs, someone out of control after a drinking binge or someone experiencing debilitating depression or suicidal ideation, many of them headed […]
It’s been 18 months since my wife, Judy, and I moved to Manitou Springs and, I have to say, it’s been a fantastic experience. The climate, the people, the natural environment — it’s all been a total revelation to us coming from the Deep South. I know this will come as no surprise for those […]
I hope that, as you read this, you’re still feeling grateful for being with loved ones on Thanksgiving. If you live far away from family, I hope you’ve been able to create a family with your friends. Sometimes, that’s the best kind of family! This has been a wild rollercoaster ride of a year, but […]
Local gift shopping opportunities This time of year beckons people around the world to consider gifting, a tradition as old as human life on the planet. With at least 10 holidays around the world celebrated between mid-November through the new year, there are lots of opportunities to show we care. Be inspired! Consider unique gifts […]
The latest gigantic downtown high-rise apartment building scheme debuted a few days ago, and was duly saluted by a front-page headline in our daily newspaper. It’s a fascinating read — both in size, amenities and cost, the 36-story building is a big city project. In effect, the builders are bidding a not-so-fond farewell to what […]
At the Nov. 21 regular session, Manitou Springs City Council voted 6-1 to approve the Pikes Peak Library District contract and intergovernmental agreement. Councilor Julie Wolfe opposed. Because the Manitou Springs Library relocated until it can meet Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements, the PPLD agreed to enter a 25-year lease for a $1.5 million rental. […]
