Woodmen-Roberts Elementary in Academy School District 20 has earned a recognition for teacher collaboration and professional development shared by only three other schools across Colorado during 2026.

The honor comes from Solution Tree, the organization behind Professional Learning Communities (PLC), and is awarded to schools that demonstrate at least three years of student growth and achievement. Woodmen Roberts is only the second school in El Paso County to receive it; the first was in 2018.

For about the past six years, Academy School District 20 has been shifting its educational philosophy to incorporate PLCs as part of its core programming. That means more teacher collaboration, vertical learning integrations, and occasional two-hour delays on Fridays.

The past three years of that focus at Woodmen-Roberts have paid off. Solution Tree provides strategies to help educational districts meet their goals, and at this school that has meant creating additional collaborative space for teachers including 90 minutes each Friday, along with 12 two-hour delayed start days interspersed throughout the school year, where educators come together to discuss strategy.

"We invest in our teachers, and we know our teachers learn best when they have time to collaborate and work together to talk about student achievement. So we're able to gather together, and we're able to align ourselves," said Nate Hansen, principal at Woodmen-Roberts Elementary School.

According to Brittany Graham, a fourth-grade teacher at Woodmen-Roberts, part of the collaborative model involves vertically aligning lesson plans across grade levels, with teachers from different grades working together to identify what students need.

"What do they need more in fifth grade, or what do third graders need to come up to us just understanding a little bit more," Graham said.

The two-hour delayed starts have also made broader, school-wide collaboration possible, rather than individual grade-level teams working separately.

"The two-hour late starts have really made it possible for us to meet as a whole team, not just fourth grade in our little bubble, but the fact that we're able to meet with everybody means we're able to go further with the kids," Graham added.

According to Hansen, the school's state testing scores have improved since implementing PLCs, along with scores in math, science, and English language arts.

"The last five years, as we look at our overall student achievement and growth results, kids are starting the year higher, and they're ending the year higher. So we've seen that progress over time, so we know the work our teachers are doing is really making a difference in student learning," Hansen said.

For additional information regarding PLCs and the recent recognition of Woodmen-Roberts Elementary School, click here.

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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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Road improvements to a stretch of Higby Road in Monument measuring 5,500 feet in length were completed near the end of September by the Triview Metropolitan District. Modifications and reconstructions included everything from new asphalt to lighting, as well as two brand-new roundabouts.

Work on the improvement project, which was slated to start in 2025 and wrap up in November of 2026, started in March of this year and finished in late September. Triview Metro reports that to make up for lost time, extra crews were brought out to speed up the construction.

"It came in at about $12.5 million dollars," stated James McGrady, district manager of Triview Metropolitan District. "And the budget for the project was $12.6 (million), so we were able to complete it in record time and under budget."

The improvement project included a wide range of installations, reconstructions, and safety improvement goals, including the following items listed on the District's website:

<ul><li>Adding two roundabouts to increase traffic flow and provide traffic calming roundabouts reduce fatal and injury crashes by ~80%.</li><li>Creating pedestrian crossings for students and others.</li><li>Adding a 5-foot sidewalk on the north side of Higby and an 8-foot multi-use trail on the south side.</li><li>Providing shared bicycle lanes and center islands to prevent dangerous left turns.</li><li>Providing greater access in the event of a wildland fire.</li></ul>

The improvement project also included the installation of street lighting along the corridor, newly placed asphalt, widened roads, improved utilities, new stormline infrastructure, and the addition of raised medians throughout the project space.

The most noticeable additions are likely the two roundabouts, one of which was added directly adjacent to the main entrance of Lewis-Palmer High School.

"Before, traffic was coming by at 40-45 miles per hour. With the roundabout, it's a much slower speed and much safer," McGrady said.

KOAA reached out to Lewis-Palmer and received the following statement from Principal Jeff Zick.

The completion of the Higby Road construction project has enhanced road safety near our Lewis-Palmer High School campus. From the widening of the road, adding two roundabouts, and new shared bike lanes, the improvements will help ensure the safety of our students. We are grateful for the collaboration with Triview Metropolitan District on the project, and appreciate the patience of our students and families while the work took place.

For additional information regarding the project, click here.

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Bullying prevention starts with recognizing when a child may be struggling before that struggle turns into harmful behavior, according to a U.S. Center for SafeSport expert.

October is Bullying Prevention Month, and SafeSport Vice President for Education & Research Monica Rivera is encouraging parents and coaches to look beyond the traditional image of a bully and pay attention to what may be driving a child's behavior.

Real prevention means asking what can lead to bullying in the first place and then getting kids what they need, Rivera explained.

Rivera said children who engage in bullying behavior may be dealing with trauma, stress, changes in their identity or problems at home or school. Some may also lack other ways to cope with difficult situations.

Oftentimes, kiddos might choose bullying behavior as a way to avoid being bullied, Rivera added.

She said parents should also watch for signs that their child may be experiencing bullying, including suddenly becoming reluctant to attend practice, withdrawing from friends or showing changes in mood. Rivera encouraged parents to get curious when they notice something seems different rather than waiting for their child to come forward.

If a parent suspects that their kid might be the one who's bullying, I would say the first thing is don't panic, Rivera said. It doesn't mean you're a bad parent.

Instead, Rivera said parents should take the behavior seriously while trying to understand what is beneath it and helping their child develop healthier ways to respond. SafeSport also encourages parents to make conversations about bullying and respectful behavior part of everyday life instead of waiting for one major discussion. Parents can ask children about their experiences on sports teams, how they would handle conflict with a teammate or whether they have seen someone being left out, Rivera said. The goal is to create an ongoing dialogue so children feel comfortable speaking up when something happens.

Bullying Prevention Month is a great opportunity for parents to engage directly about the topic of bullying, but they don't really need to wait for one big conversation to do it, Rivera said.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an independent organization focused on preventing sexual, physical and emotional abuse in U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sports. The organization establishes safety policies, investigates and resolves allegations of abuse and misconduct, provides abuse-prevention education and audits national governing bodies for compliance with safety standards.

SafeSport has also released resources for parents and coaches focused on recognizing bullying, responding to bullying behavior and preventing it in sports. Click here for more on changing the cultural narrative around bullying.

Rivera said preventing bullying requires intervention and support before harmful behavior becomes a pattern.

To truly prevent bullying, we need to recognize when a young person may be struggling and respond to those needs before it shows up as harmful behavior, Rivera said in a SafeSport statement.

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DENVER This past winter season was a bust and its been an unusually hot summer here in Colorado, but that isnt stopping skiers and snowboarders from hoping this season will be far more favorable for shredding powder in the high country.

Thankfully, a strong El Nio forecast could mean wetter, snowier conditions for the Centennial State, which bodes well for drought-stricken ski resorts across the state.

Vail Resorts announces target opening dates for 2026-2027 season

Here are the tentative opening dates for Colorado ski resorts for the 2026-2027 season, with at least one of them happening (potentially) later this month:

October

A-Basin: As soon as possible in October

Key Stone: As soon as possible in late October

Winter Park Resort: As soon as possible

November

Loveland Ski Area: No date set, but Nov. 5 on average over the past five years

Breckenridge: Nov. 6, 2026

Copper Mountain: Nov. 6, 2026

Vail Mountain: Nov. 13, 2026

Powderhorn: Nov. 20, 2026

Purgatory Resort: Nov. 20, 2026

Steamboat: Nov. 21, 2026

Beaver Creek: Nov. 25, 2026

Crested Butte: Nov. 25, 2026

Granby Ranch: Nov. 25, 2026

Aspen Mountain: Nov. 26, 2026

Snowmass: Nov. 26, 2026

Telluride: Nov. 26, 2026

December

Monarch Mountain: Early-to-mid December

Ski Cooper: Dec. 9, 2026

Sunlight Mountain Resort: Dec. 11, 2026

Aspen Highlands: Dec. 12, 2026

Buttermilk: Dec. 12, 2026

Silverton Mountain: Dec. 31, 2026

While these are the targeted opening days, it's worth remembering that opening dates are subject to change based on weather and conditions.

Todays Forecast:

There will be a few more mid- to upper level clouds during the day today. With a small disturbance moving through, it will help get a few showers going over the mountains and parts of the Pikes Peak Region. Most of the area will be remaining dry and temperatures will possibly break records today.

Colorado Springs forecast: High: 83; Low: 55.

Colorado Springs will start the day off with temperatures in the 50s. This is a few degrees warmer than yesterday morning. There will be a few more clouds today and a couple of sprinkles are possible on the north side of town. Highs will likely break records getting into the lower 80s.

Pueblo forecast: High: 86; Low: 54.

Pueblo will have temperatures in the 50s this morning, and once the sun rises temperatures will also quickly warm up. Pueblo is likely out of reach from any records being broken today. There will be a few more mid-to-upper level clouds, but the sun will still peak through. Highs will get into the mid-80s.

Canon City forecast: High: 84; Low: 55

Canon City will have temperatures this morning in the mid-50s. Upper level clouds will move in this morning and into the afternoon. Highs will still be on the warmer side eventually breaking into the 80s.

Woodland Park forecast: High: 69; Low: 48.

Woodland Park will have morning temperatures in the 40s, so a light jacket may be needed. There will be some mid-to-upper level clouds pushing into the area later this morning. There will still be some sunshine and temperatures will eventually get into the 60s .

Tri-Lakes forecast: High: 79; Low: 51.

Monument and the surrounding area will have temperatures in the lower 50s. As we go throughout the morning these temperatures will warm quickly. There will be some mid-to-upper level clouds that will move in later this morning. Highs will eventually get into the upper 70s.

Plains forecast: High: 80s; Low: 50s.

The eastern plains will start off with some clear conditions, but as the morning continues there will be some mid-to-upper-level clouds that move in. Temperatures this morning will be in the 50s. By the time the afternoon rolls around, these temperatures will be in the 80s.

Walsenburg and Trinidad forecast: High: 80/83; Low: 51/50.

The southern I-25 corridor will have morning lows in the 50s, but we are still expecting a warm afternoon. Highs will be a few degrees warmer than yesterday eventually getting into the lower 80s.

Mountains forecast: High: 70s & 80s; Low: 30s & 40s.

The mountains will have more clouds and a couple of spotty showers today. Afternoon highs will be breaking into the 70s and 80s.

Extended outlook forecast:

Throughout the rest of the week, temperatures will be staying pretty consistent. Highs will continue to stay above average. Looking ahead to Sunday and Monday of next week, cooler and wetter conditions will arrive. There is some uncertainty with the track of this system which will likely shift around over the next few days.

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Two people accused of falsely reporting suspected explosives to police in Colorado Springs on Monday were arrested.

Police say they received the first call around 9:38 a.m. about a male with suspected explosive items before entering a business near Briargate Boulevard and Lexington Drive. Minutes later, a second caller reported a suspicious male at the same intersection mentioning explosives.

Colorado Springs patrol officers, the Regional Explosives Unit and the Real Time Crime Center drone support unit responded. The did a sweep of the area and businesses and included K-9 Wicket, an expert at detecting explosives.

No explosives, hazards or suspicious people were found in the area and businesses were told to operate as normal.

Investigators tried reaching back out to both callers but could not get a hold of them. A red light camera at the intersection helped detectives find a possible lead. A 30-minute time frame of camera footage was requested based on the information the callers provided during the specific and short timeline, police say.

No person matching the suspect description given was found on camera and police determined that the reports were false.

Detectives found connections between the callers and that they had court-ordered treatment obligations and a business. Police say evidence led them to believe they coordinated the fake emergencies to disrupt or avoid a scheduled appointment.

Police identified the suspects, Kevin Holod, 46, and Tamara Beasley, 45, who were briefly in the Colorado Springs area and connected to a specific vehicle.

Detectives used license plate technology to locate Holod and Beasley. They were found around 4:30 p.m. in a vehicle at a motel on N. Nevada Avenue near Austin Bluffs Parkway. They were detained, interviews and then arrested for false reporting of explosives, which is a felony.

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A plan to revitalize two of Colorado Springs' major waterways is generating both excitement and anxiety among residents who would be most affected by the changes.

See more about the plan here. Feasibility study underway for Monument and Fountain Creeks revitalization plan

Pikes Peak Waterways, the city of Colorado Springs, and Colorado Springs Utilities are partnering on the COS Creek Plan, a long-term effort to revitalize portions of Monument Creek and Fountain Creek. A feasibility study is currently underway to determine how the vision will come to life. President of Pikes Peak Waterways said the study will be complete in 2027.

"We've received some grant money which has helped us to get to this point where we can have these community meetings and begin to get the public input into the plan," said Martin.

The plan aims to connect community members, increase recreation along the waterways, and improve water quality.

Over 1,000 people have already shared comments online about the project. Pikes Peak Waterways says community members identified the top three priorities as water quality improvements, safety and homelessness, and better connections and transit.

Other priorities include:

Nature and Habitat Restoration Flood Resilience Water Quality Trails and Connectivity Parks and Gathering Spaces Recreation and Safe Creek Access Economic Development Neighborhood Revitalization Public Art and Culture

At the end of a 20-year timeline, the hope is that eight new and revitalized parks will be established.

Martin said the plan has the potential to reshape the city.

"As a native, always wondering why we hadn't done anything with our waterways, I think this plan can be transformational for our city," Martin said.

An open house was held at Roswell Community Church Monday, where more than 30 people turned out to weigh in on the future of their neighborhood.

Susan Alexander, a Roswell neighbor, described the mixed feelings many attendees brought with them.

"This comes with excitement but also anxiety because so that gets people out um because we love our neighborhood," Alexander said.

She said she left with some reassurance after learning the project has not yet solidified into a formal plan.

"We have a creek vision, and I was glad to hear that because when I thought it was more of a plan, and it made me nervous because there were aspects of it that I know would negatively impact Roswell," Alexander said.

Homelessness along the creek is among the most pressing concerns for many neighbors. Carl Anderson, a Roswell neighbor, said living near both the creek and Roswell Park has given him a clear view of what happens there day to day.

"I won't let my kids go down by the creek. We use the trail, yes, but we don't go down by the creek because of all the trash, the drug use, the defecation," Anderson said.

Alexander said she got involved in a creek cleanup over the weekend and described a persistent challenge at a well-known encampment in the area.

"We worked for a little over 3 hours and probably 2 of it was spent at one specific campsite because it wasn't occupied on Saturday. We had the opportunity to do a lot of clean up there. Well lo and behold this morning it's already reoccupied," Alexander said.

She said she is worried about enforcing encampment rules.

For many who showed up to the open house, the stakes are deeply personal.

"This is where we live. This is our homes. And yes, we want to see it improved, but we want to see it improved in the right way," Anderson said.

There are two more open houses happening this month. The next one is at the PPLD Penrose Main Library at 20 N. Cascade Avenue on October 12 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. On October 26, an open house will be held at Gaylord Hall in the Worner Center, 902 N. Cascade Avenue, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

But if people cannot make it in person, they can submit online comments here.

Tonight's Forecast:

Overnight lows for Monday will be in the 50s for most. That means temperatures will be five to eight degrees above seasonal averages. Not much cloud cover is expected into the late-night hours either.

Colorado Springs forecast: Low: 54; High: 82;

Tuesday will be at about 82-degrees for afternoon highs. That sets up the Pikes Peak Region to be 12 or 13 degrees above seasonal averages. There will be some more clouds to give a little bit of a break from the heat during the afternoon. The skies stay dry and calm.

Pueblo forecast: Low: 53; High: 86;

Mid-80s are expected for Tuesday with more clouds and dry time. The rest of the week will be slightly cooler, but our high pressure ridge sticks around.

Canon City forecast: Low: 56; High: 84;

Highs for Canon City on Tuesday are similar to Pueblo in the mid-80s, which means things will be 10 to 15 degrees above where they should be. More clouds are expected too. West of Fremont count a few stray showers could be seen Tuesday afternoon.

Woodland Park forecast: Low: 48; High: 69;

Woodland Park will see it's hottest day on Tuesday too with highs in the upper 60s, but it will still be nice and dry for most of the day. I think by the dinnertime hours, a stray shower is possible on Tuesday in Teller county, but if we can squeeze any moisture out, it will be quick moving. Otherwise, clouds are expected.

Extended outlook forecast:

After the hottest day of the week on Tuesday, southern Colorado can expect slightly cooler temperatures through the rest of the week. Highs and lows will still sit about averages, but will drop by three to five degrees. Dry conditions with plenty of sunshine continue outside too. Saturday will see the same conditions. The next hint of changes arrive with a low pressure system likely to move in late on Saturday and into Sunday and Monday. Temperatures are expected to drop by then with likely some more moisture too. That pattern change will be something to watch while the October heat sticks around.

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Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade has released his proposed 2027 budget for the city, and after a year of savings, the proposal for next year is an increase of about $110 million compared to 2026.

The total funds in the proposed 2027 budget is $1,025,130,213 compared to $914,244,032 in 2026. About $465 million of the proposed 2027 is the general fund, which is largely made up of sales tax revenue.

"What we're really focusing on is maintaining the services that we're providing, maintaining our infrastructure, and in a couple of places, adding in," Chief Financial Officer Charae McDaniel told reporters Monday morning.

The budget includes more than $2.5 million that was out of the 2026 budget because of unpaid furlough days taken by city employees. The mayor is also looking for technology upgrades for the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) and the addition of a dedicated pothole crew, which would cost taxpayers about $370,000 for four full time employees.

McDaniel said the budget proposal includes $16.1 million for employee compensation, which includes pay raises for certain employees.

The 2027 budget tells a very different story from the budget process one year ago. At the time the city was figuring out how to solve an anticipated $31 million budget shortfall. It cut one percent of city staff and required employees to take days off without pay. The city says those efforts helped solve the shortfall.

"What we're seeing is better sales tax revenue collections than we had anticipated in 2026. So when we built the 2026 budget, of course, we were at the end of 2025, and we were building that budget based on our sales tax forecast at that time," McDaniel said.

With sales tax revenues better than expected for the city, the city is also proposing to remove the furlough day in November city employees were scheduled to take.

The budget is now in the hands of Colorado Springs City Council, where several hearings will take place before a final version will be passed.

One person is dead, and another is injured following a shooting in the overnight hours of Monday, according to police.

Police responded around 1 a.m. following a ShotSpotter alert along Lynwood Lane on the city's southwest side.

When officers arrived, they found one person suffering from a gunshot wound and began providing medical aid. While treating the victim, more gunshots were heard.

Officers established a perimeter and, following a search, a person was found dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was holding an "AR-style rifle".

The victim and the suspect have not been identified at the time of this article's publication. If you or anyone you know is in crisis, help is out there; begin by calling the National Suicide Helpline at 988.

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