As we sprint full-speed into pumpkin patch season, we're taking a look at the Colorado Pumpkin Patch in Monument which offers 20 acres of autumn-themed activities for families to enjoy.

News5 reporter Jon McMichael has more on what people can expect in the video below:

Activities abound at the Colorado Pumpkin Patch in Monument

The Colorado Pumpkin Patch, owned and operated by the Colorado Kids Ranch, runs from mid-September through the end of October and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; the space offers a wide array of activities, including:

Pumpkin patch (to pick out your pumpkins) Outdoor games Slides Swings Laser tag Enormous jumping pads Farm animal petting area Tractor 'hay-rides' And more

According to Aubrey Chapman, manager of the Colorado Kids Ranch, the organization also operates a program aimed at expanding the financial accessibility of their pumpkin patch offerings.

"We have this program called Johnny Pumpkinseed," Chapman stated, "and it's where we offer special needs kiddos and foster care [children] the opportunity to come in free of charge, and they also get a pumpkin with that."

Families attending alongside children that qualify for the program also receive a steep discount ($8.00) for admission to the pumpkin patch.

Prices vary throughout the season; for all but the last four days of October, the price of admission is $20 for everyone (with $2.00 discounts for active or retired military members, seniors, and first responders) while children ages three-and-under can visit for free.

Additional pumpkin patch opportunities on the north side of Colorado Springs and northern El Paso County are listed below:

Fall Mountain Farm - Located in Monument - Open each Thursday through Sunday - Operating through Oct. 31 Miners' Pumpkin Patch - Located in Northern Colorado Springs - Open each Saturday - Operating through Oct. 31

___

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. The City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Board voted Thursday to propose the sale of the former Meadows Park Community Center.

A city spokesperson said in a news release obtained by News5 the proposed sale aims to preserve community-serving uses at the site for the next 25 years and stressed the vote is a recommendation and does not authorize the sale of the former community center, which closed last year after the city could no longer sustain it.

News5 reporter Owen Skornik-Hayes spoke to a group who submitted a proposal to take over Meadows Park Community Center earlier this year in the video below:

'Focused on the Solution': A New Vision for a Closed Community Center

Under the proposal, local commercial real estate company CRE Holdings would purchase the property, the city spokesperson said, adding the company has identified childcare for working families, youth programming and aftercare partnerships as priority uses, while also emphasizing access for lower-income households and continued investment in the facility. Specific future tenants, programs and services have not yet been finalized, the release states.

The recommendation follows nearly one year of work with Stratton Meadows residents and community representatives to identify a sustainable future for the property after the community center closed in October 2025, the spokesperson said, adding community feedback emphasized access to services, social connection and community safety, and helped shape the priorities used to evaluate proposals.

The community helped shape what comes next for this property, and that input has stayed at the center of this process, said Kim King, assistant director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services for Colorado Springs. The goal has been to find a sustainable future for the site that continues to provide meaningful benefit to Stratton Meadows. The Advisory Boards recommendation moves that work forward for City Councils consideration.

Watch additional News5 reporting on the former Meadows Park Community Center in the video below:

Community 'cautiously optimistic' for new-look Meadows Park community center

Following the centers closure, the city formed the Meadows Park Solutions Team, which included neighborhood residents, community leaders, City Councilmembers and City staff. The group reviewed community feedback and helped identify priorities for the property, including youth and childcare services, food access, senior and intergenerational programs, health and wellness, workforce and educational opportunities, and gathering space.

City officials said that work informed a competitive request for proposals issued in February. The City received three proposals, and an evaluation committee that included neighborhood representatives selected CRE Holdings to move forward based on its experience, approach and anticipated community impact.

The proposal will next go to Colorado Springs City Council, which has final authority to approve the property transfer. Council is currently scheduled to discuss the proposal at its Oct. 12 work session.

___

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

It looks like the Denver Broncos are making a slight change when it comes to the offensive playcalling ahead of this Sundays big divisional match-up.

According to NFL Insider Adam Schefter, head coach Sean Payton and offensive coordinator Davis Webb will be collaborating more when it comes to the offensive play calls moving forward.

Schefter said on social media earlier Thursday Webb will continue to have a significant role in the Broncos game-planning and will still be involved in the offense on gamedays. Webb was named the offensive coordinator for the Broncos this past offseason after receiving several head coaching job interviews from across the NFL.

This Sunday, the Broncos will be in Los Angeles for a matchup against the Chargers, kick off is set for 2:05 pm.

_____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

Banking scams are becoming harder to spot as criminals use artificial intelligence to create convincing emails, fake bank websites and even voice recordings designed to impersonate loved ones, according to a banking industry cybersecurity expert.

Paul Benda, executive vice president for risk, fraud and cybersecurity at the American Bankers Association, said consumers need to recognize that some of the traditional warning signs of scams are no longer enough. The ABA is promoting its #BanksNeverAskThat campaign, which aims to educate consumers about common scams and the information banks will and will not request.

Scams are really prevalent, Benda explained. We're seeing them leverage AI. They're writing emails much more clearly right now. They're setting up websites that look just like your bank. They're even deepfaking voices.

Benda said criminals can take a short recording of someone's voice from social media and use it to impersonate that person.

They can take a snippet off of social media of your child, mimic that voice, call you up and pretend to be that child in danger, and try and extort money out of you, he added.

Benda said consumers should be particularly suspicious when someone contacts them unexpectedly and creates a sense of urgency or fear. One warning sign is a caller claiming to be from a bank and saying there are suspicious transactions that require the customer to immediately move money.

Frankly, if they tell you to keep it a secret, it's a scam, Benda said.

Consumers also should not automatically trust caller ID, he said. Criminals can spoof the name and phone number displayed on a phone, making a call appear to come from a legitimate bank. Benda said the FBI estimates losses from scams are increasing about 25% each year. Gallup estimates Americans lost $68 billion to scams, according to Benda.

Check fraud remains a concern

Despite the growth of digital banking, Benda said check fraud remains a significant problem. Checks contain valuable information, including a person's name, address, bank routing number and account number. Criminals have increasingly targeted checks sent through the mail, he said.

Benda said criminals are not necessarily limited to altering stolen checks. Once they obtain banking information, they can use it to print fraudulent checks and attempt to drain accounts.

We're recommending people really move to electronic transactions, use that banking app or use that website to keep their account safe, Benda stated.

What to do if you fall for a scam

Benda said consumers who click on a suspicious link, share banking information or make a fraudulent transaction should contact their bank immediately.

Act quickly and call your bank right away, he said. Minutes, seconds, hours matter.

Contacting the bank quickly can give it an opportunity to secure the account and potentially recover stolen money, he said.

People who lose significant amounts of money also should report the incident to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.

The ABA's Banks Never Ask That campaign includes information about common scam tactics, red flags, videos and a quiz designed to test consumers' knowledge. Benda also recommended families establish a secret password that can be used to verify a loved one's identity during an unexpected call. The campaign website encourages consumers to learn what banks will and will not ask for before they encounter a scam. Click here for more on #BanksNeverAskThat.

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

Family, friends, fellow officers, and members of the community gathered Wednesday at Praise Church to honor the life and service of Pueblo Police Corporal Stephen Biggs, a decorated officer remembered for his unwavering dedication, leadership, and commitment to those around him.

Outside the church, large American flags waved in the breeze as mourners arrived to pay their respects. The solemn scene marked a final farewell for Biggs, who died in an off-duty wakeboarding accident at Lake Pueblo.

Just over a week after his death, loved ones reflected on the impact he made both in uniform and in his personal life.

News5 reporter Owen Skornik-Hayes was at the service and has this report:

CPL. STEPHEN BIGGS HONORED

"He was loyal to his core and fiercely protective of the people he loved," said his sister, Candace Blake. "He would do anything for you. He had your back without hesitation, without question, and without fail."

Throughout his law enforcement career, Biggs earned numerous honors, including three Medal of Valor awards, 10 Letters of Commendation, and a Distinguished Service Award. Those who served alongside him said the recognition reflected the kind of officer and person he was.

"When things became chaotic, when everyone else was trying to figure out what to do next, Steve was someone you wanted standing next to you," said Aaron Weiss of the Boulder Police Department. "He was confident, steadfast, and unwavering."

Biggs' partner, Bailey Carter, remembered him as a man whose strength and character left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

"The strong, disciplined man that walked into situations most of us would have run from," Carter said. "He was stoic, he was steady, and unmistakably genuine."

Biggs began his career in local law enforcement in 2010 and spent the next 16 years serving the Pueblo community. Colleagues said he earned a reputation for integrity and reliability in a profession where trust must be earned.

"He earned the respect of people in a profession where respect isn't given easily," said Weiss. "People trusted him."

That trust and respect were evident Wednesday as law enforcement agencies from across Colorado joined family members and community supporters in celebrating Biggs' life and service.

The funeral concluded with the playing of TAPS and a 21-gun salute to the fallen officer, whose legacy of courage, loyalty, and selfless service will continue to be remembered throughout Pueblo and the law enforcement community.

___

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo announced it had to euthanize Amani, a 26-year-old female reticulated giraffe, on Wednesday.

Zoo officials say Amani experienced a quick decline in her health due to age-related issues. They say her care team made the difficult but compassionate decision to euthanize her.

Amani was the oldest giraffe in the CMZoo herd and the ninth oldest giraffe in the association of Zoos and Aquariums, according to staff.

Amani was one of the first giraffe I ever worked with, and I had the privilege of working with her for fourteen years, Diana Miller, giraffe specialist, said. Her name means peaceful, and it really was the perfect name for her. She had this calm, steady presence, but she also had just enough spice to keep us on our toes. She knew what she wanted, and she would let us know. She had a quiet confidence about her that I really admired.

Staff say Amani was recognizable by her dark, busy ossicones, which are the horn-like structures on a giraffes head.

Caretakers shared with us what Amanis Last Best Day looked like at the zoo. They say they filled it with things she loved, such as her favorite snacks, taking lettuce from guests, and spending time with another giraffe she had bonded with, Lakeshia.

Copyright 2026 KKTV. All rights reserved.

___

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

The Air Force Academy High School is forfeiting its homecoming football game this week because of a coaching shortage, as it was set to play a school that is under scrutiny for alleged racist incidents reportedly involving people off the playing field.

You can read the full release sent from the Air Academy at the bottom of this article. The only reason the Air Academy cited was not having a full coaching staff, which does not allow them to safely field a varsity football contest. The reason behind a lack of coaches was not shared in the release.

The 3-3 Kadets were set to face 4-2 Lutheran. Lutheran is in the spotlight following two recent games against Colorado Springs-area schools where families from both schools say they were subjected to racist comments. It isn't clear if those comments came from students at Lutheran, but the incidents happened at a game on Sept. 24 for Sand Creek High School and Oct. 2 and 3 for Rampart High School. Leadership at all the schools says they are looking into the matter, and that includes CHSAA. Click here for more on the alleged racist remarks and statements from school districts and CHSAA.

FULL STATEMENT FROM THE AIR FORCE ACADEMY

"

Air Academy High School does not have a full coaching staff that would allow us to safely field a varsity football contest. As a result, Air Academy will forfeit the game scheduled for Friday, Oct. 9. We recognize the importance of Homecoming and the role these traditions play in bringing students, families, staff and alumni together. Air Academy is working to preserve that experience by continuing its planned Homecoming programming, now during a rescheduled flag football game versus TCA that will be held on Oct. 9.Our focus remains supporting our students, staff and school community through uplifting and engaging events. We are committed to a safe and supportive environment for all students.

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

The El Paso County Search and Rescue, with the help of the U.S. Military, Broadmoor Fire Department, and El Paso County Sheriff's Office, worked to help an injured hiker along Old Stage Road.

The department said the call first came in around 5 p.m., and rescue crews had to use a military helicopter to get the victim to safety.

By 10:20 p.m., the hiker was rescued and was on their way to a local hospital.

Details on how the hiker got injured were not available at the time of this article's publication.

___

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

Colorado high school seniors considering the University of Colorado Colorado Springs will no longer need to worry about an application fee.

That is according to UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet, who announced the State of UCCS address Wednesday.

We have a responsibility to build an environment that minimizes barriers to progress and provides students the support and relationships they need to thrive, Sobanet said. Sometimes even a relatively small barrier, like an application fee, can be enough to keep someone from taking that first step to becoming a Mountain Lion.

The goal is to increase enrollment at the public research university in Southern Colorado.

Currently, the university provides education to 11,000 students and has 1950 faculty and staff working in the region.

For more information about UCCS, click here.

___

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

Picking the pumpkin might be the easy part, but before you load up the family for a trip to Venetucci Farm, it helps to plan for the cost, the activities and getting that pumpkin back to your car. Great Pumpkin Weekend is Oct. 1011, with Charlie Brown-inspired activities added to the farms regular fall offerings.

WATCH: Heading to Venetucci Farm? What to know before your pumpkin patch trip

Heading to Venetucci Farm? What to know before your pumpkin-patch trip

Plan your arrival

Venetucci Farm is at 5210 S. U.S. Highway 85 in Colorado Springs. Pumpkin Fest hours are 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Tickets are available online or at the gate. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing, and visitors must leave by closing time. venetuccifarm.org

Nikki McComsey, owner of Gather Mountain Blooms at Venetucci Farm, recommends about an hour to an hour and a half for the main activities. Leave more time if you want to eat or shop.

Know what admission covers

Admission is $8 for ages 4 and older. Children 3 and younger enter free.

McComsey said that includes the hayride, ball pit and hay pyramid. Pumpkins cost extra, but the price is the same regardless of size or color. Food, drinks and purchases from vendors are separate, too.

What to bring

The farm recommends bringing your own wagon, stroller or backpack to carry pumpkins. Only a limited number of wagons and wheelbarrows are available.

For an outdoor farm visit, practical choices include comfortable walking shoes, layers, sun protection and checking the forecast before leaving home.

Credit cards, Apple Pay and cash are accepted. Leave pets at home for Great Pumpkin Weekend; service animals are allowed.

Whats different this weekend?

Great Pumpkin Weekend adds a pumpkin-weight guessing contest and a Charlie Brown reading nook. McComsey said visitors are encouraged to wear Charlie Brown gear or orange to join the theme.

Pumpkin-themed drinks, including Bristol Brewings Venetucci Pumpkin Ale for adults, are also planned.

Why those visits matter

For McComsey, families coming back helps keep a working farm going and gives another generation a chance to make memories.

Its really hard making farms continue to exist, she said. They only exist from people coming out to support them.

Find tickets and the latest visitor information at Venetucci Farm and Gather Mountain Blooms.

Tonight's Forecast:

Overnight temperatures remain fairly mild. Skies will be mostly to fully clear. Temperatures will drop into the upper 40s and low 50s.

Colorado Springs forecast: Low: 53; High: 80;

It will be a mostly clear overnight. Temperatures will drop into the low 50s. More changes to come next week

Pueblo forecast: Low: 52; High: 84;

Skies will be clear overnight. A low of 52 overnight. More changes to come next week.

Canon City forecast: Low: 55; High: 82;

Conditions will be mostly to fully clear overnight. Temperatures in the mid 50s. More changes to come next week.

Woodland Park forecast: Low: 47; High: 71;

A isolated shower will be possible early in the evening. The rest of the night will be mostly clear. Temperatures drop into the upper 40s. More changes to come next week.

Extended outlook forecast:

For the start of next week, a strong system moves in from the Pacific Northwest. Confidence is increasing for a cooling trend along with some precipitation. Overall, the track of the storm will determine both how cold it gets, and how much precipitation southern Colorado sees.

____

Curious about the First Alert 5 Weather Storm Impact Scale? Check out our cheatsheet explainer.

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.