Good morning, Colorado Springs.

El Paso County is coordinating commemoration events for America 250 and Colorado 150 by launching a dedicated webpage and scheduling county fair + Bear Creek Nature Center programming to honor local heritage.

Residents are invited to explore the celebrations that highlight our shared history.

Homegrown Tap and Dough is remodeling the former Jose Muldoon’s (5710 S.

Carefree Circle) into its first location in town, with the new restaurant scheduled to open late summer. The Gastamo Group plans to create about 120 local jobs as part of its expansion.

The Natural Crown, a new natural hair salon, opened inside Annie’s Aesthetics Wellness Lounge at 2130 S.

Academy Blvd. where owner Kameka Lewis uses 17 years of experience to offer haircuts, scalp care and consultations. A grand opening celebration runs Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. with raffles and drinks.

EPTAM Precision Solutions will close its southeast facility at 615 Wooten Road, leading to layoffs for 134 local employees from March 16 to Sept.

30. The company said it will offer severance, benefits continuation, and job placement assistance plus may consider transferring some employees to other locations.

Grammy Award-winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma will kick off the season with a Colorado Symphony performance on June 5 at Ford Amphitheater and perform at Red Rocks on June 3 — tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.

A Colorado Springs native appears in the Emmy-nominated documentary Jay Kelly streaming on Netflix, which examines veterans’ mental health and features a praised performance by George Clooney.

The film offers a reflective look at the struggles of transitioning back to civilian life.

World-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma will join the Colorado Symphony for two summer concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (a local favorite) on June 3 and Ford Amphitheatre on June 5 (tickets go on sale 10 a.m. Jan.

23).

Colorado Springs flight paramedic Brian Dupey was named Critical Care Paramedic of the Year by the EMS Association of Colorado for his dedication on over 1,000 emergency calls since joining UCHealth in 2020.

He also volunteers at Liberty High School, mentoring students in paramedicine (earning wide community respect).

Missy Elliott—this multi-talented pet who sings and dances—is the pet of the week and is waiting for a loving family in our community.

Developers presented a Conexus Phase 2 and 3 plan Tuesday night in Monument to build 354 units on a 19-acre site and include a spring 2027 replica dinosaur park next to a 16-acre industrial area; town approval is expected in February with construction planned for Q4 2026.

Silver Key Senior Services got planning commission approval to build 49 affordable units on 1.2 acres at 2126 N.

Weber St north of downtown (close to a park, shops, and a bus line). They will wait for tax credits due by March to decide if construction starts this summer.

A 10-year-old El Paso County girl from near Colorado Springs survived a rattlesnake bite last summer and finished the 2025 rodeo season as the peewee girls champion, now qualifying for the National Little Britches Rodeo Association competition (her championship saddle features a snake print to honor her struggle).

Last weekend, nearly 30 champions were crowned at the COS Metro Wrestling Championships at Fountain-Fort Carson's Trojan Arena while basketball and hockey games ended with close finishes; local high school athletes now prepare for upcoming regional and state competitions.

Therapeutic Thursday Coloring Night

6-8 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Unleash your creativity and relax with adult coloring pages every week.

Taproom Sessions: Deuces Wyld

5-7 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy intimate acoustic performances from local artists while sipping on craft brews.

Dina Hollingsworth Quartet Live at Tokki

7-10 p.m. — Tokki — Tickets not on sale — Enjoy a fantastic night of jazz accompanied by delicious food and drinks.

Colorado Springs Pickers - Bluegrass Jam Circle

3-6 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Free entry — Connect with fellow musicians and enjoy a cozy Bluegrass jam session amidst the scenic views.

Game Days at D&B

11:00 a.m. — Dave & Buster's Colorado Springs — 10 wings for $10 — Score big with game day deals and enjoy the excitement of games in a lively atmosphere.

$35 Twisted Tuesday Painting Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $35-$49 per person — Enjoy $4 drinks while creating art with step-by-step guidance.

Open Mic Night with the Black Rose Acoustic Society

6-8 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Free entry — An enchanting evening of music and camaraderie awaits at this open mic night.

Storyfull Social 45+

7-9 p.m. — Zocalo Colorado — $ — A low-pressure social gathering for singles 45+ featuring card games and meaningful conversation.

Fix & Feast: Italian GlAmore

5:30-8:30 p.m. — The French Kitchen — $129.00 — Discover how to present Italian favorites with a touch of French culinary flair.

Pikes Punks Comedy Show Featuring Steve Gillespie

8-9:30 p.m. — The Public House at The Alexander — Early Bird tickets available — Enjoy top-notch comedians in an intimate venue with award-winning drinks.