Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Downtown Winter Fest runs today at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the Lunar New Year Festival takes place at Ent Center for the Arts with ticketed shows at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. additional events follow through mid-March.

Local artist Shawna Lee will debut her expanded product line at Hidden Gems, a local art shop in the Tri-Lakes area, on Feb.

21. Lee, a nearly 18-year veteran of the Monument community, creates pop-culture inspired shirts, stickers (and soon personalized home decor) to connect neighbors.

The DDA renewed its microgrant program with funding increased from $150,000 to $200,000 for downtown businesses to upgrade exteriors & interiors, and Main Street will help applicants finish online submissions.

DDA chair Jon Gemelke said final details will be set at a March 3 meeting.

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink said the academy will see a new superintendent — after Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind requested retirement — while urging leaders to update technical training for advanced artificial intelligence and collaborative combat aircraft; changes will occur over the next three to six months.

El Paso County is considering a roadside memorial program that would install standardized 36 x 18-inch blue and white signs at crash sites after a $100 fee, with installation within 60 days and a five-year term — commissioners will vote on the proposal at an upcoming meeting.

Ten-month-old Emma Jones in Falcon is fighting a rare liver disease affecting 1 in 18,000 children, and her dad Kyle will donate part of his liver with his surgery scheduled for March 16.

The Colorado Senate approved SB 32, which requires the state Board of Health to follow guidance from pediatric experts when setting immunization schedules; the bill lets pharmacists offer vaccines and updates liability for school vaccine requirements and now heads to the House for review.

TCRAS features two pets for adoption this week—Casey, a quiet cat who loves sun and chin rubs, and Olive, a joyful puppy that traveled from New Mexico.

Call TCRAS (719-686-7707) to schedule an appointment if interested.

Chef’s Kitchen in Colorado Springs is hosting two Valentine-themed cooking classes—a Steakhouse Cooking Class with Wine Pairings on Feb.

13 and a Kids’ Valentine’s Day Donuts Class on Feb. 14. The Steakhouse class costs $140 per person while the kids’ event is $49 with a $1.23 fee.

The town of Palmer Lake announced on Feb.

4 that it withdrew a property owner's annexation application for a planned Buc-ee’s build (the release stated the decision came at 10:00 p.m.).

A recent Housing Needs Assessment shows that decades of underbuilding have left the area with a 27,700-unit shortfall in 2023 and a projected need for 60,000 more homes by 2035; local experts call for rezoning and modern building methods to boost affordable options for lower- and middle-income households.

Colorado Springs pairs figure skaters Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea scored 66.59 points and earned six team points at the Winter Olympics team event, skating to k.d. lang’s Hallelujah as they performed a triple twist and side-by-side triple Salchows despite a fall on a throw triple loop landing.

Rylee Edmondson reached 1,000 career points with a career-high 31 points to help the Rangers beat Cheyenne Mountain 53-36 on Friday evening + her family celebrated the milestone with orange and black balloons near midcourt at Lewis-Palmer.

Colorado Springs venues plan Super Bowl watch parties this Sunday with deals like $5 touchdown shots at ViewHouse (7114 Campus Dr.) and $5 pints at CO.A.T.I.

Other spots offer food, drink, and game specials as Cerberus Brewing Co. hosts a Puppy Bowl watch party from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Galentine's pARTy with Chocolates and BOGO Wines

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $40-$49 per person — Celebrate friendship with a painting session, free chocolates, and BOGO wines.

Tuesday Trivia Night at Cerberus Brewing

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Cerberus Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your knowledge with trivia and enjoy fresh beer at a local favorite brewery.

Trivia Night at Goat Patch Brewing

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free to play — Test your knowledge and enjoy great brews and pizza with friends.

Lovers of the Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $37-$49 per person — Unleash your creativity in a cozy atmosphere with painting and candle-making fun.

Band of Brothers — Springs of Living Water

2-3 a.m. — Pierce Home — Free entry — Connect with fellow men through faith-based activities and outdoor challenges.

Valentine's Day Crafting Session

1:30-5 p.m. — Pikes Peak Library District - Library 21c — $20 — Unleash creativity making handmade gifts for your loved ones this Valentine's Day.

All Ages! U Make My Heart Saur with Free Beverages

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Painting with a Twist — $30 per person — Enjoy a creative family-friendly event with hot beverages and guided painting fun.

MeadowGrass Music Festival 2026 Lineup Release Party

5-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 from every pint supports local music — Celebrate the 2025 MeadowGrass lineup while enjoying great brews and supporting the community.

Sweet T’s Rude Blues Jam

6-9 p.m. — PEAK 31 @ Union Station — Free entry — Experience a lively atmosphere with local blues musicians performing weekly jams.

Ricky Sweum Sax Trio Live Performance

5:00 p.m. — The Mining Exchange — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of innovative jazz sounds from a talented local trio led by award-winning saxophonist Ricky Sweum.