Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Yesterday, community leaders including Congressman Jeff Crank and El Paso County Commissioner Cory Applegate held a ceremony at Pikes Peak National Cemetery with wreath-laying for each branch and the ringing of an Honor Bell to honor veterans who gave everything for freedom.

Six months after its dedication, the Pikes Peak Honor Bell has tolled nearly 270 services at Pikes Peak National Cemetery and Fort Logan to honor veterans.

The bell—crafted with 1,000 pounds of bronze and 12 artifacts including a Purple Heart and nurse wings—symbolizes deep community respect.

Volunteers in Village Seven mulched Card Park on Memorial Day to improve one of the neighborhood's five playgrounds (using decades-old equipment) and build stronger community ties.

The work helped save on costs while connecting neighbors.

During a downtown dog walk, local owners connect by sharing greetings and updates as dogs play in a cherished third space (a spot for bonds outside home and work).

The narrative highlights how these simple encounters strengthen the community.

Teller County leaders warned that forest celebrations during Memorial Day weekend raised safety concerns (local officials stressed crowd risks) while small business owners at Territory Days said the annual festival helps them grow businesses and connect with customers.

The Thunderbirds will practice on Wednesday (11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) in Colorado Springs before demonstrating at the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on Thursday.

A 48-year-old hiker, Nickolay Jogolev, collapsed from breathing problems while hiking the Manitou Incline with Cub Scouts on Memorial Day weekend near Colorado Springs — bystanders provided aid until emergency responders arrived, but he later died after hospital treatment.

Apogee Engineering has consolidated its Colorado Springs operations into a new 20,000 sqft headquarters (including a 14,000 sqft training center) at 9910 Federal Drive to expand its cyber and technical classes and support local hiring.

History Colorado presents a collection from veteran Amos Estrada, a local World War II hero who trained at Buckley Air Force Base (his letters express deep family love before he was killed in action).

His story reminds the community why Memorial Day honors those who sacrificed.

Who Gives a SCRAP, a creative reuse center at 810 Arcturus Drive, offers arts and crafts supplies and bargain finds.

Operating Monday through Saturday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-4 p.m.), the center founded in 2015 by Lorrie Myers anticipates saving a million pounds of supplies by May’s end.

State lawmakers decided to retain the $6,000 yearly rate for homeschool enrichment while limiting programs from offering activities outside standard public school classes, such as sports camps or ski passes.

The new rules aim to curb rapid growth by the Monument-based ERBOCES and are expected to save nearly $21 million next year.

Today, construction on Astrozon Boulevard begins with the east side closed through June and full closure set from Friday, June 5 to Monday, June 8 for new waterlines.

The Willwood tunnel will reopen May 22 and Colorado Springs introduces Pothole Watch—a tool that tracks repairs during a five‐week surge.

Monday’s 64th annual Colorado Springs Senior All-Star Game at Mountain Lion Park saw Gold Camp win 12-10 after running out of pitchers and borrowing a relief arm from opposing Pikes Peak (with Karter Vega-Hernandez switching sides in the ninth).

Baby & Toddler Story Time

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Peterson Library — Free entry — Enjoy stories, songs, and crafts for young children.

Unplugged at the Lodge

6-8 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Happy Hour pricing available — Enjoy local musicians playing acoustic originals and covers every Thursday night.

DJ's World Latin Rave Fest

8-11 PM — Diamante Live — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying night filled with rhythm and energy featuring top DJs.

Beers and Gear Outdoor Expo

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Bristol Brewing Company — Free entry — Connect with outdoor brands and gear up for adventure this season.

Lovely Sunflowers Painting Class

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $40-$49 per person — Enjoy a creative painting class with unlimited mimosas and step-by-step guidance from an artist.

Arts Education Symposium: United by Creativity

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. — The Penrose House Conference Center — Registration required — Engage in a day of inspiration and collaboration for arts educators in the Pikes Peak region.

D2 Summer Food Service Program

— Family Success Center - Pikes Peak United Way — Free meal program — Aimed at enhancing food accessibility during the summer months for children and families.

Collective Groove Concert

7-10 p.m. — Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices not listed — Experience high-energy grooves and vibrant horns from Collective Groove and The Martini Shot.

Hot Boots Band at Bloom's Mill Hill Saloon

7:45-11:45 p.m. — Bloom’s Mill Hill Saloon — Free admission — Enjoy a night of country music and dancing at your favorite Honky Tonk.

Next Stop Comedy!

8-10 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Tickets available — Experience a hilarious night of stand-up comedy featuring a fresh line-up of talented comedians.