Good morning, Colorado Springs.

The sheriff’s office reported that K9 Mako, a 5-year-old police dog, died Wednesday after battling a rare and aggressive cancer and spent his final days at home with his handler and family (the dog served in narcotics and patrol missions).

The Heart of Monument Play Park held its groundbreaking on Aug.

10 by the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club (partnering with local groups) to launch Phase I of the project. The playground is expected to open late September or early October while fundraising continues for extra features.

Tacoma-based Columbia Bank opened its first Colorado Springs branch (at 517 S.

Cascade Ave. in the downtown Trolley District) on July 15. It now offers full commercial and retail banking services Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to support local businesses, consumers and nonprofits.

Eight iconic acts featured shows earlier this month and will continue to perform at Ford Amphitheater, Pikes Peak Center and Phil Long Music Hall.

ZZ Top, Michael Martin Murphey and Little Feat are set for upcoming concerts — offering local fans diverse live music genres.

Colorado's Department of Labor announced that in 2027 the minimum wage will rise to $15.71 an hour for most employees and $12.69 for tipped workers+ some restaurant owners expressed concerns about higher operating costs.

The El Paso County Board of Commissioners seeks a local volunteer to serve on the Park Advisory Board that meets every second Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in Centennial Hall (200 S.

Cascade Ave) to review park proposals for county recommendations.

A new law went into effect this week making it a misdemeanor to knowingly leave food or trash out to lure bears.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported a 28% rise in bear-related calls (over 6,000 so far) as dry winter conditions reduced natural food.

Colorado Springs announced the KICAS initiative today to improve public spaces by boosting security, cleanup, and outreach along the South Nevada corridor from I-25 to E.

Cheyenne Road. City Council allocated a total of $758,000 with $458,000 new funding + $300,000 existing to support the program.

Green Mountain Falls is a popular hiking destination west of Colorado Springs as locals honor Dick Bratton’s legacy with trail upgrades at The Pantry + visitors enjoy cooler hikes on scenic trails like Catamount and Mount Dewey while volunteers work to preserve its charm.

The Colorado Association of Realtors Foundation received a $300,000 grant from the Realtors Relief Foundation plus now offers up to $1,000 in mortgage and rental assistance for households displaced by summer wildfires; eligible applicants can apply on a first-come, first-served basis until Oct. 30.

Cheyenne Mountain’s Landry Roberts was named Colorado’s top girls volleyball player on Thursday by MaxPreps, recording 385 kills and 71 blocks last season (stats).

The team scrimmages today at Rock Canyon and opens regular season on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. against Chaparral.