Good morning, Colorado Springs.

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is set to close in El Paso and Teller counties unless a new administrator is named, and officials are seeking a replacement to maintain the program.

A Saturday morning roundtable at the Penrose Library brought about 25 attendees to learn plans for the Colorado Connector—a commuter rail linking Fort Collins, Boulder, Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo.

The rail district said it will use a 0.333% sales tax levy to generate about $295 million in its first year.

Walmart opened a fast-charging station at its Monument Supercenter on Aug.

20 as part of its national EV charging network expansion, providing an extra charging stop along the I-25 corridor. The station (the 100th site nationally and the sixth in Colorado) adds convenience for EV drivers.

At Saturday's Fiestas Patrias in Colorado Springs, about 25,000 people gathered at the Flea Market through 5 p.m. plus organizers say a second celebration is held today in Denver at the Mile High Flea Market featuring music, dance, and a Frida Kahlo museum area.

Reports from the Colorado Chamber Foundation and Colorado Space Coalition warn that Colorado's aerospace and defense sector may fall behind competitor hubs due to supply chain gaps and stricter regulations; state leaders must act to protect over 61,000 jobs and a $14 billion economic contribution.

At the Air Force Academy, the Colorado Parents Club offers goodie bags for cadets to fund family picnics and emergency needs, with the Halloween bag deadline set for Oct.

16; parents can order via the new USAFA Parents Clubs app (or the club website).

Colorado voters will decide in November whether to shift a share of sporting goods sales tax revenue toward conservation, wildfire prevention, and outdoor recreation.

Supporters say Prop-137 could generate $175 million annually to fund land and water projects.

Local nonprofits are hosting wellness events beginning Sept.

15. Highlights include the 11th Annual Tattooathon at Fallen Heroes Tattoo and Piercing on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., a Fall-Prevention Summit at UCHealth Memorial on Sept. 22, and a Kidney Walk at Memorial Park on Sept. 27.

The Switchbacks beat San Antonio FC 2-1 at Weidner Field on Friday, marking their third straight regular-season win.

Forward Khori Bennett netted his 14th goal as the team climbed to third place and will host New Mexico United next week — exciting local soccer fans.

Lewis-Palmer edged out Discovery Canyon by a score of 28 to 27 on Saturday at District 20 Stadium after senior running back Greg Moore scored four touchdowns—Coach Tupper called him special for sparking the team's first win of the season.