Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs Police Department and Scheels are hosting the sixth annual Balltoberfest on Saturday, Oct.

10 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Scheels store on Interquest Parkway, where community members can donate sports balls and enjoy family-friendly activities + appearances by Chief Vasquez and other guests.

Jaeson Fournier of Peak Vista shared plans for the upcoming 22nd annual Breakfast of Champions today and noted that the Rye Thunderbolts football team, recovering after the Aspen Acres Fire, is set for a playoff run (aimed at inspiring locals still rebuilding).

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo euthanized Amani, a 26-year-old reticulated giraffe, on Wednesday after her health declined quickly due to age-related issues.

Zoo officials said she enjoyed a farewell day with her favorite snacks + time with her close companion, Lakeshia.

Colorado Springs arts fans can enjoy a busy October lineup with performances including Katarina String Quartet (Oct.

7), Rock Orchestra by Candlelight (Oct. 8) and Swan Lake (Oct. 25); the calendar also features exhibits, comedy, film festivals and community events for diverse cultural experiences.

Roman Villa, a longtime Italian restaurant (3005 N.

Nevada Ave.) serves fresh pasta and pizza made in Chicago style with a thin crust. It is open Tuesday through Saturday (4 to 8 p.m.) and continues to attract a multigenerational crowd.

Ten local musicians and artists will own The Iowa, a new music venue set to open no later than early January at 734 N.

19th St. A free fundraiser runs from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Soda Springs Park & Armadillo Ranch in Manitou Springs.

Magic of Lights returns at Pikes Peak International Raceway for its fifth year, running Nov.

20 through Jan. 2, and attendees will see a Jolly Holiday Village, the longest light tunnel, and Santa photos — even as scheduled track events continue during the final public motorsports season.

Colorado's only active gold mine contributed over $704 million to the Pikes Peak region in 2025 and supported 789 jobs—Teller County saw more than half of the economic activity.

The study also reported a boost in state and local taxes from the mine's operations.

Wildlife officials advise Colorado Springs drivers to slow down as fall mating and migration seasons bring increased deer activity and more wildlife on urban roads.

They note extra caution is needed at dawn and dusk — one sighting often signals additional animals nearby.

Banking scams have grown harder to spot as scammers use AI to mimic bank websites, emails, and voice recordings, according to ABA expert Paul Benda.

ABA launched its *BanksNeverAskThat* campaign to educate local consumers on common scam tactics and safe banking procedures.

Residents in Air Force Academy family housing expressed concern after tests revealed lead in plumbing fixtures and in children’s blood, which led them to switch to bottled water and urge Hunt Military Communities for reliable follow-up testing.

Peak Vista Community Health Centers opened a pediatric walk-in clinic on Oct.

1 at 2828 International Circle, Suite 160 to treat patients from birth through 21 for minor illnesses like colds, ear infections, and stomach problems (no appointment is needed) amid a local pediatrician shortage.

During Fire Prevention Month, Colorado Springs firefighters warn residents after a house fire on Maitland Court linked to a lithium-ion battery malfunction near Ute Pass, advising safe charging and proper disposal of devices such as cellphones, laptops, and e-bikes to prevent further incidents.