Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Today, The Salvation Army launches its Rock the Red Kettle campaign to raise $300,000 for local families with a fundraising luncheon featuring Pastor Jeff Anderson on Nov.

5 at DoubleTree Colorado Springs and volunteer bell ringing from Nov. 17 to Dec. 24 (supporting food shelter and emergency needs).

Multiple live music events light up the weekend in Colorado Springs.

The Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble premieres Voices of a New World Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Grace and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church (631 N. Tejon St., $10-$15) while classic rock tributes play at other local venues.

Retired officer Michael Merson (a criminal justice professor at Pikes Peak State College) draws on his 10-year CSPD and Army experience to write gritty crime novels set in the local Pikes Peak region; he shared his work at Springs Book Bash and plans to pen more stories.

District officials announced Turman Elementary will close in August 2027, with students moving to Giberson or Soaring Eagles, and Oak Creek and Bricker Elementary will merge with middle schools into K8 campuses; parents raised concerns about student transitions and Turman’s future use (potential community center) at a Southeast Springs meeting.

A nonprofit makerspace in Monument gives high school students hands-on robotics, coding, and business training as they build and program robots for the First Tech Challenge season — the Gobble Squabble event on Nov.

21 at Bear Creek Elementary will showcase local makers’ projects.

City Councilmember Nancy Henjum endorsed District Attorney Michael Allen for attorney general on Nov.

3. She said her vote is based on his proven character and work on opioid and bias-related cases—and it does not change her party affiliation.

Colorado Springs Utilities is proposing a $54 million Penrose Dam replacement (to update aging infrastructure), but nearby residents remain concerned about the project's safety, cost and impact on Cheyenne Mountain.

Palmer Ridge football will play Lutheran High at 7 p.m. on Oct.

30 at Don Breese Stadium. Coach Zach Carlton said the Bears, ranked No. 1 in 3A and 7-0, will compete as scheduled to uphold team values + respect for all.

Air Force linebacker Blake Fletcher was added to the midseason Lombardi Award Watch List by the Rotary Club of Houston and the Lombardi Award Committee.

With 55 tackles in five games + he ranks among the nation's top 60 linemen and linebackers ahead of the Dec. 9 ceremony in Houston.