Colorado Springs Daily Colorado Springs Daily

- Hi, I'm Isabella Janney with the Colorado Springs Daily and today is August 4th, 2020. Our first segment today, we'll talk about local teachers worried about the upcoming school year. Our second story today is about the El Paso County Courthouse. And, our last story of the day is about a school specifically for students with dyslexia.
- Our first story today is about local teachers expressing their worry over the upcoming school year by notarizing their wills in front of the El Paso County Health Department. Teachers say a lack of accountability and what they believe is district's unwillingness to take public health orders seriously have led them to start preparing for the worst. Aubrey Huey, President of Pike Peaks Education Association, says several teachers have concerns with being in close quarters with large numbers of students. She hopes the county board of health will follow the science being used by the state and require school districts to follow health department recommendations. Huey says several concerned teachers have already applied for virtual teaching jobs, others have chosen to take a leave of absence for a year.
- [https://www.koaa.com/rebound/keeping-you-safe/teachers-concerned-about-upcoming-school-year-notarize-their-wills-in-front-of-el-paso-county-health-department](https://www.koaa.com/rebound/keeping-you-safe/teachers-concerned-about-upcoming-school-year-notarize-their-wills-in-front-of-el-paso-county-health-department)
- And for our second segment today, The El Paso County Courthouse will be mostly closed to the public and operating on an emergency basis for the next two weeks after a staff member tested positive for the coronavirus. According to a chief judge order issued on Aug. 2, in-person proceedings are canceled through Aug. 14, with a few exceptions. Jury trials will be rescheduled along with jury duty. The courthouse will be open for filings related to public safety matters only. Other criminal appearances on bond will take place virtually. Some appointments will happen over the phone.
- [https://krdo.com/health/2020/08/03/el-paso-county-courthouse-limits-operations-after-covid-19-exposure/](https://krdo.com/health/2020/08/03/el-paso-county-courthouse-limits-operations-after-covid-19-exposure/)
- Our last story today is about a school just for children with dyslexia that is about to open up here in Colorado Springs. The school is called Orton Academy and it’s a free, public school. There are only a few schools like this in the entire country. It's located inside the Colorado Military Academy and is planning to open its doors for the first time this August. For this fall, instruction will be provided for students 3rd-6th grade, but the goal is to expand eventually to K-8th. One of the most distinguished parts about the curriculum is for an hour a day students will get to work with a certified academic language therapist. Private instruction like this typically costs hundreds of dollars an hour. Some students will be commuting daily all the way from the Denver area for this education. About 50 students have enrolled already. Orton Academy has a 60 person model planned for this upcoming fall- but they may expand if needed.
- [https://www.kktv.com/2020/08/03/orton-academy-public-school-in-cos-opening-for-children-with-dyslexia/](https://www.kktv.com/2020/08/03/orton-academy-public-school-in-cos-opening-for-children-with-dyslexia/)
- Thank you so much for listening today. I'm Isabella Janney with the Colorado Springs Daily.

- Hi, I'm Isabella Janney with the Colorado Springs Daily and today is August 3rd, 2020. Our first segment today, we'll talk about free entry into state parks to celebrate Colorado's birthday! Our second story today is about toxic algae in local lakes. And, our last story of the day is a national one about the SpaceX landing.
- Our first story today is about Colorado's 144th birthday! To celebrate, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is making entry into all state parks free to everyone on Monday, August 3rd. August 1st is the state’s official birthday -- August 1st, 1876 is when Colorado became part of the United States -- but Colorado Parks and Wildlife typically throws a birthday bash on the first Monday of the month. This celebration is better than ever this year, with COVID making outdoor activities some of the safest things to do. And there are plenty of destinations to choose from: Colorado has 41 sate parks! While entry to the parks is free, fees such as camping and fishing will remain in effect.
- [https://www.kktv.com/2020/07/29/free-state-park-entry-aug-3-in-honor-of-colorado-day/](https://www.kktv.com/2020/07/29/free-state-park-entry-aug-3-in-honor-of-colorado-day/)
- Our second segment today is about toxic blue-green algae that has been found at Pikeview Resevoir, a popular fishing lake in central Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs Utilities says the reservoir is still safe for fishing, but humans and pets are not allowed in the water until further notice. Colorado Springs Utilities says the reservoir has also been removed as a source for drinking water temporarily and they say they are going to increase the frequency of testing at all reservoirs at lower elevations. Prospect Lake, a recreational lake in Colorado Springs, also recently tested positive for the algae. Blue-green algae are self-limiting, naturally-occurring bacteria, which means it eventually phases itself out of bodies of water.
- [https://www.kktv.com/2020/08/02/toxic-blue-green-algae-found-at-pikeview-reservoir/](https://www.kktv.com/2020/08/02/toxic-blue-green-algae-found-at-pikeview-reservoir/)
- Our last story today is a national one: SpaceX has brought two NASA astronauts home from a historic mission. Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley — the first astronauts to travel into orbit aboard a commercially developed spacecraft — returned home in a splashdown mission on Sunday. This was the first such mission in America in 45 years. Bob and Doug were onboard the International Space Station for two months after launching in the SpaceX Crew Dragon from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
- [https://www.koaa.com/news/national/spacex-bringing-nasa-astronauts-home-in-first-splashdown-return-in-45-years](https://www.koaa.com/news/national/spacex-bringing-nasa-astronauts-home-in-first-splashdown-return-in-45-years)
- Thank you so much for listening today. I'm Isabella Janney with the Colorado Springs Daily.

- Hi, I'm Isabella Janney with the Colorado Springs Daily and today is July 31st, 2020. Our first segment today, we'll talk about a hate crime investigation in Pueblo. Our second story today is about the last call order for alcohol. And, our last story of the day is about restaurants in the Springs.
- Our first story today is about a hate crime investigation underway in Pueblo following senseless vandalism. Pueblo Police believe the vandalism on the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and Emmett Till statue outside of Friendly Harbor Community Center was a biased-motivated act. The vandal or vandals also wrote the letters “KKK” outside the center. The crime happened either late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. Dr. Elissa Ball, the director of Friendly Harbor, said a group of volunteers showed up on Thursday and worked to clean off the graffiti on their own time with their own equipment. If you have any information that could help police in this case you’re asked to call 719-553-2511 and reference case number 20-12771.
- [https://www.kktv.com/2020/07/31/hate-crime-investigation-underway-in-pueblo-after-mlk-and-emmett-till-statue-vandalized/](https://www.kktv.com/2020/07/31/hate-crime-investigation-underway-in-pueblo-after-mlk-and-emmett-till-statue-vandalized/)
- Our second segment today is about a Denver District Court judge upholding Governor Jared Polis' Executive Public Health Order on the last call for alcohol. The judge denied the request for a restraining order, as the 10 p.m. "last call" for alcohol continues. With help from the [Tavern League of Colorado](https://thetavernleague.com/), hundreds of bars and restaurants challenged the executive order that moved the last call for alcohol up four hours, to 10 P.M. Some bar and restaurant owners testified Wednesday and Thursday, stating that they could be forced to shut down their business within 3 months if the restrictions continue. Prior to the judge's decision, Governor Jared Polis said, "This is a tough time, nobody in the country has figured out how we can have that free-wheeling act of nightlife during a pandemic." The judge clarified that the spike in COVID-19 cases among young people in their 20's gave credence to the state's decision to take action.
- [https://krdo.com/news/2020/07/30/legal-battle-ensues-over-last-call-for-alcohol-as-restaurants-struggle-with-restrictions/](https://krdo.com/news/2020/07/30/legal-battle-ensues-over-last-call-for-alcohol-as-restaurants-struggle-with-restrictions/)
- Our last story today is about newly released data from a survey conducted by the Colorado Restaurant Association between July 15th and 25th. The survey found that many restaurants continue to struggle, and some may close permanently. Despite reopening, and opening up outdoor dining options, many restaurants say they may need to close in the coming months. Of the restaurants that responded to the survey, 62% said they will consider closing permanently in the next six months under the current conditions. More than 30% said they would consider closing in less than three months, and 5% said they would look at shutting their doors permanently in less than one month. The survey also found that the restaurant industry has lost nearly 87,000 jobs since the start of the pandemic. Data shows that on average, restaurants have spent over $4,500 on PPE. Of the restaurants surveyed, most say cash and increased capacity is their biggest need.
- [https://krdo.com/news/2020/07/30/survey-finds-62-of-colorado-restaurants-consider-closing-permanently/](https://krdo.com/news/2020/07/30/survey-finds-62-of-colorado-restaurants-consider-closing-permanently/)
- Thank you so much for listening today. I'm Isabella Janney with the Colorado Springs Daily.

- Hi, I'm Isabella Janney with the Colorado Springs Daily and today is July 30th, 2020. Our first segment today, we'll talk about Pueblo hiring a mediator for the Columbus statue protests. Our second story today is about a potential plastic bag ban here. And, our last story of the day is about visitors in the Springs.
- Our first story today is about the city of Pueblo hiring a mediator to help bring a resolution to the Christopher Columbus statue protests. Over the last seven weeks, protestors have gathered around the statue and there have also been protests outside the Pueblo Police Department. Protesters have been demanding change in law enforcement across the country after the death of George Floyd. Some local protesters want the statue removed, and some want it to stay. Mayor Nick Gradisar said, “Altogether with the initial costs for overtime and for police officers to be present and renting barricades, the cost has been about $65,000 to date.” The Sons of Italy gifted the statue to the city in 1905, and they want the statue to stay in the city. Some other protesters suggest the statue should be taken down and put into a museum. So, the mayor is in the process of hiring Frank Galvez, who was born and raised in Pueblo, as a potential mediator because he knows the history the city holds and the multiple cultures represented in Pueblo. The city council approved the ordinance in its first reading and will move into the next reading in two weeks for the final vote. Galvez will meet with both sides August 8th and 9th in hopes of coming to a resolution that makes both sides happy.
- [https://www.kktv.com/2020/07/29/pueblo-hiring-mediator-to-find-solution-amid-christopher-columbus-statue-protests/](https://www.kktv.com/2020/07/29/pueblo-hiring-mediator-to-find-solution-amid-christopher-columbus-statue-protests/)
- Our second story today is about a potetion ballot measure that would charge shoppers 10 cents per single-use plastic bag in the Springs. There would not be a charge for paper bags. It's expected to raise $1.2 million if implemented. Proceeds would be split between stores and the city, with 40% of the money made from the fee staying in stores. The other 60% would go to the city of Colorado Springs to be used for cleanup efforts and environmental education programs. There are some exceptions inside the proposal. Shoppers who use state or federal food assistance programs would not have to pay the fee. Certain single-use plastic bags would still be allowed, like for produce, newspapers, or small jewelry items. The proposal will go before city council again on August 11th.
- [https://krdo.com/news/2020/07/29/colorado-springs-plastic-bag-fee-proposal-up-for-discussion/](https://krdo.com/news/2020/07/29/colorado-springs-plastic-bag-fee-proposal-up-for-discussion/)
- Our last story today is about visitors here in Colorado Springs. A study by data firm STR found 81.7 percent of Colorado Springs’ hotel rooms are full on the weekends. Typically, occupancy in the summer hovers around 90 percent but Visit Colorado Springs President and CEO Doug Price says this year is going better than expected. Price said, “Because of our wide-open spaces, people feel so much more comfortable being in their own car and being outdoors. Gov. Polis also acknowledges that plenty of people are coming from states that are hot spots for COVID-19. Gov. Polis said visitors from hot spots are one of the reasons why his statewide mask mandate is important. Manitou Springs implemented a stronger mask mandate than the state order last week that also comes with a $25-$30 fine. El Paso County Commissioners as well as Colorado Springs City Council have refused to take further measures, instead relying on the “#MaskUpCOS” campaign. Price calls that campaign ‘brilliant” but thinks he has a plan to inspire visitors to step up their mask game. It hasn’t been implemented yet, but he hopes to roll out a “Peak of Safety” pledge. It would give c

- Hi, I'm Isabella Janney with the Colorado Springs Daily and today is July 29th, 2020. Our first segment today, we'll talk about recreational pot shops in Colorado. Our second story today is about local hospitals and COVID. And, our last story of the day is about college tuition insurance among COVID.
- Our first story today says that Colorado Springs will not be voting on recreational pot shops this November. City council was considering whether to put allowing recreational marijuana to be sold in the Springs on the upcoming ballot, but reportedly the issue didn’t garner enough support from councilmembers during an informal work session Monday. Getting an issue on the ballot requires support from five councilmembers. The issue faced “sharp criticism” from Mayor John Suthers, among others. Councilwoman Jill Gaebler, who supported the measure, said allowing retail sales in Colorado Springs would help the local economy -- which took a hit amid the ongoing pandemic -- by creating jobs and generating millions of dollars in sales that would go back to the city. She also pointed out that citizens who want to buy pot just go outside the city limits to get it. Opponents have argued, among other things, relaxing the city’s drug laws could hurt its chances to become the permanent home of U.S. Space Command.
- [https://www.kktv.com/2020/07/28/colorado-springs-city-council-declines-to-put-recreational-pot-shops-on-november-ballot/](https://www.kktv.com/2020/07/28/colorado-springs-city-council-declines-to-put-recreational-pot-shops-on-november-ballot/)
- Our second segment today is about local hospitals here in Colorado Springs. Though COVID-19 cases have been increasing for about a month in El Paso County, the consensus is that hospitals still have enough resources to handle the demand. Dr. Bill Plauth and Dr. David Steinbruner serve as the chief medical officer for Penrose-St. Francis Health Services and interim chief medical officer for UCHealth, respectively. They have been asked whether or not Colorado Springs hospitals are taking in patients from hotspot states like Arizona and Texas. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has previously said in a press conference that the state would consider it. Dr. Steinbruner said, "We are seeing some of those demands. Obviously a state that has a high incidence and is starting to inundate its hospitals is going to reach out for help. We’re starting to see that on the edges. We want to help, but we want to protect our own ability in our community to take care of our community.” Cary Vogrin, the media relations specialist at UCHealth, said “To date, UCHealth Memorial has admitted one patient with COVID-19 from out of state. As of this afternoon, UCHealth’s hospitals in the Pikes Peak region were caring for about 30 patients who are hospitalized with COVID-19 or who are awaiting test results.” Vogrin says although that number is higher than prior months, it’s about half the number of coronavirus patients compared to what UCHealth cared for during the peak of coronavirus in Colorado in April.
- [https://krdo.com/health/2020/07/27/colorado-springs-hospitals-discuss-admitting-out-of-state-patients/](https://krdo.com/health/2020/07/27/colorado-springs-hospitals-discuss-admitting-out-of-state-patients/)
- Our last story today is about college students preparing for the upcoming school year by considering the uncertainty COVID-19 brings. The national average cost of tuition is about $42,738 per year and often is nonrefundable, so students are now considering all their options. GradGuard is a tuition insurance company offering aid to college students who completely withdraw for medical reasons. For the first time, they have added a provision to cover students who test positive for COVID-19, although it doesn't cover those who miss class because of quarantine or a sick family member. UCCS spokesperson Jared Verner says the last time the financial aid office had students inquire about tuition

- Hi, I'm Isabella Janney with the Colorado Springs Daily and today is July 24th, 2020. Our first segment today, we'll talk about bars and restaurants opposing the "Last Call" order. Our second story today is about a local nonprofit helping those with limited mobility enjoy the outdoors. And, our last story of the day is about a new mural in downtown Colorado Springs.
- Our first story today is about bars and restaurants across Colorado suing the state over the Governor’s “Last Call” order, which mandates that alcohol cannot be served after 10:00 p.m. The usual time for the last call is 2 a.m. in Colorado. The Tavern League of Colorado, which is made up of about 200 bars and restaurants in the state, expects to appear before a judge on either next Wednesday or Thursday. Polis also amended the law to allow grocery and liquor stores to sell alcohol after 10 p.m. The governor is trying to stop people from becoming inebriated at a bar, leading to less social distancing. But the Tavern League believes this order is unfair, and the amendment allowing alcohol to still be sold at grocery and liquor stores will only make matters worse. Chris Fuselier, the owner of Blake Street Tavern in Denver, and a leading member of the Tavern League, says, “Young kids are gonna leave us at ten, they’re gonna stop by the liquor store on the way home, and continue to party at someone’s house. And there will be no social distancing, they’re not going to be wearing masks.”
- [https://www.kktv.com/2020/07/24/colorado-bars-challenge-governors-last-call-order/](https://www.kktv.com/2020/07/24/colorado-bars-challenge-governors-last-call-order/)
- Our second segment today is about a local nonprofit, The Lockwood Foundation, continuing its mission to help people who are wheelchair-bound not only get outside, but climb mountains as well. Being able to get outdoors is more important than ever right now, especially for those with limited mobility. For a lot of people, accessing Colorado's trails is fairly easy. A manual wheelchair or a power wheelchair would never have a chance on going up 99% of the trails in Colorado. Jeffrey Lockwood, executive director & board president of The Lockwood Foundation, has been a mountain guide and worked in disability care for several years. Lockwood said, "We are more driven than ever to make sure that the outdoors are accessible because right now it is one of the only safe ways to get out with people." With the purchase of the adaptive TrailRider wheelchair last year and volunteer hikers, outdoor adventures for people with a physical disability changed forever. It's the kind of opportunity they want more people in the community to take advantage of. It's why this Saturday the organization will be hosting a TrailRider Tryout at Lovell Park in Pueblo West from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
- [https://www.koaa.com/news/covering-colorado/local-nonprofit-helps-those-with-physical-disabilities-access-colorado-trails-mountains](https://www.koaa.com/news/covering-colorado/local-nonprofit-helps-those-with-physical-disabilities-access-colorado-trails-mountains)
- Our last story today is about a new mural in downtown Colorado Springs. As a part of the 22nd annual Art on the Streets, Gregg Deal, an indigenous artist who lives in El Paso County, turned an empty wall downtown and turned it into art bearing a message. The mural depicts Deal’s 14-year-old daughter, Sage Deal, wearing a mix of contemporary clothing and traditional Indigenous accessories. There is a red handprint covering the mouth of the portrait, a symbol that references the [Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit](https://www.nativejustice.org/mmiwg2s-project) movement, which works to draw attention to the high rate that indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people go missing or are murdered. Deal firmly believes in using his medium of public art to talk about these issues that are important to not only his family but to indigenous communit