Florissant artist featured at Garden of the Gods center

Florissant artist Susan Marion will show her watercolor paintings in a one-person exhibit from April 1-30 at Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center.

The exhibit will feature 28 original paintings based on the theme “Life in the Garden” and will include paintings of Native American dancers at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site. Thirty percent of each sale will be donated to Garden of the Gods Foundation, which supports the preservation and maintenance of the park.

The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m.to 5. p.m. and Marion’s show is in the Red Rocks Room gallery.

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Cripple Creek adds five

The City of Cripple Creek is pleased to announce the addition of five new employees to the Cripple Creek team.

New officers joining the Cripple Creek Police Department are Scott Robben and Eric Broman. Kirk Pennock has joined the crew at public works as a heavy equipment operator and was kept really busy this last week. Walt Clary has taken over as custodial manager, overseeing the crews that keep the public buildings clean and maintained. Tracie Bennitt is the new marketing and events director. She will be coordinating and overseeing activities in Cripple Creek and representing Cripple Creek at statewide meetings and events.

Current positions available are updated and posted at www.cityofcripplecreek.com under current job openings.

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Scholarship application

The Kiwanis Club is accepting scholarship applications until March 31. These are for Teller County students who were seniors during the 2024 academic year.

Planetary Party Mom and Son Dance

The Ute Pass Cultural Center is hosting the Planetary Party Mom and Son Dance on April 6 from 5-8 p.m. Grab your space suit and moon boots because The City Above The Clouds is hosting a Planetary Party here on Earth.

One ticket provides a catered dinner and dessert for both Mom and Son, as well as a framed photo from the photo booth, entertainment from a live DJ, and more. Space-themed attire is encouraged.

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Lake George firefighters put out structure blaze

Lake George Fire Protection District was paged to what was initially reported as a wildland fire south of US 24 by mile marker 260 across from the M Lazy C Ranch. The page went out at 8:16 p.m. March 13 and units from LGFPD arrived at 8:26 p.m. and found a structure fire and the house was fully engulfed. Units and personnel from Hartsel, Guffey, and Florissant Fire Districts responded for mutual aid.

Upon arrival, firefighters saw the structure was fully engulfed and numerous spot fires from large embers were found. The main focus was on preventing the spread, which could have easily become a wildland fire. After the spot fires were out, they concentrated on putting out the structure. Fire personnel were on the scene until nearly 3 a.m. Some units returned at 7 a.m. and were there until noon as investigators took over.

An investigation has been launched by Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and no further information is available at this time.