Illuminating Hearts

Voices of Grief Support and Education Center hosts “Illuminating Hearts,” a morning of remembrance, healing art and the glow of shared light. The event, from 9:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 6 is at the Colorado Springs Senior Center at 1514 N. Hancock Ave. The event is free but pre-registration is required at info@voicesofgriefcente.org.

Highway work update

The Colorado Department of Transportation began a winter shutdown for the resurfacing project along US 24 from Florissant to Woodland Park on Nov. 20. The seasonal shutdown is intended to maintain safety conditions for both workers and the traveling public due to adverse winter conditions. Crews will resume work summer of 2026.

The project started in late April resurfacing US 24 from Mile Point 269.4 in Florissant to MP 281 just west of Woodland Park, as well as CO 67 in Woodland Park from MP 76.9 (US 24/CO 67 intersection) to MP 77.5 near Red Feather Lane.

During the 2025 construction season, crews milled the existing asphalt, resurfaced the roadway, installed new guardrail and replaced curb and gutter. The new asphalt will add approximately 10 years of life to the highway, provide a smoother road surface and add durability by increasing the resistance of ruts and road damage. Other benefits of the project include installation of new guardrail.

When crews return in the summer of 2026, they will complete the final touches on the side streets and finish the permanent striping, which must be applied during warmer temperatures to ensure proper adhesion.

Gingerbread contest

The theme for the 2025 Gingerbread Contest will be “A Charlie Brown Christmas. Turn in your entries between. Dec. 4-6 at the Woodland Park Library. For contest details and the entry form, go to Facebook and Instagram at :Lights Above the Clouds Parade” or go to rampart.colibraries.org.

UCCS expands opportunities

As part of ongoing efforts to expand access to higher education, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs recently announced multiple new initiatives and expansions for more local high school students.

Coinciding with the CU Board of Regents meeting on the campus on Nov. 6, UCCS announced that all Colorado students with a grade-point average of 2.75 or higher will be granted admission. For those looking for a head start, the university also announced that it’s expanding its concurrent enrollment options for students across the Pikes Peak region.

During the reception following the meeting, the university also announced it will host its own Air Force ROTC detachment starting next fall.

“We’re looking at expanding opportunities for high school students, for transfer students, adult students, really to open up the university to all we have to offer to anyone who’s looking for a CU degree or credential,” said UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet.

Vehicle theft assistance

The Colorado State Patrol is leading the way in providing economic recovery services to victims of motor vehicle theft through the Victims Assistance Grant Application Program.

Victims’ support services may include assistance to victims of catalytic converter theft and/or motor vehicle theft. Funding for victims’ support is on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to qualification. Applicants must be Colorado residents throughout the process and the current registered owner of the titled vehicle through the Colorado Department of Revenue.

This program is intended to assist citizens with some of the unknown or unexpected costs associated with vehicle theft, many of which are generally discovered upon the vehicle’s recovery. If you are a Colorado resident and your registered and insured vehicle was stolen, please visit lockdownyourcar.org and go to the Victims’ Assistance page to view a list of available resources.

Don’t refuse DUI tests

The Colorado State Patrol issued a release warning drivers about the consequences of refusing of attempting to delay a chemical test (blood or breath).

“In Colorado, with the privilege of receiving a license to drive in this state, you have agreed to submit a chemical test when requested if the officer places you under arrest for driving under the influence,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “When a person refuses, this driver can receive additional penalties, and your refusal could work against you even further as you go through the court process.”

If a Colorado driver refuses a chemical test, one automatic consequence is a longer revocation of his license at the DMV. For a first offense, the driver’s license revocation will increase from 9 months to one year. This and other potential consequences could be applied regardless of whether the driver is convicted of the impaired driving offense in criminal court.