Author: Pat Hill Pikes Peak Courier

Sheriff Jason Mikesell promoted Commander Kevin Tedesco to Chief Deputy, a new position for the sheriff’s office. Tedesco received the promotion in a public ceremony on June 8. During the ceremony, Mikesell paid tribute to Tedesco’s leadership in operations such as the Teller County Food Initiative when the county joined nonprofit organizations to fill gaps…

Trained in all aspects of emergency services, Lisa Pitts has expanded her reach to include injury prevention along with safety education about car seats for children. Volunteer with Southwest Teller County EMS, Pitts, firefighter/EMT with a degree in justice, devotes her free time to public service when it comes to safety.   In a district…

Residents and tourists may have noticed Lois Sprague refreshing the mural on the exterior wall of the Ute Pass Cultural Center.  The Woodland Park artist painted “The Story of Us” in 2015, a project that took four months. Originally funded by the Woodland Park Arts Alliance, the mural is a historical record featuring the main…

Teller County commissioners imposed a six-month moratorium on the construction of major utility projects in zoned districts within Teller County. “This is to prevent large corporations with deep pockets coming in, saying they want to build right now,” said Commissioner Dan Williams, speaking at the commissioners’ meeting June 9. “It’s happening all over the state,…

Capturing the momentum of renewed interest in good health, Wellness Reimagined this month can be a nudge to get going and start moving. Rather than emphasizing physical health, however, Wellness Reimagined showcases vendors who also help with techniques to improve mental health and build self-confidence. “I’ve been in Teller County since 201o and I’ve seen…

Leave it to Jon Zimmer to add spiritual drama to the indigenous culture and western theme of the 29th annual Once Upon a Time in the West art show that begins this month. Potter, painter, illustrator and designer, Zimmer took an artistic leap this year, creating a story within a 14-foot totem pole. Beginning with…

A narrator in embroidery, Cory Feder threads stories with yarn and needles. Artist-in-residence for Green Box Arts, Feder is inspired by the San Luis Colcha Embroidery Project.   As the women of the valley embroidered their generational story, of tradition and family, Feder’s artistry combines Asian history and 21st century stories, with an ode to…

Leaving her position as principal of Summit Elementary School in Divide, Katie Rexford looks ahead to meeting her students at Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School. Named principal of the school, Rexford shines with positive vibes about the new position. “I was excited when I saw the opportunity because it’s time to push myself personally and…

State recognition for a paramedic, state and federal grants and 50 new oxygen cylinders, with all this Southwest Teller County EMS is on a roll. And Eric Murray, executive director of EMS, part of the Southwest Teller County Health Services District, has even more to report. Murray begins by highlighting Chris Martin, who in May…