(KRDO) — The main route to the Manitou Incline and Cog Railway experienced slightly more traffic congestion Monday because of a project to remove several trees that were too close to the street Manitou officials announced Friday that the downhill (southbound) side of Ruxton Avenue — a narrow corridor on the west side of town — would be closed between 7:30 a.m Flaggers were on duty to direct traffic through the uphill (northbound) lane during the tree removal Tall Timbers Tree Service conducted the tree removal using a three-person crew with heavy equipment and then chipping or hauling the material away," said Dylan Schreiber "We have some high power lines in the game that we have to be careful about." Schreiber said that the owner of the rental property where the trees are paid to remove the trees for other reasons: They have damaged the building's foundation the sidewalk and tree roots and even clogged the plumbing these invasive roots can get in there and cause problems.' Schreiber also said that his crew worked around rainy weather Monday the trees are Russian elm — an invasive species that grows quickly and is difficult to control not knowing that they were invasive," Schreiber said They're just part of our environment now." the city said that Mountain Metro Route 33 to the Pikes Peak Cog Railway was affected during this work Scott is a reporter for KRDO. Learn more about Scott here. KRDO NewsChannel 13 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community Guidelines | KRDO Jobs | FCC Applications | KRDO FCC Public File | KRDO FCC Applications | Do Not Sell My Personal Information | Contest Rules Nestled in the shadows of Pikes Peak and the city lights of Colorado Springs Manitou Springs offers the charm of a small town but is close to all the area’s biggest attractions With its laid-back vibe and eclectic downtown Manitou Springs is the perfect place to enjoy a weekend getaway loaded with things to do From soaking in hot springs and ancient cliff dwellings to mountaintop adventures and heart-pounding rides, these are some of the top things to do in Manitou Springs for the perfect Colorado vacation No matter what time of year you visit, there is always something to do. Keep your heart rate up with challenging climbs and mountaintop views. From soaking in hot springs and ancient cliff dwellings to mountaintop adventures and heart-pounding rides, these are some of the top things to do in Manitou Springs for the perfect Colorado vacation Open every day except Monday, SunWater Spa Hot Springs is one of the best attractions in Manitou Springs With eight tubs that are naturally heated to 104° Fahrenheit with mountain views SunWater Spa is a relaxing retreat that is sure to please all visitors Geothermally heated mineral water emerges from the famous Seven Minute Spring before being pumped into the resort’s eight tubs Soaking reservations are available online or via telephone and each soaking slot lasts for ninety minutes Children under 14 are not permitted at the resort and the entire spa area is a whisper-only zone to enhance the relaxing and introspective atmosphere SunWater Spa also has two saunas and yoga classes available with a reservation Garden of the Gods is one of Colorado’s registered National Natural Landmarks located near Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs Visitors from all over flock to this free attraction for beautiful views and world-class outdoor activities Most well-known for the huge sandstone rock formations of jagged spires and fins that jut out of the ground and form a dramatic landscape it’s one of the most photographed places in Colorado electric bikes are available for rent on the Garden of the Gods website or in person and visitors are also welcome to bring their own bikes There are a few popular bouldering areas in the park but keep in mind that permits are required for any climbing For visitors who want to hear the history of the park from an expert guided nature walks can be booked ahead online Manitou Springs is home to one of Colorado’s many creative districts With over a dozen studios and galleries and over three dozen pieces of public art Manitou Springs has a surprisingly large art community Support the local art scene by stopping by the Manitou Art Center or one of the many art galleries to see the work of talented local artists the Manitou Springs Creative District puts on an Art Walk As one of the top historical sites in the area, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings are made up of cliff dwellings that were originally home to Anasazi Native Americans eight hundred to a thousand years ago The remains of the dwellings were originally located in McElmo Canyon near Mesa Verde and reconstructed in their current location in the early twentieth century visitors are invited to explore the cliff dwellings and museums that document this interesting piece of American history Visitors can walk throughout the 40-room ancient site where visitors can even try and squeeze into some of the tiniest of rooms that are less visited The Pueblo and Cave Museums feature several exhibits detailing the daily life of the Anasazi people and some exhibits even feature original weapons and pottery Gaining nearly 2,000 feet of elevation in less than a mile of horizontal distance, the Manitou Incline is a serious climb that challenges even the fittest of people The average grade of the trail is right around 45% making it a remarkably tough hike that only seasoned hikers and athletes should attempt Originally built as a cable car route before being destroyed by a rockslide, the Manitou Incline transformed into a popular tourist attraction that lets visitors test their strength with a tough workout. The trail is free to access, but free reservations are required to hike so it is recommended to use the free Manitou Springs shuttle that departs from the Hiawatha Gardens Building Limited parking is available at the Barr Trail lot and along Ruxton Road Visitors should come prepared with plenty of water and snacks No trip to the Colorado Springs/Manitou Springs area is complete without a drive to the top of Colorado’s Pikes Peak on the Pikes Peak Highway The start of the road is just a few miles northwest of Manitou Springs so it’s easily accessible and worth the detour and it gains nearly five thousand feet of elevation before topping out at the summit at 14,115 feet above sea level Most visitors spend two to three hours at Pikes Peak There are some beautiful spots along the route to pull over and take in the views plus the panoramas from the summit are second to none the new and improved visitor’s center that serves famous donuts Another fantastic way to experience Pikes Peak is on the Cog Railway this 9-mile trip takes visitors to the top of Pikes Peak through several beautiful areas including the stunning Pike National Forest and Engelmann Canyon Visitors are welcome to purchase food and drinks at the two gift shops at the Cog Railway station but no outside food is allowed on the trains A round-trip ride on the Cog Railway lasts around three hours but adventurous visitors are welcome to hike down the Barr Trail to the bottom of the mountain The Cog Railway departs from Manitou Springs and it is recommended that riders arrive approximately thirty minutes before departure Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is a large park featuring several expansive cave tours as well as above-ground activities that are fun for the whole family The most popular tour is the Discovery Tour Lasting 45 minutes and departing every 20 minutes all day this family-friendly tour brings visitors through 15 different cave rooms and it allows visitors to explore deeper into the caves with the help of candlelight lanterns This tour features a section of the cave that is only around four feet long so visitors with back or knee problems are advised to choose the Discovery Tour head to the surface for one of Cave of the Wind’s adventures One of the most popular attractions is the Terror-dactyl This terrifying ride drops riders nearly one hundred and fifty feet down into the canyon below before being winched back up to the edge but the park recommends that visitors make reservations ahead of time Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a large 1,474-acre park located directly between Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs and they range in length from just under two miles to just over five miles so visitors of all types can find a trail to suit their abilities Bikers and runners are also welcome on the trails many people come to Red Rock Canyon Open Space to climb one of the 85 official climbing routes Climbers must register at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center before ascending the rock faces but they must be leashed on all official trails There are also two marked off-leash dog loops For any visitors pressed for time on a visit to Manitou Springs, look no further than Rainbow Falls for a short but rewarding walk At only a tenth of a mile long and located right off the road hikers are instantly met with a unique waterfall that is famous for the large amounts of graffiti that cover its base and this is a lesser-known spot that is often free from the crowds that flock to Manitou Springs every summer Visitors should keep in mind that overnight camping is not permitted at Rainbow Falls and all visitors are discouraged from swimming or wading in the water due to the possibility of there being broken glass or other dangerous items under the surface Soak up the cool vibes and the cool views with these top things to do in Manitou Springs William is a student studying English at Boston University Copyright © 2025 · Free Colorado Travel Guide | Vacations, Travel and Tourism · All Rights Reserved As my head whacked into a protruding section of the staircase’s ceiling — undoubtedly a mean-spirited prank by the house’s architect — Moon Veil vocalist Korben Mitchell informed me it was a rite of passage had just shown me the band’s practice space A blue neon sign with the band’s logo on it illuminated the vintage silver microphone several guitars and minifridge of seltzers adorning the derelict Lewis grew up in this haunted house in Manitou Springs now rented by Mitchell and a few other tenants Lewis’ mother insisted that he and his older brother practice violin for a half-hour each day from the moment they could pick up a bow in the same way a wooden violin is said to “open up” with use the aging wood of his childhood home has absorbed the sounds of his father playing piano in the evenings and Moon Veil rocking out in the attic it was hard not to feel like a third wheel to Mitchell and Lewis’ undying bond of brotherhood Mitchell casually strummed an acoustic guitar throughout the conversation revealing later that he’d only started learning two months ago so that he could fill in on the acoustic guitar parts from songs on their debut album ‘We’re not going to hold back the things that we want to do just because we can’t replicate it live,’” Mitchell explained While the general sound of Moon Veil is psychedelic rock in no small part due to the broad tastes of the band’s members Lewis’ most recent band before Moon Veil was jamgrass band Woodshed Red He grew up playing violin and got into drumming to play grunge music with his brother Lewis also played in a pop-punk and an indie rock band Mitchell’s first exposures to music were the gospel genre and “Veggie Tales.” His first exposure to secular music was rap and he fell head-over-heels in love with it he began writing his own rap songs and learning how to engineer from his cousin’s boyfriend He even set up an amateur studio in his closet — made up of the family computer and a makeshift “spit guard” (one of his grandma’s stockings stretched over a hanger) — to record songs with friends Mitchell had plenty of “8 Mile” moments participating in freestyle battles during lunch period and at local venues we’re not going to have gas to get home,’” Mitchell laughed Mitchell would put his all into those performances then blow the prize money on gas and McDonald’s with the boys Mitchell and Lewis met through JD Feighner Nineteen-year-old Mitchell stumbled across Feighner’s 1620 Studios on Weber St after begrudgingly giving a friend a ride there He was in awe of the expensive equipment and practiced professionalism and decided that he would do anything just to be in the presence of the maestros but I want to be in the mix,’” Mitchell said producer Kajmir Royale invited Mitchell to freestyle over a beat saw potential in Mitchell and hired him to write hooks That was the kickstart to Mitchell’s songwriting career which led him to Hollywood to build a studio called Vineland Sound with Feighner he first met Feighner when he recorded a pop-punk album with him as a teenager connecting over audio engineering and The Japanese House Lewis suggested the idea of starting a rock band Mitchell was at first taken aback by the suggestion that he be the vocalist it made sense — he had the songwriting chops and stage presence of a frontman All he needed to work on was his singing voice Mitchell credits his growth as a vocalist to a few things: his experiences recording his giving up of cigarettes and his rampant karaoke addiction “I feel like it’s like practice without practicing,” Mitchell added describing the thrill of pulling off both Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga’s parts in “Shallow” in front of a flabbergasted crowd Once the rest of the Moon Veil lineup was assembled — Julian Dillon (guitar) Jon Murphy (bass) and James Phillips (lead guitar synth) — they began playing together to figure out their sound It was a journey of 20 months and over 200 studio hours “The Unknown” is a concept album following a character grappling with self-discovery the album feels like a musical discovery for the band as they build confidence in their experimental sound The only constant on the album is that there are enough guitar licks to make a Tootsie Pop jealous Opener “Chasin’ the Sun” sets the central character on their journey as they propel away from their hometown There’s a sense of melancholy optimism on the downbeat track which is overtaken by pleading introspection in rock ballad “The Answer.” rapid-fire indie rock anthem about letting go of a toxic relationship “Enough” explores similar themes in an entirely different genre Mitchell adopting a more rap-like delivery in the verses over the warbling groove laid down by the band’s three guitarists “Mary Go” somehow captures the feeling of riding a merry-go-round in song the Pink Floyd-esque “See” sounds as if it was sung by a specter as Mitchell begs in a minor key ending each chorus with an otherworldly wail The album’s storytelling is only enhanced by its two music videos which depict the band’s escapades while touring in a green Volkswagen bus In the video for single “In My Head,” the band stumbles across a cult straight out of “Midsommar.” Meanwhile “The Shining” inspires the video for “Stranger Things” as the band is haunted in The Cliff House hotel and Lulu’s Downstairs “Stranger Things” builds from whispering bass to epic electric guitar and hopeful synths After all the insecurity and introspection present in the rest of the album “Stranger Things” exudes confidence as the album closes out The origin story is over and now the action can begin Moon Veil is already well into the process of writing and recording its second album which explores genres ranging from shoegaze to pop genre experimentation and controlled chaos will be at the forefront of Moon Veil’s musical output “I always have this idea about music: that the songs already exist in the ether and we’re just letting them flow through us,” Lewis said “This is just the music that comes out of us when we write.” Moon Veil’s debut album “The Unknown” is out now The Colorado Springs Independent captures the essence of this city engaging with its political and environmental issues while highlighting its vibrant cultural scene We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website and provide the content and advertisements that are relevant to you These cookies will only be stored in your browser with your prior consent You can choose to enable or disable some or all of these cookies but disabling some of them may affect your browsing experience Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns FOX21 News Colorado Manitou Springs, Colorado has been a cherished resort destination since its founding in 1872 General William Jackson Palmer and Doctor William Abraham Bell established it as a health retreat quickly attracting both affluent tourists and those suffering from tuberculosis they were onto something: The tuberculosis pathogen Mycobacterium does not thrive at higher altitudes the town remains a hub for health and wellness known for its eight natural spring taps offering fresh mineral water In addition to savoring the water from all eight springs visitors can partake in a variety of activities like cave exploration and sipping a drink while enjoying a live performance at a local bar If you are ready to break out of your routine you’ll love the quirky town of Manitou Springs A large part of Manitou Springs’ character is represented in its quirky festivals that take place throughout the year One of the strangest is the Emma Crawford Coffin Races that occur annually on the Saturday after Halloween The Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce has been hosting this event since 1995 in honor of a beloved local resident making it the country's oldest coffin race tradition four team members push a self-designed "coffin" vehicle while one member drives The Great Fruitcake Toss is equally as strange as the coffin races This tradition began in 1996 when a group of locals got together to throw fruitcakes in the park residents and visitors can take on a variety of fruitcake-throwing challenges there is also a fruitcake bakeoff in which local bakers compete for the coveted title of Fruitcake Queen or King From exploring underground caverns to extreme hikes Manitou Springs offers plenty of ways to get your adrenaline fix The Cave of the Winds has been a beloved attraction in Manitou Springs for over a century which visitors can explore via two different tours The Discovery Tour is the best option for families and beginner cavers make sure to take a ride on the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway visitors can enjoy nine miles of panoramic views and 14,115 feet of altitude as they climb the countryside widely considered the most difficult hike in town it features a 2,020-foot elevation gain and 2,744 stairs to climb those who reach the top will be rewarded with incredible views of Manitou Springs from above Even if history is not your thing, Manitou Springs offers all kinds of fascinating ways to experience its past. Miramont Castle should be on every traveler’s itinerary as a 14,000-square-foot historic landmark that features nine distinct architectural styles. Built in 1895 and listed as a National Historic Landmark it includes influences ranging from Byzantine to English Tudor visitors can admire numerous historic exhibits and authentic Victorian-era artifacts travelers can explore the Manitou Cliff Dwellings a collection of ancestral Puebloan ruins that traces back between 800 and 1,000 years Visitors can go inside the dwellings and appreciate two museums that contain cultural artifacts from the indigenous groups who once resided there Interested in the paranormal history of the town Consider exploring Manitou Springs on a tour with Haunted Manitou Ghost Tours which leads attendees through the downtown area to uncover the town's unexplained mysteries and supernatural phenomena With so much to explore in and around Manitou Springs chances are you will have worked up an appetite by the end of the day the restaurants offer just as much of a cultural experience as the festivals and historic landmarks do travelers will find Swirl Restaurant & Wine Bar locally owned restaurant that features colorful umbrellas hanging from the ceiling and several cozy outdoor seating areas Some of the entrees to try include chicken pot pie Adam’s Mountain Cafe is another local favorite This restaurant makes nearly all of its dishes in-house Travelers who want to enjoy some live music This bar and restaurant hosts frequent live music events the bar will be hosting its Battle of the Bands event each week While this article covers some of Manitou Springs’ most interesting highlights, there is much more to discover beyond what is mentioned here. Throughout the year, it hosts art festivals, wine festivals, Mardi Gras carnivals giving travelers a reason to visit year-round In addition to the challenging Manitou Incline which is just a half hour away from Manitou Springs as well you’ll find that Manitou Springs has an unforgettable character that will leave you wanting to return time and time again photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com MANITOU SPRINGS — The pace of development for Black Canyon Open Space in Manitou Springs is about to increase our next step is to start implementing the master plan,” said Gillian Rossi Manitou Springs Parks and Recreation Director “Our community is really excited to have another open space.” the Black Canyon property is an example of the extended care and planning required for preservation and recreation to happen together The 38 acres is north of the town and across Highway 24 It is different than the nearby Black Canyon Quarry property recently acquired by Colorado Springs Parks “Almost adjacent to our Black Canyon open space there is private property in between the two open spaces,” said Rossi A significant part of the property appeal is the steepness and ruggedness of the terrain The terrain is also a challenge for putting in the park The goal is a design offering access to everyone “All of the trails are multi-use trails,” said Rossi it will be bike friendly (and) hiker friendly some sections of the trail might be more friendly towards bikers versus hikers and vice versa.” Compared to other open spaces in the region “There's lots of beautiful spaces tucked away in kind of the lower you have all of these scenic vistas,“ said Rossi The next step is fire mitigation work on the property Both steps are dependent on coming up with funding The hope is a budget can be in place for mitigation work to get underway this year and the start of park structure next year It means a couple more years before public access it's worth noting that service members who retire and then teach at the Academy are considered civilian instructors Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5 Report a typo Monica Goodson and her daughter Lillyana take a ride on the Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway train toward the summit of Pikes Peak on May 16 The cog railway atop Pikes Peak is suing the City of Manitou Springs accusing its council of reneging on a tax deal after the railway rescued it from a budget crisis “Several current members of City Council appear to harbor a general disdain and negative feelings towards a successful corporate citizen,” the railway’s lawsuit laments The Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway opened in 1891 and closed for renovations in 2017 a deal was reached between the City of Manitou Springs and Anschutz Corp. Their 50-year agreement required MPPR to make payments in lieu of taxes while the railway was undergoing a $97 million renovation between 2018 and 2021 the city would reimburse any annual amusement taxes paid by the railway above $500,000 between 2021 and 2070 saving the railway an estimated $8 million to $36 million over five decades In an April 8 lawsuit that it filed in a Colorado Springs court the railway says it has upheld its end of the bargain and then some but the city is not sending over reimbursements The railway made payments totaling $1.75 million and has also spent money on a traffic study off-site parking and expensive e-ticketing upgrades at the city’s request MPPR has gone well above and beyond what would be considered typical to help the city and to be a good citizen,” last week’s lawsuit states The railway claims its payments in recent years have been “saving the city from suffering an existential budget crisis.” the city council voted in December not to reimburse the railway That effort was led by Councilman John Shada a longtime critic of the reimbursements who unsuccessfully sued to stop the tax agreement in 2018 and 2019 The railway says that vote amounts to a breach of their 2018 tax agreement It is suing the city for breach of contract and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing “The city’s decision will no doubt harm the city’s ability to attract new business,” it predicts declined to comment on the pending litigation making it an outlier in otherwise conservative El Paso County and its city council has made headlines in recent months for sitting during the Pledge of Allegiance to protest President Donald Trump’s administration a major donor to Republican and conservative causes The railway’s lawyers are Jeffrey George and David Willner in the Colorado Springs office of Hogan Lovells The city does not yet have a lawyer on the case This story is for our paid subscribers only Please become one of the thousands of BusinessDen members today Renew now by choosing a subscription below ALL MEMBERSHIPS RENEW AUTOMATICALLY. YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR A 1 YEAR MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL AT THE RATE IN EFFECT AT THAT TIME UNLESS YOU CANCEL YOUR MEMBERSHIP BY LOGGING IN OR BY CONTACTING [email protected] ALL CHARGES FOR MONTHLY OR ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS ARE NONREFUNDABLE EACH MEMBERSHIP WILL ONLY FUNCTION ON UP TO 3 MACHINES ACCOUNTS ABUSING THAT LIMIT WILL BE DISCONTINUED FOR ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP PLEASE EMAIL [email protected] Justin covers litigation, white-collar crime and other news. He is a graduate of Southern Illinois University and previously reported for The Denver Post, The Oklahoman and The Topeka Capital-Journal. [email protected] © 2025 BusinessDen - All Rights Reserved Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now × Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInMANITOU SPRINGS (KKTV) - A lane of Ruxton Avenue in Manitou Springs will be closed on Monday due to a tree removal The city said the north lane in front of 342 Ruxton Ave officials said a one-lane traffic pattern would be established and flaggers would be on scene to help drivers Officials said a tree that poses a risk to public safety will be removed and drivers should try to avoid the area to keep workers safe and limit congestion in the area Officials said Mountain Metro’s route 33 to the Pikes Peak Cog Railway will be impacted and riders should use the stops at 940 Manitou Ave Click here for route updates. A map of the lane closure is provided below Daily Weather Report Powered By: Manitou Springs traffic map (Courtesy of City of Manitou Springs) Multiple road closures are coming up for the Colorado Springs area: Marksheffel Road will be closed from south of Stetson Hills Boulevard to north of Barnes Road May2-5, according to Colorado Springs officials. The north lane in front of 342 Ruxton Avenue in Manitou Springs will be closed Monday, May 5, while crews remove a hazardous tree, according to a Manitou Springs news release. And work on South Academy Boulevard at the I-25 overpass will have some overnight closures May 8 and 9, particularly for northbound drivers.  Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Stories you've missed since your last login: Recommended stories based on your interests: According to the city, emergency responders arrived on the scene to see bystanders giving CPR to a 64-year-old man from out of state. The man was not responsive and was later pronounced dead. "We thank the bystanders who quickly intervened and attempted CPR," said Manitou Springs Fire Chief Keith Buckmiller in a statement. "Their immediate actions are commendable and reflect the compassion of our community." Authorities have not identified the man, other than to say he's from Oregon, based on the identification he was carrying. The Manitou Incline is a steep one-mile hike or climb consisting of 2,744 stairs and an elevation gain of more than 2,000 feet. Reservations are required for the physically strenuous climb. The city estimates around 250,000 visitors each year. Funding for public media is at stake. Stand up and support what you value today. Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado. Listen now. Contact KRCCFCC Applications & FilesFacebookInstagramNews That Matters © 2025 Colorado Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy shared on Facebook in 2024.After a two-week postponement due to the weather the 30th annual Great Fruitcake Toss returns to Manitou Springs on Saturday This family-and-dog-friendly event will take place at Memorial Park Contestants can take part in four sporting events testing different fruitcake-wielding abilities There will also be a fruitcake baking competition nuts and fruit and should be dropped off for judging between noon and 12:30 p.m.  Sporting contestants can bring their own holiday fruitcakes and pay $1 per toss in each competition or they can borrow a fruitcake from the festival for $5 with four tosses included in the rental fee Tickets for each additional toss cost $1 or can be purchased in exchange for a non-perishable food item that will be donated to the Manitou Springs Community Food Pantry It cannot contain inedible ingredients.  “Fruitcake Tech Inspectors” will examine all outside cakes to ensure they meet these standards Other festival activities include a catapult-making station and fruitcake rock painting Fruitcake samples will also be available from Collins Street Bakery Learn more about Manitou’s Great Fruitcake Toss here Southern Colorado is changing a lot these days Sign up for the KRCC Weekly Digest here and get the stories that matter to Southern Colorado © 2025 Colorado Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInMANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - The City of Manitou Springs' Water and Sewer Department were working Friday to repair a water main break that happened along Manitou Avenue between Pawnee Avenue and Canon Avenue. The El Paso County Dispatch line says the break was first called in around 1:30 a.m. Friday morning. As of 4:16 p.m., the City of Manitou Springs said water service had been restored along Manitou Avenue between Pawnee and Canon Avenue. Crews were still in the area cleaning up. The City said residents in the area could see discolored water or low water pressure following the restoration. They said running cold water from a bathtub faucet or the lowest tap in homes for at least five minutes should restore water to normal. The City said the road is expected to reopen about an hour after work is complete. Authorities are asking the public to beware of a scam focused on Colorado's young psilocybin industry According to the Manitou Springs Police Department a website called ShroomWonders advertises so-called "magic mushrooms" for sale with a Colorado-based phone number and a physical address in Manitou Springs investigators determined the site's ownership and database information traces back to Nairobi Upon calling the Colorado-based phone number authorities say the caller is asked to leave a voicemail The caller then gets a text message requesting payment that doesn't offer any buyer protections The Manitou Springs town clerk also said there are no business licenses for a company by the name ShroomWonders anywhere in the state The physical address listed is actually that of a legitimate gift shop called Mushroom Mondays.  The sale of psilocybin remains illegal outside of state-sanctioned healing centers The mushrooms themselves are decriminalized in Colorado for those 21 and older — The Manitou Springs Fire Department says thanks to a recent donation they can match residents' fire mitigation efforts up to $500 Known as the Resident Wildfire Mitigation Grant Match Program it will provide homeowners matching funds for removing "hazardous vegetation and reducing wildfire risk around their homes" Much of Manitou Springs is located in what is a Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) According to the Colorado State University of Forestry the WUI is anywhere that structures and other human development are near or intermingled with wildland vegetation The grant was made possible thanks to the Manitou Springs Community Foundation “Mitigation is one of the most effective tools in protecting lives and property from wildfires,” said Michael Willie Lieutenant and Wildfire Mitigation Coordinator for MSFD “This program empowers residents to take meaningful action before the fire season intensifies.” The Manitou Springs Fire Department in line with standard wildfire mitigation practices recommend residents try and create a defensible space within 30 feet of structures on their property Residents must follow a structured application and agreement process to qualify: first-serve and does have an application process (KRDO) - Court documents show that a stabbing and ensuing shooting in Manitou Springs are believed to be tied to allegations of infidelity police were sent out to Oklahoma Road in reference to a stabbing the victim told police that a man had approached him in his driveway and stabbed him The victim said he then shot the suspect in self-defense Police say they found the suspect shortly after behind a residence READ MORE: Arrest made in Manitou Springs stabbing Both the victim (who had a stab wound) and suspect (who had a gunshot wound) were taken to the hospital who is believed to have stabbed the victim because he slept with his wife Court documents say Pearson told an officer that his wife admitted to sleeping with the man he allegedly stabbed An officer also said they overheard Pearson speaking to a nurse admitting that he blacked out while drinking and then allegedly stabbed the victim Pearson described a "volatile relationship" with his wife He said his wife told him that she slept with the other man Pearson told police he drank a "pint" of whiskey before taking an Uber to the victim's house He said he sent a message to the victim from his wife's Facebook account and asking the victim to pick her up from a gas station When the victim came out of his house to go pick her up Pearson was reportedly waiting for him outside and allegedly stabbed him the wife had learned that her Facebook account was being used without her knowledge Police say she sent a message to the victim stating "DO NOT GO TO LOAF N JUG," and "...Wyatt used my account on his phone to louer [sic the victim was not facing charges for shooting Pearson after allegedly being stabbed (KKTV) - You don’t have to go all the way to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras -- plenty of Cajun flavor could be found Saturday right in the heart of Manitou Springs It was an amazing day,” said Amy Kerr with Visit Manitou Springs Manitou Springs Carnivale has a rich history in the community But how did a town 1,200 miles from New Orleans get so involved with Mardi Gras The idea was the brainchild of Arlene Wood who was initially inspired by the Carnival of Venice Fifty people in 1993 has exploded to thousands 30+ years later it just gets bigger and bigger,” Kerr said Carnivale kicked off Saturday with the Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cookoff at Soda Springs Park where two dozen amateur and professional chefs showed off their skills in front of judges and an even tougher crowd -- the public so the competition gets better every year,” said Paul Haas who has been competing in the Mubo Jumbo Gumbo Cookoff for 10 years while the public votes on the coveted “People’s Choice Award.” Gumbo samples are just 75 cents apiece and I love to share my experience with my friends back home,” Haas Then came the main event: the Carnivale Parade down Manitou Avenue The energy being in there is amazing,” said Kerr who has been part of the parade multiple times This year’s theme is ‘Cirque du Manitou,’ so it’s a circus theme including “Best Krewe,” “Best Costume,” and “Best Performance.” (Fun fact for this author: “krewe” is the standard spelling of “crew” in New Orleans!) and it just makes it a real community event And you don’t have to be a Manitou person to get in that spirit sleet or shine the event goes on every year don’t worry -- the fun and festivities return in 2026 we cannot wait to hear what the ManiKrewe has planned for us!” Kerr said MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - The Manitou Springs Police Department (MSPD) is on scene of a possible stabbing incident Tuesday night The MSPD said the incident was reported around 7 p.m. A neighbor showed our crew pictures of a gruesome scene with a man who was bleeding on a stretcher No further information is available at this time Updates will be provided once we know more Paige is a reporter and weekend morning anchor for KRDO NewsChannel 13. Learn more about her here. (KRDO) - KRDO13 Investigates is looking into a protest at a recent Manitou Springs City Council meeting and Julie Wolfe chose not to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance last week as it was recited before the meeting began last week They said it was in protest of the federal government "I can understand her angst and desire to protest the chaos and disruption at the national level I suspect we'll see more cases of protest and civil disobedience," Manitou Springs Mayor John Graham said during the Feb 18 meeting The mayor also told KRDO13 Investigates over the phone that while he understands the reasons behind the protest and the current political climate he said he doesn't conflate the flag with recent actions by the Trump Administration KRDO13 Investigates also spoke to residents of Manitou Springs about the protest "My initial reaction was that I get where they're coming from it is a brave thing to do to stand up to something that you believe in," said resident Lauren Lavallie it feels like we should all almost be standing up for something stronger as opposed to sitting down for something that we're not agreeing with," she added Some of the council members also told us that they received a threat because of the protest said they're not aware of any credible threats being reported Michael Logerwell is a weekend anchor and member of the KRDO13 Investigates team. Learn more about him here. The City of Manitou Springs released a reminder to residents to stay informed about mountain lions after reports of mountain lion activity occurred on local trails City officials say that "Colorado is home to a healthy population of mountain lions especially in areas like Manitou Springs where urban and wildland environments intersect." Here is the list of tips and tricks the city compiled to keep mountain lions away from your property and keep pets and children safe: Colorado Parks and Wildlife also has helpful information for living in areas with mountain lions The City of Manitou Springs has released more information regarding a stabbing and shooting that took place on Tuesday the report of the stabbing came in near Deer Path Avenue and Oklahoma Road they found a stabbing victim as well as a person suffering from gunshot wounds it was determined that the suspect in this incident who has been identified as 22-year-old Wyatt Pearson approached a man in his driveway and stabbed him in the neck Both men were taken to the hospital and are in stable condition as of the latest update from the Manitou Springs Police Department Pearson will be booked into jail following his release from the hospital on the following charges: Police say they will not be charging the shooter at this time, and the current evidence suggests he shot Pearson after being stabbed. Police believe that an early motive in this case is a marital or relationship-related issue. Anyone with information is asked to contact El Paso County Dispatch at (719)390-5555 Officers with the Manitou Springs Police Department are investigating a possible stabbing Tuesday evening which is located east of Champions at Manitou Springs Elementary School Police say all parties involved are accounted for The incident remains under investigation. If you have any information, you are asked to call El Paso County Dispatch at (719)390-5555 CO — If you're not finished Christmas shopping city leaders in Manitou Springs want you to come shop in their city they’re starting a special holiday parking promotion Spots will have no charge for up to two hours Visitors still need to check in with parking kiosks a spokeswoman for the city of Manitou Springs I’m told the city normally makes a lot of money with parking fees she says they would rather make holiday shopping stress-free and enjoyable for everyone with free parking It’s something Hessel says the community asked for "We want to show our businesses and our locals and our residence that we hear them we support them and if this small little gesture helps bring more people in so that they can get more people through their doors The 2-hour free parking promotion is good at all participating City Parking Lots: The promotion is good through Christmas. I already got my holiday shopping done but I’d certainly love to come back down here for free parking and some Maté! are filled with folks like Joann and her dog "Manitou is a very dog friendly community." saying the increased cost of living played a role in that decision there could soon be a new living option for Joann and others looking to live in the city Developers are proposing a 43-unit affordable multifamily housing development The development would be built on top of where the La Fun Motel used to be it would be the first multifamily development constructed in the city in more than a half century applied this project for a Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) through the Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) If CHFA determines the project qualifies for this credit developers will then take their proposal to the Manitou's Urban Planning Commission Manitou Springs Mayor John Graham voiced his support for this multifamily housing development saying that it would help congestion by bringing commuters closer to their work "It's within our allowed density requirements," Mayor Graham said "Some of our shops and restaurants have trouble keeping people because if they have to drive to Manitou and park (KRDO) - In Manitou Springs on Tuesday night city council members affirmed their commitment to the values of diversity It comes as government agencies both here and in Washington are slashing DEI initiatives spurned by a presidential order that says failure to do so could result in the loss of federal funds Council members acknowledge that there's some risk in making a proclamation that goes against current federal policies on DEI but they say it's important to show solidarity and stand up for a set of values that they believe represent Manitou as a whole "City of Manitou Springs Proclamation number 0225 to recognize Manitou Springs commitment to valuing diversity the nation was founded upon and is guided by a set of principles including that every person is created equal and that all shall be afforded the full recognition and protection of the law many in our community are looking for a safe place to live and thrive during these unprecedented times the City of Manitou Springs is proclaiming its commitment to supporting the rights of all residents and visitors the City of Manitou Springs recognizes the importance of equity and is dedicated to fostering acceptance of all its citizens and preventing discrimination in all forms the city of Manitou Springs proudly celebrates Martin Luther King Jr Juneteenth Pride Month and Indigenous Peoples Day and despite national rhetoric and disinformation the Manitou Springs community remains resilient violent and unapologetically proud of its diversity We value our public schools access to safe and affordable medical care for all the environment and our international allies and democracy be it resolved that the city of Manitou Springs City Council does hereby proclaim that every day and every month represents an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to these principles and to actively promote the founding ideology of the United States of America Adopted this fourth day of March 2025 in the city of Manitou Springs The City of Manitou Springs receives a variety of federal funds covering things like water treatment It's not clear at this time if any federal money they receive is now in jeopardy of being cut after the stance taken from city leaders (KRDO) - Manitou Springs is finishing preparations for its 32nd annual Mardi Gras "Carnival" celebration on Saturday It starts with the "Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off" at 11 a.m This year's theme is "Cirque Du Manitou," with costumes and decorations of circus animals like lions The parade is free to watch and to participate in. If you want to be in the parade, you need to RSVP and line up in Memorial Park at 502 Manitou Avenue by 12 p.m The city has designated three parking locations for the event. Fields Park (free), Hiawatha Gardens (metered parking) and Manitou High School ($10 proceeds donated to Fellowship of Christian Athletes) The city will provide free shuttles from all three parking locations to the parade site. If you park at the high school, a shuttle can take you to memorial park, where you can grab another shuttle to the parade. The city said Pike Ride is also offering a discount code Saturday for its E-Bike rentals. The code is BONTEMPSROULER. You can find full parking and transportation information here. There will be two detours for cars trying to make it to Manitou Springs Cars coming from the West will be redirected to Old Mans Trail onto El Paso Boulevard and Lover's Lane you'll be sent from Ruxton Avenue to Osage Avenue Bradley is a morning reporter for KRDO13. Learn more about him here. (KRDO) - Cañon Avenue to Pawnee Avenue is closed to cars after a water main broke overnight caused around 20 downtown businesses to lose water "This could be an all-day project," said Manitou Springs Public Works director Roy Chaney The city said the break spewed water and gravel across the roadway around 1 a.m Workers began sawing into the pavement to try and get to the broken line so they could diagnose the damage around 8:30 p.m so we have to cut through all the cement to actually get to where the pipes are The pipes could be anywhere from 4 to 6 feet deep," Chaney said it causes a lot of ground shifting problems." The city said it contacted 178 phone numbers linked to both businesses and residents with properties in the affected area so I'm sure they'll come and shop around here I'm very hopeful of that," said 6412' Shirt Company employee Max Piccioni 6412' Shirt Company opened at its regular time this morning despite the water main break had a sign in the window saying it was closed for the day because of the break MANITOU SPRINGS — An Oregon man is dead following a medical emergency on the Manitou Incline The city says bystanders contacted 9-1-1 around 10:30 a.m Tuesday saying a man was in medical distress Manitou Springs Fire Chief Keith Buckmiller released the following statement regarding this incident: MANITOU SPRINGS — A shelter-in-place order for the 400 block of Ruxton Avenue in Manitou Springs has been lifted Friday There is law enforcement activity in the 400 block of Ruxton Avenue in Manitou Springs according to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office An alert from the sheriff's office says people who live in the area should secure their homes and stay away from doors and windows The 911 authority says that a new partnership with the ReachWell app will allow Peak Alerts to integrate seamlessly and allow for 130 differentlanguage translations Reachwell does not require users to make an additional account or personal information to receive the alerts Once you have downloaded the ReachWell app follow these steps to get Peak Alerts through the App: Download the ReachWell App wherever you download apps or visit rwell.us/ElPasoCO and accept push notifications News 5 is working to learn more and will bring you updates when we get them Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5 MANITOU SPRINGS — Students at the Manitou Springs Elementary School were evacuated on Tuesday morning after a powder was found in the auditorium The Manitou Springs Fire Department was contacted after an "inhalation incident of an unknown cause," according to the City of Manitou Springs The students were moved to Manitou Springs High School there are no reports of injuries from students or faculty The Manitou Springs Fire Department evaluated each of the students The following letter was sent to parents of the Manitou Springs School District: Students News5 spoke with explained how a normal day of school turned into panic when they started smelling gas and began to cough “We didn’t really know what was happening; we just had to get out of the school,” said India Joseph The students were moved to the high school where parents were asked to pick up their children “At first they just told me it was an irritant in the air and was making some kids cough… I didn’t realize it was mine,” she said she just wants to be back in the classroom “I’m really hoping that I can go back to school and see what is happening because we had to leave all of our stuff.” The Manitou Springs Fire Department evaluated each of the students before releasing them to their parents or guardians and fifth graders were present will be closed The City of Manitou Springs will participate in the nationwide Great American Cleanup as an effort to improve communities around the nation This event will be in collaboration with the Fountain Creek Watershed District Organized by Keep America Beautiful, the Great American Cleanup brings over 15,000 communities across the country together to "revitalize public spaces Manitou Springs is looking for volunteers to be part of this event All of the necessary equipment will be provided by the city and Crew Leaders will be responsible to pick up their team's equipment ahead of time To become a volunteer, visit the City of Manitou Springs Volunteer Application website. MANITOU SPRINGS — Get ready for a beloved Manitou Springs tradition this weekend - the Manitou Carnivale Parade The parade celebrates Mardi Gras weekend in its full color with the Mumbo Gumbo Jumbo Cook-Off and the Carnivale Parade on Saturday blending traditional Mardi Gras attire and classic masquerade elements Live music by the Tidal Breeze Hot Five Jazz band will begin at 10:30 a.m the Mumbo Gumbo Jumbo Cook-Off is starting at 8:00 a.m but the tasting doesn't begin until 11:00 a.m Competitors are expected to make at least five gallons of gumbo Attendees can purchase gumbo tasters for 75¢ a piece at Memorial Park (502 Manitou Ave) and will end at Soda Springs Park (1070 Manitou Ave) The event is free and open to the public. For more information on this weekend's events, visit the event website. Puppets entertain thousands of spectators lining the street Saturday as the Manitou Springs Carnivale Parade makes its way down Manitou Avenue in Manitou Springs This year marked the 32nd anniversary of the parade and kicked off Mardis Gras weekend The 17-foot-tall Indigenous Grandmother of Manitou Springs dances her way down Manitou Avenue in the Manitou Springs Carnivale parade on Saturday A member of the Manitou Springs Drum Circle group dances and blows bubbles as the Manitou Springs Carnivale parade makes its way down Manitou Avenue Kinsey Watts waits at Memorial Park for the Manitou Springs Carnivale parade to begin on Saturday serves gumbo at the 31st Annual Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-off at Soda Springs Park on Saturday in Manitou Springs The Bayou Boys took top honors in the amateur division throw beads from a balcony as the Manitou Springs Carnivale parade and paradegoers pass on Manitou Avenue A member of the Kamaleon Krewe rides a decorated bicycle in the Manitou Springs Carnivale parade as it makes its way down Manitou Avenue on Saturday The celebration kicked off Mardis Gras weekend GO Team Therapy Dogs walk down Manitou Avenue with the Manitou Springs Carnivale parade on Saturday sports a festive outfit in the Manitou Springs Carnivale Parade on Saturday The Manitou Springs Carnivale parade makes its way down Manitou Avenue on Saturday The Carnivale letters dance their way down Manitou Avenue with the parade on Saturday Puppets dance through the street as the Manitou Springs Carnivale parade makes its way down Manitou Avenue on Saturday Spectators film the Manitou Springs Carnivale parade as it makes its way down Manitou Avenue on Saturday Donna Dague dances as a banjo is played during the Manitou Springs Carnivale parade on Saturday Rachel Miller and her daughter Juliet watch as the Manitou Springs Carnivale parade makes its way down Manitou Avenue on Saturday Jennine Scott wears a chameleon head to the Manitou Springs Carnivale parade on Saturday Scott was part of the Chameleon Krewe in the parade Carnivale King Sean Bradly and Queen Anna Rebecca Allen lead the parade down Manitou Avenue on Saturday A member of the Manitou Springs Drum Circle blows bubbles as the Carnivale parade makes its way down Manitou Avenue on Saturday A member of the Kamaleon Krewe in the Manitou Springs Carnivale parade as it makes its way down Manitou Avenue on Saturday Courtney Smith of Gather Food Studios serves up gumbo at the Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off at Soda Springs Park on Saturday poses for a photograph with Dennisaurus-Rex and his owner Billie-Sue Mitchell before the start of the Manitou Springs Carnivale parade on Saturday Members of the Manitou Springs Drum Circle group dance as the Carnivale parade makes its way down Manitou Avenue on Saturday Levya Silverfingers with the Manitou Springs Drum Circle dances as the Carnivale parade makes its way down Manitou Avenue on Saturday Spectators take photographs of Dennisaurus-Rex as his owner Billie-Sue Mitchell leads him down Manitou Avenue with the Carnivale parade makes on Saturday gets a serving of gumboa at the 31st Annual Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-off at Soda Springs Park on Saturday A Manitou Springs Carnivale parade participant wears a festive jacket and Mardis Gras beads on Saturday Karen Kennedy wears a festive outfit to the Manitou Springs Carnivale parade on Saturday Bailee Baker hands a Mardis Gras mask to a young boy as the Manitou Springs Carnivale parade makes its way down Manitou Avenue on Saturday MANITOU SPRINGS — Manitou Springs Elementary School has released students for the day for a second time this week in response to a hazmat situation The district says the school was evacuated as a precaution when staff members on the basement level began experiencing symptoms such as coughing and watery eyes- similar to the symptoms experienced by students and staff in a different part of the building on Tuesday the MSFD and the El Paso County Hazmat Team have responded to the incident the hazmat team has conducted a thorough examination of all HVAC systems and determined those systems not to be the cause Hazmat officials believe the source of the issue to be a vacuum used on both Tuesday in the auditorium and Thursday morning by staff in the basement The school will remain closed on Friday while crews work to deep clean the school out of extra precaution If you are a parent/guardian of a student at the school Manitou Springs Elementary School has released the below information on early release pick-up: This evacuation is following a separate evacuation that occurred on Tuesday, December 17 after students and staff found an unknown substance in the auditorium Students were reported to be coughing and having burning eyes Manitou Springs Fire Department (MSFD) reported the situation had been resolved on Tuesday and students returned to school on Wednesday after deep cleaning efforts were made and News5 will update this story after more information is released — Climbers on the Manitou Incline Tuesday morning worked in vain performing CPR on a 64-year-old man in medical distress was pronounced deceased shortly after emergency personnel arrived on the incline in Manitou Springs according to a Facebook post from the city The cause of death is undetermined and under investigation The city said climbers on the incline called 911 around 10:23 a.m and quickly attempted life-saving measures “We thank the bystanders who quickly intervened and attempted CPR,” said Manitou Springs Fire Chief Keith Buckmiller in the Facebook post “Their immediate actions are commendable and reflect the compassion of our community.” The Manitou Incline is a challenging hiking trail with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain in under a mile Officials remind climbers to assess their physical fitness and prepare appropriately for the strenuous route Denver7 is committed to making a difference in our community by standing up for what's right lending a helping hand and following through on promises (KRDO) - Gun owners can pick up a free gun lock from the Manitou Springs Police Department this week The department says they are giving out the locks on a first come Residents can pick up a lock at the police department window They can also call (719)685-5407 for more information The department says one of their main focuses is child safety especially as kids are about to be out of school for the summer A 2023 report from the Children's Hospital Colorado says that firearms have resulted in more deaths for Colorado children than car accidents have in recent years Non-fatal gun injuries for kids under the age of 10 are primarily unintentional Here in El Paso County, a 4-year-old shot themself after getting ahold of a loaded gun a few years ago. Similar cases have cropped up nationwide, including a recent incident where a Florida 4-year-old recently shot themself it becomes more common that injuries or deaths are the result of assault or suicide they are still significantly unintentional across the board 52.4% of firearm deaths or injuries in Colorado kids were unintentional The report shows the other 31.4% were due to assault Studies have shown that safe gun storage can significantly decrease the risk to children. Researchers at Johns Hopkins estimate 4.6 million minors in the U.S live in a home with at least one gun that is loaded and unlocked “Secure firearm storage is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents and unauthorized access,” said Police Chief Bill Otto in a release “Providing free locks is a simple but important step to help protect our residents.” the historic Manitou Springs Library is finally reopening at its original location on Friday The library, which was originally housed in the historic Carnegie Library building at 701 Manitou Avenue, has been housed in the Manitou Arts Center since 2021 due to ADA compliance issues with the older building the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) said the City of Manitou Springs worked to raise the money needed to update the Carnegie Library to comply with today’s accessibility requirements has undergone renovations since January 2024 The work was largely focused on preserving its historical significance while making the building ADA-accessible and also adding 3,000 square feet of space Those renovations were completed in December and the library closed in November to begin the process of moving back to its original location MANITOU SPRINGS — The Manitou Springs Christmas Parade is happening on Sunday The theme will be 'All the Little Helpers.' and guests can expect to see extravagant floats Businesses in Manitou Springs will be going all out this year on Christmas decorations Parade attendees are welcome to grab dinner and look at the decorations before and after the parade The United States Marine Corps will also be out actively collecting Toys for Tots during the parade Parking fills up fast so expect a crowd and show up early Manitou Springs police were called to a residence in the area of Deer Path Avenue and Oklahoma Road around 7 p.m according to a news release from the city of Manitou Springs Wyatt Pearson mugshot front (Courtesy of Manitou Springs Police) Wyatt Pearson mugshot profile (Courtesy of Manitou Springs Police) A man is facing attempted murder and assault charges after an apparent "marital or relationship-related issue" turned violent last week in Manitou Springs in his driveway on Oklahoma Road southeast of downtown Manitou according to the arrest affidavit obtained by The Gazette The victim then shot the suspect in the shoulder with a gun he grabbed from his truck Officers arrived and took the victim to a local hospital to be treated for his injuries Police said they do not anticipate the shooter will be charged with a crime because they say he was acting in self-defense An area resident later called and told officers Pearson was behind her residence in the 100 block of Deer Path Avenue in Manitou Police arrived and took Pearson into custody Police said he told investigators that he stabbed the victim because he was having an affair with his wife who told them he was communicating with the victim through her Facebook account to find out where he would be She said she did have an affair with the victim but she and Pearson decided to work through the infidelity Pearson was hospitalized and later booked into the El Paso County jail on a $50,000 bond He is facing felony charges for attempted murder in the first degree and assault in the first degree Thomas Woodard's contagious laughter could lift the spirits of anyone within earshot MANITOU SPRINGS — The City of Manitou Springs is receiving over a million dollars for the restoration of the city's 2-million-gallon Mesa Water Storage Tank A $577,726 grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) will be used for the project as well as an additional $622,274 from the City's Drinking Water Revolving Loan the project is going to "extend the life of the original Mesa Tank" to ensure that it provides clean drinking water to residents The city will have to drain the Mesa Water Storage Tank during rehabilitation so another Mesa Water Tank will be used starting in May 2025 to make sure there are no service interruptions The temporary tank will only hold 1.1 million gallons and the city assures residents that it will "move forward with no cost to Manitou Springs residents." Work is expected to begin in August 2025 and will be completed by June 2026