🌱 $11 Million In Funding For Services + Recycling Expansion

Happy Thursday, neighbors! Let's get this day started off right. Here's what's happening today in town.

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First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 52 Low: 33.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Colorado Springs today:

1. The Colorado Springs area is receiving nearly $11 million in additional funding to aid area agencies during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. El Paso County is providing $9 million for Colorado Springs through their federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Empty Stocking Fund is providing close to $2 million from their annual charity campaign. The additional funding will go towards mental health programs, children's programs, programs to reduce hunger, and a variety of community aid programs. (KRDO)
2. Colorado Springs Recycling Center wants to expand using a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. According to Recycling Center officials, the money will be used to compost food waste, recycle cardboard, and produce mulch. Last year, the Center processed 324,500 pounds of waste that would have ended up in a landfill. (epcan.com)
3. Advocates for the homeless population are speaking out against a new expansion of illegal areas for the homeless. The Colorado Springs City Council on Tuesday voted to increase the area downtown where it is illegal to sit or lie down. The City Council says that new ordinances are to ensure safety for the pedestrians that travel through the area, while advocates for the homeless argue that the new ordinances further criminalize homelessness. (Colorado Public Radio)

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Today in Colorado Springs:

• Lean Team Meeting At Library 21c (9:15 AM)
• Consult At The East Library and Information Center (3:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Pueblo School District 60 celebrated 7th grader Jack Centner who was the last speller standing among a field of 26 in the 45th annual District 60 Spelling Bee. Congratulations Jack! (Facebook)
• Downtown Colorado Springs announced the Haute Chocolate Hop 2022 gift card winners. Congratulations Jamie Krall and Justin Buege! (Facebook)
• Colorado Springs School District 11 is inviting families to the Russell Open House on Feb. 17 at 5:30 p.m. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right! See you tomorrow morning for your next update.

— Erica Zenn

About me: Erica Zenn is a Masters Student in Applied Psychology at the University of Southern California who originally hails from Chapel Hill, NC. With a bachelors degree from Cornell University, Erica is an expert verbal and written communicator who brings extensive experience in employee engagement and customer experience of companies. Erica is passionate about community building, and loves using her writing and communication skills to bring people together.