Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How new fire tech could change emergency response in Colorado Springs

Also, don't miss Free Document Shredding on the Colorado Springs Patch calendar

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Thursday August 20th Patch AM
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Good morning Colorado Springs! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How new fire tech could change emergency response in Colorado Springs
  • How a new southeast Springs child care center is finally taking shape
  • Will your Medicaid ride to Denver disappear next week?

Also on today's calendar: Free Document Shredding and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: some sun, with a high of 92 and low of 64 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Toasty conditions, temps: high: 93, low: 65.
  • Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 92 and low of 61 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Colorado Springs Fire Department unveils three new technologies to improve firefighter, public safety (krdo.com) — Colorado Springs firefighters are rolling out three new technologies, including helmet-mounted thermal imaging and citywide wildfire sensors, aimed at speeding rescues and spotting fires earlier. Drones will help deliver supplies and pinpoint fire locations, with alerts feeding into the Police Department's Real Time Crime Center. City leaders stress the tools enhance, rather than replace, firefighters' work.
   

2. New early child care and education center in Colorado Springs gets boost from credit union (gazette.com) — A new early childhood center is coming to the Bradley Ridge affordable housing development in southeast Colorado Springs, backed by a $250,000 gift from Wings Credit Union Foundation. Nonprofit Early Connections plans space for 60 children and 20 staff, tying child care directly to workforce housing. Leaders say the project targets a child care 'desert' and still needs additional fundraising.
   

3. MedRide to significantly reduce ambulatory rides in El Paso County (kktv.com) — MedRide is ending ambulatory rides for Medicaid patients who can walk in El Paso County, leaving many Colorado Springs-area residents scrambling for ways to reach distant medical appointments. State officials say more than 20 other non-emergency transport providers remain available, but riders worry limited fleets and travel distances won't cover critical trips to Denver and beyond after the change takes effect August 25.
   

4. Black bear trapped in unlocked vehicle dies after days in sweltering heat in Colorado Springs (koaa.com) — A black bear recently died after being trapped for days inside an unlocked car in central Colorado Springs, prompting new warnings from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Officials say drought is driving bears into neighborhoods and urge residents to lock vehicles, secure trash, and remove food attractants. They also outline how to safely respond if you encounter a black bear.
   

5. Colorado CMAS results: Highest- and lowest-performing schools and districts in the Colorado Springs area (gazette.com) — State test results show Cheyenne Mountain D-12 and Academy D-20 among Colorado's top-performing districts, with several Colorado Springs schools leading in math and English. Chipeta Elementary again posts standout scores, while multiple D-11 schools land near the bottom. Overall, local districts saw modest gains, mirroring statewide improvement in CMAS math performance.
   

📸 Around Colorado Springs

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I'm posting ideas on what we can do for random acts of kindness.
    Some are free, but many will cost a bit. I live frugally on SS and house sitting, but this is very important to me so I will spend the money. When… (Nextdoor Milton E Proby - Academy)
  • Our cat Joy has been missing for about 24 hours.
    She is 12 years old and though she enjoys going outside in our yard, she is a homebody and doesn't wander off. Last seen near the NW corner of… (Nextdoor Golf Course Heights)
  • Acosta Group - Acosta Sales & Marketing Company posted a job opening for Retail Merchandiser - Walmart in Colorado Springs. Apply here.
  • Whole Foods Market, Inc. posted a job opening for Grocery Team Member (Stocker, Inventory, Floor Service, Customer Service) - Part Time in Colorado Springs. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Colorado Springs here.

Ok Colorado Springs! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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