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FOUNTAIN, Colo. - While many families across southern Colorado were celebrating Independence Day, firefighters were battling a fast-moving grass fire that had the potential to become something far more destructive. On Saturday, July 4, 2026, a wildfire ignited near Jordan Road and Old Pueblo Road south of Fountain, serving as another reminder that wildfire season doesn't take holidays. Fortunately for nearby residents, local emergency responders wasted no time. The Jordan Roa

El Paso County is preparing for a full slate of Independence Day celebrations this week, with events stretching across Colorado Springs, Fountain, and Fort Carson. While fireworks remain a centerpiece of the holiday for many, this year’s festivities are being shaped by heightened fire restrictions across the region, prompting officials and organizers to emphasize safe, community-centered celebrations. Fort Carson Freedom Fest Kicks Off Holiday Weekend One of the county’s larg

For more than three decades, emergency calls across El Paso and Teller counties have been supported by a regional partnership designed to keep first responders connected, regardless of city or county lines. That partnership could soon look very different. The City of Colorado Springs has announced plans to withdraw from the El Paso-Teller County 911 Authority and establish its own city-run 911 authority beginning in 2027, a move city leaders say will allow more emergency comm

Photo courtesy of the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, El Paso County officials are urging residents to put fire safety first after Stage II Fire Restrictions took effect Monday in response to increasingly dangerous wildfire conditions across Southern Colorado. Effective at 1 p.m. on June 29, El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal declared Stage II Fire Restrictions for all unincorporated areas of the county. The decision comes as Color

After six years of detours, frustration, and increased traffic on surrounding roadways, Southmoor Drive in Fountain has officially reopened to through traffic, restoring a critical east-west connection for residents and businesses on the city's west side. The reopening marks the end of one of Fountain's longest-running transportation disruptions. The roadway was originally closed in April 2020 after severe erosion along Fountain Creek threatened the stability of the road. Yea

The United States Men's National Team enters its final Group D match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday night against Turkey with momentum firmly on its side. After opening the tournament with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay and following it up with a 2-0 win over Australia, the Americans have already secured a place in the Round of 32. Thursday's match against Turkey offers an opportunity to maintain momentum and potentially lock down first place in Group D heading into the

Photo courtesy of the Fountain Valley Reporter. Source: Fountain Valley Reporter Facebook page. As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, communities across the nation are beginning to reflect on the ideals, sacrifices, and achievements that have shaped our country for nearly two and a half centuries. In Fountain, city leaders recently took a meaningful step in recognizing this historic milestone by adopting a resolution commemorating America's

Residents across the Fountain Valley felt the summer heat in full force this week as temperatures climbed into the mid-to-upper 90s, with some locations in southern Colorado reaching record-setting levels. The National Weather Service issued heat advisories for portions of the region, and Fountain-area temperatures approached the upper 90s and near 100 degrees during the hottest part of the week. According to weather officials, Wednesday was one of the hottest days of the yea

Photo courtesy of KOAA News5. Source: KOAA News5. COLORADO SPRINGS — A collision involving a Colorado Springs Fire Department engine and a Bustang bus sent nine people to area hospitals Saturday morning and temporarily shut down a busy downtown intersection. The crash occurred shortly after 10 a.m. near the intersection of Bijou Street and Tejon Street. According to officials, the fire engine was responding to an emergency medical call when it became involved in the collision

Photo courtesy of News5. Source: News5 Photojournalist Carl Winder. A residential fire near the intersection of Marksheffel Road and Bonnie Cap Lane prompted a large emergency response Thursday evening, drawing assistance from multiple fire agencies across the region. Fire crews worked to bring the blaze under control, successfully extinguishing the fire by approximately 7:30 p.m. Officials reported that no firefighters were injured while battling the incident. One resident w

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. — An 18-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say he fired shots at a residence in the Security-Widefield area last month, prompting an extensive investigation by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. Deputies were dispatched to the 4400 block of Witches Hollow Lane on the evening of May 26 after receiving multiple reports of gunfire in the neighborhood. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers located a residence with its front

Photo courtesy of the City of Fountain Fire Department. Source: City of Fountain Government Facebook page. As Fountain continues to grow, city leaders face the challenge of expanding public services while remaining responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. The Fountain Fire Department, under the leadership of Chief Devon Graham, has recently demonstrated how those goals can work together. Most recently, the department secured approximately $500,000 in savings during the procu

Veterans and their families will have an opportunity to connect with a wide range of resources during the El Paso County Veterans Expo on Wednesday, June 10, at the Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs. The event will bring together veteran service organizations, government agencies, nonprofit groups, and community partners focused on serving those who have worn the nation's uniform. Attendees will be able to learn about benefits, healthcare resources, employment opportuniti

Photo courtesy of the City of Fountain. Source: City of Fountain website. Fountain, Colo. — For many Fountain residents, deteriorating roads have become an everyday frustration. Potholes, crumbling pavement, and uneven streets are increasingly common throughout the city, highlighting a problem that local leaders say has been building for decades. The City of Fountain maintains approximately 102 miles of roadway, but current funding levels allow for only a fraction of the repa

Source: City of Fountain, Carson Connector Project Website. Few communities in Colorado have a stronger connection to the military than Fountain and the Fountain Valley. Our neighbors wear the uniform, our businesses serve military families, and our schools welcome children whose parents have answered the call to serve our nation. Supporting our military community is not simply something we talk about- it is part of who we are. That is why the Carson Connector is such an impo

The Fountain community and the State of Colorado have lost a devoted leader, advocate, and public servant with the passing of former State Representative and Fountain City Councilmember Lois Landgraf. For decades, Lois dedicated her time, energy, and expertise to serving others. Whether at City Hall, under the Gold Dome, or in countless community organizations, she approached every role with a commitment to making Fountain and Southern Colorado stronger for future generations

Fountain, CO — A wave of excitement is sweeping through the north end of Fountain, where the Mesa Ridge development is redefining the landscape. Mesa Ridge, the main street running through the area, now hosts a thriving commercial complex. Already open are Christian Brothers Automotive, Wataburger, and a UCHealth facility—bringing critical services closer than ever. The Sourdough Sandwich Shop is also open, serving fresh, local meals. In addition, a new dentist office, a bran

As El Paso County’s Commissioner for District 4 and former Fountain City Councilman, Cory Applegate offers a grounded, blue-collar perspective rooted in his lifelong connection to the community. Growing up in El Paso County, Cory saw firsthand both the struggles and the potential of his neighbors. His father served on the Fountain City Council, laying the groundwork for Cory’s dedication to public service, going on to serve on Fountain City Council himself. Before stepping in

Fountain, CO — A series of proposed and recently approved changes to Fountain’s utility fee structure is drawing increasing scrutiny, as residents and local leaders evaluate the cumulative impact of rising costs across water, electric, and service-related fees. However, recent updates to the city’s utility fee schedule suggest that rate increases are only part of a larger shift. In addition to rate hikes, the City Council recently approved a new tap fee structure — one of th