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As wildfire season continues across Colorado, El Paso County officials are reminding homeowners that property tax relief may be available for those who suffer significant damage or lose their homes to a wildfire. When a residence is destroyed during the year, Colorado law allows the value of the structure to be adjusted based on the date the loss occurred. Rather than paying taxes on the full value of a home that no longer exists, property owners may only be taxed for the por

A new locally owned business is giving Fountain residents another reason to stay, play, and connect close to home. Level Up Arcade, which opened in early July, is introducing a mix of classic and modern arcade entertainment while highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit of the military community that plays such a significant role in the Fountain area. Owned by Army veteran Ivan Rodriguez, the arcade was created to address a need many residents have long recognized: more family

The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo is set to return to Colorado Springs July 14-18, bringing five days of professional rodeo competition, military recognition events, family activities and Western tradition to the Norris Penrose Event Center. The rodeo, which has been a Colorado Springs tradition since 1937, continues its long-standing mission of supporting military members and their families, with proceeds benefiting military quality-of-life programs since 1946. This year's event

While many families across the Pikes Peak region celebrated Independence Day with backyard barbecues and community events, the Fountain Police Department spent much of the evening responding to fireworks-related incidents as Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remained in effect. According to the department, officers responded to more than 75 calls for service involving fireworks between 4 p.m. and midnight on July 4. Throughout the evening, officers issued 20 fireworks-related citatio

Summer in El Paso County is synonymous with community traditions, and few events capture the spirit of the season quite like the El Paso County Fair and the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. Together, these longtime celebrations showcase the county's rich agricultural heritage, Western culture, and strong sense of community, offering families nearly two weeks of entertainment, education, and hometown pride. The 2026 El Paso County Fair returns to Calhan July 11-18, transforming the E

The sound of revving engines and the shine of polished chrome will once again fill Fountain as the annual Thunder in the Valley Car Show returns July 10-11 for one of the community's signature summer events. Now in its 22nd year, Thunder in the Valley has grown into a beloved tradition that draws hundreds of car enthusiasts and spectators from across Colorado. The nonprofit event celebrates automotive history while raising thousands of dollars each year to benefit local chari

Firefighters continue working to contain a wildfire burning in El Paso County just southwest of Cheyenne Mountain State Park as changing weather conditions create additional challenges. Officials have requested extra firefighting resources ahead of Wednesday's forecast, which includes strong winds, the potential for thunderstorms, and only a slight chance of rainfall. Gusty conditions could increase fire activity and make containment efforts more difficult, while lightning as

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