Did You Ever Wonder?

They're great for scary stories, but flashing lights at AFA have several purposes

2007-09-21T15:55:00.000-07:00

I live in Monument and have a view of the Air Force Academy. Many times in the evenings I see random flashes of white light on the side of the mountain in the trees, just west of the chapel. The flashes of light are not in one spot, they are spread out in a relatively small area. What is going on there?
- Annette Hagopian

Sometime if there’s a full moon and coyotes are howling — or maybe if it’s close to Halloween — the tongue-in-cheek answer from the Air Force Academy is “alien ships.”

Otherwise, Staff Sgt. Monte Volk of AFA Public Affairs has the real scoop: “The lights are on three radio towers, and the lights are anti-collision lights installed on commercial cellular towers (AT&T/Nextel) on the Air Force Academy. During the day, the lights are strobes and at night, the lights flash red. The lights are controlled by a sensor so the times vary as to when they actually change from flashing red to white strobes.

“The lights are required because of helicopter traffic along a high voltage power line and the Pike Forest Department of Wildlife traffic.”

COSMIX speed-limit signs remain until the end of all construction

2007-09-21T15:52:00.000-07:00

COSMIX SIGNS: Every time I pass through the I-25 section from Garden of the Gods Road through Woodmen Road exits, I wonder why there are still construction signs with “Fines Double” for an area that hasn’t had any construction going on for a long time.
- Wanda Holt

Here’s your answer from Kyle Troxel, spokesman for Rockrimmon Constructors, the company building COSMIX: “Although you don’t see construction going on in this area, that doesn’t mean that all work is completed. Those signs are up because work is going on there, during off-peak times mostly, and is not seen by the majority of I-25 motorists.“Workers are currently doing seeding and fence work on I-25 between Garden of the Gods and Woodmen Road in both directions, and are also doing some overnight shoulder work in the area.

“We keep those signs up because this is low-priority work at this time, and having the signs up gives workers the freedom to get to it whenever they can and in between the higher priority work projects along I-25."

And, before someone asks, yes, it’s the same Kyle Troxel who was on KRDO’s “Good Morning Colorado."

Chaparral Road a little bit of everything

2007-09-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

I, and many other residents of the Old Farm subdivision, shop the stores along Powers Boulevard. The shortest distance to Powers is via Chaparral and Barnes roads. There is a sign on Chaparral about ¼ mile from Barnes that states “End of City Maintenance.” From that sign to Barnes, Chaparral is in very bad condition, particularly the last 30 feet or so.I called the city and was informed that the county is responsible for that section of Barnes Road. The county informed me that it is private property.I feel it is time for either the city or the county to repair Chaparral or close the road.
- Thomas L. Yingling

We spoke with the city and the county and learned this is something of a no man’s land caught up in the city’s growth. The first 600 feet or so belong to city, the next 600 feet or so belong to county, and another section is apparently still private property.City engineers are trying to work it all out.

Improvements coming to Powers near new Peterson AFB gate

2007-09-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

In November the new West Gate will be ready to reopen for Peterson AFB. This will be a main gate with approximately 14,000 cars going through every day. Airport Road west from Powers Boulevard to East Sand Creek bridge can be widened to accommodate another lane. Presently it is just one lane. Will this be done before the gate reopens? Also a double left turn lane onto Powers Boulevard needs to be done. It is jammed now and will be horrendous if nothing is done to accommodate the much heavier anticipated traffic.
- Joe B Brady

A “hazard elimination and safety project” is planned for Powers Boulevard in this area and there are plans for some “capacity improvements,” but they won’t be completed by the time that gate opens, according to principal city traffic engineer Dave Krauth. Work on the HES will begin when contract paperwork is received from the Colorado Department of Transportation, Krauth said.

The widening of Airport Road west of Powers is the responsibility of developers in that area, but there is no time frame yet.

Bank took over Cascade motel

2007-09-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

Driving down the pass from Woodland Park I have noticed that the Cascade Hills Motel (in Cascade) has been closed all summer. I’m just curious as to why. It looks like a nice place and I believe that shortly before it closed it was repainted and “spruced up.”

- Panchita Osborne

This motel was a favorite of some of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb drivers, crews and families over the years. In the 1990s it was owned by a limited corporation (LLC) but something happened and its owner is a Denver bank, which had no comment.

What was that midnight sound?

2007-09-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

I live in Ivywild and at 12:10 a.m early in the morning of Monday, Aug. 26, my neighbors and I heard this loud noise that can only be described as the sound of a hot air balloon going over my house! This only lasted about 5 minutes! I couldn’t see a thing! My parents who live in Pikes Peak Park also heard this! We never saw anything in the paper, on the news or on the Police Blotter. Does anyone know what this was?
- Nancy Myers

Bloggers, any chance you can identify the strange sound?

Hawaiian shirts on "casual Fridays" jumped from the islands to the mainland

2007-09-07T10:35:00.000-07:00

Our office is filled with Hawaiian shirts on Fridays. I understand — and appreciate — the “casual Friday” tradition, but why Hawaiian shirts?
— J.J. Brown

ANSWER: An “Aloha Friday” to you, straight from the islands. It has been tradition in Hawaii for decades, and it jumped to the mainland with the advent of casual Fridays. Maui Magazine traced it to 1946, when the Honolulu Chamber of Commerce first proposed that it might be good for tourism — and comfort — if the business community wore aloha shirts during the summer. That idea lost out to the suits-and-ties requirement. A year or so later, the magazine said, government employees were allowed to wear sport shirts from June to October, but the aloha shirts were stored in the closet until Aloha Week each fall.

Jump forward to the 1960s when shirt designers and manufacturers successfully lobbied for Aloha Friday.Then came the Aloha Friday song recorded by Polynesian fire-knife dancer Kimo Kahoano and his Aloha Friday Band, and Islanders sang along, “It’s Aloha Friday, no work till Monday.” Team that with “pau hana” (after work) drinks, and the weekend was on its way.

The flowery, brightly colored Hawaiian shirts now spotted in offices on Fridays are wilder than traditional aloha shirts, which now get everyday wear, say Hawaiian media.

Block numbers being added to signs on main roads

2007-09-07T10:30:00.000-07:00

Why don’t all street signs give the hundred block to inform the person the hundred block where he is? Going up and down Academy and other main streets, especially where they have put up new street signs, for the most part, they haven’t put the hundred block on the street sign.
— Bob Jensen
ANSWER: All new city street-name signs on major roads have block numbers, according to David Krauth, principal city traffic engineer. He said that until two years ago there were no signs with block numbers, but his department is in the midst of upgrading them, a project that will go through January 2011. Krauth pointed to Platte Avenue as an example of a completed major corridor with block numbers on all signs.This project does not include internal neighborhood signs, which will not have block numbers. The exceptions are residential streets leading onto major roads.

Dogs in backs of pickup trucks not a legal matter

2007-08-31T13:30:00.000-07:00

I wondered if the Colorado Springs Police Department actually enforces the law against driving with a dog in the back of a pickup truck. Time and time again I see dogs back there, like they are an inanimate object or a piece of luggage. I have personally seen a dog thrown from a pickup, literally fly out and killed, because the driver had to swerve suddenly. Not a pretty sight. So, is this law even being enforced or do the CS Police just turn a blind eye?
- Lee

ANSWER: It’s not illegal! Apparently the state legislature considered a law prohibiting people from keeping their dogs loose in the back of pickup trucks, but it was killed, said Ann Davenport, spokeswoman for the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.

Law enforcement or humane officers would have to prove the dog is suffering as it rides in the back of a truck, but usually the dogs “are having the time of their lives,” oblivious to how close danger really is, she said. If an animal is thrown from a truck and injured or killed, this might fit under the state’s cruelty ordinance, Davenport said.

If you want restrictions on dogs in the backs of trucks, you should talk to your legislator.

Resort occupany numbers a private matter

2007-08-31T13:28:00.000-07:00

The reports on the occupancy rates at Colorado Springs hotels and motels published in The Gazette always add “Local resorts, such as The Broadmoor, are not included in these numbers.” Why not? To report on occupancy rates without including the largest and most important facilities is ridiculous.
- Jack D. Rodreick

ANSWER: It is a hotel or motel’s right to not be included. According to Ivy Canady, Broadmoor public relations manager, “Since we are a privately held company, our ownership chooses not to share that information with the general public. We are included in the Rocky Mountain Lodging Report, but you cannot pull out our numbers separately."

Ongoing yard sales a city code violation

2007-08-31T13:18:00.000-07:00

Is there a limit on how long a “yard sale” can be held in Colorado Springs? Near my location a yard sale has been going on for at least 3 months. When I checked it out for an item I was told to keep checking back because they get new items each week.
- A. Michaels

ANSWER: Permanent yard/garage sales aren’t allowed in the city. City code 2.7.416: GARAGE SALES specifies that a garage sale can be held no more than two times each calendar year and cannot exceed two consecutive days.

You can file a code-enforcement complaint online at springsgov.com; scroll down to Quick Links. The officers will check it out.

Yes, you're hearing more trains going through

2007-08-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

I live on the north end of Colorado Springs and have been wondering if there has been an increase in the number and frequency of trains passing through town in the middle of the night. In the past 14 years I don’t recall hearing as many trains between 2:45 a.m. and 5 a.m. as I have been hearing lately.
- D. Gallagher

ANSWER: We had similar e-mails from Monument and Gleneagle, and Karen Liptrap from Widefield had this observation: “Not only do there seem to be more trains but the whistle blowing frequency and duration has increased, and is very annoying during the sleeping hours. There are times that it sounds as though two trains are playfully signaling each other.”

There has been a major increase in train traffic, according to the railroads. It’s estimated we get 35-40 trains each day. James Barnes, director of media information for Union Pacific Railroad, said, “In general, business customers are looking at railroads as the most cost-effective way to move automobiles, grain, heavy freight. There are more, larger and heavier loads being moved.” Barnes said this trend is “being driven by increased trade on the West Coast from the Pacific Rim, goods coming in from China.” As we’ve seen here, they are also delivering "a great deal of coal.” Barnes said that as quickly as trains are loaded “we’re moving them toward their destinations” so they’re rolling day and night. With these increased loads you’ll also see and hear more railroad work crews, Barnes said. “When you’re carrying heavier loads you have to maintain the corridor, the infrastructure.”

Now about those horns. Since 2005, federal law has required that train crews blow their horns for 15-25 seconds when they approach a crossing. They are also required to blow the horns when wildlife or people are close to the tracks. There is no set sequence to the horn blasts, although in days gone by engineers had a horn message system.

What can you do for peace and quiet? They’re called “quiet zones.” Towns and cities can request “quiet zones” where no horns will be blown by trains passing through. However, those towns and cities must have safety features in place at all crossings. It’s expensive. Four crossing gates with flashing lights are at least $250,000 per crossing. Monument requested a “quiet zone” in 2005, and Security and Colorado Springs have looked into establishing “quiet zones” but financing them will always be an issue.<

New signs for AFA's "Historic District"

2007-08-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

Going north on I-25 just before the North Academy exit, I noticed a brown sign on the side of the road that reads “Air Force Academy Historic District.” What is the story behind that sign
- Kathie Murrow

ANSWER: On April 1, 2004, the cadet area of the Air Force Academy, where the cadets live and train and including the chapel, was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark. The designation was commemorated with a stone monument at the Honor Court outside Arnold Hall. If a part of a facility is designated, the remainder is eligible for the same designation, according to AFA director of communications Johnny Whitaker.

Districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects are awarded National Register designation if they have significance in history, architecture, archeology, engineering and culture. It is administered by the National Park Service, part of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Earlier, the AFA superintendent’s house had been placed on the National Register. The exterior of the house can never be changed, according to AFA historian Betsy Muenger.

Whitaker said the signs on Interstate 25, which went up in May, had been requested to show travelers when they are passing through the academy, which runs on the west from a half mile south of Baptist Road on the north to an area south of the South Entrance, between Woodmen Road and Academy Boulevard.

Woodmen exit right-turn red light means stop

2007-08-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

When travelling northbound on I-25, if you take the Woodmen exit and turn right (eastbound) on Woodmen, there is a traffic light over the lanes that merge onto Woodmen. I have never seen anyone stop when the light is red. I always stop, and get honked at (among other “gestures”). Are motorists required to stop at this light if it’s red, even though it’s a right turn?
- Erich

ANSWER: You’re the driver who’s doing it correctly. City traffic engineer Rob Helt says it’s a “turn right on red” situation, which means if the light is red a driver must stop and can then make the right turn while yielding to oncoming traffic. Police can, and do, ticket those who don’t stop on red.

Some tracks being removed along Rock Island Trail

2007-08-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

I enjoy walking along the Rock Island trail near where the old railroad bed is. I reminisce about how the train used to take passengers to our city. Recently I noticed that the rails are being dismantled on the trail section west of Powers. My questions are why are these rails being removed, who approved it and who's paying for it?
— Robert Veghte

Reader Darlene Hultquist also wrote in about the rails saying “the trail got its name from the railroad and the tracks were part of the trail. It's such a disappointment to see them removed.” After biking the trail Rod Rockwell e-mailed, “Another piece of Colorado Springs history falls to the wrecking ball.”

ANSWER: Here’s the answer from Chris Lieber, who manages trails and open space for the city parks department. The city is purchasing the property but the railroad tracks are owned by Colorado Springs and Eastern Railroad, which is salvaging them. “This does not involve city dollars,” Lieber said. “At three points where the trail crosses the railroad tracks, these sections of track will be retained for their historical value, to kind of always help people recall the historical significance of the railroad,” Lieber said.

Lou Carpenter of Manitou Springs wrote: "I would suggest Robert Veghte take his hike west of Powers Blvd. along the Rock Island Trail. He will find several places where the railroad crosses the trail and shows exactly how it was. I ride the trail from the Bon Shopping Center to Powers Blvd. and back, often. It is delightful and also pleasant to note that none of the work was done at taxpayer expense. We can give a big Thank You to the Trails and Open Space folks for this delightful experience."

Unlike California, leashed dogs are allowed at most local farmers markets

2007-07-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

I’ve wondered why dogs are allowed at the farmers markets? There is all the fresh fruit, vegetables, breads, etc., in the open (much more exposed than most grocery stores) and dogs are not allowed in grocery stores or restaurants, but at the farmers markets? It seems like a big health issue to me. In California it is against the law ... but not here?
— Linda Percy

ANSWER: “We have no problem with dogs if they’re on a leash. There’s no law prohibiting them,” said Yolanda Simpson, manager of Colorado Farm & Art Market. “In Colorado today, I think dogs are part of the family.”

Simpson noted that California’s laws are different from Colorado’s. California law says: “No live animals, birds, or fowl shall be kept or allowed within 6 meters (20 feet) of any area where food is stored or held for sale.” Under this blanket restriction, this would cover not only pets but live ducks and chickens sometimes sold at markets elsewhere for food.

El Paso County Department of Health and Environment does not regulate farmers markets, except for food vendors.The department doesn’t regulate the presence of dogs accompanying their people to the outdoor markets and a department employee said dogs are not carriers of food-borne illnesses. City ordinances require that dogs be leashed, vaccinated and licensed.

J. Wood e-mailed that the El Paso County Department of Health and Environment does regulate farmers' markets. "In years past it wasn't true, but sadly, this year they are really after all of us that are vendors at the farmers markets. Most of us sell items to take home and consume there, so there is really no danger, but, if anyone prepares the food at the market or gives samples, it is almost unbelievable their rules and regulations. We had to pay $75 for a consultation and inspection of our equipment with them, and then purchase a license for another $55. We are not a sit-down vendor. We understand that some get leniency and others(like us) are clamped down on. Not sure it’s fair, but life is not always fair!"

The mid-week farmers market, held on Wednesday nights in Manitou Springs’ Soda Springs, has set up its own rules. It does not allow dogs. And, as a recent visitor to the market discovered, they also do not allow ferrets.

Controversy has dogged sculpture since 1973

2007-07-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

There is a white marble phallic-looking piece of artwork in a small grassy area at the corner of Monument and Cascade streets. It’s actually rather hidden behind a huge pine tree. I was curious how it came to be at this location, when it was crafted, and any other information someone may have about it, i.e. artist, what it actually is supposed to be. It’s near another bronze statue of 2-3 cranes or large birds.
- Kathi Clark>

ANSWER: Back in 2004 a reader thought it looked like a thumb, and here is our answer from that column: “Moment in Time” (1973) was one of the first pieces of public art purchased by the city. It’s an abstract by Richard Jagoda, whose large bison and grizzly bear can be spotted downtown. The artist quarried the Colorado Yule marble himself for “Moment in Time,” according to his partner, Betty Griffin. She said it is neither a finger nor a thumb; he just started working and it “came out of the stone.” The work was not without controversy. It was in a place of prominence until “little old ladies wrote that they didn’t want a sex object in a city park” and it was moved, according to Griffin. She said the sculpture is "what you want to see."

"Now it’s hidden behind a steel sculpture and not visible from Cascade Avenue. Griffin says the artist has always hoped that people will appreciate the beauty of the marble and ask why it’s hidden from view. " Jagoda, a Colorado Springs native, has enjoyed the public’s interaction with his work, says Griffin, even when Colorado College students attempted to create their own erotica by adding two giant snowballs to the base. On another occasion the sculpture sported a serape and a sombrero."

Merry Lane goes green when there's no traffic

2007-07-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

Why does the traffic light at Merry Lane and Circle change when there are no people and no cars? This is a small, two-lane side street feeding into a busy four-lane street during morning rush hour.
- Tim and Jeannie O’Donnell

Several other readers e-mailed about this traffic light. City traffic engineer Rob Helt said they checked the video detection for this intersection and downloaded the logs. “We’re not seeing the problem people are describing,” Helt said. If readers continue to see that the light on Merry Lane is changing to green when no vehicles are present, call Helt with the specifics, 385-5908.

Jim Gafney, who's "just passing through Ft. Carson," e-mailed from his BlackBerry: "I bet what people see happens after someone makes a right on red. I am not from here and don't know the intersection, but if someone pulls up and activates the magnetic field under the pavement, then they turn right, that would leave the next driver to see the light change with no one there."

Changes coming for Rock Island Trail

2007-07-13T11:52:00.000-07:00

At the point where the Rock Island Trail approaches Powers Boulevard from the west, the trail and the old railroad bed part company around a triangular piece of ground north of Timberline Landscaping.There are mature pine trees and raised areas of vegetation suggestive of a park.What is the status of this area? Also, where can one rejoin the Rock Island Trail on the east side of Powers?
- Jenni

ANSWER: The landscaped area is private property and part of Timberline Landscaping.

There are exciting things on the drawing board for the Rock Island corridor. The long-term plan — think future — includes a proposed Powers Boulevard pedestrian overpass. Chris Lieber, in charge of trails and open space for the parks department, said the overpass is part of the Powers Environmental Assessment, being prepared by Colorado Department of Transportation.

Short-term plans, said Lieber, include the possibility of a pedestrian underpass at Sand Creek and extending Sand Creek Trail north to intersect with Rock Island Trail east. This is part of the 2008 capital improvement budget. To see a map of Rock Island Trail and its route, go to: www.springsgov .com/Page.asp?NavID =3898 and click on the newsletter link.

Contact Utilities about the Rustic Hills sewer odor

2007-07-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

I live in the Rustic Hills neighborhood and we have had a horrible sewer smell drifting through the area for two months now. It happens at least twice a day every day. The smell is overwhelming and I can’t enjoy the aroma of the flowers in my garden.
- Carolyn Kreider

ANSWER: Call Colorado Springs Utilities, which will investigate the problem, said Steve Berry, CSU spokesman.He said it could be a service line issue or some other problem, but CSU will need to get some specifics from you. Call: 448-4848.

No north/south left-turn arrows planned at Palmer Park and Union Boulevard intersection

2007-07-13T11:46:00.000-07:00

The new traffic signals are in place at the intersection of Palmer Park and Union boulevards, and there are still turn arrows only for east/west traffic on Palmer Park.With the high volume of traffic on Union, why are there no turn arrows for the north/south traffic? It appears that the addition of north/south turn arrows would ease congestion at this intersection
- Ron Bauer

ANSWER: There are east-west left-turn arrows on Palmer Park Boulevard “because of sight distance problems for drivers because the road is skewed,” said city traffic engineer Rob Helt. Palmer Park comes into that intersection at an angle. Helt said left-turn arrows are put in “where they’re warranted,” but traffic volume north/south has not shown they are needed. The number of cars turning would have to be sufficient to warrant stopping the higher-volume straight-through traffic.

Trail uphill between Bijou and Woodmen

2007-07-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

I am a cyclist and ride our bike trails frequently. It is well-known among cyclists that riding north between Bijou and Woodmen is much more difficult than the reverse. What is the difference in elevation between these two points that makes a northbound ride so strenuous? There are many ups and downs but there is a definite uphill overall.
- Marji

ANSWER: We enlisted the help of The Gazette’s Out There writer Dave Philipps, who used Google Earth to trace your ride up Pikes Peak Greenway from Bijou Street downtown, up Mark Dabling Boulevard and following the greenway trail to West Woodmen Road. It was a 7 1/2-mile ride.The elevation at Bijou was 5990, climbing to 6264 at Woodmen (a difference of 274 feet). The elevation difference could have been even higher, had you biked another route.

Bikers are invited to let us know what other things make this such a difficult ride.

Code enforcement can deal with parked-RV issue

2007-07-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

I have looked high and low for this and can’t find the answer. On my street in unincorporated El Paso County, there are several RVs parked all the time. They are on the street and not on the owners’ private property. One of them hasn’t been moved in years. The other one will disappear for a day or two and then reappear and sit parked for months. My neighbors and I have confronted this gentleman and he pretty much told us what we could do. Both of these vehicles are eyesores and traffic safety hazards. Any idea on who I need to contact?
- Steven

ANSWER: Contact code enforcement for El Paso County, 520-6300, with complete information including specific addresses and descriptions. They should be able to help.

Flags on Army uniforms go forward into battle

2007-06-29T13:47:00.000-07:00

I would like to know why the American flag patches on soldiers’ uniforms have the stars in the upper right-hand corner instead of the left?
- Nancy Greene

ANSWER: The flag patch on the left shoulder of Army uniforms has the stars (the canton) on the left. On the right shoulder the flag patch has the stars on the right and appears reversed to an observer. Pentagon procedure is that the flag should always look as if it is going forward. Indeed, the words from an old hymn say, “Forward into battle.” The stars are always closest to the pole, and the flag should appear to be flowing back from the standard or flagpole.If the canton on the right shoulder had the stars on the left, it would symbolize that the soldier carrying that flag was retreating.

Quail Lake sculpture commissioned for that area

2007-06-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

A recent column item about fishing at Quail Lake reminded me of the question I’ve had about the huge metal sculpture on the top of the hill on the north side of the lake. It occasionally turns to point in a different direction. I’m intrigued by its origin and whether it has any function other than as a piece of art. To me, it looks like one of the geese so prevalent around the lake.
- Kay Kellner

ANSWER: The large, pre-rusted steel sculpture called “Windmark” by some, “Landmark” by some and “windthinggizmo” by others, was commissioned by David Sunderland of Gates Land Co. in 1972 when Cheyenne Mountain Ranch was being developed. When the sculpture was completed in 1973 by Colorado College instructor Jack Edwards, it was placed alongside Colorado Highway 115 and later moved east to Quail Lake Park. The weather-vane-type sculpture is huge, but it’s so graceful you can move it with a touch of a finger or by a gentle breeze.

Dublin Boulevard part city, part county

2007-06-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

This is about the bottleneck of Dublin Boulevard west of Powers Boulevard. Dublin is four lanes east of Powers and two lanes west of Powers for a few blocks then four lanes again. The city did not want to complete it until the area was developed. They are now developing that area for housing. That bottleneck is even worse now that construction at Powers and Woodmen is on going.
- Donald Barnett

ANSWER: We checked with city traffic engineers and learned that the area you’re referring to between Bridal Pass and Powers Boulevard is partially in the city and partially in the county. For example, Dublin west of Balsam is county, engineers said. The city would be able to complete this project only if or when the county areas are annexed.

Squirrels left behind peanut shells

2007-06-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

I am a transplant from the East Coast and have been living in Colorado Springs for the last two years. In our neighborhood I have noticed a large amount of peanut shells on the side of the road and some in our back yard. I know that peanuts are not a native plant in this part of the country and am wondering how these peanut shells got here. My guess is that people are buying peanuts and feeding the squirrels. Is that correct? Is there another explanation?
- Karl Knebl

You guessed correctly. Many, many people in our area buy peanuts — unsalted peanuts, pretty please — for the squirrels. Wildlife officials warn the peanut people to refrain from holding the nuts in their fingers because the squirrels, who have eyes on the side of their heads, can’t see the difference between peanuts and fingertips.

Impatient drivers illegally passing on the shoulder

2007-06-18T13:52:00.000-07:00

It seems like I am having a hard time having my voice heard on this issue. I commute daily and as I drive south on Powers, there is a very wide shoulder before you get to the markings for the left turn lane onto Woodmen heading east. On just one morning, 13 cars passed me on the shoulder as I was patiently and lawfully waiting to get into the left-turn lane. Needless to say, the cars driving illegally on the shoulder made the light and I was stuck two more light cycles. Perhaps if the markings for the left-turn lanes started sooner there would be less backup in the through lanes and left-turn traffic would flow better.
- Bill

Much of this backup is due to the construction at this intersection, said principal city traffic engineer David Krauth. However, his department will talk with Colorado Department of Transportation about this problem, and the police were alerted to people passing - illegally - on the shoulder.

Multilane roundabouts still puzzle some drivers

2007-06-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

I’m not sure if you have ever answered this question before or not, it’s about the roundabout that is by the Cinemark Theaters and how the lanes are supposed to be used. My boyfriend and I have a bet on this and I think it is very clear. I say if you are in the outside lane, you have got to exit at the first exit that you come to. If you are on the inside lane, you don’t have to exit until you are ready. Please let me know what is the correct way to do this.
- Kelly Kinabalu

ANSWER: We’ve run explanations and graphics about this roundabout since 2005, but the multiple lanes are still causing drivers to scratch their heads. However, the city has re-striped the lanes and there are new lane-designation signs that have helped simplify the process. Our area has three new multilane roundabouts, all in Wolf Ranch, at Research Parkway east of Powers Boulevard.

Here’s your roundabout answer and the graphic, and we’ll let you and your boyfriend decide who won.

The police department had some basics:Those entering the roundabout must yield to traffic already in it. Traffic inside a roundabout does not stop. Use the outside (right) lane if you’re making the first exit or if you’re going forward to the second exit to continue forward on the same street (and in the same lane) you entered from. If you’re going to the third exit or all the way around to the street you came in on, you should be in the inside (left) lane. Miss your exit? Just go around again.

It’s expected that most drivers will not change lanes when they’re in the roundabout. That’s often when accidents occur. The scenario: A driver enters the roundabout in the right lane. Another driver has been in the inside lane for several exits and needs to turn right. They get to the same spot at the same time. The person in the inside lane, making the lane change, must signal and yield. The driver doesn’t and . . . crunch.

Triangles along Highway 115 protect birds

2007-06-04T10:38:00.000-07:00

What are the white triangles that you see on power poles along the highway as you enter Colorado Springs on Highway 115 south? My husband says they have been there a long time. Some poles have one, some two, some poles have four, and other poles have no white triangles. Besides the answer to “What are they?,” do they have anything to do with NORAD and Fort Carson, or are they also found in other areas?
- Diane Hintze, Williamsburg, CO

ANSWER: They’re “perch guards,” according to Kirsta Scherff-Norris, Wildlife Biologist with Colorado Springs Utilities Environmental Services Department. “They are placed on the crossarm of the power pole to prevent large birds such as hawks and owls from landing on the crossarm. This prevents the birds from being injured by the electricity in the power line. Perch guards are just one of the devices we use to protect birds on power poles."

County site has a complete recycling guide

2007-06-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

We recycle as much as we can, but where can we recycle plastic newspaper bags and plastic grocery bags? How do we dispose of a color TV that no longer works?
- Jack Lundberg

ANSWER: Take plastic for recycling to any of the Wal-Mart stores with the exception of the one at Chapel Hills, or call Best Way Disposal, 633-8709. Color TVs up to and including 19 inches are accepted at several recycling sites. You’ll find the list in the complete El Paso County recycling directory at adm.elpasoco.com/Environmental_Services/Solid_Waste_Management.

Quail Lake was planned by the developer

2007-06-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

As regular walkers around the .9 mile of Quail Lake, there have been questions regarding this lake that have come to mind: When was it built and reason why? How deep is the lake near the dam? Where is the water source? How often is the lake re-stocked for fish?
- D. M. Callahan

ANSWER: A 22-acre lake was part of the 1969 master plan for this area, Cheyenne Mountain Ranch, the 3,000-acre planned community developed by Gates Land Co. After Quail Lake was built in the early '70s it was turned over to the city in 1974. Kurt Schroeder, park maintenance, trails and open space manager, said Quail Lake was built for aesthetics and water runoff.

The lake is 42 feet deep at the dam. The lake is stocked regularly by the Division of Wildlife, which says rainbow trout are plentiful this spring, catching channel catfish should be good and fishing for bluegills should be fair. The lake is filled with excess potable water which Schroeder explains, “is when there is more water coming into the utilities water treatment plant than what they are using.” During drought years the lake went down because there was no excess water.

Noisy vehicle or motorcycle? You could be ticketed

2007-06-01T09:50:00.000-07:00

How many times in the last year or two has CSPD given “excessive noise” tickets to motorcycle riders?
- Mike Casey

In 2006 the Colorado Springs Police Department issued 750 tickets for “exhaust systems,” which is “the city ordinance we utilize when any vehicle is too loud,” said police spokesman Lt. Rafael Cintron. This ordinance — 10.22.204 — covers all vehicles including motorcycles, cars and trucks. The number of tickets isn’t broken down by vehicle. However, Cintron said the majority of tickets are issued to motor vehicles, not motorcycles. He suggested that for the complete statistics you can go to the department’s annual report at www.springsgov.com/SectionIndex.asp?Sec tionID=7

Police regularly patrol Garden of the Gods; break-ins occur when valuables are in sight

2007-06-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

Do police cars or bikes ever patrol through the Garden of the Gods? I’ve read and heard of several incidences where cars were broken into while in the park, yet I’ve never seen police there. You’d think with all of the tourists, weddings, school tours, etc. going through the Garden that there should be more police in the area.
- Lisa

ANSWER: Colorado Springs police officers regularly patrol all the city parks, including Garden of the Gods, according to police spokesman Lt. Rafael Cintron. They patrol in cars and on bicycles. However, Cintron said there aren’t resources available to have officers stationed permanently in the park.

Leaving valuables inside vehicles leads to many of the break-in problems in parks and at trailheads, Cintron said. Cameras, checkbooks, jewelry, purses, CDs and expensive outdoor equipment are sitting right there, visible to anyone going through the parking lot who looks in the vehicle’s window. People return to — surprise — find their vehicles have been broken into, frequently in a “smash and grab” where a window is smashed and the goodies grabbed. Cintron said people going hiking or leaving their vehicles to spend time in a park are reminded to lock everything in the trunk or to leave valuables at home.

Old building not connected to 1959 Girl Scout Roundup sign

2007-05-25T10:44:00.000-07:00

Being new to Colorado Springs, one of the first features I noticed when arriving in town was the Girl Scout 1959 Roundup sign on Interstate 25 between Briargate and Interquest Parkway. Having been a Girl Scout, passing the sign and the building nearby reminded me of all the good memories I have of scouting and I wondered about the history of the building and the site. Recently, however, my drive home was marred by the sight of a flat space where the building used to stand. Could you please give me some history on the site and the reasoning behind the demolition of the building?
- Dawn Griffin

ANSWER: We’ll brighten your day. The Girl Scout sign and the building were adjacent but had no connection. The little white structure, which had been vandalized, was an abandoned telephone repeater station that belonged to Qwest. The buildings were used when telephone signals needed to be repeated to get across open areas and long distances.This land belongs to the Air Force Academy and Sandy Taylor at Girl Scouts Wagon Wheel Council said paperwork was recently completed to keep the Girl Scout sign in its familiar spot. The sign is still there.

Now about the history. For 10 days in July 1959, the 800 then-empty acres (mostly ranchland) in this area were home to hundreds of tents and an estimated 10,000 Girl Scouts and adult leaders during “A Mile High — A World Wide,” the National Senior Girl Scout Roundup. President Dwight D. Eisenhower had authorized the Department of Defense to make available unused Air Force Academy land and equipment and the Colorado Springs City Council authorized a water tap for the facility.

A year later, the Boy Scouts of America celebrated its 50th anniversary with an international jamboree on empty land where Chapel Hills Mall is today. More than 56,000 scouts and leaders attended. Today, there are streets in that area named — you guessed it — Jamboree Drive and Jamboree Circle.

Left turns on red permitted onto one-way streets

2007-05-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

Heading west on Bijou at Tejon: is it legal to make a left-hand turn on a red light into a one-way street going south, just as you can turn right on red lights everywhere except where “no turn on red” signs are displayed?
- Perry Trytten

ANSWER: Colorado Springs City Code 10.17.105 says a left turn may be made on a red light when not prohibited by an official sign or other official traffic-control device, but only if the vehicle first comes to a stop, is on a one-way street and is turning onto a one-way street where traffic is proceeding to the vehicle’s left. And, of course, you must yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians and other traffic. "It is otherwise unlawful to turn left on a steady red signal."

Passenger train was just heading south

2007-05-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

On Friday afternoon, April 27, I noticed a long passenger train departing Colorado Springs. The coaches had no railroad name on them. They were all the same color of blue and ivory. There haven’t been any passenger trains here in many years
- L.O.

ANSWER: It was just passing through. It was a luxurious private train, GrandLuxe Rail Journeys, formerly called the American Orient Express.Tamra Hoppes of GrandLuxe said it was the line’s empty GrandLuxe Express going from Denver to Albuquerque, where it will start its first trip of the season, “National Parks of the West,” to Jackson Hole, Wyo. The trains travel through the Western United States, the Rockies and Sierras, the national parks and into Canada — but don’t stop here.Some trips include visits to Colorado Railcar Manufacturing in Fort Lupton, where luxury cars, self-propelled commuter railcars and “Ultra Domes” are built.For more information, visit americanorientexpress.com. Trip costs start at about $5,000.

Signals alert the military to lightning or severe weather

2007-05-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

I live in Security, and at times I can hear the reveille playing at Fort Carson at 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Once in a great while, I hear a siren followed by a male voice giving some kind of instructions, but I just can’t quite make out the words. I heard it after a brief hail storm. I have heard it in the middle of the day and even late at night, and I don’t think the voice always says the same thing. Could you find out about the siren — when it is used, and for what?
- Diana Beatty

ANSWER: Both the 21st Space Wing at Peterson Air Force Base and Fort Carson play “Reveille” in the mornings and “Taps” at 10 p.m. weeknights to signal the beginning and end of each workday. At 5 p.m. the Army plays “Retreat,” and at 5:30 p.m. the Air Force plays “The Star Spangled Banner.”

The sirens alert everyone on post or base — particularly those downrange or out in the open — to lightning strikes in the vicinity and/or severe weather and the voice explains the alert. The Air Force Academy issues alerts with blinking lights and public-address announcements.

Drive-in restaurants hold fond memories for locals

2007-05-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

Readers have had a great time reminiscing about local drive-in restaurants. It all started when Don Castle asked f"Did You Ever Wonder?" readers the name of a longtime-gone drive-in restaurant on the “cruising” circuit on Nevada Avenue in the 1950s and ’60s. The first ones mentioned were Jay’s across from Colorado College, Garth’s in the 400 block of South Nevada Avenue and the Fabulous Scotchman at 1815 S. Nevada Ave. Then Arnie Blair wrote about W&W Food Ranch and Gas Ranch at Fountain Creek and South Nevada Avenue and recalled a Wimpy’s at Mill and Tejon streets in the late 1930’s and early ’40s. His cousin car-hopped at Wimpy’s and took Wimpy burgers home for the family.

We’ve run several columns with drive-in updates and questions and we’re still getting e-mails and blogs from people who fondly remember the local eateries. Our thanks to everyone.

Diane Sigler asked about “a place on the corner of Las Vegas and Nevada and one on the corner of Mill Street and Nevada called McHales.” Al Cordova responded: “The drive-in was called Michaelis and was known as the home of the original 10 cent hamburger.” He continued down memory lane, “other drive-ins which were popular during early and mid-60’s included Howdy Pard on South 8th Street just north of where the Wal-Mart is now, Ivy’s on South Tejon and Las Vegas, and Cy’s drive-in on West Colorado Avenue (now at 19th and Uintah). There was also an A&W on the south side of the city owned by the Gorman family of Harrison School District 2 fame, more or less where the Car Toys near I-25 and Circle Drive is now. Circle Drive did not even exist then and across the street from the A&W were mostly cornfields and farm country.”

J. Michael Riley said the Mill Street Michaelis (a baker’s dozen burgers, 13 for $1 on Fridays and Saturdays when families headed for the drive-in theaters) was the smallest of four in a local chain with others at Platte Avenue and Boulder, on West Colorado Avenue and on the west side of North Nevada Avenue up near the dog track.

Jerry Price knew all about the drive-in near Las Vegas Street and Nevada Avenue: “Growing up in Colorado Springs in the late ’50s and early ’60s, I delivered meat there. It was Jack’s drive-in.” Reader Mary loved Jack's Drive-In, "which was owned by an elder couple named Pop and Mom Levy." She worked there and met her future husband at Jack's.

A reader blogged: “Two blocks west of Nevada on Las Vegas you got to the old Ivy’s Drive In which was in the same parking lot as the old Bowl-Mor bowling alley lanes and the miniature golf park.

Margaret Jackson said in the late ’40s and early ’50s she and her husband liked the hamburgers on a long bun at “Tom Boy’s and Poor Boy’s,” one on the east side of South Nevada and the other at Ramona Street. Another burger fan was partial to White Spot on Eighth Street and remembered the A&W on Manitou Avenue. And others said to not forget “The Drive-In" on North Wahsatch Avenue and “B.J.’s" on Union.

Gloria Stovern Mitchell shared that in 1954 her father, Reuben Stovern, built the Gold Nugget drive-in at the corner of South Nevada Avenue and Mill Street and the family lived in the attached house. Gloria was a car-hop during her high school years. The property near the underpass was sold in 1957 and the building later leveled.

Paula Jenlink Heydman said, "I can't believe that no one has mentioned the Cherry Pit which was located on the north side of Colorado Avenue just west of Cascade Avenue in the early 1950's. I remember it to be the #1 hangout spot in town at that time. I have fond memories of meeting friends there. The local police walked the beat in pairs downtown and always stopped to chat. I believe the population was about 55,000 then, and what a wonderful little city this was."

DV plates need handicap logo to park in spaces

2007-05-07T10:36:00.000-07:00

Is there a difference in Disabled Veteran license plates? I see some that have a handicapped logo in the middle and other just say DV. Do the ones that say DV allow you to park in the handicapped spots? My wife’s van has a ramp on the right side and there are never any spots. There are plenty of people with Disabled Veteran plates that I believe are abusing these spots.
-Tom

ANSWER: The disabled veteran plates with the handicap logo say “Disabled Veteran Handicapped” and allow that vehicle to park in designated handicap spaces. These veterans are more than 50 percent disabled and have verification of physical impairment from physicians. Disabled veteran plates with DV can’t legally park in handicap spaces and drivers can be fined. Some of those with DV plates also have handicap rearview mirror tags and can park in the handicap spots. Both DV and DV-handicapped plates are free to those with service-related injuries, according to Bob Becker, manager of El Paso County’s Motor Vehicle Department.

No left turn planned into complex on Union

2007-04-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

When the HealthSouth complex at Austin Bluffs and Union was built, I asked why can’t there be a crossover in the median built for people going north on Union. I was told there was going to be one put in. That has been years ago and there isn’t one yet. While they are doing the construction at Austin Bluffs and Union, why can’t they build the crossover so it would be easier for patients and workers.

- FM

When HealthSouth was built there was no plan for a left turn. “Never was,” said principal city traffic engineer David Krauth, citing the problems it would cause on a busy, fast-moving road. He also said that builders were aware that the interchange would be constructed at that intersection.

Amazing car driven by TV's "Bachelor" not sold here

2007-04-27T12:12:00.000-07:00

I was watching “The Bachelor” on television when my boyfriend spotted that gorgeous sports car bachelor Andy drives. He would really like to know what it is and if he can go someplace in Colorado Springs or Colorado to see one up close. Can you help?
- Tammy

ANSWER: It’s quite a vehicle, a Saleen S7 Twin Turbo, considered one of the fastest cars in the world. It can hit 200 mph or possibly more, and goes from 0 to 60 in 3 seconds. Horsepower: 750. The gull-wing doors, which open up instead of out, are reminiscent of the DeLorean.

Now, have your boyfriend sit down for the big one, the price tag: a new Saleen S7 is $602,000 and the bachelor’s super-duper one could run as high as $1 million.

It’s sort of the ultimate in product placement. Steve Saleen, founder of Saleen Inc., let the Jeep-owner bachelor drive the car on the show, taught him how to handle the performance vehicle and introduced his new School of Speed when the bachelor and bachelorettes went on the driving course with 550-horsepower Saleen S281 Extremes. For a time the Saleens were sold at two John Elway Lamborghini dealerships in the Denver area, but they moved them to a different location. Now, you and your boyfriend will have to take a field trip to Scottsdale, Ariz., to see them. For info and photos: saleen.com.

Pikes Peak Center improvements indoors and out

2007-04-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

Why are they digging up the lawn in front of Pikes Peak Center? What’s going on
- DEBBIE D.

ANSWER: It’s part of the major improvements at the Pikes Peak Center. First they spruced up the interior and, among other things, added some much-needed restrooms.

Now, they’re creating Wells Fargo Plaza out front.What had been a large green expanse of lawn will become a more pedestrian-friendly and inviting area, with new places to stroll and sit, terraced landscaping, a xeriscape garden, an amphitheater for outdoor events and a plaza. Everything should be complete and ready to enjoy by June.

Earlier in “Did You Ever Wonder?” we reported that there would be a new marquee to replace the original one that was having technical difficulties. The new marquee has been installed and calls the center by its new full name: Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts.

Readers have answers about dog obedience competitions

2007-04-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

I am wondering if Gazette readers might know about any dog obedience competitions in Colorado? I went to one in California many years ago where mainly military or law enforcement agencies had their dogs compete against each other in different categories. I would love to go to one again.
- Patricia Mork, Falcon

ANSWERS: Joni Weed, Colorado Springs Kennel Club Obedience Trial Chair, e-mailed, “There are many. Here in Colorado Springs, on the 9th and 10th of June the CSKC has their conformation, obedience and rally show at the Phil Long Expo Center. It is open to the public (we love an audience) and the dogs compete in several levels. Bring a folding chair and lounge comfortably at ringside while dogs of all breeds strut their stuff. (coloradospringskc.org).
"The Pikes Peak Obedience Club (pikespeakobedience.org) holds their annual obedience and rally trials in October in Falcon at the Latigo Trails Equestrian Center. PPOC's dog agility trials are at the same location in July and January.
"The Regional German Shepherd Club has all-breed obedience and rally trials in Colorado Springs in September each year. There are obedience trials in Brighton, Durango, Longmont, Greeley and Pueblo. In addition, agility trials are in Colorado about 45 weekends a year.” There’s not one Web site covering all of the events but a reader said to go to akc.org for many Colorado shows.
A reader called to say that Frisbee dogs — possibly 60-80 teams — will be competing June 3 at Bear Creek Park (coloradodiscdogs.com).
You’ll find these events in The Gazette calendars, in the Saturday pet coverage in The Gazette's Life and in Look Out on A2.

Male pronghorn have distinctive markings

2007-04-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

Do female antelope have horns? We have several antelope wandering around on our 40 acres and can’t tell males from females.
- Milly Fix, Ellicott

ANSWER: What you're seeing are pronghorn and there is an easy way you can tell the bucks and does apart, aside from looking under the chassis, according to Mike Seraphin of the Division of Wildlife. Both males and females are a light reddish brown or tan with white bands on the throat but the males have black jaw patches on the side of the cheek, close to the neck.

Both the male and female pronghorns have horns, Seraphin said. The bucks have longer horns with the prong that inspired the name. Seraphin said that the horns on pronghorn and big horn sheep never fall off, they just continue to grow even though the outer sheath will sluff off. This is unlike members of the deer family, whose males are the only ones with antlers, which fall off once a year.

An interesting tidbit: when the hairs on the rump of pronghorn stick up in a patch, they’re warning the herd of potential danger such as their main predators — coyotes, bobcats, golden eagles and passing cars.

Readers remember Nevada cruising drive-ins

2007-04-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

I believe there used to be a drive-in at the south end of Nevada near Southgate that completed the Nevada Avenue “cruising” circuit for teenagers in the ’50s and ’60s that included Jay’s Drive-In by Colorado College, Garth’s in the center, and this mystery drive-in on South Nevada. I have asked several people if they remember the name of this place and we all draw a blank.

- Don Castle

It was the Fabulous Scotchman, which opened in July 1957 at 1815 S. Nevada Ave. At first its menu was short orders served in woven baskets, but a year later it also had counter and booth service and a dining room with steaks and trout.

Arnie Blair remembers a drive-in further north of the Fabulous Scotchman. "In the 1950’s there was a drive-in called W & W Food Ranch next to Fountain Creek on the east side of Nevada. Two of my co-workers from Alexander Film worked there in the evenings. It was a large complex with the W & W Gas Ranch on the north side. Several of us guys from work used to hang out there in the evenings during our “cruising.” I believe that area is now the home of one of the motels."

Diane Sigler asks: “I grew up in a house on South Nevada, and remember the W & W gas station, but there were a couple of others that I wonder if people remember. There was a place on the corner of Las Vegas and Nevada where an old 7-Eleven building is now. It was some sort of a drive-in restaurant, I just can't remember the name(s). Then there was a place on the corner of Mill Street and Nevada called McHales. It's been long gone and a car lot now sits there.”

A recent “Back Pages — 50 Years Ago” in The Gazette’s Sunday Life referred to Garth’s in the 400 block of South Nevada Avenue and discussed an innovation there: car-hop girls giving orders to the kitchen via walkie-talkie radios.

Weather, not neighborhoods, dictates direction planes take off and land

2007-04-06T12:28:00.000-07:00

I live south of the airport and I am aware of periods of increased air traffic (military, commercial and private). The current runway construction may be causing variation from the usual traffic patterns, but in “normal” times, is there an official policy that determines the amount of traffic that flies over the southern and northern residential areas adjacent to the airport? I am interested to know if there is an attempt by airport authorities to be equitable in the sharing of takeoff and landing noise pollution between the two neighborhoods.
- Jeff

ANSWER: It’s not about sharing the noise between neighborhoods, it’s all about the weather, said the airport’s aviation director Mark Earle. "The runways are fixed alignments, and the alignment of this airport was determined decades ago. “You can land or take off in either direction, and both approaches are used. What drives the decision is the weather.

"Aircraft will take off into the wind because it reduces the speed the aircraft must maintain to take off . To aircraft, wind is relative. With the winds behind you, you fly a faster air speed if flying down wind. Pilots take off into the wind. The air traffic controllers choose the runways as they align with the wind and the pilots make the final decision.”

When work is completed on the closed runway, possibly by May 1, the air traffic will be spread out more, Earle said. Earle said housing developments near the airport will see, or hear, more or less traffic depending on the weather. “Airports have noise associated with them, there’s no avoiding that. “The amount of land we purchased around the airport addresses that. We own the land around the airport where the noise impact is the greatest.”

Clean up after your horse in city parks

2007-03-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

If it is a city ordinance to pick up after your dog, why is there not one to pick up after your horse? Being a mountain biker and hiker, it is very annoying to have to see and navigate around manure on the trail.
- Josh Kinney

ANSWER: There is a clean-up-after-your-horse ordinance and it’s the same one that covers dogs: 9.9.301: Animal Defecation.“It is unlawful for any person to allow any animal over which the person has control to defecate upon any park land without the excrement being removed by the person in control of the animal from the park and properly disposed of elsewhere.”

Kurt Schroeder of the parks department said that particularly on a hard-surface area “we would expect people out of common courtesy to pick it up. We need to rely on people’s good sense of citizenship to take care of the waste their animal leaves behind.”Schroeder said the companies that give trail rides in Garden of the Gods clean up after the horses on a weekly basis.

Don't-stop sign on Ayers has been removed, so stop

2007-03-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

Northbound on Goodson, just before the curve onto Ayers, there has been a stop sign that said drivers may proceed turning right without stopping. Now, prior to the intersection there is a new sign that shows a stop symbol and an arrow showing straight ahead which you would interpret as those only going straight must stop. However, at the curve, there is a regular stop sign. We have seen those stop even though they are turning right and cars almost rear end them and then we’ve seen others ignoring the stop sign. Everyone is confused as to why the change.
- Irma Huizing

ANSWER: We checked with the county road department and were told the stop sign has always been there. Then a sign was added beneath it saying drivers could turn right without stopping. The two signs contradicted each other and the don’t-stop sign was removed. Now, everyone has a stop sign and must stop, according to the county. The sign before the intersection alerts drivers to the upcoming stop sign.The county also advised that changes are coming to that area, including the revamping of Ayers, and drivers will encounter other new traffic signs. Some of that area will be closed at the end of April for hill removal and construction.

Memorial flags at half-staff for fallen firefighters

2007-03-26T12:28:00.000-07:00

The array of flags displayed in the firefighter’s memorial at Memorial Park has been of some concern to me because of the continuous display of the U.S. flag at half-staff. Flying the flag at half-staff continuously is not permitted under United States Code, Part 36, sections 173-178.
- Jim Dykes

ANSWER: The flags at the nonprofit Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial are lowered as a tribute by firefighters when another International Association of Fire Fighters member, from either Canada or the United States, dies, according to Fire Chief Manuel Navarro.

When the local IAFF chapter receives word that a firefighter has died in the line of duty or because of a disease caused by duty work, the flags are lowered until the funeral. Considering that 122 names were added to the memorial in 2006, and that there are several days honoring each person, this could mean the flags are at half-staff much of the time

"Deaf Child Area" sign has been in place for years

2007-03-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

There is a sign in the 2300 block of East Willamette that says Deaf Child Area. This sign has been there for years, and I'm sure the child has grown up or moved away. Why is this sign still there?
- Sandi Anderson

ANSWER: Before a “blind child” or “deaf child” sign is installed, those making the request also sign a letter of understanding saying they will notify the city if the sign is no longer needed, according to city traffic engineer Gary Herbst. Sometimes they don’t follow through. In other cases the “child” who is now grown might still live in the area, “however, we don’t have ‘blind adult’ signs, just ‘blind child,’” Herbst said.

City's Metro buses a rainbow of colors

2007-03-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

My family and I were wondering why the Springs Metro buses change color so frequently.Are they really repainting them every few months? We have seen red, brown, purple and blue! We were quite confused.- Ashley Mackey

ANSWER: The folks at Mountain Metropolitan Transit said they’re happy you noticed their colorful palette.They want you to know they aren’t repainting the same buses. The new fleet actually has 15 buses, each in a distinctive color.You have your raspberry bus, your turquoise one, the bronze one, a chocolate bus, a seafoam and a persimmon one — and that’s just for starters.

Amy MacDonald, Mountain Metro’s public relations supervisor, said, “As we get new buses in, we are painting them in different colors to make it fun to ride the bus.“The colors are an effort to make the bus a pleasant experience.”She also said that if you like the colorful exteriors “you should see the inside. They’re beautiful. Purple and teal.”There are more colors to come as new buses are added. But you’ll also still see some of the older white buses on routes around the city.

Boulder and Meade a problem area

2007-03-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

BOULDER TURN LANE: There is a shared turning lane on Boulder between Union Boulevard and Meade Avenue. During rush hour, traffic eastbound on Boulder enters that lane up to a block before Union, sometimes turning from the Olympic Training Center directly into the turn lane. When I turn west off of Union, and need to turn left onto Meade, I am often forced to stop in a through lane, or worse, end up in a game of “Chicken” with oncoming traffic
- Nan Stilwagen

ANSWER: The city traffic engineering office will look into this to see if anything can be done to try to make it work better, according to principal traffic engineer David Krauth. He said the only real cure would be a median, but that’s not in the plans right now

There's no set site for determining a city's elevation

2007-03-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

I was wondering, the altitude of our city is 6,012 feet above sea level. Where in the city did they determine that this was the altitude for Colorado Springs?<
- Conrad LaBranche

ANSWER: There is no official site for determining elevation, but most communities focuss on a central point in the original township or city. Frequently that is the city hall or the main post office. Other times it is a median of the downtown or central areas.

We’re uncertain where the 6,012 elevation you cite is listed. Although the state of Colorado’s Web site lists Colorado Springs at 6,008 feet, the corner at Cascade and Pikes Peak avenues where the city’s stake was driven in 1871 is 6,002 feet.

We have a variety of elevations in the city. For example, drivers going north will travel uphill to 6,035 feet at Woodmen Road and Interstate 25. Keep going north and it’s up and up. Monument is 6,960 feet, and parts of the Air Force Academy are more than 7,000 feet.

Since the early days of the city, when many elevations were determined, it’s now much easier to get specific elevation data. Check out Google Earth, which maps the elevation of every property in Colorado Springs; the National Elevation Dataset of the U.S. Geological Survey; National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 for which surveyors walked the land and which is the datum used by the city; or the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 in which GPS and higher technology was employed and which is used by the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department for plan reviews and by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Academy/Maizeland lot remains undeveloped

2007-03-09T14:21:00.000-08:00

Having been a resident of Colorado Springs for nearly 40 years, I’ve always wondered why the southwest corner of Academy (Boulevard) and Maizeland (Road) has never been developed. I remember years ago parking in that vacant lot for something going on in Palmer Park. Can anyone fill me in?
- R. Fleming

ANSWER: Since 1977 there have been unsuccessful attempts by two auto dealerships to rezone that seven acres across from Palmer Park. It was annexed to the city in 1981 and is zoned as a Planned Business Center. That zoning does not allow auto dealerships. The zoning on this land has a CR (Conditions of Record) added, meaning there are specific conditions that would have to be met if it were to be developed.

For 30 years, neighbors of the property have successfully protested rezoning requests, saying their property values would be lowered.

I-25 rest areas needed some improvements

2007-03-02T13:21:00.000-08:00

Traveling north on I-25 there is a rest area before Upper Lake Gulch Road that has been closed for months. What are they doing up there? The rest area on the southbound side of I-25 was also closed at the same time and has since reopened. Why hasn’t the northbound side reopened?
- Phyllis Miller

ANSWER: Renovation work was done on both rest areas, including improvements to lighting and the sewer systems. Bob Wilson of Colorado Department of Transportation said that as the lights were installed at the northbound site the workers damaged the sewer system and it can’t be repaired until the ground thaws in the heavily wooded area, probably in the spring. Besides making the rest area nicer for visitors, improved lighting and other upgrades could help cut reported criminal and drug activity in the northbound rest area, officials said.

Work on the southbound area also involved extra lighting and pruning of the heavy vegetation “because of unusual activity not becoming of a rest area,” Wilson said, referring to reports of drug activity and sex. “The southbound rest area was being used for activities other than stopping to use the restroom or taking a nap."

All but two states have daylight-saving time

2007-03-02T13:06:00.000-08:00

I really hate daylight-savings and have heard the excuses for it like energy savings.
The way I see it, you use the utilities in the morning with daylight savings or in the evening without it, so I don’t see that as a valid reason. I was wondering just who is it that decides we have to go on daylight-savings time. I don’t recall it ever being on a ballot. Is there anyone to complain to about it besides my friends, who also hate it?
- Linda Brooks

ANSWER: Daylight-saving time was started in the U.S. in 1918, repealed in 1919, and was standardized through the Uniform Time Act of 1966. Local exemptions were allowed.

Today, DST is in effect throughout the United States with the exception of Hawaii, Arizona (not including the Navajo Nation) and in the territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands and American Samoa. Indiana, with the exception of two counties, did not go on daylight-saving time until 2005.

You and your friends would have to get the Colorado Legislature and the voters of the state to overturn daylight-savings time.

Coloradan/Coloradoan; potato/puhtahtoe

2007-02-23T11:55:00.000-08:00

Why are people who live in the state of Colorado called “Coloradans,” rather than “Coloradoans?” I was born and raised in the city of Chicago and people there are called “Chicagoans.” I wrote to a couple of TV stations after hearing “Coloradans,” but never received a reply.
- Laurance Moe

ANSWER:“Coloradan” is the most widely used pronunciation in Colorado. “Coloradoan” is accepted, but is the second choice. If you punch “Coloradoans” into Google, you’ll end up with “Did you mean to search for Coloradans?” Several people in public office — including Colorado’s new governor — have been referring to residents as “Coloradoans” and the Fort Collins newspaper is called The Coloradoan, but traditionally "Coloradans” is far more common on Web sites, in local history books and on the street.

Fact Monster lists several other states with two or more names for state residents and, like the dictionary, the first is the most widely used:
Alabamian, Alabaman
Connecticuter, Nutmegger
Floridian, Floridan
Indianan, Indianian, Hoosier
Louisianan, Louisianian
Michigander, Michiganian, Michiganite
New Jerseyite, New Jerseyan

You mentioned you are from Chicago. Several Web sites list “Chicagoans” and “Chicagans” as accepted names. According to our sources, “Chicagoans” is preferred, although “Chicagans” is okay.

Cache la Poudre had no poodle connection

2007-02-23T11:47:00.000-08:00

Does “Cache La Poudre” really mean “hide the poodle?” How did it get that strange name?
- Marilyn

ANSWER: It wasn’t a poodle they were hiding way back when, it was powder — gunpowder.
Here’s the story that was passed down: Back in the early 1800s, a wagon train of trappers was going from St. Louis to Green River, Wyo., and ran into heavy snow up in Larimer County. The wagons were too heavy, and items had to be left behind, including heavy barrels of gunpowder. Barrels were hidden, or cached, in pits that were camouflaged with coverings of tree limbs and dirt to hide them until the wagon train returned in the spring to pick them up. The river beside the cache became known as the Cache la Poudre (powder) River. Later, when streets were named in Colorado Springs in the late 1800s, some east-west ones were named for Western rivers, including Cache La Poudre Street.

Pink Manitou home not the governor's

2007-02-23T11:42:00.000-08:00

I have heard the home at 631 Manitou Ave. (the pink stone house in front of the congregational church one house east of Pawnee) referred to as the old governor’s mansion or the old territorial governor’s mansion. Does anyone have any information?
- Rachel Diedrich

ANSWER: Manitou Springs historian Deborah Harrison said Alexander Cameron Hunt, the fourth territorial governor of the Colorado Territory, built a home in Manitou, but not that one. Apparently the rumor started that the governor had lived at 631 Manitou Ave., and the story stuck. Harrison is interested whether anyone knows which house was the actual Hunt home.

Hunt held the office from 1867 to 1869, but was ousted when President Ulysses S. Grant wanted a political crony in that position. Hunt also built a house in Alamosa, the historic Hunt-Ball House.

Harrison said the pink stone house was built by Robert Richens with pink and white sandstone from the Manitou quarry. Richens, who was a Manitou town trustee in 1877, also built the church in downtown Colorado Springs that became the Village Inn restaurant and is now Eden night club, Harrison said.

Available maps show local neighborhoods

2007-02-19T11:50:00.000-08:00

The local media reference is usually made to “area,” i.e. Cragmor, Stetson Hills, etc. Is there a map available that identifies the various “areas” in Colorado Springs? To a relative newbie, a news story about “University Park” means little to me in an area reference.
- Jerry Roggenbauer

ANSWER: In the annual Answer Book, The Gazette printed a handy two-page map of the neighborhoods of Colorado Springs as designated by the post office. The ones you mentioned — University Park, Cragmor and Stetson Hills — are there along with many more. To access the map, go to gazette.com and scroll down the left to Answer Book. The maps are on pages 26 and 27. There are also a variety of maps on the Colorado Springs city government site: http://www.springsgov.com/Page.asp?NavID=822

Tree farms have requirements

2007-02-19T11:47:00.000-08:00

TREE FARM: Just north of The Margarita at PineCreek restaurant on Pine Creek Road, there is a sign that reads “Tree Farm: member of the American Tree Farm System.” It looks like a jungle next to Monument Creek, not like a tree farm. What is the deal?
- Margaret Miller

ANSWER: Here’s your answer from Naomi J. Marcus, forester with the Colorado State Forest Service, Woodland Park District:

“Some years ago, the landowner was certified as a tree farmer according to the American Forest Foundation’s guidelines and standards for the American Tree Farm System. In recent years, the AFF ATFS database purged and decertified those who have not been recently re-certified. This landowner, apparently, is one of those purged.” The sign will be allowed to remain posted only if the landowner complies with the program, Marcus said.

In the past, the land was maintained as part of Forest Ag which allows the landowners to sell their timber through the program. The Forest Service said the program “offers similar tax valuation as that of traditional agricultural lands.
Forest landowners voluntarily participate in the Forest Ag program, and must fulfill certain requirements for initial and continued eligibility.”

Sonic couple doesn't go home together

2007-02-19T11:43:00.000-08:00

We’re having a friendly disagreement in our office. Part of us are convinced the battling couple in the Sonic commercials are married. Others are convinced they aren’t. Who wins?
- The Lunch Break Crew

ANSWER: Buy lunch for the “they’re not married” group. Molly and Brian are actors.
Here’s the skinny from Barkley, the marketing communications company that handles the Sonic account. It all started in 2002 with the Pete and TJ (“Two Guys”)campaign and the “Couples" were added in 2005 with the introduction of Molly and Brian. “Molly and Brian are working improv actors (their full names are Molly Erdman and Brian Huskey). This campaign is unique because it is completely improvisational and unscripted, which is unheard of in the industry. We actually shoot the commercials on lot at a Sonic Drive-In, give the actors an index card with a concept and begin rolling the cameras,” said Sara Laughlin, Barkley senior account manager.

“The concept for the campaign was to play a bit off reality TV (no directors, only cameras) and to let customers feel like the Two Guys and Molly and Brian really represented them.” Laughlin says what’s funny is they receive calls and e-mails directed to the two guys and the couple by name, yet the names have been used only occasionally in ads. Will there be more husband-wife banter coming from Molly and Brian? Oh, you bet. “We’re just beginning to scratch the surface,” Laughlin said
.

Misspelled street names are history

2007-02-09T13:05:00.000-08:00

What is the correct spelling for this street: Poinsetta Drive or Poinsettia Drive? Mapquest shows it as Poinsetta Drive but the Macvan Map 21st and 22nd editions show it as Poinsettia Drive. If in fact it is Poinsetta Drive, did someone originally misspell it or what?
- Rusty Johnson

ANSWER: Either the Cragmor developer or the city department that recorded the name in the mid-1960s registered it as Poinsetta and it became official.
Until the mid-1980s, when developers named the streets as they platted their developments, they sometimes misspelled them — accidentally or on purpose.
There were times the names were recorded incorrectly and in other cases they were spelled wrong on the street signs and never changed. Whatever the spelling, that became the street’s name.

Then the city revised its ordinance to simplify the naming process, eliminate duplications and correct spellings.

Why not just change Poinsetta, you might wonder. First, it’s history. In addition, property owners on Poinsetta would have to agree that it should be changed, and the agency (planning, police, fire, post office, etc.) requesting the corrected spelling must pay for it.

Apparently a lot of people have a poinsettia problem, because Google lists 131,000 entries for people spelling it “poinsetta,” the way many people pronounce it.

Fondly remembering those Cheese Frenchies

2007-02-02T12:11:00.000-08:00

CHEESE FRENCHIES: Back in the late 1960s or early 1970s there was a restaurant down the street on Nevada from Palmer High School named Kings Host. Does anyone have the recipe for the Cheese Frenchies they used to serve?
- Shirley Tilkens

ANSWER: Since King’s Food Host is no longer around, we turned to several Internet sites that deal with restaurant recipes. There were several great discussions about how much people loved the “Frenchies” at King’s across the country, including Cheese Frenchies, Tuna Frenchies and even Hot Dog Frenchies.

From recipelink.com is this version:

KING’S FOOD HOST’S CHEESE FRENCHIES
6 slices white bread
6 slices American cheese
Mayonnaise
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
Kellogg’s Corn Flake crumbs
Oil for deep fat frying

Recipe note: “American cheese is a must. Do not use any other kind, as it melts too easily.

Procedure:
1. Make 3 sandwiches, using 2 slices of American Cheese per sandwich. Spread mayonnaise on bread slices. Cut sandwiches into triangles.
2. Combine egg, milk, flour and salt. Dip the triangle sandwiches into egg mixture, and coat with corn flake crumbs.
3. Fry in deep fat at 375 degrees until golden.

Deputies provide security at the bus terminal

2007-02-02T12:07:00.000-08:00

BUS STATION DEPUTIES: At the downtown bus terminal last Friday afternoon, there was a uniformed El Paso County Sheriff’s deputy on duty. Why is the Sheriff, and not the Colorado Springs Police Department, providing the law enforcement presence in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs?
- J.T.

ANSWER: The bus system, Mountain Metropolitan Transit (Mountain Metro), contracts with the sheriff’s office to provide security at the downtown bus depot during certain parts of the day, according to Sgt. Jim Groth. “It’s extra duty performed by our deputies. It’s a contract, not a jurisdictional issue,” Groth said.

Both the sheriff’s office and the police department have extra-duty offices. One of the extra duties performed by the police, Groth said, is funeral escorts that are contracted by funeral homes. Police who direct traffic on Sundays outside large churches are also extra-duty officers under contract.

Did you catch those Colorado references in "Napoleon Dynamite?"

2007-01-29T10:44:00.000-08:00

QUESTION: My friend says Manitou Springs was in the movie “Napoleon Dynamite." True or not?
- Pedro

ANSWER: You betcha, Pedro! It got a mention. When smarmy Uncle Rico is eyeing Starla and trying to sell her his Bust Must Plus, he says, “Now if you look right here, we have Sally Johnson from Manitou, Colorado. Would you like to read her testimonial right here?”

And there was another Colorado reference. Uncle Rico says, “Grandma took a little spill at the sand dunes today. Broke her coccyx.” Napoleon asks, “What the flip was Grandma doing at the sand dunes?”

Was any filming done at Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes or anywhere in Colorado? Nope. It was all in Idaho where writer/director Jared Hess was born and Utah, where he went to college and now lives.

Kevin Shand, executive director of the Colorado Film Commission, heard that one of the guys involved with the production is from Colorado and said that’s probably how the references were added. “Sometimes they just like the name of something, the way it sounds.” Although “Napoleon Dynamite” wasn’t filmed in Colorado, many other movies and TV shows were and are. Just for fun go to www.coloradofilm.org/filmography.html for a list of films that go back to the 1890s.

By the way, the state’s sites get regular mentions on the animated show “South Park.” Later this week, moviemakers will be on the University of Colorado at Boulder campus working on “The City of Your Final Destination.” (It stars Anthony Hopkins, but unfortunately he won’t be shooting any scenes at the campus.) And Rob Reiner will be at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area for a movie shoot in late February or early March.

Camouflaged cell towers hide in little buildings, behind crosses and in saguaro cacti

2007-01-29T10:42:00.000-08:00

STRANGE C-470 BUILDINGS: On the southwest side of Denver, along the 470 loop, between the 11 and 12 mile markers, on the southwest side of the road, there are four small buildings. They are two-storied, square, and almost identical to each other. They appear to be vacant. What are they?
- Don Brooks

ANSWER: They’re camouflaged cell sites/cell towers. You can see the antennas through the windows in the second story.

Wireless companies have concocted some extremely creative ways to disguise their towers. You can spot unusual palm trees and pine trees (there’s one on Monument Hill) and saguaro cacti. There’s a tower on a silo near Longmont. There’s a fake-cow cell tower in Kansas. And sites are hidden in the crosses on churches, put inside fake boulders and behind signs atop tall buildings.

Code enforcement officers educating the public to remove garage-sale signs -- or get fined

2007-01-29T10:39:00.000-08:00

REMOVING SIGNS: Several of us are incredulous about the new restrictions on posting signs for yard sales, houses for rent/sale, open houses, etc. A uniformed officer of the city visited a yard sale I had with two of the signs I had put up, and informed me it is illegal to post signs anywhere except private property and that fines of $35 per sign would be imposed. When I dutifully went out to collect the signs I had posted I saw dozens of similar ones and in the ensuing weekends have seen them all over town. Clearly people should be more conscientious about removing signs after their events but it is inconceivable that the city can impose — much less enforce — punishment of this common and innocuous custom on citizens. Don’t they have anything to DO (car thefts, vandalism, etc.) but send personnel out to patrol yard sales?
- Lynn

ANSWER: Fines for illegal signs were approved by Colorado Springs City Council and are enforced by code enforcement officers who are part of the police department. Code enforcement is their job and they don’t investigate car thefts or vandalism, murders or ticket speeders.

Code enforcement officer Ken Lewis said the sign ordinances have been in place for years. "The big problem is that after the sale people don’t take the signs down, they turn into litter and you’ll see them flying down the street. People can have garage sale signs but only on private property and not attached to utility poles, stop signs, bridge railings or any other city property. If you look at some of the utility poles there are nails and staples all over them and this can cause a problem for utilities workers who have to climb the poles.”

Lewis said his officers could have removed your garage-sale signs and thrown them away but were “doing you a favor by taking your signs to you and explaining the code. We’re trying to educate people about the sign ordinances as fairly as we can.” In addition, several volunteers help out by going out to remove left-behind signs so Lewis’ officers can do other code enforcement.

Krazy Kat fans remember dancing, bands and 3.2

2007-01-19T12:20:00.000-08:00

NIGHTCLUB MEMORIES: On Dec. 17, reader Chuck asked about the old Krazy Kat (sometimes spelled Kat, other times Katt) nightclub, and readers had a great time remembering "when."

From Gazette archives: Art Walk Jr opened the 3.2, 18 and over, nightclub at 3905 N. Nevada Ave. during the summer of 1962 in what had been VFW Post No. 101 before the post moved downtown. Fellows (but not ladies) who went clubbing at the “Kat” had a cover charge: 75 cents. In September 1971 the club was heavily damaged by a fire called “suspicious.” Two weeks later, a second fire — also labeled suspicious because of paper towels soaked in a flammable liquid and an empty can of flammables — erupted at 3:40 a.m. and finished it off, burning the Krazy Kat to the ground.

Bonnie Staton, a native, blogged that the Krazy Kat brought “a flood of memories. It was the first nightclub I ever went to. (Had to sneak in the ladies bathroom door from the front entrance, which led back to the ‘real’ bar area, since I was only 17). I remember when ‘Freddie, Henchi & the Soulsetters’ played there. We would dance our faces off. Back then, we called the military men ‘doggies.’ Then-owners Jim and Nancy Crumb were some of the nicest folks I ever met. When we really partied, they would not let us drive, but opened up their room in the back used for out-of-town performers so we could sleep it off safely. A time or two they loaned us money for our rent. I wish I would have taken a great picture of the place so I could show my daughter where I ‘hung out.’”

"Just call me Linda,” who won our drawing for two tickets to Tinseltown, e-mailed: “The Krazy Kat was my ‘club of choice’ in my teen years. At that time, we were allowed to drink 3.2 beer at the age of 18, so it was a great place to be. There were all sorts of bands that came to play. The dance floor was usually packed on the weekends and even some weeknights, depending on how good the band was. A swimming pool was built where the parking lot for Sheldon’s diner is now that was open in the afternoons during the summer months. There was a guard dog named Jack that they would let loose in the building at night. One night someone broke into the club, robbed the place and killed Jack. It was a very sad time for all the Krazy Kat regulars. (NOTE: This should make you feel better. Bill Crumb, son of Jim and Nancy, e-mailed with good news. Jack, the dog, wasn't killed by the robbers and instead lived a long and happy life.)It was a club where all types of people went to dance and have a good time — high schoolers who were of age, military and every so often even a few early-20s professionals would show up. There was a huge group of ‘regulars’ that would try other clubs (Kelker Junction was one, the Honey Bucket, the Lady Bug) but we all came back to the Krazy Kat.”

Janet Kiemel says her son and his friends, avid skateboard fans in the mid ’70s, were looking for an abandoned swimming pool where they could hone their skills.
“Skateboarding was catching on, and there were parks in other towns but not Colorado Springs. “Someone told them that a pool had been filled in at the old Krazy Kat club. After days of hard work, they emptied it of the fill and had a great skateboard park until someone chased them out of there!”

Gary Wood “grew up here in Colorado Springs, and for the longest time the happening place in town to go was Guiseppe’s Celler on South Cascade. Then The Krazy Kat Night Club opened. It was really a big thing! The parking lot was full most of the time, and the building itself was like the nightclubs you see in old movies. There was a full bar in one room with lots of seating and a 3/4 bar on the north side of the building with two or three pool tables. In the middle was one of the best dance room areas I ever saw with hardwood flooring and a stage where the house band The DelReys played the hottest music in town and even ‘surf’ music like Dick Dale and the Deltones. Before they built the swimming pool and were going to start a members only pool club, they got quite a surprise. When they started excavation, they dug up an old-time coffin. They searched county records and found no record so it must really have been ancient. Anyway, imagine my surprise when Halloween came and we had some extra decorations. Everyone who went to the ‘Kat’ during those days was treated with courtesy and respect. If anyone didn’t have the very best time of their life it was their fault.”

Mary Kirby’s son Rob “used to play with a group called The Avengers and played many times at the Krazy Kat. The lounge was known for its nickel beer and its Friday Afternoon Club.”

A blogger remembers spending every Friday and Saturday night at the Krazy Kat “drinking and dancing, more drinking than dancing. We used to shoot pool a lot, waiting for midnight or one o’clock to arrive so we could drive downtown to race (usually from intersection to intersection when the light turned green). The Krazy Kat was a huge part of my teenage years. That, and we had to get into Guiseppe’s (on South Cascade Avenue) at least once every weekend!”

E-mailers remembered bands at the "Kat" including The Intrigues, The Trolls, The Seeds, The Chandells and The Blue Things among others.

Westmark and Venetucci both city and county

2007-01-12T09:50:00.000-08:00

BAD INTERSECTION: We have a very dangerous intersection at Venetucci Boulevard and Westmark Avenue. We have tried for years to find out who has responsibility for signage, weed and brush cutting, repair, etc., for this intersection. Is it the city, the county or the state?
- Ralph

ANSWER: It’s a combination. Westmark Avenue up to the right of way on Venetucci is the county’s responsibility. Venetucci is maintained by the city.

Retirement complex started as barracks

2007-01-12T09:46:00.000-08:00

OLD BARRACKS: On the corner of Potter Drive and San Miguel Street, there is a conclave of buildings, mostly apartments and one a retirement community.
It has been said that these buildings were originally barracks for Ent Air Force Base. What is the history?
- Bayard Wheeler

ANSWER: We checked with Winslow Court retirement community, and indeed these buildings started as Ent barracks when the Air Force base was located where the Olympic complex is today at Boulder Street and Union Boulevard. They were made into a four-building apartment complex, and in the late-1970s a Seattle firm modernized and refurbished them into a retirement community surrounding a new central courtyard and dining/social area.

Boulder Crescent corral part of landscaping

2007-01-12T09:44:00.000-08:00

NEW FENCE: On the corner of Platte and Cascade avenues sits Boulder Crescent Park. Inside this little park, someone installed a split wood fence that circles a group of nondescript rocks. What is this mini-corral supposed to be?
- Laura Lowan

ANSWER: The split-rail fence is the first part of new landscaping planned for the park, and you’ll see new plantings inside the fenced area in the spring, according to the parks department’s Kurt Schroeder. “It will be a nice addition to the park."

Where did Pike's apostrophe go?

2007-01-12T09:41:00.000-08:00

When and where did Pike's Peak lose its apostrophe?
- J.J.
In the 1890s, President Benjamin Harrison set up the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, whose duty was to approve names of sites such as mountains and bodies of water.
The board removed most apostrophes from place names across the country, saying these tiny punctuation marks suggest possession or ownership. In the few exceptions, such as Martha’s Vineyard, the board bowed to longtime local tradition.

Who could use donated trophies?

2007-01-05T11:29:00.000-08:00

Can you or your readers give me an address or organization which accepts trophies as a donation? Most of these are high school and/or youth sports level trophies. All are in good condition and we would hate to discard them if someone can get some use out of them.
- (Ret.) Lt. Col John R. Barrowclough

Groups or agencies, let us know if you could use these trophies. E-mail linda.navarro@gazette.com or blog your response.

Portable potties serve the Springs Ranch golfers

2007-01-05T11:25:00.000-08:00

GOLF PORT-A-POTTIES: Why do they still have porta potties at the Springs Ranch Golf Course? Don’t you think they could afford to build a permanent building? Just wondering.
- Helen B., who says she's tired of looking out at them.

ANSWER: It’s all about funding. “When we have the money for capital improvements, that will be down on the list,” said head golf pro Ed Kujalowicz. Until then, there are three potty stops for golfers — one on the front nine, one on the back nine and one at the clubhouse.

Regional trail still under construction

2007-01-02T09:55:00.000-08:00

QUESTION: Down at the Fountain Creek Regional Trail, near the Fountain Creek Nature Center, there is a sign with a map that identifies the main trail that runs through this El Paso County Park as part of the Colorado Front Range Trail.
It also implies that this trail runs from New Mexico to Wyoming. I do know that the trail runs uninterrupted from this Fountain Creek park to at least Monument Park. But I also know that if you head south it comes to an abrupt end before reaching the city of Fountain. The map does not indicate any uncompleted portions of this trail, but obviously there is at least one. Is this map perhaps representative of things to come rather than a reflection of reality?
- Dan Kulp

ANSWER: The Colorado Front Range Trail “is a combination of a vision and a dream, and it is also partly reality,” said Chris Lieber, the city’s Trails and Open Space program administrator. Someday it is expected to be a 900-mile trail from Wyoming to New Mexico along the Front Range.

Some segments are complete, including through Colorado Springs and north to Palmer Lake. Going south, the county has completed the portion you mentioned. Also completed are northern segments, including parts of Denver and near Fort Collins.
Lieber said Colorado State Parks is “the statewide champion of the project” but relies on counties and communities to complete their individual sections. So far, more than 270 miles of trail have been completed but there are “missing gaps to be filled in.”

The signs, provided by Colorado State Parks and the Front Range Trail Initiative, show the projected end product.

Check with city about damaged trees in alleys

2007-01-02T09:54:00.000-08:00

I live in an area of town that has alleys. Who is responsible for the trees that grow in the alleys? There are three trees in the alley behind my house that lost very large branches during the blizzard, but I can’t seem to find out if they are the responsibility of the Forestry Department, or if they belong to the property owner.
- Lisa

ANSWER: Call City Forestry at 385-5942 and, says city forester Jim McGannon, “we will investigate what responsibilities there are and what service levels we offer.”

Local streets have crowns for draining

2007-01-02T09:52:00.000-08:00

STREET CROWNS: Why do the streets in Colorado Springs not have a crown to them forcing water run off to the side of the roads? Dublin, Powers, Woodmen, Union and Academy to name a few have no crown, and the runoff runs across from the middle to the side or side to the middle creating icy conditions when it freezes. This is the only place that I’ve lived that doesn’t build a crown into the roads.
- Greg Leikam

ANSWER: The roads have 2 percent crowns, a city and national standard, according to Robin Kidder, city roadway manager. “From the center of the road, it slopes 2 percent to the gutter. If you go more than 2 percent, you have icing problems with parked cars not being able to get away from parking spaces. It’s enough crown to drain but not so much it isn’t drivable.”

Kidder says that in situations where the road curves, such as Academy and Dublin boulevards, “when you go into a curve, the whole road has to slope — picture the Indy 500 — and when that happens, those lanes can’t drain to the gutter, they drain to the median.”

Bomber crashed and burned near Patty Jewett

2007-01-02T09:46:00.000-08:00

QUESTION: A friend, Jim Bowers, gave me pictures of an emergency airplane landing near Patty Jewett Golf Course in the 1940s. He took the photos when he was a Colorado College student. We don’t have any other details. We live in that area and a neighbor also told me about it but I wonder if there is more information.
- Annie Foster

ANSWER: Researching your question turned up some fascinating history about airplane crashes in our area during and after World War II.
Here’s a quote from a story in The Gazette: “During World War II, nearly 300 fliers are believed to have died in more than 70 military airplane crashes along the Front Range south of Denver between August 1942 and December 1944. A number of the crashes were near Colorado Springs, and many involved four-engine B-24 bombers on training flights.”
Our air space was busy with planes flying out of Pueblo Air Base, Peterson Field and what is now Lowry Air Force Base in Denver.The crash shown in your photos was a little later, in 1948, and the plane that went down was a big one, a B-29 Superfortress. It had just taken off from Peterson Field headed for Smoky Hill Air Base in Salina, Kan. According to the Nov. 5, 1948, Gazette Telegraph, the pilot could not gain altitude and the No. 4 engine was out. Then the No. 3 engine caught fire.

The newspaper reported: “Eyewitnesses to the crash said the burning ship was headed directly for the Bonnyville subdivision at a very low altitude.” Bonnyville is the residential area near Bon Shopping Center at North Wahsatch Avenue and Jackson Street.

The pilot, Capt. E.J. Cook, was unable to head back to Peterson and instead guided the plane away from inhabited areas to what was then open fields near Patty Jewett Golf Course for an emergency landing. The newspaper said the burning airplane first struck the ground just east of the golf club, where leaking gasoline started a brush fire. Then it “cut a path 300 yards long, ripping down barbed wire fences and bouncing over several gullies before coming to a stop without nosing over.”
It came close to a large gully that today is Union Boulevard. Dense black smoke came from the wreckage for several hours and the red flares inside turned into a “pyrotechnic display.” Everything but the two wing tips was destroyed, the newspaper reported.

The 10 Air Force men in the plane walked away from the crash. Two had minor injuries. On the ground the sole injury was an Air Force firefighter who was thrown from the rear of a truck racing across the fields to the site. He was treated for knee injuries at Camp Carson (now Fort Carson).

Rumbling sounds coming from the airport

2007-01-02T09:45:00.000-08:00

QUESTION: We have lived in two houses on two different ridges in Colorado Springs, in Old Farm and The Bluffs. At both these locations in the winter when it snows, we can hear a rather loud rumbling sound. We used to think it was Fort Carson practicing artillery. It seems to be only when it snows, not just the cold weather. Any theories?
- George

ANSWER: We asked readers and heard this explanation from Kass Johns.
“I hear it all the time, often when it is snowing, due to a cold air inversion. It’s the airport! It is the jet engines preparing for takeoff.

“I lived on top of Knob Hill on the Palmer Park side for 18 years and heard the same thing during low cloud cover days. I also remember hearing it frequently when passing by a high spot in town on San Miguel at Circle by the back side of the former Circle East Mall/Pay ‘n Pak (now Ace Hardware.

“The clouds have to be low enough to block the sound escaping the city to be able to hear it. I’ve always thought of it somewhat fondly as sort of cozy — like we are all ‘socked in’ together here in town.”

Downtown subway an urban legend

2006-12-15T14:24:00.000-08:00

SECRET SUBWAY?: I have been told about a subway running from under the City Auditorium to various places in town. Can anyone tell me where it went and how long did it exist?
- Mary Dieter

ANSWER: From the mining heyday into the 20th century, Colorado Springs and Old Colorado City had a variety of tunnels between businesses and buildings. One of those was a tunnel that ran between the 1923 City Auditorium at Kiowa and Weber streets and the City Hall at Kiowa Street and Nevada Avenue. Tim Scanlon, senior city planner, said the tunnel is no longer in use and “has been collapsed.” The “subway” you heard about is an urban legend about the tunnels and their use.

Loose-dog problem at Taylor park being addressed

2006-12-15T14:20:00.000-08:00

QUESTION: I was curious as to when and why the Taylor Elementary School playing field (by Patty Jewett Golf Course) officially became a dog park? It is near impossible to use the field with my daughter for soccer practice, etc., because of the loose dogs and occasional dog land mine that is left there unattended. I thought that most schools limited dog activity on their grounds, especially athletic fields?
- Randy

ANSWER: Someone called the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region about the dogs-running-loose problem there, and officers are now monitoring the park. Some dog owners were ticketed. In addition, this problem is being addressed by the school’s PTA. PTA President Polly Fiedler, who helped coordinate the building of the school’s neighborhood park in 2000, said a committee was formed to draw up guidelines about dogs. “In fact, some dog owners approached us to request guidelines,” she said. “Most dog owners are pretty good about keeping their dogs on leashes and cleaning up after them. There’s a large community of dog owners using the park and a great camaraderie, but when a large group congregates, sometimes there’s a problem. We would hate to ever have to get to the point of having to ban dogs.” For now there is a cooperative, “negotiated” effort to work out the problems but, Fiedler said, “sometimes there is a big brouhaha in the beginning and then people return to their former behavior. We’ll wait and see what the next step will be.”

Fiedler said the park has not become unusable to people without dogs. In the fall, a boys soccer team had its regular practice there and a girls team practiced there four times a week. “There’s always a place in the middle of the park to practice,” she said.

Concrete posts on Academy no longer used

2006-12-11T09:17:00.000-08:00

HIGHWAY POSTS: I’ve always wondered, what are those two concrete posts on each side of South Academy between Drennen and Bradley exit? It looks like a bridge was going to be built over the road, and then scrapped.
- S.C. Pickard

Colorado Department of Transportation engineers say the piers apparently date back to when South Academy Boulevard bisected a gravel pit and possibly there was a conveyor belt from one side to the other, according to CDOT spokesman Bob Wilson. However, several readers say it was a water or sewer pipe.

Street-light replacement responsibility split

2006-12-11T09:10:00.000-08:00

BURNT OUT STREET LIGHTS: My street light is out, but when I called it in I was told by Utilities that there are hundreds out. When are they going to fix them?
- Carol M.

ANSWER: We have received e-mails from across the city complaining about street-light problems and several poles that have been hit but not repaired.
This has been an ongoing and touchy problem, and there is no immediate answer. Probably the best advice is to contact your City Council representative.
City Council passed the responsibility for street lights from the city to Colorado Springs Utilities, and a street-light fee was added to utilities bills.
There was an outcry and the fee was discontinued. Council directed that the city take the street light program back from Utilities, according to Utilities spokesman Steve Berry. The money for street lights is to come from the city’s general fund with Utilities doing maintenance.

However, Berry said, during this entire procedure there was no money allotted for the backlog of street-light repairs because of "a lack of funding."
He said Utilities is trying to work out a service-level agreement with the city. Meanwhile, Utilities and police and emergency services determine which lights are a public safety requirement and these are added or repaired immediately. Others must wait for city funding.

NFL 'fanny packs' aren't for carrying

2006-12-11T09:08:00.000-08:00

QUESTION: I’m baffled by the fanny packs Jay Cutler and other Denver Broncos were wearing during the game against Seattle. The fanny packs were slid around to their backside. I think some of the Seahawks had them too. What do they carry in them?
- Joey J.

ANSWER: They’re hand warmers. When the players are on the field they usually slide them around to the back. Broncos spokesman Paul Kirk said the players would not be allowed to carry items in a fanny pack onto the field.

Concrete and steel demand pushed out a need for Red Rock Canyon quarries

2006-12-01T12:40:00.000-08:00

RED ROCK QUARRY: Can you tell me about the old rock quarry located in Red Rocks Open Space? What years was it operational? Where were the rock slabs used?
- James

ANSWER: The city’s Trails and Open Space page offers this history for the quarries and a mill at Red Rock Canyon Open Space:
"During the late 1800s the property provided many building supplies for Old Colorado City and the surrounding communities. Material taken from the quarries included gypsum, building sand and sandstone blocks. The Kenmuir Quarry, mined during this time, was open seven days a week due to demand. Declining demand for stone and increased demand for concrete and steel forced the quarry to close in the early part of the 20th Century. Opening in 1886, the Colorado-Philadelphia Company Mill used the land to refine the ore shipped by train from the gold mines in Cripple Creek. It was the largest mill of its kind in the United States, until the new Golden Cycle Mill (near what is now 21st Street)was built in the early part of the 1900s.”

A history compiled for The Molly Brown House in Denver noted that the quarry produced what the building trades called “Manitou sandstone” and the red-orange stone was sent by the railroad that ran through the canyon to be used for buildings in Denver and nationwide. “These quarries, which date back to the 1870s, were known at one time as the Kenmuir quarries ... and later became known as the Greenlee and Snider quarries.”

In his book “In Red Rock Canyon Land,” John Bock wrote about the busy building boom days and the gold-rush “bubble” that brought $600 million in ore from the gold camps to the canyon’s mill. Then the bubble burst and building stopped. Said Bock, a telegram came into the Greenlee company: “Cancel contract. No demand for stone. Close down.” The owner “let out a sigh, ‘Close down the quarry!’”

Rocky Top Resources takes yard waste but where can river rock be recycled?

2006-12-01T12:33:00.000-08:00

RECYCLED LANDSCAPING: I am clearing out the hideous landscaping in my backyard and starting over. I have to get rid of five huge juniper bushes and a few tons of river rock. Is there any place I can take this stuff so it doesn’t end up in the landfill? Will someone turn the bushes into mulch? Will someone take the rocks and reuse them?
- Willie

ANSWER: A major local recycler for wood, organic yard waste and your juniper bushes is Rocky Top Resources, Inc.; see its Web site at rockytop.us. It's a year-round program and could also take the river rock, used top soil, sod and fill dirt. El Paso County has a slash/mulch recycling program, but it doesn’t operate in the winter. Readers advised that if Willie and others want to give away landscaping materials they can also go through SpringsFreeCycle-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or post to craigslist: cosprings.craigslist.org.

Dutch Wedding Rocks are on private property

2006-11-22T11:31:00.000-08:00

QUESTION: I noticed an interesting note in The Gazette's “Back Pages” section under “50 Years Ago” on Oct. 15. It mentions a unique rock formation then known as the Dutch Wedding Rocks. The article locates the formation north of Woodmen Road. Do you know if this formation is still there and if it is accessible to the public? I would love to have directions if possible.
- Karen Adams

DUTCH WEDDING ROCKS: The much-photographed rocks, described over the years as resembling a wedding scene with a couple, a minister and guests, are on private property beside a home.

Multiple manholes were from the past

2006-11-22T11:27:00.000-08:00

QUESTION: Why are there so many manhole covers on Cheyenne Road? Between 8th Street and Nevada Avenue I’ve counted 23, which must set a record for such a short stretch (about a mile) of road.
- Marty Steiner
In the 1950s when that main was put in, the equipment was much less sophisticated than it is today and it was difficult to adjust to fluctuations in depth as they were trenching, said Utilities spokesman Steve Berry. “As they were excavating the hole for the line, the depth would drop off and they would do drop-manhole access to accommodate the stairstepping in those mains.” In addition, there were lateral mains coming into the main line as well as areas with two mains running down a street, which required extra manholes. The pipe used then — clay or steel — was less flexible than the PVC pipe used today. “They had to install more manholes because they were doing more connections because of this lack of flexibility,” Berry said.
Today, he said, sophisticated excavation techniques and flexible pipe adapt to changes in depth and require fewer manholes.

Widefield and Security two separate communities

2006-11-22T11:22:00.000-08:00

QUESTION: I live in the Widefield/Security area and was wondering, why does it have two names and where did the names come from?
- Tracey Hughes
They’re two different communities. Unincorporated Security was developed by American Builders in 1955 on what had been the Mel Anderson Dairy Farm and agricultural land. The Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce said the developer designed it as a community with “a sense of security.” Cottonwood trees from the banks of Fountain Creek were transplanted along Security Boulevard.

A few years later, Security’s neighbor was developed. Builder Jules Watson began constructing brick, ranch-style homes in 1958 in the unincorporated part of El Paso County that by the mid-‘60s became Widefield. The area next to Security was chosen because of the influx of soldiers and families to nearby Camp (now Fort)Carson.
The name Widefield came from the Widefield School District that dated back to 1874. A junior high school in that district was named for the builder Jules Watson.

It was in the plans for Briargate and other developments to have well-maintained public areas

2006-11-17T11:37:00.000-08:00

PUBLIC AREAS 1: We live on the southeast side of town, in a residential area not far from the airport. The public sidewalks and foliage areas are full of weeds and there are overgrown trees that cover most or all of the sidewalks in areas. There is no nice grass or trees and the city neglects caring for it. However, going to the north side of town, or other areas in Colorado Springs, (i.e. Briargate), there is beautiful landscaping. We pay the same rate of taxes here on the south end of town as do homeowners on the north end of town. Why do we not get the same kinds of landscaping and care for our public areas?
- Joni Brandom
PUBLIC AREAS 2: I live along Barnes Road with the back of my property facing Barnes just east of Peterson Road. This section of Barnes is mostly unlandscaped, not well maintained and an eyesore. I see new developments with beautifully landscaped streets occurring all over this city and wonder why this street is treated much like an orphan.
- Gordon Olson
PUBLIC AREAS 3: We live in Stetson Hills near Barnes and Marksheffel. The center island on Barnes is overrun with weeds from Peterson to Marksheffel. Trees fall over and die and are not replaced. Further west on Barnes, the center strip is well cared for. Why is our section left to go to pieces?
- Andrea Buehner

ANSWER: Developers in several northeastern areas of the city, including Briargate, Nor’wood, etc., wanted “improved streetscapes” for rights of way and medians, and there are seven special improvement maintenance districts set up for this purpose, according to Rick Geiman, SIMD administrator for the parks department. The developers installed the landscaping and other improvements and residents of those areas pay a tax levy for maintenance, which is done by the homeowners associations or the SIMD.

Not all developers did this. Developers did not put together resident-supported special districts in the southeast area referred to in the first letter, but, nevertheless, the proper city department should be notified if public parks and medians are in poor repair. Keeping sidewalks clear of obstructions is the responsibility of the owner or occupant.

It’s covered in city code 3.4.103: “Responsibility of real property owners and occupants,” which says the owner and occupant of property have a responsibility to keep sidewalks clean and clear of projections and obstructions, debris, litter or dangerous conditions. The city engineer’s office should be notified about structural damage to sidewalks. Property owners must remove weeds on their property. On the area of Barnes Road discussed, the developer did not complete the promised landscaping and the situation was such that “there was no leverage for the city to require the developer to finish it,” said Geiman said.
There’s a similar situation on Peterson Road south of Barnes, and Geiman must determine what can be done.

Speeding vehicles, not an influential resident, brought change to Peregrine street

2006-11-10T12:39:00.000-08:00

PEREGRINE SPEED HUMPS: I have a question regarding the three speed humps placed in Orchard Valley Road in the Peregrine area. This is a major thoroughfare (double yellow lines no less) and this summer the speed limit was reduced to 20 mph and three large speed humps placed. My question is: Why? Rumor in the neighborhood is that an influential city employee moved onto this street and pulled strings.
— Shane Millburn

ANSWER: Speed-reduction devices” such as the speed humps — and the planned medians and curb bump outs — were installed because speeding vehicles going eastbound lost control in this residential area, according to principal city traffic engineer David Krauth. “This road, while it is an arterial, doesn’t act like an arterial,” Krauth said. “The speed humps to slow traffic down were installed as part of a pretty extensive public process, which involved the people in the neighborhood.”
In addition, there is a school-safety project at nearby Woodmen Roberts Elementary School on Orchard Path to “keep people at an appropriate speed in that long school zone,” Krauth said.

What to do when a deer is hit

2006-11-10T12:33:00.000-08:00

HITTING A DEER: I wonder what to do if my car should hit or be hit by a deer. Is there a telephone number I can call? I’d like the information to keep in my car at all times.
— Sal

ANSWER: Call 911 and the local authorities will write a report. The Division of Wildlife will be contacted if the animal was hit but not killed.
Another reader, Fred, asked if the person who hits a deer can keep it. The answer is yes, but you must go to the Division of Wildlife office for a roadkill permit.

Developed areas in Cheyenne Mountain State Park will be open to dogs, but not the trails

2006-11-10T12:22:00.000-08:00

DOGS IN THE PARK: My friends and I eagerly awaited the opening of the new Cheyenne Mountain (State Park), only to find out dogs are not allowed. Why do some state parks allow dogs and others do not?
— Sherry Hower

ANSWER: Dogs can’t go there now because the park is still being developed. However, as more areas are completed, dogs will be allowed to go with their humans to the developed areas — the parking lots (which will have doggie cleanup stations), the picnic areas, campgrounds and on the roads. Dogs won’t be allowed, now or then, on the trails or in the backcountry. For now, only a parking lot that leads to the trails is open, so, no dogs.

The wildlife in the park is a major factor in that decision, in addition to the safety of visitors and safety of the dogs, who are hunters by nature, said senior ranger Monique Mullis. Park rangers don’t want dogs to be killed by bears, or small animals to be killed by dogs.

Mullis said park officials are following an extensive stewardship plan that inventoried the park, the wildlife, the soil, the vegetation and what is needed “to make sure this amazing property is around for future generations."

"There is an amazing diversity of wildlife in the park and that had a lot to do with the decision (about dogs),” Mullis said. “Even a dog on a leash urinating on a tree causes stress to the wildlife.” There are black bears, elk, mountain lions, roadrunners, prairie dogs, coyotes, foxes and bobcats. “The oven bird is here, a ground nesting bird that is not common in the area. There’s an amazing population of breeding turkeys, and their nests must be protected,” she said.

Mullis said the staff can offer suggestions to visitors about dog parks in the area. “There are a lot of other opportunities,” she said. “The majority of state parks allow dogs on their trails. It’s a park-by-park basis.”

For those who asked about horses, Cheyenne Mountain State Park is not a horse park, but for a very different reason. Horses eat hay and when they poop in the park, they bring in noxious weeds, Mullis explained. “This park is one of the best in the system for lack of noxious weeds. In addition, the soils are particularly erosive, fragile. These trails were not designed to be sustainable for horses.”

CSPD officers ask permission to park on private property

2006-11-03T13:53:00.000-08:00

POLICE ACTION: I often see Colorado Springs Police trying to catch speeders while they are sitting on private property. Have the property owners given the Colorado Springs Police written permission to conduct city business on their property? I think that these officers are trespassing on private property.
- Michael W. Kopta

ANSWER:Officers, for the most part, park on public property, according to CSPD spokesman Lt. Rafael Cintron. When they park on private property, “we touch base with the business for approval. We do ask permission.” If a business owner says no, “we won’t park there,” Cintron said

Tahoma Springs plaques and memorabilia sought for anniversary

2006-11-03T13:48:00.000-08:00

TAHOMA SPRINGS: What became of Tahoma Springs? In honor of the 50th anniversary of Colorado statehood in 1926, the citizens of Colorado Springs erected a pavilion over one of the springs in Monument Valley Park. The structure was damaged in the 1935 flood but was still standing when it was further damaged in a later 1965 flood. Sometime after 1965 it was torn down.

In the gazebo-like structure were four bronze plaques: one honoring Pike, one General Palmer, one an Indian scout, and a general one about the event. Does anyone know what became of the bronze plaques? Next year is the 100th anniversary of General Palmer’s gift of Monument Valley Park to the citizens of Colorado Springs. Nomination of the park to the National Register of Historic Places is in process. For the centenary event we would love to know what became of the plaques.
We are also interested in any historical photos and would love to see them either donated to the Pioneers Museum or at least offered to the museum to copy for the archives.
- Judith Rice-Jones, archivist, Historic Preservation Alliance of Colorado Springs

Readers, can you help?

Semi drivers will receive warnings about parking on Drennan

2006-11-03T13:27:00.000-08:00

DRENNAN ROAD REDUX: Earlier we were asked about the proliferation of trucks parked on Drennan Road. We were told by the police department that because this is a truck route, truck parking is permitted. In most cases the drivers park there because they're not allowed to park near their homes. A reader responded that he didn't believe it was legal for trucks to park along Drennan Road.

We spoke with the city attorney’s office and city code enforcement, and indeed there have been some changes. City code enforcement officer Ken Lewis said the original maps showed the city limits running down the center of Drennan, which would allow semis to park on the south side. “Now we’ve learned the city limits are 20 feet south of Drennan, it’s a residential zone and commercial vehicles cannot park in a residential zone,” Lewis said.

Truckers have parked here for years when they’re home, and the city is now giving them warnings. The city traffic engineer will place “No Parking” signs in this area, and Lewis’ office will work with the truckers to find alternatives. “We’ll continue with verbal warnings for a while because this has been going on for so long,” he said.

Lewis said some trucking companies have parking lots available for drivers. Other drivers leave their vehicles at truck stops. His office and city officials have received similar complaints about trucks on North Nevada Avenue and South Powers Boulevard which that will be investigated.

Finding the 1960s lumberyards on North Nevada

2006-10-29T11:35:00.000-08:00

FINDING A LUMBERYARD: Recently reader Georgina asked the name of a lumberyard/lumber mill north of Fillmore Street on Nevada Avenue in the 1960s and ’70s, possibly near the old Krazy Kat nightclub on North Nevada Avenue.
Irmgard Anderton, a local resident since 1961, found listings in 1961 for El Paso County Lumber Co. at 3131 N. Nevada Ave., Everitt Lumber Co. at 229 E. Fillmore St., and Walker Brothers at 707 E. Fillmore St. Dwight Haverkorn said the 1970 City Directory still listed El Paso County Lumber Co. J. Michael Riley, who played with a band at the Krazy Kat, remembered two lumber companies farther south than the club: El Paso County Lumber and another called Collier’s Lumber or Colyer’s Lumber which had the motto “Lumbering Along Since ...” with a date he recalls as possibly 1924. He said it burned down. Reader Ted said the lumberyard at 3031 N. Nevada Ave. was Riddoch Lumber Co. "It then became the Harsh Lumber Co.; the last one was Newton Lumber Co.

Keystone diamond was on D-11 and parks property

2006-10-29T11:34:00.000-08:00

QUESTION: Why was the baseball diamond torn down in Keystone Park, near King Elementary School on Sapparo Drive?
- Karen Hamlett

ANSWER: Eric Anderson of School District 11 explained there was a long-standing joint-use agreement for this area between the parks department and D-11, and it expired. The north baseball diamond belongs to the school district, but the south diamond straddled the property line between school district property and the parks department's land — the property line running through home plate.
After a community meeting early last summer to discuss maintenance responsibilities, watering and other issues, the decision was made to remove the south field.