COS Town Tidings #24-332

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🤣Today’s Chuckle

🌟Local Feature: 🏔️Crafting Colorado's Spirit: The Artistry of Bunkhouse Studio

📰 City Finalizes 2025 Budget: What’s Changing Next Year💵

📰 Holiday Closures🦃

📰 The Surprising Risks of Holiday Food🛑

📆 Local Events

🌨 COS Weather - Wet snow and cold, drive carefully

Every Wednesday, we shine a light on the local entrepreneurs who make Colorado Springs vibrant and unique. When you support these featured businesses, you're investing in our neighbors' dreams and helping build a stronger community. For every $1 spent at local businesses, $.68 stays right here in our Springs economy, creating jobs and keeping our city thriving. 🤗

When Melissa Senter picks up a piece of wood, she doesn't just see material - she sees stories waiting to be told. As the creative force behind Bunkhouse Studio in Calhan, Melissa transforms maple and oak into intricate, three-dimensional artwork that captures the essence of Colorado living.

"Each piece starts as a vision," Melissa reflects thoughtfully, whose architectural background influences her unique approach to wooden décor. Her signature layered designs bring depth and dimension to wildlife scenes, ranch life moments, and custom commemorative pieces. "I can see the final artwork in my mind before I make the first cut," she reveals with quiet passion.

Growing up in rural Colorado shaped Melissa's connection to craftsmanship. Learning woodcarving from her grandfather and knitting from her grandmother, she developed an appreciation for handmade treasures that tell personal stories. Today, she sources wood thoughtfully, sometimes incorporating materials from properties devastated by wildfires, to preserve memories for homeowners.

From delicate 6-inch ornaments to commanding wall pieces, each Bunkhouse Studio creation showcases remarkable detail that mass production simply can't match. Melissa's work has found homes in lodges, ranch houses, and modern spaces alike.

"The name 'Bunkhouse' represents bringing people together under one roof," Melissa shares. "When I create custom pieces for 4-H youth or design awards for agricultural groups, I know I’m creating lasting memories for families, organizations, and our youth.”

Find Bunkhouse Studio's distinctive artwork at their booth located in the new Painted Tree Boutique at 5944 Barnes Rd (Open 10-8 daily - closed Thanksgiving), Etsy or visit Melissa’s website to commission a custom piece that tells your Colorado story. Call (303) 519-1976 with questions or email [email protected]

We challenge you not to be mesmerized by the interplay of light and shadow, drawn into the depths of each intricate layer - these aren't just décor pieces, they're truly one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

Colorado Springs City Council has approved the 2025 city budget, allocating $438 million to address public safety, homelessness, and quality of life improvements. Key highlights include adding 20 police officers, updating emergency vehicles, expanding homelessness outreach, and investing in neighborhood parks like Grey Hawk Park.

The budget, a 2.4% increase from last year, balances growing costs with capped property tax rates, reserve funds, and 2024 savings. It also includes pay increases for city employees and reorganizes divisions to boost efficiency.

Planning around Thanksgiving? Most Colorado Springs city offices and facilities will be closed Thurs and Fri, Nov. 28-29, to observe the holiday. This includes administrative offices, community centers, and popular sites like the Pioneers Museum and Rockledge Ranch. However, several recreational facilities like the golf courses, Sertich Ice Center, and Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain will reopen Fri, weather permitting.

Shoppers can enjoy Cyber Monday deals, with $5 off the 2025 Discover COS calendar and 20% off Olympic City USA merchandise. Calendar proceeds go directly to the Trails, Open Space, and Parks (TOPS) program, helping to protect and preserve our city’s beautiful outdoor spaces. Learn More

Planning to share your Thanksgiving feast with your pets? Be cautious, as many holiday staples can be dangerous for them. Bread, for instance, can cause bloating, while chocolate and other desserts are toxic. Cooked bones might splinter and lead to an emergency. Instead, opt for safe treats like plain, unseasoned vegetables or boneless, cooked meat.

If your pet consumes something risky, call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 right away. A little awareness can make Thanksgiving safe and enjoyable for every member of the family, including the four-legged ones. Full Story

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