COS Town Tidings #25-269

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🤣 Today’s Chuckle

📰 Leaf Peeping Done Right 🍂

📰 Our City in Progress — Or Peril? 💬

📰 Donut Shop Inspection Score Shockers 🍩

Recipe: 🎃 Pumpkin Donuts with Vanilla Bean Glaze

📆 Local Events + Free Concerts, Farmers Markets & Fall Fairs/Festivals

🌤 COS Weather - Mostly sunny and warming up again

Recreation: 🥾 Gold Is Popping in Teller!

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Ready for those golds, reds, and oranges? Leaf peeping season is pure Colorado joy—but with the rush to see the show, it’s easy to forget how fragile our forests and roadsides can be. From pulling over dangerously for a photo to trampling delicate plants off-trail, one thoughtless moment can leave lasting harm. That’s where the Leave No Trace principles come in.

Whether you're heading to the mountains or strolling your local trail, remember to stick to marked areas, pack out your trash (yes, even that apple core!), avoid startling wildlife, and park only where it's safe and designated. Share trail space, snap your photos quickly at overlooks, and keep the autumn magic alive for others. It all adds up—and your small actions can make a big difference in preserving the beauty that draws us back year after year.

So… would you hike farther to find a quieter, less crowded view? Or are you more of a cider-sipping-from-the-overlook type?

😍 Neighbors Are Raving About This Local Company
Brandy’s Must-Know Tips for a Healthier Home

If you’ve been wondering how our city’s leadership is doing midway through their term, here’s a quick look. Mayor Yemi gave what he called a “halftime report” on Colorado Springs yesterday—celebrating progress on public safety and city infrastructure, while also being transparent about a looming $31 million budget shortfall in 2026. The city has already taken cost-cutting steps, like trimming 38 staff positions and closing the Meadows Park Community Center.

On the bright side, property crime, auto thefts, and homicides are all down significantly, and 52,000 potholes have been patched with more road crews on the way. Still, many residents and councilmembers say homelessness is growing and trash is piling up—and they’re calling for more action. Would you agree? As this “halftime” speech reminds us, city leadership is a team effort—and your voice matters too.

🎯 The Secret to Financial Confidence You Deserve

Each week, local inspectors quietly visit our favorite restaurants, making sure food safety is priority. And this time, some surprises popped up—literally.

One beloved breakfast stop, Amy’s Donuts on E Fountain Blvd, didn’t pass its routine health inspection, clocking in 17 violations. Issues included dead flies, wasps, and a hand-washing sink that wasn’t working. There were also cracked floors and food buildup on walls. The shop has since done a deep clean and passed a reinspection—with a reduced but still notable six violations.

Several other restaurants also failed inspections, while many earned top marks. Here’s the quick rundown ⬇️

🥇 Top Scores! Meanwhile, one local Thai restaurant with a perfect score and The Exchange on Tejon downtown, was praised for their high standards and dedication to food safety. It’s a timely reminder to stay informed about where we eat. Full Story

Health inspection results across El Paso County are available online for those wanting to check their favorite spots.

*Note: Most local restaurants take food safety incredibly seriously. In fact, many owners respond to violations swiftly and thoroughly, often making fixes the same day while they wait for reinspection.

Learn how to make these healthy pumpkin donuts from scratch! They’re easy to make, and they’re baked — not fried! They are full of cozy spice flavor, and they’re topped with a deliciously sweet vanilla bean glaze.

Access the complete recipe with tailored modifications to suit your dietary requirements, along with convenient print options.

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*Weather Permitting

If you’re hoping to catch those iconic golden aspen leaves without venturing too far from Colorado Springs, now’s your window. I just drove through Teller County yesterday and wow—the gold is really starting to shine! The scenic stretch along Hwy 67 from Divide to Cripple Creek is always a showstopper this time of year, but it’s a winding road, so drive carefully and allow extra time—traffic picks up with all the leaf peepers heading out.

We heard from our friend Heath of the Colorado Fan Club who visited this area earlier in the week. He says, one of the best spots for a day hike is Mueller State Park, just outside of Divide. This park never disappoints in fall and should be approaching peak color by this weekend through the first week of October.

He recommends the Black Bear Trail and Cahill Pond Loop, a 6-mile route with moderate elevation gain, though there are plenty of shorter, easier trails for all ages and skill levels. Expect well-marked paths, clean restrooms, ample paved parking, and mountain views around every bend. Just remember—dogs aren’t allowed here, and there’s a $10 day-use fee unless you have a Colorado state parks pass. Whether you're hiking or just soaking in the view from the car, this is one of the best nearby ways to enjoy the magic of fall.

Location: Mueller State Park, 21045 CO-67, Divide, CO 80814

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