COS Town Tidings #26-051

Gmail will truncate so 📖 READ ONLINE

🤣 Today’s Chuckle

📰 Warm Winter Surprise 🌱

📰 Golden Moments for Team USA 🥇

📰 Restaurant Highlights and Lowlights This Week? 🌮

Recipe: 🍫 2-Ingredient Healthy Mousse

🛍 Bargain Box - up to 50% Off

🃏 Featured Event

📆 Local Events + Concerts, Activities

🌦 COS Weather - Possible isolated snow showers and chilly temps

Recreation: 🥾 Simple Outdoor Reset

Colorado’s unusually warm winter has caused many plants and trees to emerge from dormancy earlier than expected, with some bulbs already budding in mid-February. Garden experts recommend using frost covers during cold snaps and monitoring moisture levels due to ongoing dry conditions. Occasional winter watering during warm stretches may also help plants stay healthy before spring officially arrives. Full Story

⏱️ 60 second Brain/Body Check with Kristen Nielsen (this one is good yet challenging, give it a try!)

Day 13 at the Milan Cortina Olympics was the kind of day that gives you chills.

Team USA delivered unforgettable performances, led by two golden moments that had Americans everywhere cheering. The U.S. women’s hockey team battled Canada in an intense overtime showdown and came out on top to claim Olympic gold. It was grit, resilience, and heart all wrapped into one incredible win.

On the ice, Alysa Liu delivered a fearless free skate that earned her Olympic gold in women’s singles. At just 20 years old, she skated with confidence and joy, sealing a historic victory for the United States.

And the medals didn’t stop there. Speed skater Jordan Stolz powered his way to silver in the 1500m, adding to his medal haul. The U.S. women’s curling team advanced to the semifinals after a clutch win over Switzerland, and Amber Glenn bounced back beautifully in her free skate to secure a podium finish.

It was a day full of resilience, redemption, and shining gold for Team USA and yes, we’re celebrating every bit of it.

Here’s this week’s look at recent restaurant health inspections around Colorado Springs and Fountain. As always, the goal isn’t to shame, it’s to stay informed. Most issues are corrected quickly, but a few did require follow-up inspections.

As always, re-inspections are part of the process, giving restaurants the opportunity to correct issues and demonstrate compliance.

📍 3771 E Pikes Peak Ave
📅 Inspection Date: Feb 18, 2026
⚠️ 10 Violations – Re-Inspection Required

Most Concerning Issues:

Why it matters:
Several of the violations involved handwashing, temperature control, and cleaning frequency — all key to preventing foodborne illness. Corrections were made during inspection, and a follow-up will confirm compliance.

📍 1710 Briargate Blvd Ste 456
📅 Inspection Date: Feb 19, 2026
⚠️ 4 Violations – Re-Inspection Required

Most Concerning Issues:

Why it matters:
Lack of hot water is a significant concern since it impacts handwashing and proper sanitation. The facility will need to correct water system issues before re-inspection.

🥇 Top Scores! It’s encouraging to see several establishments pass with minimal or no issues. Remember, inspections are snapshots in time.

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.

🍕 Poor Richard’s Downtown, grab a slice

A new week means new treasures! We're giving you a first look at the incredible finds and amazing sales hitting the floor through Feb 21 (up to 50% OFF). Watch now to see what's waiting for you!

👉 Remember, you can donate items here too!

Located at 405 S Nevada Ave, Open Tues - Sat 10am-2pm. (719) 475-1029

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🎯 The Secret to Financial Confidence You Deserve

Two ingredients. Low carb. Creamy chocolate fix and I’m definitely trying this one because I’m always searching for healthier desserts that won’t mess with my health. Let me know if you try it too!

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

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🍞 Fresh Baked Sourdough breads, pastries
Nature's Start Bread Company
📍3312 Austin Bluffs (Inside The Cupcake Doctor):
M-Sat, 9am-6pm

🎲✨ Feeling lucky and generous? Join “Gambling for a Cause” on Feb 21 for a lively casino night filled with blackjack, roulette, a silent auction, food, and fun, all supporting 5 incredible nonprofits. Come play, mingle, and make a real impact in our community while enjoying a night out you won’t forget.

Feb 21, 6-10pm at Interiors Exteriors Abbey Carpet and Floor, 995 Garden of the Gods 21+ $51 Click for tickets

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Email details with a link to the event to [email protected]

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Cottonwood Creek Trail Loop offers a gentle 3-mile walk beginning at Cottonwood Creek Park, combining paved pathways along the creek with a wide natural surface trail through meadows and trees. The southern portion is smooth, mostly flat, and accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and bikes, while the northern section provides a peaceful dirt path alternative. A brief sidewalk crossing at Rangewood Dr is needed near mile 0.2 to 0.3, but otherwise the trail is easy to follow.

With accessible parking, benches, picnic tables, and gentle grades, it’s a convenient and refreshing option for a midday break or weekend stroll in Colorado Springs.

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