COS Town Tidings #26-065

Gmail will truncate so 📖 READ ONLINE

🤣 Today’s Chuckle

📰 Local Hiring May Rebound 📈

📰 Food Safety Concerns + a Perfect Score ⚠️

Recipe: 🍪 Homemade Apricot Jam Bars

🛍 Bargain Box - up to 50% Off

📆 Local Events + Concerts, Activities

🌦 COS Weather - Cool temps, light snow (more in North and West) and windy

Recreation: 🥾 Peaceful Prairie Escape

According to a new economic forecast from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, the Pikes Peak region may see a modest rebound in job growth this year after hiring slowed significantly over the past two years. The slowdown was largely tied to rising mortgage rates that reduced housing sales and construction activity, cutting monthly job growth from around 800 jobs in 2022–2023 to about 100 jobs recently.

Economists say strong underlying demand for housing, especially as many residents enter prime home-buying years, could help revive construction and job growth if mortgage rates stabilize. However, challenges such as labor shortages, construction material costs, and national economic uncertainty could influence how quickly the local economy rebounds. Full Story

⏱️ 60 second Core Strength for Real-Life Balance with Kristen Nielsen (give it a try today!)

Every week, El Paso County Public Health releases inspection reports for local restaurants. Most businesses pass with few issues, but occasionally a location requires a follow-up visit to correct food safety concerns.

Here's a breakdown of the most recent health inspections:

📍 5697 Barnes Rd Ste 110
Result: Still Closed (Inspection Date: Feb. 26, 2026)
16 Violations, worst concerns (quick summary):

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

🥇 Top Scores! Not all inspections bring bad news. Several local restaurants passed with minimal or no issues, showing strong food safety practices.

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 Mar 7 (up to 50-75% 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

Don’t want to be up to date on the latest Colorado Springs news, events, and more with our daily newsletters? Reply to this email with “2-3 Times/Week” and we’ll only send you Wed, Sun and if we have a special issue.

PLEASE DON’T MARK US AS SPAM! This negatively impacts those who DO want to receive this newsletter. Remember, YOU signed up, there’s a link at the bottom to unsubscribe or just reply with “please unsubscribe.”

🎯 The Secret to Financial Confidence You Deserve

These sweet, homemade gluten-free apricot jam bars make a delicious treat anytime. They have a thick shortbread crust and a fluffy crumb topping. They are made with simple ingredients and any flavor of jam or preserves you have on hand. Make a batch in about 30 minutes!

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

Will you do us a favor and spread the word? We need your HELP! Please share Colorado Springs Town Tidings

👉Are you on Nextdoor? Share our newsletter there too!

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

🎉 Have an event to share?
Email details with a link to the event to [email protected]

*Weather permitted

🎟 Have you checked out the Colorado Springs Town Tidings VIP PASS, a FREE digital wallet pass you can easily add to your Apple or Google Wallet?

You’ll be the FIRST to unlock EXCLUSIVE offers, special savings, and the latest announcements from businesses and events in our area—all delivered straight to your phone. (Click image below to find out WHY I created this for you!)

🙋‍♀️ Yes, I want my VIP Pass

Located near the edge of Black Forest, Homestead Ranch Regional Park spans more than 450 acres of prairie landscape, rolling meadows, and wooded bluffs with sweeping views of Pikes Peak. The park features miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, along with fishing opportunities at a spring-fed pond that attracts deer, foxes, coyotes, and dozens of bird species.

Visitors can also enjoy picnic areas, a playground, open fields, and scenic wildlife viewing, making it a peaceful alternative to some of the region’s busier outdoor destinations.

Location: 16444 Gollihar Road, Peyton, CO 80831 | Park Hours: 5am to 9pm

OWN a local business and would like to be featured? 👇Click below:

✅Own a local Business? Apply

Colorado Springs Town Tidings is for you, our readers. We encourage you to share your news, local hero stories, events, and more! Email us at [email protected]