🌱 Battle Of The Food Trucks + South Powers Blvd Extension Project

Happy Saturday, neighbors! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Pleasant with sunny intervals. High: 79 Low: 54.

Here are the top three stories in Colorado Springs today:

1. Foodies won't want to miss the inaugural 719 Battle of the Food Trucks, happening this weekend in Colorado Springs. The family-friendly event will pit 30 local food trucks against each other with sample sizes of their most delicious menu items. Attendees can also enjoy live music, face painting, prizes, and more. Head over to Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center tomorrow (Sunday, May 15) from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for all the festivities! (FOX21News.com)
2. El Paso County and the Colorado Department of Transportation are planning an extension project for South Powers Boulevard. The project will extend from the existing portion of the boulevard, connecting south of Mesa Ridge Parkway, and extending to I-25 south of the City of Fountain. County residents are invited to learn more about the project and provide input during an open house on Wednesday, May 25 at the City of Fountain City Hall at 5:30 p.m. (El Paso County)
3. The sons of a local man fatally shot by a Colorado Springs Police Department officer late last year are planning to file a $10 million lawsuit. 45-year-old Michael Pantoja was killed on Dec. 8, 2021, by gunfire from CSPD Officer Jacob Kelly. According to an account from the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, officers found an armed Pantoja outside a home during a burglary in progress; Kelly then fired at Pantoja, who died at the scene. The 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office will rule on whether the officer's actions were justified. (Colorado Springs Independent)

Today in Colorado Springs:

• Great American Tiny House Show + Nomads @ Pikes Peak At Norris Penrose Event Center(9:00 AM)
• Spring Markets With The Colorado Farm And Art Market At Hillside Community Center (11:00 AM)
• Learn To Sew Series: Nautical Zippered Pouch At East Library And Information Center (3:00 PM)
• Run to the Shrine (May 14 & 15) At Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• A shelter in place for the Colorado Springs Airport was issued, along with mandatory evacuations ordered for people living near a fire burning in the area of 5000 Alturas Drive in Colorado Springs. (CBS Denver)
• Looking for a new furry friend? Meet Buddy, Freckles, and all the other adorable, adoptable pets awaiting their forever homes in Colorado Springs shelters. (Colorado Springs Patch)
• An El Paso County teen is still missing as of Friday evening. Elijah Chiasson, 16, was last seen at the Woodmen Hills Rec Center around 7 p.m. on Thursday. (FOX 31 Denver)

You're officially in the loop for today! See you all Monday for another update.

— Helen Eckhard

About me: Helen Eckhard is a marketing assistant at Lightning Media Partners. She is a self-professed logophile who is currently pursuing her master’s degree in library science. Outside of work, you can find Helen constructing crossword puzzles, knitting, or devising increasingly crafty ways to kill off characters in her mystery novels.