🌱 Fire Marshal Considers Burn Ban + Massage Parlor Ordinance Approved

Happy Wednesday, people of Colorado Springs! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening locally today.

First, today's weather:

Increasingly windy. High: 85 Low: 58.

Here are the top 3 stories today in Colorado Springs:

1. Colorado Springs fire officials are considering issuing a burn ban that could affect Memorial Day weekend plans. Fire Marshal Brett Lacey says dry weather, high winds, and low moisture have prompted fire season to start earlier than usual this year. Residents are currently prohibited from starting recreational fires, but expanded restrictions would also prevent the use of outdoor BBQ grills fueled by wood, pellets, or charcoal. (KRDO)
2. In a unanimous vote, the Colorado Springs City Council has opted to pass a law that would shut down illicit massage parlors across the city. The decision came following a three-year investigation after dozens of spas with alleged connections to human trafficking were discovered in Colorado Springs. The new ordinance will make it unlawful for massage parlors to operate within the city without a valid massage business license. (KRDO)
3. The 2021-2022 snow season marked the shortest on record for Colorado Springs, lasting just 81 days. With 0.4 inches of snow falling on New Year's Eve, this year also marked the latest first snowfall of the season for the city. Experts warn the lack of snowfall and ongoing drought conditions could mean a dangerous mountain wildfire season is coming. (KOAA News 5)

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Today in Colorado Springs:

• Live Indoor: Storytime At Sand Creek Branch Library (10:30 AM)
• Stitch Wits At Old Colorado City Branch Library (1:00 PM)
• Paws To Read At Library 21c (3:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The average price of a gallon of gas in Colorado Springs is at a record high, just shy of $4 a gallon — and prices are not expected to stop there, according to AAA. Read the full article here. (Facebook)
• Congratulations to The Porkchop Lady/Sams Street Tacos for winning a Golden Ticket to the 2022 Governor's Plate Competition on Aug. 30 at the Colorado State Fair! (Facebook)
• While this month’s lecture series at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, “Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue,” has sold out, you don’t have to miss out! Tune in the virtually via Facebook Live this Saturday, May 14, from 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. (Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. I'll see you soon!

— 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.