🌱 Patch AM: How many more neighbors can Springs Rescue Mission shelter tonight?

Hi there, Colorado Springs! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How many more neighbors can Springs Rescue Mission shelter tonight?
• How far can your Empty Stocking Fund donation go this year?
• What we know about charges against a well-known Colorado Springs restaurateur

Also on today's calendar: Real Estate Investment Summit 2026 and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: The world champion tongue twister just got arrested! 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Sunny, with a high of 52 and low of 33 degrees.
• Wednesday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 59, low: 37.
• Thursday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 58 and low of 39 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Colorado Springs shelter declares ‘Severe Weather Protocol' for frigid overnight temperatures (kktv.com) — With dangerously low temperatures settling over Colorado Springs, Springs Rescue Mission has activated its Severe Weather Protocol and expanded overnight shelter capacity from about 450 to more than 600 people. Staff are temporarily lifting some behavioral suspensions so more unhoused neighbors can come inside, and they’re urging residents in crisis to seek help while also noting that year-round services rely heavily on December donations.
   

2. Empty Stocking Fund campaign hopes to bring in more money this year as Pikes Peak nonprofits face growing need (koaa.com) — If you want to help Colorado Springs neighbors facing poverty and homelessness, the Empty Stocking Fund is pushing to raise even more money this season for 20 local nonprofits like Westside Cares, Catholic Charities, and Mt. Carmel. The campaign runs through January 24, with every donation going directly to services and matched up to 50% by local foundations.
   

3. Owner of Carlos Bistro in Colorado Springs charged with sexual assault of waitress trainee (krdo.com) — A Colorado Springs restaurant owner has been charged with felony sexual assault after a woman training for a job at his establishment reported an incident to Colorado Springs police. Court records detail conflicting accounts from the owner and trainee, along with corroborating statements from people she confided in. The owner denies wrongdoing and the case will proceed through the courts.
   

4. Proposed Colorado Springs drug and alcohol treatment center opening delayed, residents nearby still concerned (kktv.com) — Neighbors in southeast Colorado Springs are still waiting for answers as a proposed drug and alcohol treatment center near homes, two schools, and a park has pushed its opening back to next summer while awaiting state approval. Developers say only cosmetic renovations are underway and promise monthly community meetings and added security like fencing and alarms once the facility opens.
   

5. 5 drive-to hot springs locations you'll find near Colorado Springs (gazette.com) — If you’re craving a winter soak, several hot springs are an easy drive from Colorado Springs, with options ranging from Manitou Springs’ Sunwater Spa to larger resorts like Mount Princeton. The guide highlights drive times, amenities, and typical water temperatures so you can plan a relaxing day trip or weekend escape. Reservations are recommended at some locations.
   

📸 Around Colorado Springs

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Colorado Springs

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Wednesday December 31

• All PPLD locations are closing early at 4 p.m. for New Year's Eve
  Ruth Holley Branch Library , 685 North Murray Boulevard , Colorado Springs
  4:00 pm

Thursday January 1

• All PPLD locations are closed for New Year's Day
  Ruth Holley Branch Library , 685 North Murray Boulevard , Colorado Springs
• Real Estate Investment Summit 2026
  https://hbr-colorado.eventcube.io/events/92281/real-estate-investment-summit-2026/
  9:00 am

Friday January 2

• 2026: Sparky LeBold, a Retrospective
  Cottonwood Center for the Arts , 427 E Colorado Ave , Colorado Springs
  9:00 am

Saturday January 3

• Paws to Read
  Old Colorado City Branch Library , 2418 W. Pikes Peak Ave. , Colorado Springs
  10:30 am
• Teen Craft Group
  Ruth Holley Branch Library , 685 North Murray Blvd. , Colorado Springs
  2:00 pm

Monday January 5

• Business Help - Office Hours
  East Library and Information Center , 5550 N. Union Blvd. , Colorado Springs
  10:00 am
• Sewing Level 1
  East Library and Information Center , 5550 N. Union Blvd. , Colorado Springs
  4:30 pm

Tuesday January 6

• Save More, Stress Less Webinar
  Online with Ent Credit Union
  10:00 am
• Career Navigator office hours / Horas de oficina del Navegador de Carreras
  Ruth Holley Branch Library , 685 N. Murray Blvd. , Colorado Springs
  2:00 pm
• Ruth Holley Fiber Arts Group
  Ruth Holley Branch Library , 685 North Murray Blvd. , Colorado Springs
  2:00 pm

Saturday January 10

• PROFS & PINTS: How Indoor Air Quality Affects our Health
  Colonel Mustard's Sandwich Emporium , 1412 21st St , Colorado Springs
  5:00 pm

📣 Colorado Springs Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Colorado Springs PatchAM possible:

• Saving American Hearts, INC. — (719) 551-1222
  Come have fun with us and learn in a stress free environment
• Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
  Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!
• Elite SEO Consulting — (719) 474-9404
  Please Vote For Us on "Best of the Springs"
• Elite SEO Consulting — (719) 474-9404
  Outrank your Competitors Online

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• MATTISYN'S DAD
  Dear Neighbors, Earlier this month, my son Mattisyn wrote a letter and posted it online asking if anyone had odd jobs he could do to help our family… (Nextdoor Sandcreek)
• Missing cat!
  Our Franklin got outside and is 100% an indoor cat. He’s a big guy who loves eating. We didn’t see exactly how or when he got out but it had to be… (Nextdoor Holland Park)

• Quick Quack Car Wash posted a job opening for Team Member in Colorado Springs. Apply here.
• Pyramid Global Hospitality posted a job opening for Hospitality Coordinator in Colorado Springs. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Colorado Springs here.

Ok Colorado Springs! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I hear they’re giving him a really tough sentence.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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