Good morning southern Colorado and here's what you need to know on your Thursday morning.
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Manitou Incline to reopen Thursday morning
The Manitou Incline is officially reopened this morning as of 6 a.m. Manitou Springs City Council voted Tuesday night to reopen the Incline with a free reservation system on a 5-2 vote. This action to reopen the trail was achieved by approving a Memorandum of Understanding with Colorado Springs, which will operate and manage the reservation system. Manitou Public Works are maintaining the Hiawatha parking lot and installing parking kiosks. The Incline was closed to the public in late March because of coronavirus concerns.
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Colorado Springs officers searching for suspect after shots fired
A search is underway for a man who exchanged gunfire with officers early Thursday morning, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department. Police said officers were called to Pikeview Reservoir on a report of a man firing a gun into the water. When officers confronted the man, they said shots were fired. Three officers fired their weapons, but no officers were injured. Mark Dabling is closed from Garden of the Gods Road to Fillmore Street as they continue to search for the suspect.
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Hotter and drier today with severe chances mainly out east
Strong to severe storms could be back across Colorado today, but the chances are best out in eastern Colorado. The counties in particular that stand the best chance for large hail and strong winds are Kiowa, Cheyenne, and Baca counties. Drier air will roll off the mountains, keeping most of I-25 dry and pretty hot. El Paso County could see a stray storm up around the Palmer Divide, but most of that action will be weak and move east.
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Pueblo Chile & Frijoles THROWBACK Fest moving forward with some changes
The Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival is moving forward in September with some changes that will honor its beginnings while following COVID-19 guidelines. Organizers announced Wednesday this year's 26th annual Pueblo Chile & Frijoles THROWBACK Fest will "pay homage to our humble roots" and follow guidance from local government as well as public health officials. This year's festival will be two areas designated for chile roasting and farmers markets in historic downtown Pueblo on Sept. 26 and 27 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Organizers said the focus will be on promoting the Pueblo Chile, other local agriculture, farm stands and farmers markets.
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Competition is fierce for those looking to buy a home in El Paso County
The coronavirus pandemic has had a major impact on many industries, but News5 learned when it comes to buying and selling homes things are not slowing down. Experts say in El Paso County buyers need to be ready for some fierce competition. Real estate agents say if you want to own a home in El Paso County you better be ready to compete with a surging number of people who are also looking to buy. Many people are making offers of $10,000 to $15,000 more than the asking price on the same day some of these homes are listed.
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