Good morning southern Colorado and here's what you need to know on your Friday morning.
If you'd like to read the full story, be sure to click on the story headline.
_____
New family shelter adds important homeless resource in Colorado Springs
A new homeless shelter in Colorado Springs is giving those who may be turned away from other shelters a chance. There are now 17 units for families of varying size at the converted Stage Coach Motel on South Nevada Avenue. It is an important new addition to homeless services in Colorado Springs and it is also among just a few of its type in country.
_____
"Forever changed:" Parents say son faced felony charge for toy gun
Colorado Springs parents are speaking out after they say their 10-year-old son was arrested because he and his friend were pointing toy weapons at passing cars in a neighborhood. Christopher and Stefanie Carpenter live on base at Fort Carson and the Carpenters say the arrest was made by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. They say their son was charged at one point with felony menacing.
_____
Glorious weather expected in Colorado heading into the weekend
The weather continues on a sunny and mild trend, which is a nice oasis in the forecast in the midst of a lot of cold wintry weather this month. The sun will be out in full force today with very little cloud cover. And the winds will generally remain light!
_____
Procession to carry Donald Stratton to Nebraska for burial
Organizers of a memorial service for Donald Stratton, scheduled for Saturday morning in Colorado Springs, say a large number of people is expected to attend. The 10 a.m. service Saturday is meant to pay final respects to Stratton, a survivor of the USS Arizona bombing during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Those who attend are encouraged to wear red, white and blue; Hawaiian print shirts, or military uniforms in honor of Stratton and his USS Arizona shipmates.
_____
Pueblo group sees progress in fight against illegal dumping
A group in Pueblo said it is seeing more progress in the fight against illegal dumping. The Pueblo City-County Trash Task Force said it has identified 13 suspects for illegal dumping and 60 sites for clean up since the beginning of the year. Anyone who wants to help with the clean-up effort can call the Pueblo Department of Health and Environment at 719-583-6000.
_____
Don't forget to follow us on social media:
KOAA Facebook / KOAA Twitter / KOAA_5 Instagram
