Good morning southern Colorado and here's what you need to know on your Tuesday, August 11.
If you'd like to read the full story, be sure to click on the story headline.
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School districts changing back to school plans
Following a meeting with health officials in El Paso County, D49 was the first to announce an all-online return this fall - to start. News5 learned superintendents from across the region attended the meeting to get the latest on COVID response, data, and precautions.
We'll be keeping an eye out for any more changes today. If you learn of a change in your child's district, let us know news@koaa.com.
News5 is maintaining this resource for parents: Find your district's Back to School plan in response to COVID-19
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COVID testing site opens today in parking lot of Citadel Mall
Starting today, there will be a new site to get a COVID-19 test in Colorado Springs. A partnership between El Paso County Public Health and the Pikes Peak Office of Emergency Management has established a new drive-up testing site in the parking lot of Citadel Mall, next to JC Penney.
The tests will be free, and while it's not required, it's a good idea to register online before going to help speed up the process.
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Reassurance calls connecting isolated seniors to people and services
News5 learned work is being done to stay in touch and make sure seniors have everything they need amid the pandemic. For many seniors, a phone call from someone who cares is a powerful moment in their lives right now.
Silver Key is just one of the local organizations making regular calls to seniors to make sure they feel connected and have access to any services they may need.
If you would like to help out in this effort, click the headline link above for more information in #TheReboundColorado.
Join our Facebook Group The Rebound Coloradoto learn more on what's happening in the community and ways to navigate these unique times.
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Grizzly Creek Fire shuts down I-70 in Glenwood Canyon in western Colorado
A brush fire named the Grizzly Creek Fire shut down Interstate 70 through Glenwood Canyon in western Colorado on Monday afternoon, officials said. The highway remains closed as of Tuesday morning as crews assess two bridges and rockfall hazards within the burn area.
Due to these hazards, CDOT said, travelers are encouraged to avoid using Cottonwood Pass as a detour. The eastbound lanes of the highway were closed at Exit 116 at Glenwood Springs and the westbound lanes were shut down at Exit 140 in Gypsum.
CDOT was recommending westbound travelers take U.S. 24 to U.S. 285 to Poncha Springs, where they can take U.S. 50 to Grand Junction. Eastbound travelers can take the same route, going from U.S. 50 to Poncha Springs and then U.S. 285 to U.S. 24.
The fire now has Facebook and InciWeb pages that are being updated.
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Today's Forecast from Meteorologist Sam Schreier
The forecast could be quite active across the far eastern plains but the bulk of our region is in for a hot stretch. We'll start with a mix of sun and clouds before a bit more sun through the mid-morning and clouds returning in the afternoon. Highs will be in the 90s from Colorado Springs to Pueblo but there could be a few places east that may reach 100.
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