Getting your sprinkler system ready for winter takes more than turning it off. Water left inside can freeze, expand and damage pipes, valves and other components.

Tony Hockemeyer, with Castle Rock Lawn and Sprinkler, walked News5 through the process, starting inside before moving outside to clear water from each sprinkler zone.

What can homeowners do themselves?

Start by locating the shutoff for your irrigation water supply. If you know how to operate it, shutting that supply off is a first step, but it does not remove the water already in the system.

Learn More in the Video Player Below

The shutoff may be in a basement, crawlspace, or underground valve box. Do not force a valve that will not turn.

If freezing weather is approaching before a professional can arrive, Hockemeyer says homeowners familiar with their system can use its drain points to release some water.

That can buy time, but it is not a complete winterization. Drain locations and procedures vary by system, so homeowners who are unsure should have a professional identify them.

Hockemeyer also cautions that a leaking shutoff valve can allow a drained line to refill during winter.

What should you leave to a professional?

Hockemeyer recommends having a professional handle the sprinkler blowout, which uses compressed air to push remaining water out of the lines.

Tony first cleared the supply line between the indoor shutoff and the outdoor backflow assembly. Then he worked through the sprinkler zones individually.

Basically, the zones are going to turn on one at a time. And we're going to evacuate all the water, he said.

The equipment needs to match the system. Hockemeyer cautions that an undersized garage compressor can produce mist at the sprinkler heads while leaving water behind.

How long does it take?

Hockemeyer says many residential systems in the area take about 30 to 45 minutes to winterize, though larger systems or those with drip irrigation can take longer.

For homeowners, turning off the water is a start. Clearing what remains helps keep winter weather from turning into a repair bill come spring.

Before a business opens its doors or an airline adds a flight, theres work happening behind the scenes. This years UCCS Economic Forum aims to help people understand those efforts and what they mean for the regions future.

The 30th annual event takes place Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Ent Center for the Arts. It brings together business, government and industry leaders to explain local economic conditions and the challenges and opportunities ahead.

News5 reporter Jaylen Lee has more on what the happens at the forum in the video below:

UCCS Economic Forum offers a look at the forces shaping the Pikes Peak region

Director Bill Craighead said the forum provides a local perspective people may not get from national economic headlines.

What actually goes into bringing a business to Colorado Springs? What are the trade-offs involved and what are some of the challenges that they are facing? What are some of the opportunities that they see? Craighead said.

The opening session will feature representatives from Colorado Springs, Fountain, El Paso County and the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC discussing their work attracting and retaining businesses.

Attendees will then choose one of three panel discussions:

Travel and tourism: Industry leaders will discuss changes and challenges facing a sector long connected to Colorado Springs identity, including air service and hospitality. Defense: Craighead said uncertainty following the Space Command announcement helped prompt a discussion about the regions aerospace and defense industry and where it is headed. Nonprofits: The panel will explore changes affecting nonprofit organizations, including opportunities to secure grant funding.

Craighead will close the program with an update on the local economy and how it compares with state and national trends. Attendees will also receive an annual report with regional economic data.

Beyond the numbers, Craighead hopes people leave with a better understanding of community leaders and the work they do.

Understanding them as people and understanding where theyre coming from and what theyre trying to accomplish, I think is really, is really beneficial to all of us, he said.

The main program runs from 1 to 4 p.m., with a welcome reception from noon to 1 p.m. and a happy hour from 4 to 5 p.m.

Tickets cost $65. You can register online, or you can walk up and purchase one when you arrive.

Register for the UCCS Economic Forum here.

There's a Stampede coming to Colorado Springs, and this one is bringing professional football to the city for the first time.

The United Football League officially introduced the Colorado Stampede on Sunday at Weidner Field, revealing the team's name and logo in front of fans eager to welcome the city's newest sports franchise.

The free celebration gave fans an opportunity to meet players, grab team merchandise and select season tickets ahead of the team's inaugural season.

For Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, the addition of professional football represents another opportunity to bring the community together.

"One of the things I love about sports, and we've seen that in Switchbacks and really any sporting team, is that sports is a great unifier of people," Mobolade said.

The mayor also pointed to the potential economic impact, citing an estimated $15 million in benefits over the next three years. He hopes the team will attract visitors from across Southern Colorado and the state, bringing more customers to local businesses.

A familiar face leading a new team

The Stampede will be led by head coach Rick Neuheisel, who previously coached the University of Colorado Buffaloes.

Neuheisel says the team's new identity reminds him of his time in Boulder, and he hopes to bring that same energy to Colorado Springs.

"As we used to say in Colorado with Ralphie, you know, fast and furious that's how we want to come out," Neuheisel said. "Angry, anxious and attentive to details, so that we can put on the kind of show that these folks deserve."

For Neuheisel, the goal is not just to win games but to build a lasting connection with the community.

"This is a cool place. They've never had a professional football team," Neuheisel said. "We're excited to be the first."

Players ready to put on a show

Several Stampede players were also on hand to meet fans, including defensive back Tra Fluellen, wide receiver Tyler Vaughns and offensive lineman Raiqwon O'Neal.

The players say they're looking forward to giving Colorado Springs something new to rally around.

"We get to bring something to the city," Vaughns said. "We're gonna come out here and give good games, so we wanna have y'all come out here and show our support."

Fluellen says he hopes fans enjoy the experience, but he also wants opposing players to know what they're getting into.

"I wanna make people scared. I wanna hit people and I wanna put them down, so try me," Fluellen said.

News 5 decided to get a firsthand look at that physicality, with reporter Jaylen Lee lining up against offensive lineman Raiqwon O'Neal.

Let's just say O'Neal won that matchup.

While the Stampede prepare for their first season, fans can already begin showing their support through season ticket selections.

And as Neuheisel put it, "just remember this: you can't stop the Stampede."

Families can leave with a bag of candy and a better idea of where to turn for support at Pikes Peak United Ways fourth annual Trunk or Treat.

The free event runs Friday, Oct. 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Family Success Center. Despite the name, the celebration will take place indoors, with families visiting tables offering candy and information about community resources.

There will also be a pumpkin patch in the cafeteria, with pumpkins donated by Care and Share. Costumes are encouraged but not required, and families do not need identification or documentation to attend.

Bobby Gomez, senior director of community impact for Pikes Peak United Way, said the event helps families build connections before they find themselves needing assistance.

We don't necessarily want families to have to navigate any crisis nor any situation alone, Gomez said.

The annual celebration typically draws more than 700 people, according to Gomez. Beyond trick-or-treating, it gives parents a chance to meet neighbors and learn about support available close to home.

I really do hope that they walk away with a sense of pride and, and just that dignity to know that they're able to provide this for their children and that we're here to provide it as well with them, Gomez said.

At Oxford Nails and Spa, helping customers find their way to the salon sometimes starts over the phone.

Employee Ly Tang says construction near South Academy Boulevard has made reaching the shop more confusing, especially for first-time visitors. Employees give callers directions, but they cannot always answer when they are busy helping someone inside.

Tang, who has worked at the salon for about six months, says walk-in business has slowed.

So its hard for us to finding a new customer in here, she said.

For Tang, fewer customers can affect more than the pace of the workday. She says slower business makes covering her own expenses harder.

A slow day, it means we dont have no income, she said.

The challenges come as crews continue the South Academy Boulevard Improvements Project. Project engineer Ryan Phipps says workers are replacing aging water mains and storm sewer infrastructure, with construction progressing north toward Fountain Boulevard.

The improvements are intended to provide more reliable water service, improve drainage and rebuild pavement, sidewalks and curbs.

Its not so much about growth as it is reinvesting in our own community, Phipps said.

Where roads are closed and how to get around

Three closures began Oct. 21. Nearby businesses remain open, with alternate access available:

South Murray Boulevard: Closed just east of South Academy through Nov. 30 for storm sewer and water pipe installation, paving, and sidewalk and curb reconstruction. From Academy, take Chelton Road east, then turn south on Murray. Nearby driveways remain open. Sierra Sun Drive: Closed at South Academy through 5 p.m. Oct. 28. Residents of the Sierra Springs neighborhood can enter from Jet Wing Drive by turning onto High Sierra Place. Astrozon Shopping Center driveway: One driveway off northbound South Academy, about 350 feet north of Astrozon Boulevard, is closed through 5 p.m. Oct. 28. Customers can enter from Jet Wing Drive or Astrozon Boulevard.

Additionally, the left turn from southbound Jet Wing Drive onto South Academy is restricted through Nov. 19.

All schedules depend on weather and may change.

What comes next

Phipps says the underground utility work is more than halfway complete. More visible improvements, including paving, concrete work and fresh striping, are expected in 2027. The larger project is projected to finish in summer 2028.

During construction, Phipps says the city is prioritizing communication and maintaining alternate entrances to businesses.

For Tang, the hope is that easier access will help customers return, and make it easier for new ones to find the salon.

Drivers can find construction information and sign up for updates on the South Academy Boulevard Improvements Project webpage. Questions can also be directed to the project hotline at 719-427-6422. Bus riders should check Mountain Metro for temporary stop changes.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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Applying to college can be a burden for students' wallets before they even know whether theyre getting in. This week, Colorado seniors can explore more options without paying an application fee at participating schools.

Watch Jaylen's story in the video player below: Colorado Free Application Days 2026: Schools and how to apply

Colorado Free Application Days run Oct. 2022. At Fountain-Fort Carson High School, counselors are helping seniors take advantage of the opportunity and pushing them to think about what comes after graduation.

For senior class president Jasmine DeLoach, the Air Force is the goal. But she applied to CSU Pueblo as a backup, keeping another path open.

Counselor Vivian Bodenheim said removing application fees can encourage students to consider schools they might otherwise pass over.

I think it gives kids the opportunity to apply to schools that maybe might have been like financially out of their reach or just like an opportunity to cast a wide net, Bodenheim said.

Counselors have spent the past two months helping seniors prepare their Common App. During the free days, theyre available to help students finish applications, find waiver codes and work through questions.

Not all kids have someone at home who's helping them do these things, so they're coming to us hoping that we're going to be able to kind of guide them through that, Bodenheim said.

Participating schools include UCCS, CSU Pueblo, Colorado College, CU Boulder, Colorado School of Mines and the University of Northern Colorado. Find the full list and school-specific waiver instructions on the Colorado Department of Higher Educations website.

For students still unsure about college, Bodenheim said applying gives them a choice to consider later.

Just because they apply and get accepted doesn't mean they have to go, you know, but at least that option's there for them.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

Scoring goals brought athletes to Weidner Field this weekend, but building friendships and competing gave them another reason to return.

The Colorado Springs Switchbacks hosted the Inspire Soccer Leagues third weekend of matches Saturday and Sunday, welcoming Spokane Impact, United Genuine FC, One Knox SC and Winthrop University.

The national league provides competitive soccer opportunities for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with teams traveling to different host communities throughout the season. Colorado Springs was this weekends stop on that schedule.

The Switchbacks joined the league for its inaugural season in 2025, bringing local athletes into a national competition and giving them a chance to represent their community at Weidner Field and beyond.

Watch Jaylen Lee's video report below: Inspire Switchbacks athletes find a team, and a community

For Switchbacks player Yariv Ben-Naim, the weekend included a personal highlight.

"My favorite moment was scoring my four goals in yesterday's game, and where we won by a lot," Ben-Naim said.

Ben-Naim has played soccer since he was 12, starting in the Special Olympics. Through Inspire, he also gets to meet players from other communities.

I like making friends from different states, Ben-Naim said.

The league offers an organized competitive season, with standings and points. Its format includes eight-on-eight matches played in four 10-minute periods, with each period counting toward the league standings.

The Switchbacks coach said that structure gives athletes an opportunity to experience real competition in stadiums like Weidner Field.

They get to travel the country and play soccer, he said.

For midfielder Xavier Lopez, joining the team began with a school field trip. After meeting people involved with the program and learning about tryouts, he decided to give it a shot.

Now, he describes his teammates as family.

Even if, one of us are down, we all pick each other up and support one another and believe in each other, Lopez said.

The Inspire Switchbacks practice every Saturday. Their coach said the benefits go beyond developing their soccer skills. The athletes are able to form friendships, build confidence and become more comfortable speaking with others.

For their coach, a successful game comes down to more than the final score.

That they gave it their all, they had fun while playing the game and they made a new connection with somebody, he said.

The leagues next stop is Houston, with matches scheduled for Nov. 7 and Nov. 8.

How to get involved

Local athletes interested in playing can reach out to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks Inspire program. The coach said tryouts typically take place in early January, and interested players should contact the team for upcoming dates and details.

The leagues published requirements include being at least 16 by the applicable selection date, meeting its documented disability eligibility criteria and demonstrating basic soccer ability. Players of all skill levels are encouraged to attend tryouts. Full requirements and an athlete application link are available on the Inspire Soccer Leagues participation page.

According to the league, athlete participation is free. Questions can also be directed to hello@inspiresoccerleague.org.

Giant pumpkins, professional carving and a chance to break out a Halloween costume are coming to downtown Fountain for the Harvest Games on Saturday.

The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. around Fountain City Hall at 116 S. Main Street, with activities stretching from a giant vegetable weigh-off to an evening costume contest.

What does it cost?

Admission is free, with food trucks and vendors selling food, baked goods, crafts and other items.

There will be places to spend money if you choose to, organizer Joney Carneal said. Otherwise, the event itself to get here and come is completely free.

Watch the video report below: Fountain Harvest Games: What to know before you go

Whats on the schedule?

11 a.m.: Giant vegetable weigh-off featuring the Rocky Mountain Giant Vegetable Growers. Throughout the day: Professional pumpkin carving. 5 p.m.: Live music begins. 7 p.m.: Costume contest. 8 p.m.: Event ends.

Carneal recommends arriving early if seeing the giant pumpkins is your priority. Some will remain on display, but not all will stay for the entire event.

How do you visit the pumpkin patch?

Pumpkinpalooza joins the Harvest Games this year, offering families a free pumpkin and free professional family photos. Families should register for a time slot to help manage space in the patch. You can reserve a spot online.

Carneal recommends signing up online before arriving. On-site registration through a QR code is also planned.

Where can you park?

Part of Main Street in front of city hall will be closed for the event.

Carneal said parking options include nearby side streets, behind city hall and near the library, with overflow parking near Peaks N Pines Brewery.

Parking can be tight, so allow extra time to find a space and follow posted restrictions. Carneal said accessible parking spaces and access ramps will be available in the area.

She also recommends bringing a jacket if you plan to stay into the evening.

Watch the professionals carve

Professional pumpkin carvers Willy Tuz and David Smith are among the artists creating sculptures for the event. Both have appeared on Food Network.

For Tuz, seeing visitors react to the finished work is part of what keeps him carving.

The joy that we get, most of it, its seeing the face of people, seeing the smile that they give us, Tuz said.

Smith said an unusual pumpkin shape can help inspire a creation.

The pumpkin can actually do some of the work for you, he said.

Now in its sixth year, the event began as a street dance to bring families together after COVID. Community participation and sponsorships have helped it grow.

We want to have a place for our community to come to, to just be themselves, she said.

Find additional updates on Fountain Ups Facebook page.

If your ballot hasnt arrived, or youve filled it out and arent sure where to take it, El Paso County election officials have resources to help you take the next step.

Clerk and Recorder Steve Schleiker encourages voters to address problems early rather than wait until Election Day.

What if your ballot hasnt arrived?

Contact the El Paso County Elections Department at 719-575-VOTE (8683) or elections@elpasoco.com.

Schleiker said staff can check its status, cancel the original ballot, and issue a replacement.

If you recently moved, check or update your voter registration at GoVoteColorado.gov.

Can you still register?

Yes. Oct. 26 is the deadline to register or update your registration to have a ballot mailed to you.

After that, eligible voters can register and receive a ballot in person at a Voter Service and Polling Center through Election Day, Nov. 3.

So as long as youre in line, you know, on or before 7 p.m. on election night, youre gonna be able to participate, Schleiker said.

The Citizens Service Center at 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road already offers in-person services. Additional centers open in phases beginning Oct. 19. Check locations and operating hours here.

Where do you return your ballot?

Before returning it, take your own ballot envelope and sign it. Each voters ballot needs its own envelope.

Your envelope is to you as a particular voter, dont put two ballots in one envelope, Schleiker said.

Return it at one of the countys 44 secure ballot drop boxes or an open Voter Service and Polling Center. Find drop-box addresses and vote center locations here.

If mailing your ballot, Schleiker recommends mailing it by Oct. 26. After that, use a drop box or vote center.

For voters returning a regular domestic mail ballot, it must be received by 7 p.m. Nov. 3. A postmark does not count.

How do you know it arrived?

Sign up for El Paso Countys BallotTrax to receive notifications when your ballot is mailed, received, and processed for counting.

For Schleiker, voting also carries a personal meaning.

Every time I vote is I am sitting here, um, honoring those that have basically sacrificed to protect that right.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Walkers and runners using the Greenway Trail in Monument Valley Park will need to take a different route while crews work on a historic bridge.

The temporary closure began Oct. 12 and is expected to last up to four weeks. It affects the west side of Monument Creek between the Duck Pond and the pickleball courts.

Crews need the space to use a crane to lift concrete deck panels into place on the 90-year-old Cache La Poudre Street/Mesa Road Bridge and perform other heavy construction.

For Brandon Eleuterio, who drives from Briargate about once a week to run, the park offers something he appreciates.

It gives me access to just some nice smooth dirt to run on, a nice soft surface, uh, and a little bit of nature inside the city, Eleuterio said.

The existing bridge closure has already changed his usual running route, but he said he has gotten used to taking another path.

How to get around the trail closure

The eastern leg of the Greenway Trail remains open, with an existing short pedestrian detour.

Heading south: Cross Monument Creek using the Uintah Street bridge. Heading north: Cross at the pedestrian bridge near the south end of the park.

Visitors can still reach the pickleball courts and Horticultural Art Society Demonstration Gardens by vehicle via Glen Avenue. The courts also remain accessible by trail from the south.

Asher Nofziger, a local resident, said the bridges road closure has made reaching parking and getting around the area more difficult. He looks forward to having that access restored.

I think itll be relieving, you know, getting rid of these road closed signs and being able to, you know, go where we want, Nofziger said.

Bridge construction began in April. Along with replacing the deck, crews are improving drainage and lighting and restoring the bridges Art Deco features.

The four-week estimate applies to the temporary trail closure. More information and a closure map are available on the citys project website.

Colorado Springs proposed 2027 budget includes about $91,000 to reopen park restrooms closed because of this years budget cuts. For families using the parks, that could mean more time outside and fewer trips elsewhere to find a bathroom.

Ten neighborhood park restrooms were kept closed for the 2026 season, including Golden Hills, Bonfort, Boulder, Dublin, Ford Frick, Golden Hills, Pion Valley, Sandstone, Thorndale, Wasson and Westmoor parks.

Dylon Myller, who visits parks with his 2-year-old son, said the closures have made it harder to find a private place to change his child.

It actually has dictated how long I will stay at a park, Myller said.

Watch the video report below: Colorado Springs proposes $91K to reopen park restrooms closed by budget cuts

He said restoring access would make him want to bring his son to parks more often to play and meet other kids.

Michele Wiesemann said her family visits parks every weekend for sports or relaxation. Bathroom availability helps determine where they go.

You might have to cut a practice short. You might have to cut your enjoyment outdoors short because you're going to have to get in the car, load everybody up, drive to a different bathroom, Wiesemann said.

She welcomes the proposed reopening but wants maintenance to remain a priority.

However, I do have the concern of what condition they would be in if we're using them and they're not being stocked, supplied, cleaned, she said.

Wiesemann suggested regular checks, keeping toilet paper and hand-cleaning supplies available and locking restrooms after park hours. She also encourages parents to accompany children into public restrooms to check the facilities. Those suggestions are her recommendations, rather than confirmed measures in the budget proposal.

The funding still needs city council approval. A reopening date has not been confirmed.

Residents can review the proposed budget at ColoradoSprings.gov/Budget.