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The New Colorado Springs Independent

Pikes Peak Media Company Leads Revival of the Colorado Springs Independent and the Colorado Springs Business Journal

Colorado Springs, CO- February 15, 2024- Entrepreneurs Kevin O’Neil and JW Roth have established Pikes Peak Media Company (PPMC) and, through this new venture, have taken ownership of two key local publications, The Colorado Springs Independent and the Colorado Springs Business Journal. This strategic move aims to revive and sustain these publications, while ensuring that these critical components of the Colorado Springs media landscape remain operational and under local ownership.

Former Colorado Spring Independent Publisher, Fran Zankowski, has been named Interim Publisher and will oversee the search for a new Editor, Publisher and additional Editorial Staff. Fran most recently oversaw the Colorado Springs Independent and Colorado Springs Business Journal until its closing in December of 2023 and was previously with the publications for over a decade.  

“The Colorado Springs Independent and the Colorado Springs Business Journal have a 30-year legacy of outstanding journalism,” said Fran Zankowski, Interim Publisher. “Collaborating with JW and Kevin has been exciting as we propel the papers to new heights with expanded city-wide coverage. With their advocacy, the publications are set to grow and become a thoughtful voice for the city.”

Under PPMC's stewardship the publication’s printed distribution will be drastically increased to upwards of 30,000. With printed copies directly mailed to households and placed in traditional distribution racks across the Pikes Peak region. This distribution initiative aims to triple the previous readership and engage a larger footprint of neighborhoods in the region, heralding an exciting new chapter for these publications. The initial phase and publishing schedule will commence with the Colorado Springs Independent in Spring 2024, followed by the revival of the Colorado Springs Business Journal. 

JW Roth, co-founder of PPMC says “As a 5th Generation Coloradan, I take great pride in providing my hometown with another trusted, civic driven, and relevant publication. This opportunity offers the Independent and the Business Journal a chance to thrive under unprecedented stability. From the feedback that we are hearing, this is a welcomed change in historical landscape.”

“As a native of our region, I have invested in many businesses and organizations in Colorado Springs and this opportunity fit my focus on building a stronger community where a diverse range of voices are heard.” Says Co-founder of PPMC, Kevin O’Neil. “A robust media landscape telling all our stories makes our community better, so I am pleased to be in a position to support this effort for Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region. We are excited to engage with our unique neighborhoods, industry, arts and culture, academia, non-profits, civic organizations, and the military to showcase what makes us one of the best places to live and work.”

Yemi Mobolade, Mayor of Colorado Springs said in response to the news of the revival, “I applaud and appreciate the efforts of these local leaders to lead a resurgence of the Colorado Springs Independent and the Colorado Springs Business Journal. These publications hold a unique place in the Colorado Springs media landscape, offering a platform for diverse perspectives and contributing to the civic life of Colorado Springs. Our local news outlets serve a core public service and are critical to community building. The information shared through these outlets is vital in giving residents the information they need to improve their quality of life.” 

“We are excited about PPMC’s acquisition of the Colorado Springs Independent and the Colorado Springs Business Journal, creating jobs, and bringing in new energy and diverse perspectives to continue to inform and tell the Colorado Springs story,” said Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President & CEO of Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation. “Kevin O’Neil and JW Roth are visionaries that love our region and are invested in driving the growth and prosperity of the Pikes Peak region. Today’s announcement is an affirmation of their commitment to our region.” 

Following its hiatus, the Colorado Springs Independent and Colorado Springs Business Journal, a cornerstone of the community for three decades, is now primed for a remarkable resurgence. PPMC's acquisition encompasses all rights to the brands, trademarks, copyrights, and associated events of both the Colorado Springs Independent and the Colorado Springs Business Journal. 

About Pikes Peak Media Company: Pikes Peak Media Company (PPMC) is a dynamic media enterprise founded by Kevin O’Neil and JW Roth, dedicated to revitalizing, and enriching the media landscape in Colorado Springs. Through strategic acquisitions and innovative initiatives, PPMC aims to foster community engagement and deliver quality content to audiences across the region. 

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Update: Nationally known comedian Mark Curry harassed at The Mining Exchange

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Mark Curry

The Mining Exchange issued the following statement, received by the Indy on Jan. 12:

"Employees involved in this matter have been suspended, pending further investigation."

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Editor's Note: Watch the video here.

On Friday, comedian and actor Mark Curry checked into Downtown's The Mining Exchange A Wyndham Grand Hotel & Spa, accompanied by 3E's Comedy Club CEO Eric Phillips.

It was a routine Phillips has done dozens of times since he opened the club in 2020. The Mining Exchange is where he sends all his performers.

“I’ve never had a bit of trouble,” Phillips said. “Black, Brown, Indian, Asian — no trouble at all.”

That changed Dec. 9.

Curry, a comedian and actor best known for his work on the sitcom Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, walked to the front desk to ask about The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, according to Phillips.

“The girl there, she said she wasn’t secure answering the question and another woman took that to mean she wasn’t secure with the Black man standing at the counter.” 

Curry’s Instagram post shows that while he was sitting in the lobby drinking coffee, he was approached by a man he identifies as John Cramm — the establishment's certified director of engineering and security — who asked if he was a guest. The employee had no identification but was eventually joined by a Black man, also apparently a hotel employee. In the roughly 25-minute video, Curry records the interaction and later, in his hotel suite, his reaction to it.

“If you’re Black and you’re in Colorado Springs, you can’t be in the lobby,” Curry, still seated in the lobby, says in the video. “Wow! This is crazy, isn’t it?”

Later, he says: “When is this gonna stop for Negroes? When is it gonna stop? My God. When is it gonna stop?”

Phillips said there were several occasions where the situation could have de-escalated, but things got worse when Curry approached the front desk again. The same person who checked him in asked for his ID.

“I was there when he checked in,” Phillips said. “She just checked him in earlier. Why would she ask for his ID again?” 

At one point Curry tried to find the bathroom and was blocked by the two men.

In the Instagram video, the security and maintenance man stands his ground, refusing to leave as Curry continues to film. The employees’ body language was threatening, Curry said on the video.

“Look at how they are standing,” he says. “Look at their stance. I feel threatened.”

Later, in his room, Curry continued to record: “These motherfuckers … gonna ask me if I’m in the motherfucking room. … Isn’t that some bullshit? Bullshit hotel. Colorado Springs. We're in Colorado Springs and they talking shit. Ain't this a bitch? Damn. Colorado Springs and they talking shit. Man, a Black man can't go nowhere. A Black man can't go nowhere in America. Ain't that some bullshit?”

Mining Exchange officials refused an interview with the Indy and instead sent a statement attributed to Neil Cramm, general manager.

"We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for all guests and employees. We deeply regret this incident and have reached out to Mr. Curry to offer not only our sincere apologies but a full refund of his stay and an invitation to return, at no cost, anytime in the future,” he said. “As a respected community partner, we are also using this opportunity to revisit training with our staff, helping to ensure all interactions are reflective of our company values. The Mining Exchange plays a special role in the Colorado Springs community and we will continue working each and every day to ensure that our hotel remains a space that is open and welcoming to all."

Curry declined to discuss the problems he faced at the hotel with the Indy. He said he wanted to speak with his attorney first.

But in the video, he says: “Three hundred people in the lobby – 300 – eatin’ and drinkin’. I sit down in the lobby to have some coffee, get out of my room. And this motherfucker gonna jam me up. Asking me do I belong in this hotel.”

It’s hard to assess the impact of PPP business loans in the Springs

He said, "719-323-2000... Call these motherfuckers and say, 'Can a Black man be in your lobby?’ ... We're tired of this shit, tired of this shit ... I felt, shit, like it was slavery days...”

In response to a message on Instagram, Curry said: "No my ego ain't hurt, because this has happened to me before. Because I've been around the world. It's not my ego, it's just that when you face racism, you gotta do something back about it. They think they can walk up to you and say anything they want. 'Do you belong here?' Fuck you, motherfucker. No, I ain't tellin' you shit. It's not my ego. It's that when this happens, dial 719-323-2000, and let 'em know we've got power too. We've got power. They would not do it to a white person."

Editor’s note: The Indy will update this story as more information becomes available.