COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – People across Colorado Springs say they love to celebrate for several reasons, some tell me they enjoy being with friends and family. Others say every fourth to them means a little bit more after their decades of service.

“I’m obviously a 20-year veteran so yes that’s why,” Colorado Springs resident Darrell Glover said. “My son and I are going to spend a little time eating and hanging out.”

Crowds of people swarmed the grounds of Vista Park in the Banning Lewis Ranch neighborhood. Celebrating Independence Day some going to the inflatable slides, some playing volleyball while others grabbed freshly made burgers.

Across town, thousands bought tickets to see the Switchbacks play and stay afterward for one of the largest fireworks shows in Colorado springs at Wiedner Field.

“It’s the best show in town and we have a wonderful time,” Annie Coffman said. “We have a wonderful country and we want to make sure that everybody knows it.”

Earlier in the day people lined the streets for an annual Fourth of July parade in monument, dressed in red white and blue waving the American flag. For some people in the springs, the Fourth of July means more than just grilling, watching fireworks and having a drink.

“I think it’s good to be around the people you love it’s just like that’s something that’s really special is a day out of the work week usually reach me around the family that you love and the country that we all care for,” Ryan Walker said.

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A human case of the plague has turned up in Colorado, health officials say.

There were no immediate details about the victim — including age, gender or condition — or how they contracted the potentially deadly infection.

It was reported in Pueblo County south of Colorado Springs, officials said.

A resident died from the plague in Archuleta County in southwest Colorado last fall — although cases are typically rare in the US, usually numbering fewer than 17 annually, health officials said.

“In the Middle Ages, plague was labeled ‘Black Death’ as it swept through Europe killing millions of people,’’ Pueblo County’s Department of Health says on its website, referring to how the horror left many of its victims with black rotting splotches on their bodies.

“Today, improved sanitation practices and rodent control has reduced the threat,” the DOH said.

The infamous bacterial infection is frequently transferred from rodents and their fleas to humans.

Symptoms can include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes and headaches.

The disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics if caught early enough, authorities said.

The Big 12 prepares to add schools from the “Four Corners” states and says goodbye to Oklahoma and Texas. New coaches for 2024 as the league underwent a significant makeover. Among the league’s twelve incumbent programs, Houston stands as the sole exception to coaching continuity, with Willie Fritz stepping in from Tulane to lead the Cougars.

Utah’s Kyle Whittingham is the most successful of the four coaches joining from the Pac-12. Deion Sanders is set to attract significant attention as he takes the helm of Colorado, a Big 12 charter member re-entering the league it originally helped establish. Arizona and Arizona State also bring new energy, led by Brent Brennan and Kenny Dillingham, respectively, both eager to make their mark as Power Four coaches.

Deion Sanders was ranked as one of the worst coaches in FBS, according to CBS Sports’ staff. He came in as the second-worst in the conference ahead of Dillingham and 61st overall in major college football. Somehow, Nebraska’s Matt Rhule was 29th overall after having a similar season in Lincoln. Here’s what they said about Coach Prime.

“Sanders’ first season as an FBS coach started with a bang, but ended with six straight losses. He’s generated buzz and excitement by talking a big game and collecting strong transfer talent. But the foundation has cracks — see the offensive line for one example — as the Buffaloes transition to the Big 12 and face another tough schedule.”

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The Big 12 features several established coaches renowned for their success and respect within the profession. While the league lacks an obvious national title contender, it boasts numerous solid programs guided by experienced tacticians. This depth was highlighted when the league placed eight coaches among the top 30 in the 2024 CBS Sports Power Four coach rankings. This figure matches the prestigious Big Ten and SEC (each with eight coaches in the top 30), and surpasses the ACC, which has five.

Overall, the Big 12’s coaching landscape is a blend of stability and fresh faces, poised to drive the league’s competitive edge forward in the 2024 season. Sanders will be looking to prove the naysayers wrong and insert himself into the conversation of those at the forefront in the Big 12 coaching ranks.