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Major gun laws take effect today in Colorado.

Two major gun laws take effect today, July 1st. HB1353 now requires Colorado gun stores to have a state firearms dealer permit. Under the new law, gun businesses that have not obtained the state-issued permit by today could face a fine of up to $250,000. The new law also mandates training courses for firearms dealers. HB1174 also begins today. The new law requires 8 hours of training for people to apply for and renew permits to carry a concealed handgun. Applicants are now also required to pass a written exam and a live-fire exam. Those in support of the new laws say that they emphasize responsible gun sales and ownership. Gun store owners say they are frustrated as the state has not fully figured out how to implement both new laws, which makes selling guns to customers much more difficult.

Suspect in alleged stabbing found dead in Colorado Springs.

A 50-year-old man, who was the suspect in the alleged stabbing of his wife in Colorado City, has been found dead. According to The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office, deputies originally responded on June 19th at 9am to the 5100 Block of Isabella Drive, east of Beckwith reservoir, in Colorado City, on the report of a woman suffering a medical emergency. When deputies arrived, they learned that the woman had been stabbed several times. The 32-year-old woman was taken to the hospital and later transferred to Colorado Springs where she continues to recover from multiple serious stab wounds. Detectives determined that the woman's husband was the lone suspect in the case. On Monday, June 23rd, deputies responded to the same home on Isabella Drive on a reported suicide. Upon arrival, deputies found a man, identified as the victim's husband, dead in the home. The man and woman have not yet been identified.

Suspect in Morphew case extradited to Colorado.

Barry Morphew has been extradited from Arizona to Colorado, according to The 12th Judicial District Attorney's Office, and is now in custody at the Alamosa County Detention Center in Alamosa. Morphew had been in custody in Arizona since his arrest on June 20th. He waived extradition in his case and will face a murder charge in the death of his wife, Suzanne Morphew, after he was indicted by a 12th Judicial District Grand Jury last month. This is the second time Morphew has been charged in his wife's death, following the discovery of her body in a shallow grave near Moffat in Saguache County. The initial charges were dismissed without prejudice. Morphew is scheduled to make his first appearance in court this afternoon at 1:30pm.

Former Pueblo County Sheriff's Sergeant arrested for theft and misconduct.

Former Pueblo County Sheriff's Sergeant Jason Hanratty, 43, has been arrested for felony theft and first-degree official misconduct. According to the sheriff's department, a warrant was issued for Hanratty stemming from an independent investigation into reports that he had unlawfully retained and misused funds collected from Pueblo County Sheriff's employees' paychecks. Hanratty is reportedly accused of misappropriating over $17,000 in union dues from 41 Pueblo County Sheriff's employees for over two years. The arrest warrant also alleges that Hanratty had deposited the money into personal and business accounts under his control while he was vice president of the union. Hanratty had been employed at the Sheriff's Department since April of 2007. He resigned from the sheriff's office on April 15th. The 10th Judicial District Attorney's office is handling the investigation.

Tribute to Jim Bishop to take place this weekend.

A tribute to James Roland Bishop, better know as just Jim Bishop, the man who spent close to six decades constructing and designing Bishop’s castle located north of Rye, will be held this Saturday. Jim passed away on November 21st of last year, having turned 80 years old earlier in 2024. The celebration of life is open to everyone and will be held at Bishop’s Castle, located at 12705 Colorado Highway 165, north of Rye, this Saturday, July 5th, from 10am to 2pm. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

June 30th 2025

CO Gov Polis announces sale of Evras North America Friday.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis on Friday announced the official sale of Evraz North America. Atlas Holdings, an investment company headquartered in Connecticut, has purchased the major steel producer. Evraz is a leading steel producer in both the U.S. and Canada, and the sale of Evraz includes Rocky Mountain Steel in Pueblo. Atlas Holdings says the facility in Pueblo is the world's largest solar-powered steel mill and the largest rail supplier in North America. Polis said the steel plant is an important employer in pueblo and a major economic contributor to our state. He said he has been assured that both new jobs and the expansion efforts will continue at the plant. The closing of the sale is expected to take place before the end of the year.

Penrose Funeral Home owner sentenced federal case.

Jon Hallford, the co-owner of a Penrose Funeral Home where 189 decomposing bodies were found in 2023, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison on Friday. Denver Federal Judge Nina Wang handed down the maximum sentence in the case where Hallford plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, with the remaining 14 counts to be dismissed. Hallford's defense team had asked for a 10 year sentence. Prosecutors had wanted 15 years. Jon Hallford was also ordered to pay more than $1 million in restitution. A sentencing hearing on the state charges Hallford is facing is expected to take place in August. Carie Hallford, Jon Hallford's wife, has had her federal trial date reset to September 8th. A court date for Carie's state charges has not yet been set.

Human remains found in Sagauche County identified.

Human remains found in Saguache County have been confirmed to be those of 55-year- old Edna Quintana, according to The Colorado Bureau of Investigation. CBI says that a hiker in a remote area of Saguache County contacted The Saguache County Sheriff's office after finding what they believed to be human remains on June 17th. Sheriff deputies, along with CBI agents, investigated the scene the next day. The remains were recovered and taken to The El Paso County Coroner's office for examination. Quintana went missing around May 3rd of 2023, while rock hunting on Saguache County Road 46AA. The cause of death remains under investigation, and autopsy results and forensic testing are pending. If you have any information regarding Quintana's disappearance or death, you are asked to call The Sagauche County Sheriff's Office at 719-655-2525.

Earthquake strikes Weston area Saturday Morning.

A 3.7 magnitude earthquake struck The Weston area of Southern Colorado on Saturday morning. According to The U.S. Geological Survey, the quake hit at 10:19am Saturday, centered 17 kilometers south of Weston, at a depth of 5 kilometers. The shaking was classified as light and was felt by residents across Las Animas County and parts of Northern New Mexico, including residents in Trinidad, Hoehne, Aguilar and Raton. While rare, minor quakes, like Saturday's quake, are not unprecedented in Southern Colorado.

Investigation into San Luis case continues.

Last Monday, June 23rd, a visitor to the shrine of the stations of the cross in San Luis found a deceased body on the steps. The deceased has been described as a man in his 60's. While his identity is known, and next of kin have been notified, his name has not yet been released. An autopsy is being performed on the body. Foul play has been ruled out and there is no threat to the community at this time. The investigation into the incident continues.

June 27th 2025

CPW releases latest Gray Wolf activity map.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has released the latest activity map showing where gray wolves have traveled in the past month, specifically between May 27th and June 24th. In the past month, wolves have stayed mostly centered in the high country, to the north and west of most of the KSPK listening area. Wolves continue to show up in Saguache, Mineral, Hinsdale, San Juan and Gunnison counties, however. The most remarkable advances show wolves roaming quite close to the Denver Metro Area now, with wolves approaching the Boulder area as well as in Jefferson County between I-70 and U.S. 285 and reaching into the Lakewood area. While wolves may not have actually made it to the Denver area, the most current map shows them to now be the closest to the metro area as they have been since reintroduction began a year and a half ago.

Former TSC wrestling coach makes court appearance.

Former Trinidad State College wrestling Coach John Lewis appeared in 3rd Judicial District Court in Trinidad on Wednesday for a status hearing and filing of charges. Lewis was arrested for various charges, including criminal extortion, however, those charges changed on Wednesday. Lewis is now facing charges of tampering with a witness or victim, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and providing alcohol to a minor. Lewis was a coach at Trinidad State College in 2023 and was "separated from employment" in December of 2024. He took a coaching job this year at a college in Missouri. Lewis turned himself in at The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office on June 10th and posted bond the same day. Lewis will appear in court again at 10am on Monday.

New fire breaks out on Custer/Fremont County line yesterday.

What is being called the Grape Creek Fire broke out yesterday evening near The Custer and Fremont County line. According to Fremont County officials, the fire was about 3 acres in size last night and is burning on Bureau of Land Management land. There are no evacuations at this time and no structures are threatened. Those in the area are asked to drive safely and to use caution as there are firetrucks and support vehicles in the area. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Douglas County Coroner identifies victim found along I-25 near Larkspur.

The Douglas County Coroner has identified the woman whose body was found along the Southbound Interstate 25 lanes about a half mile north of the Larkspur exit, Exit 173. The woman has been identified as Brenda Jackson, 65, of Austin, Texas. Investigators had asked drivers in the area to review their dash camera footage for any suspicious activity in the area. The woman had brown or black hair and was found wearing grey leggings and a black long sleeve shirt. No car was left near the body. The death is considered suspicious. The cause and manner of death remain under investigation.

CPH officials announce WNV positive mosquitoes in Larimer County.

Colorado Public Health officials have confirmed that mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus in Larimer County. These are the first mosquitoes to test positive in Colorado during 2025. Individuals are urged to protect themselves from mosquitoes. The recent rainfall and high temperatures have resulted in an increased number of mosquitoes throughout the state. To protect yourself from mosquito bites, eliminate standing water in pools, ponds, or tires. Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn. Wear insect repellent that contains deet. and, if outside when mosquitoes are most active, cover up by wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks.

June 26th 2025

Whistleblower in state case testified in court Tuesday.

Scott Moss, a whistleblower who accused Colorado Governor Jared Polis of ordering state employees to hand over personal information to federal immigration officials testified in court on Tuesday. Earlier this month, Moss, who is a licensed attorney and the director of the division of labor standards and statistics in the Colorado Department of Labor and Employement, filed a lawsuit in Denver County Court alleging that he was ordered by the Governor to turn over information about people providing homes to unaccompanied minors to immigration and customs enforcement in compliance with a subpoena. Moss believes that giving ICE the information would violate state laws that ban state and local governmental agencies from sharing personal information with federal immigration officials. The Governor says the subpoena was concerning a criminal investigation involving child exploitation. The Judge will decide whether or not state employees must follow the subpoena.

CO AG Weiser announces grant provided to purchase fund.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser announced yesterday that his office is providing a $3 million grant to the Naloxone bulk purchase fund. Established in 2019, the Naloxone bulk purchase fund supplies Naloxone to schools, harm reduction organizations and law enforcement agencies. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, and can be given as a nasal spray or by injection. The funding was secured through nationwide settlements with drug manufacturers that ignited the original opioid crisis. According to officials, the $3 million will provide 91,000 Intranasal Naloxone kits.

Firearms law to go into effect July 1st.

HB24-1353, which was signed into law last year by Governor Polis, goes into effect on Tuesday, July 1st, and will require firearm dealers to have a state permit and to adhere to stricter regulations. The permit costs $400, and failure to register could result in a felony and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the law, firearm dealers will not be able to get a license if they've been convicted of a crime involving the possession or sale of a firearm. Democratic lawmakers say the law is an added layer of protection. Gun rights advocates say the law adds state sanctioned harassment of what is an already highly regulated business.

Semi-Truck accident closes South I-25 in Pueblo yesterday.

The Southbound lanes of Interstate 25 in Pueblo were closed for a time yesterday evening between the Highway 50 bypass and the 13th Street exit. According to The Colorado Department of Transportation, a semi-truck struck the Highway 50 bypass bridge, in the southbound lanes, at exit 100. It is not known if anyone was injured. Traffic was being diverted around the area during the closure as the crash was cleaned up. No further information was made available and the interstate has been reopened.

Alamosa Woman's citizenship club hosting dedication this Saturday.

The Woman's citizenship club of Alamosa invites the public to the dedication of the "into thin air" cranes in flight monument this Saturday, June 28th, from 3 to 5pm at The Colorado Welcome Center at 610 State Street in Alamosa. The event will feature guest speakers, live music and refreshments. The crane monument was created by well-known wildlife artist Jocelyn Russell, who was born and raised in Alamosa. For more information, call Theresa Rudder at 719-588-7913.

June 25th 2025

Common Sense Institute releases report on Colorado Fentanyl Crisis.

The Fentanyl Crisis in Colorado cost the state $13.1 billion last year, or $2,200 per resident, according to a new report from the Common Sense Institute. The report shows there were 1,631 overdose deaths from Fentanyl in Colorado last year, compared to 222 in 2019. The report also discusses the Fentanyl accountability and prevention act, which was signed into law by Governor Jared Polis in May of 2022. The bill elevated possession of one to four grams of any drug containing fentanyl from a misdemeanor to a level 4 drug felony, however, the new law had no effect on overdose deaths, according to the study. The new report recommends that possession of any amount of fentanyl be made a felony. The report also found that customs and border patrol seizures of fentanyl are down at the southwestern border. Fiscal year seizures dropped 21% in 2024 and are down 29% halfway through 2025.

RTN Funeral Home owner federal sentencing hearing this Friday.

Jon Hallford, one of the former owners of the Return To Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, who is accused of improperly storing nearly 200 bodies, has a sentencing hearing in his federal case on Friday. Earlier this year, Carie Hallford, Jon Hallford's wife and co-owner of the funeral home, rejected a plea offer in her case. Jon Hallford, however, is still accepting the federal plea offer in his case, according to court records, and is set for sentencing in the case at 9am on Friday in Denver. In their federal cases, the Hallfords are alleged to have misused about $880,000 in cares act funds, which were federal funds meant to help small businesses during the pandemic. The two allegedly used that money for things like luxury cars, vacations, cosmetic procedures and more. Jon Hallford is asking for a 10 year prison sentence. The U.S. Attorney's Office is asking for 15 years.

Shooting in Bent County leads to arrest.

Isaiah Burquez has been arrested following a shooting in Las Animas in Bent County. According to the Bent County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to the 700 block of Grand Avenue in Las Animas to investigate the shooting. No further information was given about the shooting other than that Burquez was arrested in connection with the incident. He is facing charges of attempted murder, first-degree assault, shooting from a public road, menacing, illegal discharge of a firearm and reckless endangerment. Burquez is being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond.

CPW seeking bids to removal North marina at Lake Pueblo.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is seeking bids for the removal of the existing north shore marina infrastructure at Lake Pueblo State Park. The removal of the marina marks the first step in a broader effort to build a new, revitalized marina at the site. CPW says it remains firmly committed to supporting marina services at the north show and recognizes the marina is a vital recreational amenity for park visitors and the greater Pueblo and Southern Colorado community. More information can be found by going to www.colorado.gov/vss and look for ifb1-pmaa-2025000215-1.

SLV Animal Center offering pets up for adoption.

Someone abandoned 8 dogs at Navajo State Park near Pagosa Springs on or before June 15th. Park rangers found the dogs at the Piedra River fishing access. After a week passed with no one coming forward to claim them, wildlife officers worked to find a safe place for the dogs to go, but multiple shelters turned them down due to a lack of space. After spending two weeks at Navajo State Park, The San Luis Valley animal center offered to take the dogs. If you can help give the dogs a new home, call The San Luis Valley Animal Center at 719-212-6500.

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