KSPK NEWS
February 19th 2026
5th person has died following Pueblo I-25 multi car collision.
A 5th person has died following the 36-vehicle collision that took place in the Northbound
Lanes of Interstate 25, just south of Pueblo, on Tuesday. The 5th victim has been
identified as Thomas Thayer of Rye. Thayer was pronounced dead at Parkview Medical
Center late Tuesday Night. A total of 36 vehicles crashed in both the Northbound and
Southbound lanes just after 10am on Tuesday due to dangerous wind conditions and
blowing dust causing low visibility in the area. The bigger pileup, involving most of the
vehicles, took place in the northbound lanes. The smaller crash took place in the
southbound lanes. The Colorado State Patrol said that "results of the preliminary
investigation show that the four fatalities and 29 injured parties all came from the
northbound crash. The Southbound I-25 crash was property damage only". The death
toll since then has now risen to five.
Colorado based medical device company admits to participating in fraud.
Zynex, a Colorado-based medical device company, has admitted to participating in a
conspiracy to commit health care fraud, securities fraud, mail fraud and more. The U.S.
Justice Department said in a statement that Zynex has admitted to: fraudulently obtaining
millions of dollars from government and private health care payers and patients, has
collected more than $873 million for its products, including more than $600 million for
supplies, the vast majority of which were the result of fraud, shipped and billed for
medically unnecessary supplies, and mislead investors by concealing that its revenues
were driven by fraudulent billing practices. The company will pay between $5 million
and $12.5 million in fines as part of a non-prosecution agreement.
Alamosa man arrested in Holly on multiple violations.
Matthew Griffith of Alamosa has been arrested in Holly, Colorado, for attempted
homicide and multiple gun related violations. A 911 call originating in Coolidge,
Kansas, was received by The Prowers County Communications Center on Saturday at
approximately 6:45pm regarding a drive-by shooting. While responding, deputies were
advised of a victim being shot just inside Colorado with multiple parties in Holly
reporting shots fired. Following a short pursuit, the suspect's vehicle finally stopped
inside the holly town limits and Griffith was arrested. It is believed that the incident may
have begun in Garden City, Kansas. Griffith is being held at The Prowers County Jail
without bond. Additional charges are pending from Kansas.
Pueblo D70 School Board President announces new appointment.
Pueblo District 70 School Board President Ann Bennett has decided to appoint Susie
Carnes as a new board director without board consensus saying that the board of
education was unable to agree on a board director appointment in 60 days. Carnes was
one of four candidates for the seat that was vacated on December 16th, 2025, by the
resignation of Anne Ochs. Under Colorado revised statutes, the President of a School
Board is permitted to fill a vacancy if an appointment has not been made by the board
within 60 days. An email announcing Bennett’s decision to appoint Carnes was shared
with Pueblo District 70 community members and staff on February 16th.
Death investigation underway after unresponsive person report in Walsenburg Tuesday.
Walsenburg Police received a report of an unresponsive person in the 400 block of East
7th Street on Tuesday about 10:15am. Upon arrival, officers discovered a man that had
apparently been deceased for several days in a camper trailer. Officers said the man had
substantial injuries and he was pronounced dead at the scene. He was later identified as
Robert Arthur Garcia, 37, of Walsenburg. The body was taken to The El Paso County
Coroner's office where an autopsy will be performed. The incident remains under
investigation.
Some Colorado Mountains see improvement in snowpack after Winter Storm.
While Eastern Colorado has been dealing with wind, Western and Central Colorado has
made up some ground this week in snowfall totals, thanks to the storm system currently
over the state. Statewide, median snowpack has jumped from 52% last week to 58% this
week. Still low, but an improvement. Snowpack by river basin as of yesterday is as
follows: 69% in the North Platte, 65% in the Yampa & White, 61% in The Gunnison,
58% in The South Platte, 57% in The Colorado, 53% in The San Juan and Dolores, 51%
in The Upper Rio Grande, and 44% in The Arkansas River Basin.
February 18th 2026
High winds and blowing dust cause I-25 36 vehicle pile-up yesterday south of Pueblo.
High winds, blowing dust and poor visibility appear to be the cause of a 36-vehicle pile-
up that took place just after 10am yesterday morning in the northbound lanes of Interstate
25 about a mile and a half south of Pueblo Boulevard. According to The Colorado State
Patrol, 29 passenger vehicles and 7 semi trucks were involved in the accident that
claimed 4 lives and sent at least 29 people to the hospital. Of the 29 people injured, CSP
said that seven had serious bodily injuries, one was in critical condition, and the
remaining 21 people were treated for minor to moderate injuries. The Pueblo County
Coroner identified the deceased from the accident last night. They are David L. Kirscht,
90, of Walsenburg. His son, Scott L. Kirscht, 64, also of Walsenburg. Mary Sue Thayer,
72, of Rye. And, Karen Ann Marsh, 66, of Pueblo. The interstate was completely closed
for about 5-1/2 hours for the investigation and clean up. The southbound lanes reopened
about 3:30pm, while the northbound lanes were still being diverted to the frontage road
on the west side of the interstate.
CDMV announces its back open for business yesterday.
The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles announced yesterday that it is officially back
open for business. The DMV closed at the end of last week to upgrade software. It
announced yesterday that the major digital upgrades have been completed early. The my
DMV online services and the express kiosks are up and running. In-person appointments
will resume today. The new upgrades are expected to create an easier-to-navigate
platform, a secure customer portal, and enhanced security measures. Coloradans
planning to visit their local DMV office are encouraged to check online for availability.
Canon City Police Department asking for public's help in locating suspect.
The Canon City Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a suspect
who was involved in a stabbing early yesterday morning. According to police, an officer
heard a woman screaming and found a 23-year-old man who had been stabbed near the
Harbor Freight on Fremont Drive in Canon City. Following an investigation, 42-year-old
Kenneth Elliot of Canon City was identified as a suspect. An arrest warrant has been
issued for Elliot on charges of first degree assault and menacing. Elliot is a white male
who is 6'1" tall and weights 175 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes. Anyone who
may know his whereabouts is asked to call 719-276-7687.
Early morning Raton fire sends two to the hospital.
An early morning fire in Raton sent two people to the hospital. Raton fire fighters were
called to 805 north 4th Street in Raton for a camper trailer that was on fire about 7:07am
yesterday. Upon arrival, firefighters found the trailer fully engulfed. While firefighters
quickly doused the fire, the trailer was a total loss. A resident of the trailer was
evacuated with the help of another person. Both received minor injuries and smoke
inhalation and were transported to the hospital. The cause of the fire is not currently
known.
Buena Vista fire yesterday caused by an Owl.
A fire was started by an owl yesterday in Buena Vista. According to Buena Vista Police,
an owl landed on an electrical transformer, causing the fire, which burned near Yale
Avenue and James Place, west of Highway 24. Officers, Chaffee County deputies and
neighbors in the area came out with hoses and fire extinguishers to help get the flames
under control until the fire department arrived. The condition of the owl was not
provided. The transformer now has a cover on top to keep something similar from
happening again.
February 17th 2026
Proposed bill to clarify assistance/emotional support animals passes CO State House.
HB26-1045, a bill that would clarify how "assistance animals" and "emotional support
animals" are defined under the colorado anti-discrimination act, is making its way
through the state legislature. The goal of the bill it to provide clearer guidelines for
landlords and renters and to help ensure equal access to housing for people with
disabilities. The bill also defines what qualifies as a "reasonable accommodation" under
The Colorado Anti-Discrimination act as it relates to housing. Supporters say that putting
those standards into statute would help reduce confusion, prevent disputes and ensure
consistent application of housing protections across the state. The bill has passed The
Colorado State House and has been introduced in the senate where it has been assigned to
the local government & housing committee.
BHE announces emergency public safety power shutoff watch.
Black Hills Energy announced yesterday that it has declared an "emergency public safety
power shutoff watch" in portions of Crowley, Fremont, Otero and Pueblo counties, as
well as for the towns of Cripple Creek, Victor and Westcliffe. Black Hills says the watch
went into effect at noon yesterday and is due to high fire-risk conditions in today's
forecast. Some customers should expect to have their power shut off by mid-day today
due to windy conditions. If conditions persist, approximately 8,200 customers in those
areas may have their power temporarily shut off from 11am to 4pm today. Black Hills
says it will notify any impacted customers via email, text messages and phone calls, as
well as providing updates on their website.
CAIC warning public of widespread dangerous avalanche conditions this week.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center is warning the public of widespread
dangerous avalanche conditions this week. CAIC said the major winter storm arriving in
the Colorado mountains could produce the largest and most destructive avalanches of the
season. The center says that parts of the park range, elk and west elk mountains and The
San Juan Mountains could reach high level four of five in avalanche danger, which
means a widespread cycle with many avalanches running spontaneously or naturally is
expected. The CAIC emphasized that avalanche deaths remain a serious risk in
Colorado. Anyone planning to head to the backcountry this week is urged to check the
avalanche forecast and adjust their plans as needed. Also, if going into the backcountry,
carry avalanche rescue gear and avoid avalanche-prone terrain.
Suspect arrested in La Junta murder case.
18-year-old Anthony Barron Sandoval Jr. was arrested on Saturday on a charge of murder
in the 2nd degree. According to The Colorado Bureau of Investigation, La Junta Police
responded to a home in the 1400 block of Belleview avenue around 1:50am on Saturday
on the report that someone had been fatally shot. The victim, a 17-year-old boy, will be
identified by the otero county coroner's office. CBI is assisting in the investigation.
Sandoval remained in jail as of yesterday on a $500,000 bond.
NWS has issued High Wind warning for all the KSPK listening area today.
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for virtually all of the
KSPK listening area with winds expected to gust up to 60-85 mph during the day today.
A red flag warning, due to the high winds, goes into effect at 10am this morning until
7pm tonight for all of Colorado to the east of Interstate 25. Weather conditions will
remain gusty and dry tomorrow with fire weather watches issued. Then, a gusty cold
front will come in on Thursday, dropping temperatures to the 30s and 40s across
Southern Colorado.
February 16th 2026
Proposed State Senate Bill would decriminalize sex work in Colorado.
Senate Bill 26-097, sponsored by Democratic Senator Nick Heinrichsen of Pueblo and
several other lawmakers, would decriminalize sex work in Colorado. The bill hopes to
decriminalize commercial sexual activity among consenting adults. If passed, local
municipalities would not be able to override the law through home rule. Under the bill,
offenses like prostitution, soliciting, or patronizing a prostituted would be decriminalized.
However, "pimping" and pandering that involves menacing or criminal intimidation
would still result in criminal penalties. Organizations against decriminalization say that
removing laws that target buyers normalizes male demand for paid sex and perpetuates
gender-based violence. The bill is facing opposition from municipalities along with
citizens in Southern Colorado.
House bill that would repeal CO sterilization law passed CO House last week.
HB26-1040, a bill that would repeal parts of Colorado's current forced sterilization law,
passed The House unanimously last week. The bill addresses the sterilization rights of a
person with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Current law says that if a person
who has a disability objects to sterilization, they can still be sterilized over their
objection. The new bill says people with intellectual or developmental disabilities must
receive counseling before agreeing to sterilization. The bill also prohibits sterilization
against the person's will, and the court cannot order it unless sterilization is necessary to
preserve their life or health. The bill now heads to the state senate for consideration
there.
Western states miss CO River agreement deadline for a second time.
The seven western states that depend on The Colorado River missed a deadline for the
second time on Saturday to agree on a plan that addresses record drought and water
shortages. The Governors of California, Arizona and Nevada released a joint statement
calling on the upper basin states, namely Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, to
offer more concessions. The three Governors have offered to decrease their Colorado
River allocations, however, not to the extent that is deemed necessary. How the water is
allocated – especially in dry spells – and conserved has been the center of agreements
among the states for decades. If no consensus can be reached between the states, the
federal government could step in and devise a plan that could leave parties dissatisfied
and could eventually result in litigation.
Alamosa County Republican Party precinct caucus meeting announced.
The Alamosa County Republican Party precinct caucus meeting will take place on
Saturday, March 7th, at Ortega Middle School. The caucus meeting will begin at 3:30pm.
check-in and registration for The Alamosa Central Committee will begin at 3pm. The
caucus meeting is open to all registered republican voters in Alamosa County. Delegates
will be selected during the caucus to attend The State GOP Convention. The Alamosa
County General Assembly meeting will take place on Saturday, March 21st, at Society
hall, beginning at 3pm.
Colorado's Bustang Outrider announces new additional stop.
Colorado's Bustang Outrider Service has announced that it will add Canon City as a new
stop on its daily route from Alamosa to Pueblo, beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, February
17th. The stop will be located at the Gateway Depot, 816 Royal Gorge Boulevard.
Eastbound buses are scheduled to make the stop at 9am. Westbound buses are scheduled
to stop at 3:45pm. Additional stops along the route include Pueblo, Pueblo West,
Penrose, Cotopaxi, Salida, Poncha Springs, Moffat and Alamosa.
February 13th 2026
Trump Administration planning to withhold public health and transportation money.
The Trump Administration is reportedly planning to withhold some public health and
transportation money from a group of Democratic-led states, namely Colorado,
California, Illinois and Minnesota. The Federal Government has cited concerns over
fraud and mismanagement of taxpayer dollars. The Colorado Department of Health and
Human Services and The Colorado Governor's Office both say that they have not
received any official notice about the decision. Some of the programs expected to be cut
appear to be targeted because they do not line up with the administration's policies
dealing with transgender issues and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Transportation funds expected to be cut include money for electric vehicle chargers in all
four states. Full details have not been released.
PDPHE says dead skunk tested positive for avian Influenza.
The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment is warning Pueblo County
residents that a dead skunk found near The Arkansas River and Pueblo Boulevard on
February 4th has tested positive for avian influenza. Avian Influenza, also known as bird
flu, is a virus that traditionally spreads from animal to animal, but there are rare cases of
humans contracting the virus. Public health encourages people not to touch infected, sick
or dead animals or surfaces or materials that may be contaminated. Wear gloves and use
a shovel to dispose of dead birds or other wildlife on private property. And, wash your
hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water after contact with birds or animals.
Walsenburg resident pleads guilty to assault charge.
Alicia Bryant, of Walsenburg, has plead guilty to misdemeanor assault stemming from an
altercation with an anti-trump protester at Heritage Park in Walsenburg on September 12th
of last year. Under the plea agreement, Bryant received a 24-month deferred sentence.
During the scuffle, Bryant allegedly punched protester Steffany Tucker, knocking her to
the ground. Protesters that day had gathered in front of the old Huerfano County
Courthouse on Main Street to protest Trump Administration policies.
Pueblo D70 BOE failed to appoint new director this week.
The Pueblo District 70 Board of Education failed to appoint a new director after the
meeting this week ended abruptly. Board directors spent over an hour debating who
should fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Former Board Director Anne Ochs.
Board President Ann Bennett and Vice President A.J. Wilson advocated for the vacancy
to be filled by Susie Carnes, a private christian school educator. Board Directors Mark
Emery and Michelle Erickson voted against motions to appoint Carnes, but voted in
support of motions to appoint each of the other three candidates: Janathan Lewis, Adolph
Vigil and Tara Stroesenreuther. Following repeated failed attempts to appoint a board
candidate to the vacancy, a 10 minute recess was called, however, board members never
returned for further discussion.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church hosting health and wellness fair tomorrow.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in collaboration with The SLV Area Health Education
Center, will host a free community-wide health and wellness fair tomorrow, February
14th, from 8am to noon at 715 4th Street in Alamosa. Free screenings will include
cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure. Results will be available within minutes. For
optimal results, fasting for 12 hours with water consumption is suggested, but not
required. There will be educational and informational booths. For more information, call
Lisa Lucero at 719-588-5363.
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