The Colorado State Patrol has announced that grant money is available to help reduce monetary burdens for victims of auto theft. Through the Colorado auto theft prevention authority and the beat auto theft through law enforcement motor vehicle theft program money is accessible to victims of auto theft and catalytic converter theft. A senate bill, SB23-257, that was passed this year, the Colorado State Treasurer was required to transfer $5 million from the general fund for auto theft prevention programs across the state. The state patrol is one of the agencies selected to receive funds from the grant. Costs that can be covered under the grant for victims are: alternate transportation, public transportation, ride-share services, cleaning and sanitation fees, catalytic converter hardening devices and steering wheel locks. If you are a victim of auto or catalytic converter theft, go to lockdownyourcar.org to get assistance with these costs.

Cortez Police Officer shot during traffic stop Wednesday.

Sergeant Michael Moran, an officer with the Cortez Police Department, died after being shot during a traffic stop on Wednesday. According to the Cortez Police department, Moran initiated a traffic stop in Cortez. Shots were fired at the officer, striking him. The suspects fled in their vehicle and were quickly located in the 7500 block of highway 160 and 491. Additional shots were exchanged between the suspects and officers at the second location. One suspect died on the scene. A second was taken into custody. Sergeant Moran was taken to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Anyone who may have additional information about the incident is asked to contact the Cortez Police Department at 970-565-8441.

CSU System announces CSUP Presidency finalist.

The Board of Governors of the Colorado State University system yesterday announced that Armando Valdez is the sole finalist for the CSU Pueblo Presidency. Valdez will finish out the 2-1/2 years that remain on the term of outgoing President Timothy Mottet, who announced his resignation effective on December 31 st earlier this year. Following the end of the current term, the board and Valdez will assess how and whether or not to move forward. Valdez is a San Luis Valley native and is currently the state director for USDA rural development in Colorado. He also operates Valdez land and livestock, LLC, his family farm and ranch operation near Capulin.

Fishers Peak and Trinidad Lake State parks sponsoring Christmas Tree cutting event.

The friends of Fishers Peak and Trinidad Lake State Parks are sponsoring an event for people to cut their own Christmas trees in an effort to reduce fuel at the park. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, on Saturday, December 9th , beginning at 10am, the first 25 guests can pay $35 to cut a tree at Trinidad Lake State Park. Guests will be allowed to cut marked trees only near the piedmont group camping area. 25 trees are available, but on a first come, first served basis.

CDOT warning drivers to expect snow showers in the mountains this weekend..

The Colorado Department of Transporation is warning drivers that they should expect snow showers over the majority of the mountainous areas in Colorado over the weekend, beginning on the southwest part of the state and moving towards the northeast side. Impacts in Southern Colorado are supposed to improve over the weekend with the brunt of the storm moving to the north. Motorists are encouraged to pack their vehicle with extra food, water, warm clothes, blankets and necessities like medications. Safety closures may happen at anytime during severe weather, so if you're held up on the highway, you want to be prepared.

President Joe Biden was in Pueblo yesterday where he took a tour of the CS Wind Tower manufacturing plant on Pueblo's south side before giving a speech to a crowd of employees, company executives and state and local elected officials. During his speech, the president celebrated federal investments in clean energy development for spurring manufacturing growth in Pueblo. Biden said "all across America, instead of exporting jobs, companies both foreign and domestic are creating jobs here in America and exporting American-made products". The President also called attention to the federal investments in Colorado, like money to build the long-awaited Arkansas Valley Conduit, and incentives to motivate an $880 million expansion at the microchip plant in Colorado Springs. Biden did not hold back from criticizing Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert for opposing those bills. Boebert blamed the President's policies for high inflation that is squeezing working-class Coloradans.

Gov Polis sends letters to Colorado Local elected officials.

In letters sent to Colorado local elected officials and school board members, Governor Jared Polis says he wants to see local governments and school districts lower their rates that impact property taxes, and called on them to reduce mill levy rates as a way to give more of a reduction in taxes. The move comes after voters rejected "Proposition HH" earlier this month. The measure would have allowed the state to retain money that otherwise would be refunded to taxpayers under the Taxpayers Bill of Rights in exchange for a small reduction in the property tax assessment rate. During a special session called by the Governor this month, legislators passed six bills that included a reduction in assessed values by $55,000 and the assessment rate from 6.765% to 6.7%. During this year's regular legislative session, lawmakers passed a bill to clarify that local governments can give a temporary mill levy reduction or tax credit and later eliminate those credits.

Pueblo County Coroner identifies three people killed in single vehicle crash.

The Pueblo County Coroner has identified the three people who were killed in a single- vehicle crash on November 21st. They are, Melissa Peterson, 43, of Pueblo, and two children - an 11-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy, all died in the crash. According to the state patrol, a dodge ram 1500 driven by Peterson was traveling west on Colorado 78 about 3:21pm, near mile marker 14, close to Beulah, when the vehicle went off the right side of the road. The vehicle hit a tree, then a barbed wire fence, before coming to rest on its wheels and catching fire. The woman and children were pronounced dead at the scene.

SLV Solar Energy forum took place last night in Alamosa.

The San Luis Valley Solar Energy and Agriculture forum took place on Tuesday at the San Luis Valley Water Conservation District in Alamosa. About 25 people attended that forum that focused on farmers and ranchers regarding the possibilities of combining agricultural and energy production, something that has become known as agrivoltaics. the forum included presentations on the history of solar development in the valley; current factors in valley water, agriculture and energy landscape; and research needs and opportunities.

Vigil held for Custer County Shooting victims last night.

A vigil was held last night in Westcliffe for the three victims of the November 20th Custer County shooting. The three victims of the shooting are Beth Wade-Geers, Rob Geers and James Daulton. Patty Daulton was injured in the shooting, but survived. Hundreds of community members attended in the Custer County High School gymnasium where community members talked about the victims and prayed. A moment of silence was also held. Hanme Clark, 45, has been charged in connection with the murders. Nancy Medina-Coches has been charged with accessory after she and Clark fled to New Mexico where they are currently being held in the Bernalillo County Jail. Both are contesting extradition to Colorado.

The family of 14-year-old Aaliyah Salazar, a Monte Vista teen who was killed in a shooting in August of 2022, is outraged over what they say are "lenient" plea deals that were offered to all three people involved in the crime. Monte Vista police found Salazar unconscious and not breathing on Monroe Street in Monte Vista on Sunday, August 7th , 2022. Investigators determined that salazar had been shot in the head. Emiliano Vargas, 22, of Monte Vista, was charged with giving a gun to the teen girls involved, a class 4 felony. Following a trial in April that ended with one unresolved charge, Vargas and his attorney struck a deal that would recommend a deferred sentence of two years on probation. Minor 1 entered a guilty plea to possession of a handgun by a juvenile, and reckless endangerment. She was sentenced to 1 year probation and 45 days of detention that was already served. Minor 2 entered a guilty plea to child abuse resulting in death, a more serious offense than she had been charged with, with the other charges being dismissed. She was sentenced to probation, citing a need for rehabilitation and treatment in a community-based setting.

President Joe Biden in Colorado.

President Joe Biden arrived in Denver late yesterday afternoon, greeted by Governor Jared Polis and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. The president will make his way to CS Wind today, for a tour of the plant on the south side of Pueblo. The plant is within the boundaries of the 3rd congressional district and representative Lauren Boebert and the President continue to spar with Boebert calling out Biden's inflation reduction act as a scam and very expensive for taxpayers. Biden is expected to highlight the act in his remarks today. The white house says that "if Representative Boebert had her way, Colorado would have lost out on over $5.6 billion in infrastructure projects including over $1 billion for high-speed internet".

Information on Sport Shooting on National Forest Land.

Sport shooting is allowed on national forest land, except for in areas where there is a high concentration of people and traffic. However, there is a growing concern about the unsafe use of firearms by people who engage in recreational target shooting in the Pike and San Isabel National Forest, so the U.S. Forest Service is responding. Complaints have come in from forest neighbors, residents and visitors about gunfire and bullets dangerously close to people, homes, pets and livestock. The forest service is proposing to establish a developed, safely-designed shooting area in each of the forest's three ranger districts, and closing some forest areas where shooting is currently allowed. Two public hearings were held last month. The Forest Service has extended the public comment period on the proposal until December 28th . For more information, or to submit feedback, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57807 , or look for the link on our website at kspk.com.

City of Alamosa holding celebration of lights and tree lighting at City Hall.

The City of Alamosa will hold its 16th celebration of lights and tree lighting ceremony at City Hall this Friday evening beginning at 5:30pm. The ceremony will be followed by a visit from Santa on State Avenue at 6:30pm. This friday is also first friday in downtown alamosa and businesses will have games and giveaways as well as holiday markets that will include live music, sweet treats and warm beverages. Everyone is welcome.

CDOT announces Change in Parking at Red Mountain Pass

Backcountry users heading to Red Mountain Pass will see a change in parking this winter. The Colorado Department of Transportation is advising recreators that the parking area and the snow plow turn around at the Red Mountain summit have been swapped. The new parking area will be on the southbound or west side of U.S. 550. Drivers should park their vehciles "nose in" and no parallel, to maximize the amount of parking spaces. The new snow plow turn around area is now on the northbound or east side of the highway. New bright orange signs have been installed that indicate no parking in the turn around area. Backcountry users should only park vehicles and trailers in clearly marked and designated parking areas.

Jason Gonzales, 48, of Trinidad, who is accused of shooting and killing Alisha Gegelman on a rural property in Boncarbo on October 12th , previously served more than 30 years after he was convicted of killing well-known Trinidad shop owner Leland "Hap" Thompson in 1992. Thompson was killed after Gonzales and co-defendant Gilbert Pacheco, entered Thompson's shop with the intent to rob him, but killed him instead. Gonzales, who was 17 at the time, was tried and convicted as an adult and was sentenced to life in prison. Changes to Colorado law in 2016 allowed Gonzales to petition the court for release back into the community. He was released back into the community on July 20 th of last year. Now, 15 months later, Gonzales is accused of killing again. Gonzales is scheduled to be in Las Animas County Court today for a pre-trial hearing. He is charged with 1st degree murder, 2nd degree murder, possession of a weapon by a previous offender and tampering with physical evidence.

Pueblo resident files lawsuit against Pueblo Police department.

Cristy Gonzales, 39, of Pueblo, has filed a federal lawsuit against Pueblo Police Chief Chris Noeller and Officer Bennie Villanueva for violating department policy in connection with tasing someone who was not armed. Officer Villanueva pulled Gonzales over on February 21st of this year on the suspicion that she was driving a stolen truck. another officer also responded. The lawsuit says that Villanueva tased Gonzales despite the fact that she was complying with his commands, using excessive force. Villanueva remains on active duty. The lawsuit contends that Chief Noeller allowing Villanueva to remain on duty despite an internal investigation's findings of excessive force, violates department policy.

President Biden to be in Colorado Today and Tomorrow.

President Joe Biden will be in Colorado today and tomorrow, beginning today in Denver for a campaign event. Tomorrow, the President will head to Pueblo where he is expected to visit CS Wind on Pueblo's south side, the largest wind tower manufacturer in the world. According to the White House, Biden is expected to "deliver remarks on how bidenomics is mobilizing investments in clean energy manufacturing and creating good- paying jobs in communities across the country." The White House also says that Biden will "highlight how self-described Maga Republicans like representative Lauren Boebert are threatening those investments". Boebert responded by saying that "families are being crushed by so-called 'bidenomics' [with] credit card debt, inflation, groceries and gas prices… all [reaching] record highs."

Street in Alamosa to close tomorrow morning.

San Juan Avenue, between Main street and the alleyway south of Fourth street, in Alamosa, will be closed tomorrow morning, Wednesday, November 29th , for the stringing of decorative lights. The city is asking that all vehicles be removed from the area prior to 6am tomorrow. The street will reopen by noon tomorrow. The beautification project implements the community vision for this "festival street" described in Alamosa's downtown plan. for questions and more information, call 719-589-6631.

Fort Carson announces round of prescribed burns to take place.

Fort Carson officials have announced that another round of prescribed burns on Fort Carson and on post training areas, including the pinon canyon maneuver site northeast of Trinidad, are scheduled now through the end of the year. A release from Fort Carson says that the installation prescribed burn program is critical in reducing the potential for wild land fires and burns are accomplished to facilitate military training within maneuver and training areas. During any of the burns, smoke is expected to be visible anywhere along the I-25 and Colorado 115 corridors from Colorado Springs to Pueblo and along US 350 in Las Animas County. Questions and concerns about the burn program can be directed to 719-526-9849.

Nancy Rae Medina-Kochis is now facing a criminal charge after three people were killed in rural Custer County last Monday afternoon. Medina-Kochis has been charged with accessory to a crime after she went with and allegedly assisted Hanme K. Clark in his flight following the shooting. According to the Custer County Sheriff's Office, both Medina-Kochis and Clark are being held in the Bernalillo County Jail in New Mexico after they were arrested about 24 hours after the shooting near Laguna, New Mexico. The pair appeared in Bernalillo County Court for a first appearance last wednesday. The two are fighting extradition back to Colorado, which means that they'll be held on no bond for nearly 30 days. Clark is facing three counts of first degree murder and another count of attempted murder and attempted assault. The shooting took place at 173 Rocky Ridge Road in a remote area 8 miles northeast of Westcliffe last monday. The motivation for the shooting is tied to a dispute over land and property lines.

Chicago family rescued from Greenhorn Mountain.

A family from chicago had to be rescued from the Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness area last Wednesday evening. According to the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office, the family, which included three adults and two children, set out for the summit of Greenhorn Mountain on Wednesday morning. However, the family encountered snow and inclement weather as they neared the top and realized as dusk approached that they would not make it back to the trailhead. Lacking proper weather gear and food, the family called 911 for help. Flight for life airlifted members of the search and rescue team to the top of north peak, where they located the family. They then all hiked down to the top of Ophir creek, where emergency personnel were waiting with vehicles to take them off of the mountain. The rescue effort took a total of 7 hours.

2024 3rd Congressional district candidate vists Alamosa.

Anna Stout, 39, of Grand Junction, was in Alamosa on a campaign swing last week, introducing herself to voters. Stout is running for the Democratic nomination in Colorado's 3rd Congressional District, and believes that her life experience combined with the accomplishments she brings to the race makes her uniquely qualified for the job. Stout has almost 20 years of experience in nonprofits and business. She is currently in her second term on the Grand Junction City Council and is currently serving as Council President and Mayor of Grand Junction. Stout says her regional history and connection with voters is her greatest asset. If stout receives the Democratic Nomination, she will face the Republican Nominee for the 3rd congressional district. Lauren Boebert, a Republican, currently holds the seat and is seeking re-election.

Raton Firefighters respond to fire on Sunday.

Firefighters in Raton were called to 1214 east 5th Street in Southeast Raton yesterday morning at 9:13am on the report of a fire. According to officials, upon arrival, black smoke was billowing out of an out building that was fully engulfed and had spread to a single-wide trailer next to it. The fire also spread into a neighbor's shed to the north due to its close proximity to the fire. Firefighters had knocked down the blaze by about 10am yesterday. It is believed that an electric heater that had been knocked over started the fire.

Three people killed in fiery crash near Beulah.

Three people were killed in a fiery car crash that took place last Tuesday Afternoon just outside of Beulah. According to the Colorado State Patrol, the vehicle was traveling westbound on Colorado 78 when something caused the driver to run off the road. After traveling about 400 feet, the vehicle crashed into a tree, then spun out into a fence. The car then burst into flames, killing everyone inside. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected, however, troopers are still trying to determine why the driver went off the roadway. No other vehicles were involved. The occupants have not been publicly identified.