October 9th 2026
Amendment 85 on the Colorado November Ballot.
Today we take a look at Amendment 85, titled "plain language ballot titles", which would
require ballot titles to be in plain language, written at no more than an 8th grade level and
would prohibit laws that require specific language in initiative ballot titles. Proponents
say that while ballot titles are supposed to be written as plainly as possible, this measure
provides additional guidance as to what that means by requiring an 8th grade reading level
as the standard, in the hopes that voters may better understand when considering their
vote. Proponents also say the measure would protect against the state legislature
interfering with initiative ballot titles. Opponents say the measure is unnecessary as state
law already provides ample guidance for ballot titles. A "yes" vote requires ballot titles
to be written in plain language and prohibits any law from interfering with this
requirement. A "no" vote maintains current law.
Walsenburg man arrested last week on alleged child-sex charges.
John Burch, 33, of Walsenburg, was arrested on last week on alleged child-sex charges
following an investigation by The Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Burch is facing two
possible counts of sexual exploitation of a child after a "cyber-tip" was submitted by
Meta Platforms Inc., or namely Instagram, on January 21st, 2026. The tip alleged that a
file was uploaded to Instagram on March 23rd, 2025, that they classified as child sexual
abuse material. Investigators determined that the upload came from a Walsenburg
address. A search warrant was executed on June 17th at that address where a phone was
located that revealed the account that uploaded the suspect file. Burch appeared before
Judge J. Clay Mckisson on October first for advisement. His next court date will be
October 22nd for formal filing of charges.
10th US Circuit COA threw out convictions tied to NM remote compound.
The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver on Tuesday threw out the convictions
of four former residents of a remote compound in New Mexico, just south of the
Colorado border, where a 3-year-old boy died almost 9 years ago. The Appeals Court
reversed the kidnapping convictions against Hujrah Wahhaj and Subhanah Wahhaj on
Tuesday, finding that there was insufficient evidence to support the convictions. Neither
woman can be retried on those convictions. The court also vacated convictions of
terrorism and conspiracy to kill federal officers against Lucas Morton and his brother-in-
law, Siraj Wahhaj, the father of the 3-year-old boy who died. The panel found that the
two men, who represented themselves, had been wrongly excluded from bench
conferences. Their cases can be retried. None of the defendants faced charges tied to the
3-year-old's death. All 4 had been sentenced to life in prison.
Gov Polis issued EO memorializing LT Gov August VDD Wednesday.
Governor Jared Polis on Wednesday issued an executive order memorializing The Lt.
Governor's verbal disaster declaration on August 13th, for the post, sheep pen, high fence
and gotera fires that took place earlier this year in Las Animas County. The sheep pen,
high fence and gotera fires burned a combined 858 acres in Las Animas County and are
100% contained. As of September 8th, the post fire had burned 4,335 acres and was 90%
contained.
CSP reminding drivers of potential driving impacts of over the counter flu and cold medicine.
The Colorado State Patrol is reminding drivers that, as flu and cold season approaches,
many commonly used over-the-counter medications can impact a person's ability to
operate machinery, including driving. CSP says that drivers taking medications,
especially in new or higher dosages, should try not to drive until they can determine what
impacts it may have on their driving. CSP says if drivers notice they are getting tired,
pull over and take a nap in a safe place.
October 8th 2026
Some Front Range voters will see 7A on their ballots that shouldn't be according to CO SOS.
According to The Colorado Secretary of State's Office, some voters along the front range
will be seeing issue 7A on their ballots, while they are not supposed to. Issue 7A would
create a tax district within the front range passenger rail district, which seeks to create a
passenger rail line along the front range. The district includes Arvada, Boulder,
Broomfield, Colorado Springs, Denver, Englewood, Fort Collins, Littleton, Longmont,
Loveland, Manitou Springs, Pueblo, Starkville and Trinidad. Some voters in Adams,
Arapahoe, Douglas and Weld Counties will also see issue 7A on their ballots, but it
shouldn't be there. The Secretary of State's Office says it is aware of the issue and says
it will assist the affected counties to ensure the proper votes are counted.
Amendment 84 on the Colorado November Ballot.
Continuing our series on ballot initiatives, today we look at Amendment 84, titled "mail
ballot voter identification". Amendment 84 would require voters to provide identification
information, in addition to their signature, for their mail ballots to be counted.
Proponents say that additional voter verification for mail ballots strengthens election
security while preserving convenient access to voting and say government-issued
identification documents are more consistent and less subjective than the current
signature verification process. Opponents say that the measure adds an unnecessary
burden to voting, and could result in eligible voters' ballots not being counted due to
minor mistakes when submitting their mail ballot. They say the current signature
verification process is effective, secure and convenient. A "yes" vote would require
voters to provide identification information with their mail ballot along with their
signature. A "no" vote would continue the current signature-only verification system for
mail ballots.
Custer County Sheriff's Office ends contract with flock safety cameras.
The Custer County Sheriff's Office yesterday announced that it has ended its contract
with flock safety and has removed the automated license plate reader cameras. The
Sheriff's Office says it decided to end the program after concerns about privacy and how
license plate reader databases have been used by law enforcement agencies across the
country. The sheriff's office originally had three flock cameras which allowed license
plate data to be shared with law enforcement agencies nationwide. That data was later
restricted to Colorado, but misuse of the data raised concerns for the sheriff. An
increasing number of Custer County residents also asked that the cameras be removed.
RFPD handled multiple emergencies calls at the same time Tuesday.
The Rye Fire Protection District on Tuesday responded to three emergencies that
occurred simultaneously in Pueblo County. Within a two-hour period, RFPD responded
to a medical emergency in Rye, a medical emergency in Colorado City, and an injury
crash on I-25 about 8 miles north of Colorado City. RFPD says all three calls took place
simultaneously. RFPD says that instances, like what occurred on Tuesday, serve as an
example of why staffing is a critical issue for emergency services, especially for a fire
district covering a large area.
12th Judicial District VALE board announces available grant funding.
The victim assistance and law enforcement board for the 12th Judicial District, which
includes the counties of Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande and Saguache,
has announced the availability of local grant funding for programs and projects that
provide services to victims of qualifying crimes. Funds are available for the period of
January 1st to December 31st of 2027. Applications are due by 4pm on Friday, October
30th. For more information, or for an application, contact Megan Bagwell at 719-589-
3691, ext 117.
October 7th 2026
Annual report from El Paso County Coroner shows domestic violence deaths up in 2025.
The El Paso County Coroner's Office has released its annual report that shows a total of
17 cases of deaths as a result of domestic violence in 2025, which is up from 9 in 2024.
This is the first time in years in El Paso County that domestic violence deaths have risen.
According to Dr. Emily Russell-Kinsley, The El Paso County Coroner, "after covid, there
was a significant increase in domestic violence cases". However, after 2021, those cases
decreased. Russell-Kinsley says the increase itself is concerning and that the number
doesn't tell the whole story. Russell-Kinsley says "I think the abuse is under recognized
and under reported. I think the story is bigger than what we even know it to be." While
The El Paso County Coroner's Office typically releases data annually, Russell-Kinsley
says she's working on releasing it quarterly too. If you or someone you know is
undergoing domestic violence, call Tessa's 24/7 Safeline at 719-633-3819, or call 988.
Amendment 83 on the Colorado November Ballot.
Today we look at Amendment 83, titled "constitutional right to hunt and fish".
Amendment 83 would establish a constitutional right to fish and hunt certain wildlife and
would create a policy that states that hunting and fishing are the preferred means of
managing fish and wildlife populations in Colorado. Proponents say the measure
provides lasting protection against future attempts to restrict or eliminate hunting and
fishing, and that Colorado should join the 24 other states that similarly protect the right to
hunt and fish in their state constitutions. Opponents say the state constitution should
protect fundamental rights and not recreational activities. Enshrining a right to hunt and
fish in the Colorado constitution is unnecessary, and promotes one method of managing
wildlife above others. A "yes" vote on Amendment 83 would establish a state
constitutional right to hunt and fish. A "no" vote that hunting and fishing would continue
as allowed under existing state and federal law.
Pueblo PD announces funeral service for Former Police Officer to be held today.
The Pueblo Police Department announced yesterday that funeral services will be held for
Former Pueblo Police Officer Cpl. Stephen Biggs at 10am today at Praise Assembly
Church in Pueblo. Biggs went missing from his boat at Lake Pueblo State Park on
Sunday, September 27th. Then was reported missing and his body was found in the lake
on Monday, September 28th. Family, friends and fellow officers will be honoring Biggs
during the service. Biggs had been employed with the department since October of 2010.
CPW lifts voluntary fishing closures following recent rains and cooler weather.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has lifted the voluntary fishing closures that had been placed
on 33 river sections across its southwest region, as well as along The Arkansas River east
of Pueblo, effective immediately, after the recent rains and cooler weather improved
conditions for fish. The closures were imposed over the summer as historically low
flows and water temperatures above 70 degrees placed added stress on fisheries across
Southwest Colorado.
Forest Service's RM Region recruiting individuals to serve on advisory committee.
The Forest Service's Rocky Mountain Region, which includes national forests in
Colorado and Wyoming, is recruiting individuals to serve on its resource advisory
committee. Recruitment will run through December 20th. The RAC will help improve
collaborative relationships and will provide recommendations to the forest service
concerning project proposals being considered for funding. The RAC will include 15
members appointed by the secretary of agriculture. Program details and information on
how to apply can be found on The Greater Rocky Mountain RAC website, or contact
Daniel Malta at daniel.malta@usda.gov.
October 6th 2026
CO Gov Polis announced CO will cover portion of flood risk reduction costs yesterday.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced yesterday that the state of Colorado will cover
75% of the local share of project costs to reduce flood risk near The Aspen Acres and
Gold Mountain Fires. The support will include emergency watershed protection projects
in Ouray, Pueblo and Custer Counties. In a statement, Polis said "Colorado is doing
everything it can to secure support and help Coloradans recover from these devastating
fires. Covering more of the local costs will help counties protect their communities,
families, homes and infrastructure from flooding while freeing up local funds for other
recovery needs." Polis said he was grateful to local and federal partners for working
together to help these communities rebuild.
Amendment 82 on the Colorado November Ballot.
In our continuing series, today we take a look at Amendment 82, titled "Constitutional
right to purchase and sell natural gas". Amendment 82 would establish a constitutional
right for consumers to purchase natural gas for cooking or heating, and would establish a
constitutional right for distributors and utilities to sell natural gas. Proponents say natural
gas is an affordable and widely available energy source that reliably heats homes and
businesses. They say the measure will ensure continued access to natural gas without
interference from state and local governments. Opponents say using natural gas
contributes to climate change, leads to air pollution, and should not be protected in the
state constitution, and would limit efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve
air quality and adopt more sustainable options, such as wind, solar and geothermal
energy. A "yes" vote would establish a state constitutional right to purchase and sell
natural gas. A "no" vote would maintain current law and regulations, and some worry
would lead to the outlawing of natural gas to heat homes and businesses.
Alamosa City Council approved update to city's municipal code last month.
The Alamosa City Council last month approved an update to the city's municipal code,
adopting new offense classifications and penalty schedules intended to bring local
ordinances in line with Colorado state law. The measure passed on second reading
following a public hearing, and restructures dozens of municipal offenses, categorizing
them as petty offenses, first degree misdemeanors or second degree misdemeanors. The
measure also adds a habitual shoplifting provision and repeals outdated sections of the
code. The revision is intended to modernize offense classifications, ensure consistency
throughout the municipal code and bring the code into compliance with state
requirements.
CPW reminding Coloradans leaving pumpkins outside may attract wildlife.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding Coloradans that carved jack-o-lanterns are a
delight, but leaving pumpkins out in yards or on porches can attract wildlife, including
bears, deer, raccoons and more. As bear incidents continue to take place across many
regions of the state, CPW says it is important that pumpkins are not left outside overnight
even before they are carved. Pumpkins are a high-calorie treat for bears and are loaded
with fiber, minerals and vitamins, and bears accessing pumpkins can lead to preventable
human-bear conflicts. CPW recommends bringing pumpkins inside and displaying them
in a window instead.
Lake Pueblo North Boat Ramp to close on October 31st.
The Lake Pueblo North Boat Ramp will close at 6pm on October 31st, sending boaters to
The South Boat Ramp for access to the reservoir beginning on November 1st. The North
Boat Ramp parking lot and adjacent beach will also close to the public for construction at
The North Shore Marina at the same time. The south boat ramp opens daily 5am to 6pm
for boat inspections and water access. After 6pm, boaters can depart through the south
boat ramp's automatic exit gate.
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