September 2nd 2026
Coloradans on medicaid will need to meet new requirements beginning January.
Coloradans who are on medicaid will need to meet new requirements in order to keep
their health care coverage beginning in January of next year. Adults aged 19-64 will
need to prove that they are working or have a valid reason not to work. They will also
need to renew their coverage every six months, instead of every year. These
requirements apply to adults who earn up to 133% of the federal poverty level, which is
up to $20,815 per year for a single individual or $42,760 per year for a family of four.
Covered adults must complete 80 hours per month of work, school or volunteering, or
earn at least $580 a month from a job (or a mix of all of it). The Colorado Department of
Health Care Policy and Financing is sending texts, emails and letters to make sure those
affected don't lose their coverage.
Initiative 195 implement income tax tiers qualifies for November Ballot.
Initiative 195, which would replace Colorado's flat rate income tax, and would instead
implement income tax tiers, has been certified for the general election ballot in
November, which has now set the stage for a showdown between competing ballot
initiatives. Initiatve 195 would raise the tax obligations on higher-income earners, while
low-income earners would actually see a tax decrease. Those making an average wage
would see little change. The measure's proponents argue that higher income earners
should pay more in taxes. Critics say it will hurt, not help, the state. The competing
initiative is Initiative 252, a statutory proposal that would cap the state's tax rate at 4.4%,
so basically where it is now. Whichever measure receives more votes will determine the
rate that Coloradans will pay in the future.
Alamosa County PH announces rabies positive bat found in Alamosa County.
Alamosa County Public Health is notifying residents that a bat found in Alamosa County
has tested positive for rabies. Health officials urge residents to stay away from wild and
stray animals and to make sure that pets are current on their vaccinations. Rabies is a
deadly viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. The disease is regularly
found in colorado wildlife, especially in skunks, and can spread to people and pets
through contact with infected animals. Residents who see wildlife acting unusually
should contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife immediately at 719-587-6900.
Archway communities in Pueblo to receive funds from state as part of Prop 123.
Archway communities in Pueblo will receive $2.5 million from the State of Colorado as
part of Proposition 123 land banking funds. The governor's office says that the funds are
going to support communities as they acquire land for rental and ownership affordable
housing. Archway communities in Pueblo received $2.5 million to support the riverly,
which is estimated to bring just under 100 units to the area. The City of Pueblo provided
a letter of support for the development earlier this year. The developers expect to break
ground on the project in the next few years.
CPW inviting public to join their team.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife invites you to join their team if you enjoy working with the
public and protecting Colorado's landscapes and wildlife. Applications are being taken
for CPW District Wildlife Manager trainee and CPW Park Ranger trainee. CPW staff
will send links to the written exam, a writing prompt and background check materials to
applicants shortly after the application period closes. For more information, go to
cpw.state.co.us/careers.
September 1st 2026
Initiative to prohibit out of cycle redistricting qualifies for the November ballot.
Initiative 256, a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit Colorado's
Congressional maps from being withdrawn outside of election cycles, has qualified for
the November ballot, according to The Colorado Secretary of State's Office.
Congressional districts are typically redrawn every decade based on census data. Under
Initiative 256, redistricting changes for the 2028 election and beyond would be prohibited
unless approved by the congressional redistricting commission and the supreme court.
Backed by the group "Advance Colorado", Initiative 265 was introduced in response to
proposed ballot measures that would have redrawn Colorado's congressional districts for
the 2028 election. The Colorado State Supreme Court blocked those proposed measures,
ruling they violated the single-subject requirement. Because Initiative 256 is a
constitutional amendment, it requires a 55% vote to pass.
Proposition 137 to ask CO voters to redirect sporting goods sales tax.
Proposition 137 will ask Colorado voters in November whether or not to redirect sporting
goods sales tax for conservation efforts. Supporters say that Proposition 137 will put a
significant dent in the reported $100 to $200 million shortfall when it comes to
conservation, wildfire and recreation efforts. Voters are being asked if they want to
redirect already existing sales tax revenue. However, the proposition is not directing
actual dollars received by tax on sporting goods and equipment, but instead identifies the
amount of money the state receives from the existing sales tax, then would exempt that
same amount of money from the taxpayer bill of rights budget cap. So, when revenue
exceeds the tabor budget cap, the state can keep and spend the additional money
identified by Proposition 137, exempting it from tabor refunds, an amount that is
expected to be around $175 Million each year.
CDPHE released Arkansas River test results following sewage leak.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment yesterday released test
results following the release of 4.25 million gallons of raw sewage into The Arkansas
River last week. The release took place near Confluence Park. On Thursday, upstream
samples showed 64.4 colony-forming units (or cfu) per 100 ml, which is normal.
However, downstream at Baxter Road, the reading was greater than 2,419 cfu/100ml. On
Friday, upstream samples showed 28.8 cfu/100ml, which is normal. Downstream at
Baxter road, the sample showed 1,119.9 cfu/100ml. Further downstream at Nyberg
Road, the sample showed greater than 2,419 cfu/100ml. The state standard for a safe
swim beach is 235 cfu/100ml. The Department of Agriculture has alerted farms in
communities downstream of the spill. Whether or not they use the water for crops is the
responsibility of the individual farmer. It is not known when the water will be safe again.
Pike and San Isabel National Forests to reduce some closure areas.
The Pike and San Isabel National Forests will reduce previously established closure areas
associated with The Aspen Acres Fire today. The reductions reopen several popular
destinations while still restricting access where fire activity and firefighter operations
require additional space. Areas reopened include The Mingus Ranch Cabin, Ophir Creek
Campground, Lake Isabel, La Vista Campground, South Side Campground, and The
Lake Isabel Cabin. Other areas that were previously closed remain closed at this time.
Alamosa Farmers Market taking place this Saturday in Alamosa.
The Alamosa Farmers' Market welcomes locals and visitors to downtown Alamosa this
Saturday at the corner of Ross Avenue and 6th Street. Vendors will be selling regional
farm fresh food products, various foodstuffs and hand crafted goods. For more
information, go to www.alamosafarmersmarket.org.
August 31st 2026
Update to CO SOS website leads to a data leak.
An update to The Colorado Secretary of State's website earlier this month made voter
profiles available to the public. According to The Secretary of State's Office, the breach
took place after the "find my voter registration" tool was updated earlier this month.
voter information shown included: a voters full name, party affiliation, address, and birth
year. The breach was discovered last Tuesday and was fixed within an hour. The
Secretary of State's Office says that 59 confidential voter profiles were accessed while
the information was available to the public, and that most of the people affected have
been contacted. Secretary of State Jena Griswold apologized on Friday for the breach.
this is not the first time there have been breaches involving The Secretary of State's
website. In 2024, partial passwords for voting systems were posted in a spreadsheet that
anyone could download from The Secretary of State's website.
Front Range Passenger RDBOD voted to place sales tax measure on November Ballot.
The Front Range Passenger Rail District's Board of Directors on Friday voted to place a
sales tax measure on The November ballot to fund the expansion of the Colorado
Connector, also known as COCO, between Denver and Southern Colorado. If approved,
the tax would add new daily trips and would bring the passenger rail project one step
closer to linking front range communities by train. The Colorado Connector website says
that service is expected to begin in 2029 between Denver and Fort Collins. Then, a route
south to Colorado Springs and Pueblo is expected to be added by 2032. Eventually,
although no date has been given, service is expected to reach Trinidad. The new tax
would add .33 cents to existing sales tax within the front range rail district.
Residents urged to avoid Arkansas River following sewage leak.
Residents are being urged to avoid The Arkansas River from where it meets Fountain
Creek on the east side of Pueblo to where it enters John Martin Reservoir near Las
Animas. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued a statement
yesterday following testing of water samples after the City of Pueblo accidentally
released 4.25 million gallons of untreated sewage into The Arkansas River between
Wednesday and Thursday of last week. Testing results show that the river is highly
contaminated. If people come into contact with the water and experience diarrhea,
nausea, vomiting, cramps, fever, rash or irritated eyes, individuals should seek a medical
evaluation.
Gardner man identified as man killed in Kansas crash.
William Duran of Gardner has been identified as the man who was killed on Friday in a
crash that involved a three-wheeled motorcycle and a van on U.S. Highway 50 in Reno
County, Kansas. According to The Reno County Sheriff's Office, deputies were
dispatched shortly before noon on Friday to the intersection of US 50 and Salem Road.
Upon arrival, Duran was found deceased near the motorcycle and a passenger van with
rear-end damage was in the westbound lanes. The van reportedly stopped behind a
westbound semi preparing to turn south from US 50 when the Motorcyle struck the rear
of the van at a high rate of speed. The van's two occupants were treated at the scene and
were released.
2026 SLV Economic Summit taking place Wednesday.
Regional leaders, business owners and community members will gather at The Outcalt
Event Center in Monte Vista on Wednesday for the 2026 San Luis Valley Economic
Summit. The daylong event will run from 8:45am to 3:30pm and will highlight
innovative strategies, workforce solutions and regional collaboration across the valley.
There will be keynote addresses and a panel discussion entitled "regional cooperation in
action". Registration remains open. Sign up online by searching on SLV Economic
Summit 2026.
August 28th 2026
CO Gov debate between Dem and UA nominees took place yesterday.
Two of the three candidates for Colorado Governor faced off last night in a televised
debate. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, the Democratic nominee, and former
U.S. Rep. Greg Lopez, who is Unaffiliated, attended the debate, while Republican
Nominee Victor Marx declined to participate. During the debate, Weiser argued that
building more "starter" homes and lowering the barriers to buying them is the right
approach. Lopez, who agreed with Weiser that affordability is a problem, said
understanding land use is key. He said he would sit down with builders and developers
to reduce costs. Weiser advocated for a state law to regulate data centers, saying the goal
is to protect community interests, clean energy standards and utility rates. Lopez said the
jury is still out on data centers, adding he too is worried about their water use. Mail
ballots will go out to Colorado voters on October 2nd and are due back to your local
County Clerk by 7pm on Tuesday, November 3rd.
City of Pueblo announced unplanned sewage discharge yesterday.
The City of Pueblo Wastewater Department announced yesterday that an unplanned
discharge of untreated sewage was dumped into The Arkansas River near Confluence
Park earlier in the day. State officials as well as users and neighbors of the river have
been informed of the incident. State and Pueblo City stormwater officials were notified
early yesterday of the discharge and stopped the issue by 11:45am. A wastewater pipe
inside of a stormwater pipe had a hole cut in it several years ago that was patched, but
had reopened. The downstream communities of Avondale, Boone, Fowler, Manzanola,
Rocky Ford, Swink, La Junta and Las Animas are being advised to avoid any river
activities through Monday.
Suspect in Walsenburg death case pled guilty this week.
Eli Yelloweagle, 23, of Walsenburg, pled guilty this week to manslaughter in connection
with the death of Ruben Benjamin Bernal on April 23rd of 2025. Police found Bernal at a
home at 804-1/2 west Seventh Street, dead of an apparent gunshot wound to the chest.
Bernal was 19 at the time of his death. Yelloweagle was initially charged with second-
degree murder and first degree assault. He pled guilty this week to manslaughter and
tampering with physical evidence. Yelloweagle is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday,
September 28th at 1:30pm in Huerfano County District Court.
City of Alamosa inviting public to reconstruction celebration.
The City of Alamosa would like to invite the community to join in celebrating the
reconstruction of Pike Avenue (at the intersection of Pike Avenue and 2nd Street) on
Wednesday, September 2nd, beginning at 11am. The city is grateful to be able to use
street trust fund monies to improve the quality of the City's roads and is thankful for the
support of the community. The City also appreciates the patience of residents during
these construction projects.
TSC announces confirmed bear activity near border with property.
Trinidad State College has announced that it has confirmed that bear activity has taken
place at 610 Pine Street in Trinidad, which borders campus property. The college is
advising students to use caution when traveling in the area of The Davis/Huggins
overflow parking lot. While bears are not directly on campus property, the college says
that a patrolman is monitoring the situation.
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