August 19th 2026
Fire personnel continuing work on Aspen Acres Fire.
125 fire personnel are still working on the Aspen Acres Fire, which remains at 102,004
acres and 72% containment as of yesterday. Crews are making steady progress on
critical repair work throughout the affected area, according to fire officials. They are
focused on repairing areas impacted by fire suppression operations, such as reinforcing
fire lines, chipping and reducing brush piles created during firefighting and repairing
culverts. The Pike and San Isabel National Forest remains closed currently due to crews
continuing to work with heavy equipment and some fire lines still needing to be repaired
or reinforced, according to fire officials.
Protesters gathered outside Pueblo City Hall to protest flock cameras Monday.
About 25 people gathered outside the Pueblo City Hall on Monday afternoon to protest
the use of flock cameras and other forms of artificial intelligence surveillance. Flock
cameras are automated license plate readers that utilize ai to "automatically
capture,analyze and store" license plate data for law enforcement. A group called
"deflock" is raising awareness about flock cameras as potential threats to "personal
privacy and civil liberties", and has mapped 100 readers in and near the Pueblo City
limits. Protesters on Monday raised concerns about the creation of a "surveillance state",
and the potential misuse of data by private companies, among other concerns. The
demonstration took place a week after Pueblo Police Chief Chris Noeller was questioned
about the use of the cameras and their relationship to a $125,059 beat auto theft through
law enforcement state grant soon to be considered for acceptance by the city on second
reading.
Monte Vista PD welcomed new officers to its staff.
The Monte Vista Police Department has welcomed three new officers to its staff. During
the August 6th Monte Vista City Council Meeting, officers Michael Reimann and Craig
Collings, along with community service officer Dusty Duran, were officially sworn in as
members of the Monte Vista Police Department. Reimann and Collings are filling
existing police officer vacancies within the department. Duran is also filling an existing
vacancy, however, the title for his position was previously code enforcement. He will
instead be known as community service officer to better represent the broader
responsibilities of his job.
CPW reminding CO residents to keep vehicles locked.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding Colorado residents to keep their vehicles
locked after a bear broke into a car in Colorado Springs and then died. CPW says that a
250-pound black bear entered the unlocked car on Monday Night, destroyed the vehicle,
then died inside the vehicle. The bear was not found for days. Wildlife officers are
urging community members to lock their vehicles, keep their windows closed and refrain
from leaving trash or food inside their vehicle. CPW says this year is on pace to have the
highest number of bear conflicts and sightings, with 6,129 reports between January 1st
and August 13th statewide.
CSP ruled I-70 crash near Utah border intentional act.
The Colorado State Patrol has ruled a deadly crash near The Utah State border that killed
a Colorado Springs woman as an intentional act. According to CSP, a Subaru Outback
traveling the wrong way on Interstate 70 west of Grand Junction, struck the front of a
Ford F-150 truck on July 20th. The toxicology report indicates that the 32-year-old
woman driver had a blood alcohol content of 0.235. The driver of the Ford F-150, a 40-
year-old man from Thornton, sustained serious injuries. The passengers, a 32-year-old
woman, a 24-year-old woman, and three juveniles, also sustained serious injuries.
August 18th 2026
US DHHS announces grant awarded to Colorado.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services yesterday announced that the
Colorado State Department of Human Services will receive a grant of almost $1.14
million to help people transition out of homelessness. The money is earmarked for
unhoused people with "serious mental illness", suicide prevention, substance use disorder
treatment, training and technical assistance, peer support and disaster-related emotional
support. The programs fund screenings, treatment, rehabilitation, referrals for health
care, job training, education and housing, as well as a range of other interventions. The
grant is designed to "strengthen the capacity and sustainability of statewide mental health
peer-run organizations".
Initiative 110 approved for Colorado November Ballot.
Initiative 110, which has been dubbed the "protect children from irreversible sex change
surgery act", submitted more than 164,000 petitions signatures to The Colorado Secretary
of State's Office, and will be on the Colorado general election ballot in November for
voters to consider. If voters approve initiative 110, minor children would be prohibited
from receiving gender-affirming surgeries in the State of Colorado. In addition, no state
or federal funds, medicaid reimbursements, or insurance coverage could be used to pay
for what would be "prohibited medical interventions". The measure states that children
"lack the maturity to make permanent, life-altering medical decisions". It also says that
Colorado law already sets an age requirement for decisions like consuming alcohol and
smoking, and argues that the same should go for gender-affirming surgery. Supporters
say the initiative protects children. Opponents say it is an attack on the transgender
community.
CO State House Dems finances under scrutiny in ethics case.
The Colorado State House Democrats' caucus finances are under scrutiny as an ethics
case against Democratic Leader Rep. Mandy Lindsay, of Aurora, advances. The house
ethics committee is examining a complaint against Lindsay alleging that she mishandled
and improperly used funds for her own personal benefit in a way that was unethical and
potentially criminal. Lindsay has served as co-chair of the house democratic caucus since
November of 2022. The complaint centers around several transactions, namely, a $2,500
"self-written check" that Lindsay deposited into her personal account, a $6,358,68
reimbursement tied to a caucus retreat, and two checks for less than $1,000 that had no
discernible purpose. The committee will reconvene on September 4th to begin
deliberations.
City of Alamosa rolling out new text messaging service.
The City of Alamosa is rolling out "text my gov", a new text messaging service to help
residents stay in the know or to get their questions addressed. The city says "text my
gov" "will enable residents to effortlessly receive important notifications and to easily
find specific information by texting the City of Alamosa". The service was launched last
Wednesday with 2,802 mobile phone numbers received an introductory text and the
ability to opt-out. The cellphones receiving the initial text came through a federally-
approved database that "text my gov" provided based on local zip code information.
Beulah residents demanding Gov Polis declare disaster declaration.
First The Aspen Acres Fire, and now with deadly flash flooding that killed a neighbor,
Beulah residents are demanding that Governor Jared Polis declare a disaster declaration
for the town. Flash flooding from storms on Sunday killed 80-year-old Henry "Hank"
Humphreys, who died after being swept away near the intersection of Colorado 78 and
Central Avenue. Beulah has already seen 4 flood events since the fire. Residents say
they are preparing for the next storm now, knowing another round of heavy rain could
come at any time.
August 17th 2026
Beulah man identified as victim swept away in Sunday flood.
Henry R. Humphreys, 80, of Beulah, has been identified by The Pueblo County Coroner
as the man who was swept away in a fast-moving flash-flood in Beulah yesterday.
According to the Pueblo County Coroner, Humphreys was standing outside near the
intersection of Colorado 78 and Central Avenue when he was caught up in the strong
floodwaters. Members of the Beulah Fire Department attempted to rescue him, but he
was quickly swept downstream. A flight-for-life helicopter, drones and more were
mobilized to try to find the man. Humphreys was eventually found two miles
downstream from where he was originally standing. He was pronounced dead at the
scene. Residents are reminded to stay away from flooded roadways and waterways and
to seek higher ground if conditions worsen.
Alamosa PD announce installation of AVIS cameras.
The Alamosa Police Department has announced that it will be installing automated
vehicle identification system cameras across designated corridors in Mid-September.
The cameras will only be used for the purpose of identifying vehicles traveling over the
posted speed limit, according to the department. Consistent with state law and city
ordinances, data on the cameras will only be kept if a violation is detected. Alamosa
Police regularly receive complaints of speeding across town. As there are only 4 to 5
officers on shift at any given time, use of the speed cameras ensures that police can
address speeding concerns efficiently. There will be a 30-day warning period following
installation where speeding drivers will only receive a warning. After 30 days, $40
tickets will be sent to the registered owner of any vehicle traveling 7 mph or more over
the speed limit. $120 if the vehicle is traveling 25 mph over the speed limit. Questions
can be directed to Alamosa Police at 719-589-2548.
Westcliffe man's death at Lake Deweese ruled a homicide.
The death of a man on August 6th at Lake Deweese near Westcliffe has been ruled a
homicide following the autopsy. According to The Custer County Sheriff's Office,
deputies were called to the reservoir on the 6th on the report of a physical altercation.
Upon arrival, deputies located Jeremy Pierce, 47 of Westcliffe, in need of medical
attention. Pierce was flown to a trauma center for treatment, but passed away on Sunday,
August 9th from his injuries. Last Wednesday, following the autopsy, The Custer County
Coroner ruled the death a homicide and the sheriff's office and district attorney are now
working to determine if a crime took place. The investigation remains ongoing.
Hikers lost on Greenhorn Trail rescued Thursday.
Two hikers had to be rescued Thursday after becoming lost on Greenhorn Trail in Pueblo
County. According to The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office, the fire team and volunteer
search and rescue team hiked approximately 2 miles up the trail to help the overdue
hikers find their way out. Mapping software was used to plot the 911 coordinates for the
lost hunters, allowing them to be successfully located. The rescue followed a swift water
rescue that took place earlier in the day Thursday on Red Creek Springs Road.
CPW opened new trails at Fishers Peak State Park Saturday.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife opened nine miles of newly constructed trails at Fishers
Peak State Park on Saturday, expanding opportunities for hikers and mountain bikers and
creating new ways to explore the park throughout the year. The three trails - storyteller,
first spring and chaquaqua (cha-kwak) opened Saturday. Together, the trails create new
loop options that connect with The Fishers Peak Trail. The new routes mean hikers and
mountain bikers can complete loops back toward the trailhead instead of having to return
the way they came.
August 14th 2026
New lawsuits filed by CO AG Weiser and other AG's against Trump Administration.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, along with 22 attorneys general and the State of
Pennsylvania, filed two lawsuits against The Trump Administration yesterday for
demanding personal information on millions of commercial driver's license holders. The
lawsuits claim that The Trump Administration is demanding production of a database of
state-owned records that contain personal information for 17 million commercial drivers.
The group claims that the administration is also threatening to terminate more than $10
million in federal funding to a national association that manages the database if the
organization refuses to turn over the information. The group says the demand violates
the administrative procedure act because the federal government has "no legitimate need"
to take over the database of state records.
CBI arrested Trinidad man on child sex crimes charges yesterday.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation yesterday arrested 37-year-old Gage Vidal
Montoya on nine felony counts. According to CBI, the arrest came after a nearly year-
long investigation with the internet crimes against children unit. Montoya, who is
employed as a corrections officer, is from Trinidad. Montoya, who is now on
administrative leave, was charged with six counts of sexual exploitation of a child, all
felonies. Montoya was also charged with three counts of possession of a dangerous
weapon, also all felonies. The CBI says that there is no evidence that Montoya engaged
in the alleged criminal activity while at work. The CDOC's office of the inspector
general assisted in the investigation.
Post fire now burning on Fishers Peak State Park Southern Area.
The post fire, burning southeast of Trinidad near the Colorado-New Mexico border, has
now burned a total of 4,205 acres as of last night with 25% containment currently. The
fire, which began on Raton Mesa, has now forced closures with the Colorado's Newest
State Park. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the fire has moved into Fishers
Peak State Park's Southern Area. CPW announced yesterday that all summit trails in the
park are now closed. CPW says that while the fire hasn't yet reached Fishers Peak, trails
in the park are now closed for public safety and to keep the area clear for fire fighting
teams. All other trails below the seasonal wildlife closure gate remain open to public
access. No structures are currently threatened in the fire and no evacuations have been
issued.
Pueblo DC Judge invalidates Pueblo CO SD70 BOE director appointment.
Pueblo District Court Judge Michelle Chostner has invalidated the controversial
appointment of a Pueblo County School District 70 board of education director, after
finding that the board violated the Coloado open meetings law by failing to provide
public notice regarding the appointment of Susie Carnes to the board. Chostner's ruling
in the lawsuit filed by the three board candidates who were passed over in favor of
Carnes, invalidates the June 2025 memorandum of understanding between the district and
Riverstone Academy, as well as Carnes' appointment. The D70 board has been ordered
to pay the plaintiffs' attorney fees. A Pueblo District 70 spokesperson declined to
comment on the judge's ruling, or on what comes next for the board, citing ongoing
litigation.
Custer County deputies rescue young bear wednesday morning.
Custer County deputies, along with Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers, on Wednesday
morning, rescued a young bear from a power pole on Rosita Road near The Custer
County landfill. Earlier this week, a juvenile bear was struck and killed by a car, and a
second juvenile bear was electrocuted on the same power pole. Wednesday's bear was
relocated to the CPW rehab facility in Del Norte, according to the sheriff's office.
August 13th 2026
CSSA seeking injunction against new Colorado gun law.
The Colorado State Shooting Association, a chapter of the national rifle association, is
seeking an injunction to stop Colorado from enforcing SB25-003, a new law that took
effect this month. The new law requires anyone purchasing or selling certain firearms to
fist complete a safety training course offered through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The
course is mandatory for anyone planning to purchase a semiautomatic rifle, shotgun or
handgun with a detachable magazine. The shooting association had filed a lawsuit last
September, challenging the law's unconstitutionality. The lawsuit has not been resolved,
so the group is seeking a preliminary injunction to halt enforcement until the lawsuit can
be heard and decided. The motion argues that the "cumulative burden" of the law is
incompatible with the 2nd Amendment.
Firefighters responded to fire in Colorado City area yesterday.
Firefighters responded yesterday afternoon to what is now the 3rd fire in the Colorado
City area this season. The fire, located north of Colorado City and to the east of south
crow cutoff, grew to a total of 6 acres in size. Evacuation of 20 homes was ordered
around 4pm yesterday. Rye Fire, Beulah Fire, west Park Fire, Pueblo West Fire, Pueblo
Rural Fire, Pueblo City Fire, Hanover Fire and The U.S. Forest Service responded to help
knock down the fire. Air support was also enlisted to douse the fire. By 5:18pm, the fire
was reported to be 100% contained, and all evacuations were lifted.
Following an operation multiple arrests made in Alamosa County.
Following a 2-day operation in Alamosa County, The U.S. Marshals Service Colorado
violent offender task force arrested five violent offenders in the county. According to a
release from The U.S. Marshals Service, officials executed operation sand dune on
Monday and Tuesday, leading to the 5 arrests, 19 warrants cleared and 28 sex offender
compliance checks. The task force worked with The Alamosa County Sheriff's Office,
Alamosa Police, Fountain Police, Huerfano County Sheriff's Office and The Trinidad
Police Department. Officials said the task force is one of many multi-jurisdictional
fugitive task forces that target violent criminal offenders.
Post fire sparked to life yesterday near CO/NM border.
What is being called the "post fire" sparked to life overnight Wednesday near The
Colorado-New Mexico state border. According to Las Animas County officials, the
blaze, located at the top of the Raton Mesa in Colorado, had grown to about 2,427 acres
with no containment. Fire crews, along with air support, worked yesterday to keep the
fire on the top of the mesa. The fire is completely burning within the boundaries of the
James M. John State Wildlife Area. No structures have been threatened and no
evacuations have been issued. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Rollover crash closed CO12 in Huerfano County yesterday.
Colorado 12 was closed for a time in Huerfano County yesterday afternoon due to a
crash. According to the Huerfano County Sheriff's Office, deputies and Colorado State
Patrol troopers responded to a rollover crash that was partially blocking the highway at
mile marker 6 around 1pm yesterday. The highway was shut down for about 30 minutes
so that the vehicle could be safely removed from the scene. No further information was
given regarding the crash or any injuries to the occupants of the vehicle.
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