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Kroger Albertsons merger on pause awaiting court ruling.

Kroger and Albertsons have agreed to place their $24.6 billion merger on hold as they await a court ruling, Colorado State Attorney General Phil Weiser said yesterday. Weiser filed a lawsuit in Denver district court to block the deal. The lawsuit says that the terms of the proposed deal would very negatively affect Colorado shoppers, workers and suppliers. Weiser said he was pleased that Kroger and Albertsons agreed to halt their plans to merge until the court rules on Colorado's lawsuit to permanently block the grocery merger. The trial is set to begin on September 30th. Weiser says his office is looking forward to making the case that this merger will eliminate competition and impact food prices, jobs and consumer choice. If the deal were to go through, 91 Colorado Safeway stores would be sold off. Kroger and Albertsons have previously said they were "disappointed" in the "premature decision" to file a lawsuit while the merger was still under regulatory review.

Saguache County Sheriff's deputy fatally shots suspect.

A Saguache County Sheriff's deputy fatally shot a pipe-wielding suspect yesterday afternoon in Creston. According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, at about noon yesterday, a Saguache County Sheriff's deputy was driving near the town of Crestone to serve papers when he observed a 40-year-old white male walking about a mile from the entrance of the Baca Grande subdivision. The deputy recognized the man as having an active warrant. While attempting to talk to the man, the man began attacking the deputy with a 4-foot metal pipe. The deputy pulled out his service weapon and fired twice, hitting the suspect. The deputy immediately began performing life-saving measures, however, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene. The deputy was transported to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The deceased man has not been publicly identified.

Motorcycle vs Truck crash closes I-25 in Pueblo yesterday.

Southbound I-25 was closed in Pueblo for about 3 hours yesterday afternoon, following a motorcycle versus truck accident. According to Pueblo Police, a motorcyclist was killed in a crash that took place in the southbound lanes of I-25 near the Eagleridge exit, just before 1:30pm. The motorcyclist died at the scene. Alcohol and drugs do not appear to be factors in the crash. The motorcyclist has not yet been identified and the crash remains under investigation. Southbound I-25 reopened about 4:30pm yesterday.

Westcliffe man arrested on Felony eluding charges.

Derek Ming, of Westcliffe, is facing charges after he allegedly led Custer County Sheriff's deputies on a high-speed chase and then barricaded himself inside his home. According to the Custer County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to the Dollar General in Silver Cliff at 8:15am Wednesday on reports of a disturbance at the store. When deputies approached the suspect, identified as Ming, he jumped in his car and tore out of the parking lot, sideswiping a sheriff's vehicle in the process. Ming drove to his house on Lea Lane in Westcliffe, where a standoff took place. Just after 10:30am, Ming came out of the house on his own and surrendered. He is facing charges of felony vehicular eluding and other charges.

CDOT reminding motorists chip seal work to take place on US 160.

The Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding motorists that chip seal work is taking place on U.S. 160 between Mancos and Durango. beginning on Monday, July 29th, motorists should plan for up to 20 minute delays starting approximately five miles east of Mancos. Work will be completed in two-mile sections moving east toward Durango, or between mile markers 61 and 81. Motorists are urged to use slower speeds through the work zone to avoid vehicle damage. Work will take place from 7am to 8:30pm, Monday through Friday.

July 25th 2024

Custer County suspect appeared in court yesterday.

Hanme Clark appeared in court yesterday for a preliminary hearing. Clark is accused of shooting and killing three people and wounding a 4th over a property dispute in Custer County in November of 2023. Killed were Robert Geers, Elizabeth Wade-Geers and James Daulton. Patty Daulton survived the shooting, and was the one to make the 911 call to authorities. Clark is facing three counts of first degree murder, one count of attempted murder in the first degree, one count of assault in the first degree and one count of attempt to commit assault. He is due back in court on September 10th for arraignment. Nancy Rae Medina-Kochis, who has been identified as Clark's girlfriend, is charged with accessory to a crime. She is also due back in court on September 10th.

US Department of Energy grants Alamosa County grant for study.

The U.S. Department of Energy has granted Alamosa County almost $1.7 million to study transmission lines in the San Luis Valley. According to Alamosa County Commissioner Lori Laske, Alamosa County will conduct an analysis and extensive community engagement around three potential transmission corridors to identify the optimal route to increase electric transmission capacity to the valley in Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico. The Department of Energy says this is a "continued effort to expedite the build out of a resilient and reliable electric grid". Doe announced 20 projects across 16 states that were selected to receive up to $371 million to accelerate the permitting of high-voltage, interstate transmission projects.

Crash involving CDOT dump truck closes US 50 yesterday.

A crash involving two cars and a Colorado Department of Transportation dump truck closed U.S. 50 in Otero County yesterday morning. According to the Colorado State Patrol, the crash took place near mile marker 370, just east of Rocky Ford, and involved a Saturn SL1 occupied by just a driver, a Nissan Versa and the CDOT dump truck. A CDOT worker, 39-year-old man from La Junta, was transported to the hospital in unknown condition. The driver of the Saturn a 34-year-old man from Rocky Ford, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver and his passenger were not inured. The investigation revealed that the driver of the Saturn made a lane change, and the front of his car collided with the rear of the dump truck. The crash prompted an extensive closure of U.S. 50 and a detour was put in place. The highway reopened around 4pm yesterday. No further information was made available.

New Monte Vista Police Chief hired.

Sean Mcdonagh has been hired to be the new chief of Police in Monte Vista. Mcdonagh was born and raised in Australia where he became a law enforcement officer. He and his family moved to the United States in 2016 and he most recently was Chief of Police in Rocky Ford. Mcdonagh replaces former Monte Vista Police Chief George Dingfelder who left to become Chief of Police in Alamosa. Mcdonagh says that Dingfelder left the agency in a great place, and he is looking forward to building on that.

Fremont County's most wanted fugitives arrested Tuesday.

35-year-old Richard Capek, one of Fremont County's most-wanted violent fugitives, was arrested on Tuesday, according to The U.S. Marshals Service. Following a short standoff near U.S. 50 and R street, about five miles east of Penrose, Marshal's arrested Capek. Capek was wanted on warrants for second-degree assault via strangulation, violation of a protection order, third-degree assault and domestic violence. Capek has also been charged with two counts of felony burglary, felony theft, felony motor vehicle theft and felony attempted motor vehicle assault from another incident. Capek was booked into the Fremont County Jail.

July 24th 2024

CO Dem Party announces endorsement of Harris.

The Colorado Democratic Party yesterday announced that they have voted to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the democratic candidate for President of the United States. The Colorado Democratic Party says that Harris won over 95% of the state central committee's voting members' support as well as 95% of Colorado's delegates to the Democratic National Convention coming up next month. Of the voting members who chose to cast their ballots, the central committee voted 329-12 to support Harris, and 83 of 87 delegates have pledged their support to her campaign. The next step is the DNC's rules committee meeting, which includes some members of Colorado's delegation. The meeting will take place ahead of a roll call vote, which party leaders are looking to schedule sooner rather than later due to ballot deadlines in some states.

Trinidad Man arrested Saturday for aiding escape.

William Morgan, 32, of Trinidad, was arrested Saturday for aiding an escape. According to Trinidad police, Morgan was contacted and arrested Saturday for a warrant for aiding escape - a felony other than class 1 or 2, and for criminal mischief of at least $5000 but less than $20,000. No further information was made available, and it is not known if a bail amount has been set for Morgan.

City of Alamosa planning commission meeting in regards of Prop 122.

The planning commission for the City of Alamosa will work on land use specifics for psychedelic substances during its regular meeting today. As dictated by proposition 122, the planning commission will classify land use codes for testing centers, healing centers and for cultivation. Prop 122, or the natural medicine health act, passed in 2022. The proposition decriminalized possession of psychadelic substances. The bill also authorized state-licensed treatment centers to administer treatments under medical supervision. The bill's goal was to open up Colorado to different pathways of treatment through the use of "natural medicine". While there are no plans currently for any of these facilities to open within the City of Alamosa, the planning commission is preparing land use code in the event that such an application may arise.

Thornton Police looking for hit and run suspect.

Thornton Police are looking for a red and tan ford expedition with colorado license plate CQJ-N56. The expedition has damage to the driver-side tail light and rear bumper. The vehicle was involved in an early-morning fatal hit-and-run on the 84th avenue bridge over i-25 in Thornton yesterday morning. Thornton police say the car was last seen around 1:30am at 84th Avenue and Huron street. If you have seen this vehicle before or if you know anything regarding the hit-and-run that took place yesterday morning, call 911 or the Thornton Police Department at 720-977-5069.

Colorado Law enforcement agencies conducting click or ticket campaign.

Don't let a seat belt citation get in the way of enjoying a beautiful summer day in Colorado. The Colorado State Patrol and 61 law enforcement agencies in Colorado are currently conducting a click it or ticket campaign, through Friday, August 2nd. Drivers should expect increased awareness and enforcement of Colorado's seat belt law. Last year, nine Colorado counties reported that all of their passenger vehicle deaths involved people who were not using seat belts. The state average is 50%. Troopers are doubling down on their education and enforcement of seat belt use this summer because the decision to buckle up can save your life.

July 23rd 2024

CO Dem delegates support Harris for nomination.

Following a Colorado Democratic Party state central committee meeting of delegates yesterday, delegates say the mood surrounding Vice-President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee is one of excitement. Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib says the excitement is "a testament to Vice-President Harris and the work that she's done with President Biden over the past few years, that you're seeing so many endorsements coming out for her, including all of Colorado's delegation". Murib said they will consider nominating any candidate who receives the required 300 delegate signatures, but that has not happened yet. Murib says that nobody seems to be throwing their hat into the ring in a very serious way to oppose the vice president. Colorado Democrats must file nominating paperwork with the Colorado Secretary of State by September 6th to get Harris onto the state's 2024 general election ballot.

1 dead following Sunday shooting in Pueblo.

A man in Pueblo is dead after a shooting on Sunday. According to the Pueblo Police Department, the shooting took place about 2:45pm Sunday near Fountain Creek and Dillon Drive. Upon arriving at the scene, officers say they found a man who appeared to have been shot. Police say they are investigating the shooting as a homicide, the 15th homicide in Pueblo this year. No suspect has yet been identified and the victim has not been identified. Anyone with information regarding the shooting is asked to call Detective Hector Herrera at 719-601-7023, or call crime stoppers at 719-542-7867.

Raton man killed in Western Kansas crash.

Ronald Crabb, 41, of Raton, was killed in a crash in Western Kansas yesterday morning. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Crabb was driving a 2011 Toyota Camry Eastbound on U.S. Highway 50 in Edwards County at 6:40am yesterday. At the same time, a 36-year-old man from Mount Hope, Kansas, was driving a 2022 Peterbuilt semi- truck towing a trailer westbound on U.S. 50. Crabb reportedly drove his car left of the center line and struck the Peterbilt. Crabb was fatally injured in the crash. The driver of the Peterbilt was not injured.

City of Trinidad announces street closures in Trinidad.

The City of Trinidad has announced that, beginning tomorrow evening after 5pm, in conjunction with the first street project, rms utilities and the City of Trinidad will close chestnut street from first street to second street, maple street from first street to second street, and east first street from maple street to chestnut street to allow for the placement of parking and roadway paint striping. Pedestrian access to all businesses and residents will be maintained throughout the project. Through traffic is directed to use alternate routes during the construction period. Roads are expected to reopen by Friday afternoon.

Smokey skies to continue in Colorado.

Smokey skies are expected to continue today throughout much of Northern, Southern and Eastern Colorado. As air masses in the atmosphere move slowly this time of year, the smoke isn't likely to make it's way out until Thursday when a strong cold front is expected to push across the pacific northwest, pushing the smoke to the north and east from Colorado. Much of the smoke is coming from Canadian wildfires, however, some is also coming from several large fires burning in Oregon. If you are sensitive to smoke or have respiratory issues, reduce your exposure outdoors and avoid strenuous activities.

July 22nd 2024

CO lawmakers react to Pres Biden's decision to leave Presidential race.

Following President' Joe Biden's decision yesterday to end his bid for reelection, a number of Colorado leaders spoke out about the decision: Sen. John Hickenlooper said "more than anything, I'm thankful Joe Biden has given so much to this county over a lifetime of service". Sen. Michael Bennet said "America is a better, stronger county because of President Biden's decades of public service and dedication to the American dream". Colorado Governor Jared Polis said "Coloradans and I are deeply grateful to President Biden for his incredible leadership and his unrelenting commitment to the country we all love". U.S. Rep. Jason Crow said "in 2020, President Biden saved us from a second Trump term and by stepping aside, he may have done so again". U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert said "after three and a half years of total failure, Biden is out of the race. they can nominate anyone they want to replace him, but it's all the same. Trump will resoundingly defeat whichever failed candidate they put up in Biden's place."

Alamosa City Council votes to put marijuana measure on ballot.

The Alamosa City Council on Wednesday, voted 4-3 to place a measure on the November Ballot that would allow medical and/or retail marijuana shops to operate within the City of Alamosa. Those voting in favor of place the ballot issue on the ballot included councilors Jamie Dominguez, Liz Hensley, Jackie Vigil and Jan Vigil. Those voting against placing the ballot issue on the ballot include Councilors Michael Carson and Dawn Krebs, and Mayor Ty Coleman. Citizens had circulated a petition in 2017 that gained enough signatures to place the issue on the ballot that year. However, at that time, the issue failed. Prior to the vote, City Attorney Eric Schwiesow emphasized that the issue was not instigated by staff in any way, but was the result of councilors being approached by constituents.

Small fire sparks to life in Custer County Friday Afternoon.

A small fire sparked to life in Custer County near Westcliffe on Friday afternoon. According to the U.S. Forest Service, as of 4:30pm Friday, the fire had burned one acre. The fire, which has been named the Jones Gulch Fire, was located 11 and a half miles southeast of Westcliffe and was caused by lightning, and was first reported just before 1:30pm Friday. Rain was falling in the area Friday, and firefighters had planned to reengage with the fire when the rain let up. There were no evacuation or pre-evacuation orders. The fire was 25% contained as of 7:30pm on Friday.

CDOT announces new guardrail to be installed on CO 15.

Beginning today, The Colorado Department of Transportation has announced that it will install new guardrail on Colorado Highway 15 south of Monte Vista in Rio Grande County. Work will take place on the bridge structure over the Rio Grande/Monte Vista canal located nine miles south of Monte Vista at mile marker 9.3. Daytime work hours will range from 7am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Motorists should plan for 15 to 30 minute delays and should allow for extra travel time. Full stops and one-lane alternating traffic should be expected. The project will take three to five days to complete.

National Weather Service says wildfire smoke from Canada to impact air quality.

The National Weather Service says that drifting wildfire smoke from Canada will likely impact Colorado air quality over the next few days. Winds will likely contribute to an increase in upper-level smoke across the northern and eastern parts of the state and may linger for a bit because of current weather conditions. Wildfire smoke from Canada darkened Colorado's skies several times last year. The weather service is not expecting a significant amount from this incursion. Fires in the pacific northwest are also impacting Colorado's air quality.

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