About KSPKKSPK-FM is a locally owned and operated country music radio station, located in Walsenburg Colorado and broadcasts to all of Southern Colorado. KSPK's format consists of the new country hits with some of the older country favorites mixed in. KSPK-FM carries various High School Athletic Games from various High School's in Southern Colorado. KSPK is also the exclusive broadcast partner for Adams State University Athletics from Alamosa.
KSPK's coverage area extends from Colorado Springs Colorado in the North to Raton New Mexico in South; South Fork Colorado in the west and Lamar Colorado in the east. With such a large area of coverage KSPK remains to this day Southern Colorado's Largest Radio Station
CSP announces grant money available for victims of auto theft.
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.
November 30th 2023
President Joe Biden in Pueblo yesterday.
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.
November 29th 2023
Monte Vista Family outraged over lenient plea deals.
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.
November 28th 2023
Pre trial for Trinidad Shooting Suspect scheduled for today..
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.
November 27th 2023
Second Custer County Suspect now facing a criminal charge.
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.