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Containment on Aspen Acres Fire holding steady. US District Court Judge dismisses challenge to CO immigration law. Full containment expected today on Schrader Creek Fire. CDPHE report finds rural counties have worse outcomes on health indicators. CDOT announces equipment to be replaced at Trinidad Weigh Station. For older News stories please scroll below today's headlines.

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KSPK NEWS

July 22nd 2026

Containment on Aspen Acres Fire holding steady.

The Aspen Acres fire grew to 101,546 acres as of last night and remained at 61% containment. According to fire officials, the fire has generally remained contained and with moisture moving through the area this week is likely to see decreasing fire activity. However, the fire did cross primary containment lines in small areas southwest of the San Isabel area. Mandatory evacuations were lifted for zones FS-3 and FS-4 in Pueblo County yesterday. Pre-evacuations were also lifted for zones P-2 and P-3. The Custer County Sheriff’s Office said yesterday that The Aspen Acres area, along with evacuation zones C-3 and C-4 will reopen to residents today. Anyone re-entering must do so using Colorado 96 to Mckenzie Junction to Highway 165. Residents re-entering also must have a re-entry card to be allowed into the area.

US District Court Judge dismisses challenge to CO immigration law.

U.S. District Court Judge Gordon P. Gallagher last week dismissed a challenge from The Mesa County Sheriff's Office to a Colorado law that limits public employees' cooperation with immigration authorities, concluding that the plaintiffs did not allege that they engage in any conduct that the law would prohibit. In his ruling, Gallagher noted that lawmakers only forbade the sharing of personal information "for the purpose of" immigration enforcement. Even then, the law contains exceptions for authorized criminal investigations or necessary duties. The plaintiffs alleged that the law, known as article 74, is unconstitutionally vague as to whether they would face liability for sharing personal identifying information in the course of their duties. The Colorado Attorney General's Office sought to dismiss the case.

Full containment expected today on Schrader Creek Fire.

The Schrader Creek Fire burning near Bennett Peak above Del Norte was first reported around 2pm on Sunday afternoon. According to The Rio Grande National Forest, the fire has been successfully mapped and is currently at nine acres in size and is exhibiting minimal fire behavior. Firefighting resources are working to contain the fire and emergency personnel are closely monitoring the fire. Local hotshot crews and regional fire rescue teams are also on high alert as Southern Colorado faces a multi-day stretch of critical fire weather. The Schrader Creek Fire did not grow in size yesterday and 100% containment is expected some time today.

CDPHE report finds rural counties have worse outcomes on health indicators.

A report released by The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment yesterday finds that rural counties in Colorado have worse outcomes than urban counties on 75% of health indicators, with notable exceptions in resort communities. Southern and Eastern Colorado generally saw the worst outcomes. Major issues in rural areas include higher uninsured rates and less access to routine care, as well as limited access to maternity care and behavior health services. Economic factors like higher rates of poverty and food insecurity in rural areas is also a factor in those health outcomes. The report says that medicaid changes are likely to increase uninsured rates.

CDOT announces equipment to be replaced at Trinidad Weigh Station.

The Colorado Department of Transportation has announced that it is replacing aging weigh-in-motion equipment at the Trinidad weigh station this week. Single lane and shoulder closures should be expected on Northbound I-25 at Mile Marker 10.5 for approximately a half mile from 8am to 6pm today through Friday, allowing crews to relocate the existing cabinet, the mast arm pole and to install new weigh-in-motion scales.

July 21st 2026

New mandatory evacuations issued in Aspen Acres Fire.

The Custer County Sheriff's Office has issued new mandatory evacuations for Custer Zone C4, which is now back under mandatory evacuation. Custer Zone C10 is also under mandatory evacuation, although there are no homes in C10. Custer County Zone C3 was supposed to be repopulated today. That repopulation has been canceled. The changes are necessary due to recent increased fire movement, according to the sheriff's office. In Pueblo County, the north creek area and the 2600 block of siloam road have been downgraded to pre-evacuations and residents may return to their homes. The fire stands at 100,756 acres and 61% containment as of last night. With the heat over the past few days, fire crews have been working to minimize fire growth and to expand and strengthen containment lines along the western and southwestern flanks. Ground operations are also being supported by aircraft delivering water to hotspots. For those concerned in the Gardner area, the fire remains very active on the east side of the wet mountains in very high rugged terrain, but has not crossed to the west side of the mountains as of yet, even though the majority of the smoke is moving toward Gardner and The Upper Huerfano and into The San Luis Valley. If conditions change, we will again provide more fire updates for those living in The Gardner and Upper Huerfano areas.

US Senator Hickenlooper holds large fundraising advantage over opponent.

U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper's reelection campaign raised just over $1.3 million during the second quarter, finishing with $2 million in the bank. That leaves Hickenlooper with almost 80 times as much cash on hand as his Republican challenger. According to last week's campaign finance filings, Hickenlooper has raised nearly $10.3 million since launching his bid for a second, six-year term. State Senator Mark Baisley of Woodland Park, the Republican nominee, reported raising just under $80,000 during 2nd quarter and reported starting July with $26,729 on hand. Baisley's fundraising since he launched his campaign totals just over $110,000.

Wrong way driver in Friday night Pueblo crash identified.

John P. Morrone, 67, of Pueblo, has been identified as the wrong-way driver who was killed in a crash Friday night on Interstate 25 near the City Center exit in Pueblo. The crash closed the interstate for several hours. According to Pueblo Police, the crash took place when Morrone was traveling southbound in the Northbound lanes of I-25 just south of the 13th street off ramp. Morrone was driving a Black Nissan Altima that struck a Blue Ford SUV head-on. Officers attempted life-saving measures, but Morrone was pronounced dead at the scene. The only occupant of the ford was extricated and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. This crash marks the 12th fatal traffic crash in Pueblo in 2026.

CDOT announces US 160 Fort Garland mitigation project now complete.

The Colorado Department of Transportation has announced that the U.S. 160 Fort Garland safety mitigation project is now complete. The project involved wildlife safety improvements including construction of three wildlife underpasses, installation of seven miles of deer fencing along both sides of the highway, earthen escape ramps throughout the fenced corridor, and deer guards or gates at highway access points. The project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, according to CDOT.

Crash closed southbound I-25 south of Trinidad yesterday.

A crash in the Southbound lanes of Interstate 25 yesterday afternoon closed the interstate for a time south of Trinidad. According to CDOT, the crash took pace around 12:38pm yesterday in the southbound lanes between Exit 8, Spring Creek, and Exit 6, Gallinas, two miles south of the Starkville area at mile marker 7. It appeared that a large vehicle had rolled onto its side on one of the turns. No further information about the crash or any injuries involved has been made available.

July 20th 2026

Crews continue work on Aspen Acres Fire.

The Aspen Acres remained at 100,224 acres burned as of last night, but now with 61% containment. Firefighters worked over the weekend to prevent any additional growth for the fire and to protect the town of Rye from the remaining threat to the west of town. The Custer County Sheriff announced yesterday that Custer County zone four will be allowed to return home today. Re-entry cards are required to pass through traffic control points. Zone C4 is now in pre-evacuation status and residents should be aware that they may need to leave again if unsafe conditions return. Dumpsters for spoiled food are available at Mckenzie Junction for food spoiled during power outages. Officials ask that only spoiled food be deposited in the dumpsters, no household trash or debris. Pueblo County Sheriff David Lucero said that 241 homes and businesses have been destroyed by the fire in Pueblo County. He said that number includes 208 in Beulah, 28 in Rye and two in Colorado City, and three in unincorporated Pueblo County.

City of Monte Vista appointed full time police chief Thursday.

The City of Monte Vista on Thursday appointed interim Monte Vista Police Chief Charlie Schoepflin to be its full time police chief. Schoepflin was appointed interim chief following the resignation of former police chief Tyler Harford last December. Schoepflin is originally from Commerce City, where he worked as police commander of the support operations bureau as well as gained experience as a member of the swat team and had supervised its K-9 unit. According to reports, Schoepflin has added stability and structure to the department that has been lacking and others like working with him and his professionalism.

Fatal crash closed I-25 in Pueblo Friday.

Interstate 25 was closed in Pueblo for several hours on Friday night following a fatal crash. According to Pueblo Police, the crash took place in the Northbound lanes of I-25 at the City Center exit around 9:20pm Friday. Police say the driver was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes when the vehicle struck another vehicle. The wrong- way driver died at the scene. The other driver was taken to the hospital with non-life- threatening injuries. The deceased driver was not identified and no further information about what led up to the crash was made available.

LSP Martin Lake Swim Beach closed temporarily.

The Martin Lake Swim Beach at Lathrop State Park west of Walsenburg has been closed temporarily after water at the beach tested higher for e-coli than permitted Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment levels. The designated swim beach on Martin Lake is the only area routinely tested because it's the only area where swimming is allowed at the park. The swim beach is tested weekly and results are "typically way below the standard allowed levels for e-coli". The beach will remain closed until tests "return to permitted levels", according to CPW.

Saturday's Manassa Pioneer Days 5K winners.

The Manassa Pioneer Days 5K took place on Saturday with 556 people registered and 507 finishers. Overall winners were Lincoln Bagwell of Sanford and Shae Romero of Alamosa. First place winners by age group were: 4 and under – Gus King of Millsap Texas & Maisie Martin of Fort Worth Texas. 5 to 8 – Rolly Bush of Alamosa & Cambrie Polkowske of La Jara. 9 to 12 – Greyson Romero of Alamosa & Diem Romero of Alamosa. 13 to 15 – Ethan Martinez of Antonito & Avery Duran of Antonito. 16 to 19 –Jacob Passey of Evanston Wyoming & Rylie Mccarroll of La Jara. 20 to 24 – Josh Nelson of Rocky Ford & Abby Crowther of Manassa. 25 to 29 – Brian Shawcroft of Lindon Utah & Brittany Lopez of Manassa. 30 to 34 – Spencer Baker of Bluffdale Utah & Alyssa Miller of Sanford. 35 to 39 – Gilbert Rodriguez of Crestone & Miriam Romero of Alamosa. 40 to 44 – Ren Johnson of Sanford & Jill Sego of Albuquerque. 45 to 49 – Kermit Snyder of Rocky Ford & April Mccarroll of La Jara. 50 to 54 – Steve Gilcrist of Fort Collins & Cynthia Mcdaniel of Manassa. 55 to 59 – Kelby Pepper of Center & Stephanie Bagwell of Tooele Utah. 60 to 64 – James Gutierrez of Bosque Farms New Mexico & Angela Hernandez of Pueblo West. 65 to 69 – David Jackson of La Jara & Brenda Wilson of Alamosa. and 70 and over – Jose Fernandez of Monte Vista and Grace Bagwell of Manassa.

July 17th 2026

Crews continue work on Aspen Acres Fire.

The Aspen Acres Fire now stands at 99,820 acres and is 48% contained as of last night. there are 1,724 fire personnel currently working on the fire. A spot fire crossed the first two defensive lines that were still under construction on the south side of the "chicken foot", or the north flanks of the area of high heat near north muddy creek about 2 miles northwest of the town of Rye. Fire crews responded using dozers and firefighting aircraft to drop water and retardant, and those actions successfully doused the spot fire. Officials said that conditions like the spot fire are the reason why evacuation orders remain in effect for Rye and other communities on the west side of the fire. Custer County Sheriff Rich Smith announced yesterday that people in two areas impacted by The Aspen Acres fire will be allowed to return to their homes today. The two areas are both located to the west of Wetmore and Greenwood, in the northeastern part of Custer County.

Walsenburg man identified as victim in July 8th incident.

Samuel Vallaster II, 49, of Walsenburg, has been identified by Huerfano County Coroner Vonnie Valdez as the man who was found dying on the sidewalk in the 800 block of West 7th Street on Wednesday, July 8th. Vallaster apparently died of a single gunshot wound in the neck. According to a police report, Walsenburg dispatch received a call about 10:17am regarding a man who had sustained a gunshot wound. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male with an apparent gunshot wound. Despite lifesaving efforts, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. No further information has been released by The Walsenburg Police Office. Vallaster’s body remained lying on the sidewalk, draped in a white sheet for almost 5 hours as police preserved the scene for CBI agents who responded to the scene, in front of lines of vehicles who were stuck waiting for construction in the area.

Former Las Animas County Commissioner Montoya wins Dem nomination.

Former Las Animas County Commissioner Jim Montoya has won as the Democratic nominee for Las Animas County Commissioner District 3, by just 7 votes. According to The Colorado Secretary of State's Office, Montoya received 1,074 votes. Former Trinidad Mayor Philip Rico received 1,067 votes. The race was one of the closest primary races in recent history in Las Animas County. And, because the margin is so narrow, Colorado law requires an automatic recount, which is currently underway. The results of the recount should be available later this month. Pending the outcome of the recount, Montoya is expected to advance to the general election in November when he will face Republican nominee Brad Doherty.

Chaffee County traffic stop July 10th ends with an arrest.

Following contact with a speeding vehicle, Chaffee County Sheriff's deputies discovered a large amount of suspected cocaine and methamphetamine in the vehicle. According to The Chaffee County Sheriff's Office, deputies pulled a vehicle over for a speeding violation on US285 in Poncha Springs, last Friday, July 10th. A K9 unit alerted to the vehicle, prompting a search. 74 grams of suspected cocaine and 15 grams of suspected methamphetamine were found in the vehicle, along with some drug paraphernalia. 49- year-old Harvey Nelson Jr, was booked into The Chaffee County Detention Center for unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, possession, and speeding 10-19 miles per hour over the speed limit.

Mandatory evacuations issued in fire burning in northern Hinsdale County.

Mandatory evacuations have been issued for Northern Hinsdale County in response to The Elk fire which has been burning on U.S. Forest Service land for just over a week. evacuations are in the area just north of Henson to the south, Colorado 23 to the west, Colorado 149 to the east and The Gunnison County border to the north. The Elk Fire stands at 575 acres and is burning in remote, rugged wilderness terrain.

July 16th 2026

Crews continue work on Aspen Acres Fire.

The Aspen Acres Fire stands at 99,077 acres as of last night with 36% containment. There are now about 1,767 fire personnel working on the fire. Crews have been working to extinguish hot spots in the mingus ranch area, and to continue constructing primary and secondary fireline in the saint charles peak area. Aerial firefighting resources are working in conjunction with crews on the ground to keep the west side of the fire in check, according to fire officials. Fire activity is still high near north muddy creek, and the fire there remains a serious threat to the community of Rye, just 2 miles to the southeast. Firefighters have been aggressively constructing defensive lines between the fire and Rye. Work is not yet complete, fire officials said, and it is not yet safe for residents to return home. If winds align with drainage's, it could rapidly send the fire towards Rye, according to officials. Smoldering hot spots on the northeast side remain a lurking threat with the potential to ignite highly flammable juniper trees near a populated area, according to officials. Fire officials are asking residents to watch out for firefighters in the area.

Lawsuit against San Isabel Electric Association filed yesterday.

A lawsuit against San Isabel Electric Association was filed yesterday in Pueblo County Court that alleges that powerlines and utility equipment owned by San Isabel Electric was "a substantial factor in the cause, origin, and continuation of the highly destructive Aspen Acres Fire". The lawsuit's statement of facts alleges that a witness "reported seeing a tree leaning on a power line" on the morning of June 29th, while a separate witness "videotaped a timber and grass fire burning under and near a powerlines in the vicinity of Highway 165 and Custer Drive in the Aspen Acres Neighborhood". The lawsuit also alleges that people living in the aspen acres area witnessed, fought, and extinguished fires related to powerlines in the area in the days leading up to June 29th. The lawsuit accuses San Isabel Electric of negligence and failing to "properly inspect, maintain, and repair the powerlines and equipment and failing to properly cut, trim and/or prune vegetation near their lines". The plaintiffs are seeking damages including evacuation expenses, lost wages, damage to property and soil, as well as emotional damages.

Alamosa man taken into custody following high speed pursuit.

Daniel Mascarenas, 43, of Alamosa, was taking into custody yesterday after the Alamosa Regional Swat team executed a search warrant at a residence in the 400 block of Dunham Street. Mascarenas was arrested following a high-speed vehicle pursuit and a brief standoff at a home in Monte Vista. The incident began around 11:20am Tuesday when sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of an unwanted person in the 4500 block of county road 3 south. The caller identified Mascarenas and told dispatchers he was at the home in a White Cadillac Escalade. He fled when police arrived. Information was received yesterday placing Mascarenas in the home on Dunham Street. Mascarenas is facing charges including stalking, vehicular eluding, resisting arrest, obstructing a peace officer, second-degree criminal trespass, drug possession and traffic infractions.

CPW announces voluntary Rio Grande River fishing closures.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has imposed a voluntary afternoon fishing closure on two stretches of the Rio Grande River, citing high water temperatures and low flow. The impacted areas include the section of the river from The Rio Grande Reservoir Dam to The Rio Grande Canal and the stretch from Big Meadows Reservoir dam to the confluence of the main stem of the river. Closures are in place from noon to midnight each day until further notice, according to CPW.