October 23rd 2026
Heavy rains led to evacuation orders being issued in Rio Grande County yesterday.
With heavy rainfall in the area, residents of South Fork along The Rio Grande River,
from the River Green Subdivision at the confluence of the South Fork and Rio Grande
rivers, to the rest area, were placed under mandatory evacuation last night due to rising
river levels and flooding. Residents were directed to go to the South Fork Community
Building. Residents along the South Fork of the Rio Grande from the Wolf Creek Tunnel
east to Fun Valley were also under evacuation orders last night. U.S. 160 was closed
between South Fork and the summit of Wolf Creek Pass due to 8 to 10 inches of water
and debris flowing over the highway at the park creek bridge intersection. Colorado
Governor Jared Polis issued a disaster emergency late yesterday in response to the
flooding in multiple Southwest Colorado counties.
Ballot Issue 7A on the Colorado November Ballot.
Today we take a look at Front Range Passenger Rail District Ballot Issue 7A to increase
taxes and increase debt in the district. This issue will only appear on ballots for voters
inside The Front Range Passenger Rail District, which includes the municipalities of:
Arvada, Boulder, Broomfield, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Denver, Englewood, Fort
Collins, Glendale, Lakewood, Littleton, Longmont, Louisville, Loveland, Manitou
Springs, Pueblo, Starkville and Trinidad. Ballot Issue 7A asks those in the district if
taxes should be increased by $295 million annually, and by whatever amounts are raised
annually thereafter, and if debt in the district should be increased by $580 million, with a
repayment cost of $785 million. The increase in tax would come in the form of a 1/3-
cent sales and use tax within the district. The issue also allows the district to retain all
such revenues, public and private contributions, and any investment income over and
above the Tabor cap. Proponents say The Colorado Connector (or COCO) will link
communities from Pueblo to Fort Collins with a reliable alterative to driving along The
Front Range, and will help to reduce traffic on Interstate 25. Opponents say the issue will
impose a permanent 1/3-cent sales and use tax throughout the district whether or not
residents ride the train, and that tax continues indefinitely without a sunset provision. A
"yes" vote authorizes the new sales and use tax, increases debt for the district, and raises
the Tabor cap for residents of the district. A "no" vote leaves things as they are. My
commentary? I don’t live in the district, but I do love trains, and it sounds like a really
neat idea. But, while such a train should work well in The Denver Metro Area stretching
to Fort Collins, it falls apart in the smaller and rural areas. And while taxes will be raised,
the extension of train service remains largely in doubt, yet, you'll be paying for it
anyway.
Former US Senator/SLV resident Ken Salazar announces opposition to Amendment 87.
Former U.S. Senator, and San Luis Valley resident, Ken Salazar, a Democrat, has come
out against Amendment 87, the proposal for a graduated income tax in Colorado, arguing
that it would hurt workers in a recent ad. Critics of the amendment say it could make
Colorado less economically competitive and question whether voters should amend the
state constitution to create a tax system that does not automatically adjust its income
thresholds for inflation. The ad drew criticism from State Senator Julie Gonzales, also a
Democrat, who said "tax the rich their fair share while providing a tax break to 97% of
Coloradans."
Las Animas County announces end of Flock camera use in the County.
Less than two months after Las Animas County activated its flock safety license plate
readers, The Sheriff's Office has announced that it has shut down the system. The
Sheriff's Office has cited cost, public feedback and legal concerns for taking the action.
October 22nd 2026
Denver Court Judge rejects last minute Amendment 87 lawsuit.
A last-minute lawsuit aimed at stopping Amendment 87, the graduated income tax, from
appearing on the November ballot, was rejected by a judge in Denver yesterday. The
lawsuit questioned the signature gathering process for the amendment, saying it was done
incorrectly and challenged the secretary of state's review of the signatures. Denver
District Court Judge Heidi L. Kutcher, in her written ruling yesterday, wrote that the
lawsuit "did not meet [the] burden to establish" the case against Griswold and
Amendment 87 proponents, "therefore, the court dismisses this matter". The attorney for
the plaintiff said they "obviously disagree with the result", and will file an appeal to The
Colorado State Supreme Court today. Amendment 87, if it passes next month, would
eliminate Colorado's flat income tax and change it to a graduated tax rate, and would
eliminate the flat tax rate from The Taxpayer's Bill of Rights.
Proposition 137 on the Colorado November Ballot.
Today we look at the last of the statewide ballot measures with Proposition 137, titled
"direct sporting goods sales tax revenue for conservation". Proposition 137 would direct
a portion of existing sales tax revenues from purchases and rentals of sporting goods to
be used for certain conservation, wildfire risk mitigation, and outdoor recreation
programs, and would exempt that money from the state's constitutional (or Tabor)
revenue limit, reducing the amount of money collected above the limit that is returned to
taxpayers. Proponents say the measure would direct needed money to recreation access,
protect land from development, mitigate wildfire risk, and safeguards watersheds. They
say the measure provides a user-based model for supporting the outdoors. Opponents say
the measure is a tax increase in disguise because it reduces or eliminates future Tabor
refunds, and, they say, keeping state revenue subject to the current constitutional limit is
critical taxpayer protection that is continuously being undermined. Opponents also say
that the measure directs more money to organizations and government entities with
specific interests and limited accountability to the legislature or voters. They say state
legislators already have the power to spend money to meet these needs. A "yes" vote
directs sporting goods sales tax to be spent on certain outdoor programs and exempts the
revenue from Tabor limits. A "no" vote keeps sporting goods sales tax revenue in the
general fund and subject to the tabor limit. We’ll take a look at more localized issues
tomorrow, beginning with 7A.
New Pueblo County SD70 BOE member appointed.
Jonathan Lewis, a Pueblo County School District 70 Board of Education candidate who
was passed over for the job under controversial circumstances, and who was part of a
successful lawsuit against the district, has been appointed to the director District 2 Board
seat in a 3-1 vote at the board's meeting on Tuesday evening. Lewis is a father of two
sons currently attending Pueblo District 70 schools and he has worked directly with
Pueblo D70 students as the area director of young life. Board Director A.J. Wilson, who
previously supported Susie Carnes' appointment, nominated Lewis to fill the vacancy.
Westcliffe man in custody after standoff with authorities.
James Adams, 49, the man whom The Custer County Sheriff's office says fired at
deputies from inside a residence northeast of Westcliffe yesterday, is now in custody.
According to The Custer County Sheriff's Office, the shooting took place around
11:15am yesterday on rocky ridge road, forcing people in a 5-mile radius to shelter in
place. About an hour earlier, a call came in about a man blocking the road with his
vehicle. Following hours of crisis negotiations, the incident was resolved as of 6:11pm
last night. Adams is being held in The Fremont County Jail.
October 21st 2026
Investigation underway into letters with "suspicious substances" mailed to cong/election offices.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Capitol
Police are investigating letters with "suspicious substances" that have been mailed to
congressional and election offices nationwide. A series of suspicious mailings are being
investigated. Some of the letters contained an unknown substance. Authorities are
working to identify the individual or individuals responsible for the letters. Senator John
Hickenlooper's office said that postal investigators intercepted a suspicious letter
addressed to its Denver office. Rep. Jason Crow said his office in Aurora received a
letter with a suspicious substance. Rep. Brittany Pettersen said her office received a
suspicious envelope that contained a white substance. And, Rep. Diana Degette said her
office also received a letter containing a suspicious substance. The FBI and Postal
Inspectors say they will continue to safeguard the public and secure elections for
American citizens.
Proposition 136 on the Colorado November Ballot..
Today we take a look at Proposition 136, titled "income tax rate limit". Proposition 136
would set a 4.4 percent limit on the state income tax rate for individual and corporate
taxpayers. Proponents say Proposition 136 reinforces voter support for maintaining the
current state income tax rate. The current rate, overwhelmingly approved by voters in
2022, is fair and keeps Colorado's tax rate among the lowest in the country. Opponents
say the initiative is designed to put Amendment 87 into legal jeopardy, causing confusion
and a potentially costly legal battle to resolve. Opponents add that Proposition 136 has
no effect, since raising tax rates already requires voter approval and any future approval
would override this measure. A "yes" vote establishes the current state income tax rate of
4.4 percent as the maximum rate. A "no" vote keeps the current state income tax rate of
4.4 percent without establishing a new limit in statute. If both Proposition 136 (the
income tax rate limit) and Amendment 87 (the graduated income tax) pass on November
3rd, the exact outcome is unclear. Most likely the state legislature or a court will
determine how to resolve any conflicts.
Pueblo County Investigation leads to arrest of Ohio man.
An investigation by The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office and the internet crimes against
children unit has led to the arrest of 53-year-old Mark Lee Scott, in Akron, Ohio, for
felony sexual exploitation of a child. Scott was arrested by The U.S. Marshals Service in
Akron on an arrest warrant out of Pueblo County. Detectives began investigating Scott
following a tip. Scott was living in Pueblo County at the time. Scott was arrested and
booked into the Summit County, Ohio, Sheriff's Office. He is currently awaiting
extradition.
CSU Extension Office to hold free AG business management workshop in Monte Vista.
The CSU Extension Office will hold a free, AG business management workshop, from
6:30 to 9:30pm, on Monday, November 2nd, at The Ski Hi Complex in Monte Vista.
Farmers and ranchers will learn about the livestock and hay market outlook, drought
decisions, spreadsheet tools to decide weather to destock or buy hay, how to calculate
how much you can afford to pay for a cow to rebuild, and tax implications and options if
you sold due to drought. RSVP's are not required, but are appreciated by calling 719-
852-7381.
Colorado free application days run through tomorrow.
Colorado students can apply to college for free today and tomorrow. The ninth annual
Colorado free application days began yesterday and runs through tomorrow. The three-
day event allows students to apply to all 31 public colleges and universities in Colorado
as well as many private institutions, with fees waived to remove financial barriers for
those looking to further their education. For more information, go to
cdhe.colorado.gov/cofreeappdays.
October 20th 2026
Proposition 135 on the Colorado November Ballot.
Today we take a look at Proposition 135, titled "prohibit surgery on minors in response to
perception of sex or gender". Proposition 135 would prohibit surgeries on minors that
alter their biological sex characteristics as a treatment in response to a minor's perception
of sex or gender, with certain exceptions, and would prohibit the use of state or federal
funds or insurance coverage to pay for such surgeries. Proponents say that minors lack
the maturity to make permanent, life-altering medical decisions, and that, until an
individual is a legal adult, less invasive, non-surgical methods of providing gender-
related care should be used. Proponents also say that more long-term data is needed to
determine whether gender-affirming surgery is a necessary treatment option prior to
adulthood. Opponents say that the measure creates an overly broad ban on gender- and
sex-based surgeries that interferes with needed care for both transgender and non-
transgender minors, and that by banning such surgeries, the measure could limit the
ability of any youths to have surgeries for a range of reasons, both medical and cosmetic.
Opponents say medical care decisions for minors should be individualized based on a
patient's unique needs and well-established standards of care. A "yes" vote would
prohibit surgeries on minors that would alter their biological sex characteristics and
would prohibit the use of government funds or insurance to pay for the surgeries. A "no"
vote maintains Colorado law which protects access to surgery that alters minors'
biological sex characteristics.
Hearing held yesterday in Denver over lawsuit challenging CO State Ballot issue.
A hearing was held yesterday in Denver over a lawsuit challenging one of Colorado's
state ballot issues. An Arapahoe County man is suing Secretary of State Jena Griswold,
and Amendment 87 proponents Chris Degruy Kennedy of the Bell Policy Center and
Kiyana Newell of New Era Colorado. Amendment 87 proposes a graduated income tax.
the lawsuit claims that groups in charge of the signature gathering and certification
process that got the measure on the ballot, was done incorrectly, with 9,849 signatures in
question. If those signatures are revoked, the amendment wouldn't have enough
signatures to be on the ballot. The lawsuit alleges that 69 of the people listed as paid
gatherers weren't on the list of registered and trained petition circulators. The judge will
issue a decision in the case by the end of the day on Wednesday. The defendants
reportedly plan to appeal if the decision in not in their favor.
Pueblo County SD70 could be ordered to pay legal fees in open meeting law case.
Pueblo County School District 70 could be ordered to pay more than $78,000 in attorney
fees and court costs after Pueblo District Court Judge Michelle Chostner ruled that the
board violated Colorado's open meeting law twice in 8 months. The first violation was
by failing to disclose the religious character of Riverstone Academy, a now-defunct, 30-
student elementary school established within District 70 boundaries. The second
violation was failing to provide proper notice to the public about the appointment of
Susie Carnes to the Pueblo County School District 70 Board Of Education. The ruling
invalidated Carnes' controversial appointment to the board, as well as the memorandum
of understanding with Riverstone.
Alamosa County Commissioners entered into letter of interest with ABQ hangars company last week.
Alamosa County Commissioners entered into a letter of interest with high flying hangars
of Albuquerque last week to determine if there is interest in new hangars at The San Luis
Valley Regional Airport. The airport is hoping to capitalize on storing private aircraft
with the construction of new private aircraft hangars and development plans for the land
that surrounds the airfield. The hangars would be for corporate and private jets valued at
between $1 million and $7 million. The airport hopes providing storage will give it an
exceptional opportunity for growth.
October 19th 2026
Proposition 134 on the Colorado November Ballot.
In our continuing series on ballot issues, today we take a look at Proposition 134, titled
"Male and Female participation in school and collegiate sports". Proposition 134 would
require that all elementary through collegiate school-based athletic teams and sports be
designated as male-only or female-only based on biological sex, unless the team or sport
is open to individuals of either sex. Proposition 134 would also require schools and
school districts to implement policies to ensure that students are assigned to gender-
designated teams that align with their biological sex and prohibit investigations of, or
penalties for, a school that designates a team or sport as female-only. Proponents say
females should be able to compete against other females. Allowing biological males to
participate on female teams creates an unfair advantage for the males and can prevent
female athletes from achieving wins, records, podium spots and scholarship
opportunities. Opponents say the proposition would turn athletic eligibility into a body
inspection and manufactures new grounds for discrimination. Opponents say it could
subject many athletes, not just those who are transgender, to uncomfortable physical
inspections. A "yes" vote would mean that all school-based athletic teams would have to
be designated as for biological males only, biological females only or mixed. A "no"
vote would allow schools and athletic associations to continue setting their own policies.
CDPHE announces first reported pediatric influenza-associated death this RV season.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has announced that the first
reported pediatric influenza-associated death of the 2026-27 respiratory virus season, is
an elementary-aged child from outside the Denver metro area. CDPHE said Friday that
there is no record that the child received the 2026-27 flu vaccine. No additional
information about the child was provided. The death comes as flu activity increases
across Colorado, with hospitals reporting more positive flu tests and flu-related
hospitalizations. Health officials urge parents to get their children vaccinated before flu
transmission increases further.
EPA announces completion of major Walsenburg cleanup.
The Environmental Protection Agency has announced that it has completed a major
cleanup of the former lamme hospital and an abandoned residence in Walsenburg that
was destroyed by fire in October of 2023. Cleanup began on September 17th and was
completed by October 10th. The EPA says it removed 1,520 cubic yards of asbestos-
contaminated material and contaminated debris from the site. The EPA says it used air
monitoring to ensure asbestos fibers did not migrate off-site and disposed of the
contaminated debris at a permitted landfill in Pueblo.
Raton home destroyed by fire last night.
A home in Raton was destroyed by fire last night. According to Raton fire, a call came in
regarding a house on Terrill Avenue just before 8pm yesterday. Upon arrival, fire
fighters found the front of the house at 337 Terrill Avenue fully engulfed in flames. Fire
fighters doused the flames, but the house is a total loss. The occupants of the home were
able to get out and were not injured. Fire fighters remained on scene last night. The
cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Las Animas County R&B announces County Road closure on Wednesday.
Las Animas County Road and Bridge has announced that County Road 40.2 will be
closed on Wednesday, October 21st, beginning at 9am. The road is scheduled to reopen at
about 4:30pm. The road will be closed from the railroad tracks near the intersection of
County Road 40.2 and County Road 61.5 at the train overpass for about one mile. Please
use an alternate route if you will be in the area at that time. For more information, call
Las Animas County Road and Bridge at 719-846-2931.
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