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Colorado's minimum wage will increase by 2.7% in the new year. According to the Colorado division of labor standards and statistics, Colorado's minimum wage will increase from $14.42 to $14.81 next year. Workers with a tip wage have different minimums. Those with a tip credit will increase from a minimum of $11.40 to $11.79. The Federal minimum wage will remain at $7.25 per hour. The federal minimum wage for employees receiving tips is $2.13 per hour. A few areas around Colorado have their wages set differently than the state. Denver city and county will be at $18.81 in 2025. The City of Edgewater will increase to $16.52. Unincorporated areas in boulder county will be at $16.57 and the City of Boulder will be $15.57.

Pueblo County sheriffs office investigating woman's death in Pueblo West.

The Pueblo County Sheriff's office is investigating a woman's death after she was found unresponsive on Sunday morning in Pueblo West. According to the Pueblo County sheriff's office, deputies responded to a home in the 500 block of south archdale drive near the intersection of purcell boulevard and east hahns peak avenue, around 10am, on the report of an unconscious person. Deputies and members of the Pueblo West fire department performed life-saving measures on the 50-year-old woman, but were not successful. As of yesterday afternoon, no cause of death had been determined and the woman was not identified. The Pueblo County coroner's office will release the name of the woman and the cause of death at a later date.

Near miss prompts Lincoln County Sheriffs office to announce zero tolerance.

Another near-miss of law enforcement personnel is prompting the Lincoln County Sheriff's office to say "enough... expect zero tolerance". The latest incident took place on Sunday when a sheriff's deputy on I-70 near Limon was almost struck by a driver, who swerved off of the roadway while the deputy was patroling. The deputy was reportedly attempting to locate a reckless driver, who had already struck one car and was driving approximately 100 miles per hour. The car was eventually stopped and the woman behind the wheel admitted that she was distracted by her cellphone. The incident was the second in the past few months were deputies in Lincoln County were nearly killed by distracted driving.

Black Hills Energy customers urging CO PUC to deny rate increase.

Black Hills Energy customers have sent a resounding message to the Colorado Public utilities commission, asking the puc to deny any increase in their electric bills. Black Hills Energy has asked the Colorado puc to approve a $25.1 million electric rate hike, which would mean a 14% hike for residential customers, or about $15 more per month. The call is coming from city and county governments, industry, nonprofits, unions and small businesses, besides dozens of individuals who pleaded with the puc through emails, voicemails and public comments at meetings. The three members of the commission, chairman Eric Blank, and members Tom Plant and Megan Gilman, are expected to make their decision in March.

CDOT announces scheduled safety critical winter maintenance on Red Mountain Pass.

The Colorado Department of Transportation has scheduled safety-critical winter maintenance operations today on US 550 over Red Mountain Pass, between Ouray and Silverton. Work will begin at 11am. Motorists can expect intermittent highway closures lasting upwards to 30 minutes or more for most of the day today. Closure times are approximate as the length of delays depend on various factors including successful snow removal operations and the severity of avalanche danger. Both southbound and northbound motorists will encounter full stops and lengthy wait times. Motorists are urged to allow for extra travel time.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a statement yesterday following President Joe Biden's pardoning of his son, Hunter Biden. In a statement, Polis said "while as a father I certainly understand President Joe Biden's natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, i am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country." Polis continued "this is a bad precedent that could be abused by later presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation.... Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a president and not a president’s son." The pardon of Hunter Biden's federal felony gun and tax convictions came down yesterday after the President had previously said he would not pardon his son or commute his sentence.

CPW urging people to take caution after coyote attack.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is urging people to protect children and pets following a coyote attack on Thanksgiving Day. According to CPW, a 4-year-old girl was attacked by a coyote in northern Colorado Springs near Monument creek and I-25 on Thursday. Witnesses say that the girl and another child approached the coyote, thinking that it was a dog. The coyote then lunged at the girl and grabbed the back of her head. The girl received serious injuries and stayed overnight in the hospital, being released on Friday. CPW is investigating the situation and is hunting the coyote. While there is no way to identify the exact coyote that attacked the girl, CPW will "lethally remove any coyote it can find in the vicinity of the attack. CPW says it is important to remember that coyotes are wild animals and can be aggressive under certain circumstances.

Much of Colorado under special Avalanche Advisory According to CAIC.

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center has placed much of Colorado under a special avalanche advisory, saying on Friday that avalanche danger in the state is "considerable" after the snowfall that was received last month. "considerable" means that natural avalanches are possible and human-triggered avalanches are likely. Mountains in the KSPK listening area are more in the moderate range, which means that natural avalanches are unlikely, however, human-triggered avalanches are possible. More information for back country enthusiasts can be found by going to the Colorado Avalance Information Center website at avalanche.state.co.us.

RG National Forest announces winter slash pile burning plans.

The Rio Grande National Forest has announced their winter slash pile burning plans. This year's pile burn areas include: in the Saguache ranger district: boogie timber sale piles, miners prong timber aale piles, cecelia timber sale piles, and the sunshing timber sale piles. In the divide ranger district: the darjeeling timber sale piles. And, in the Conejos Peak ranger district: the mix lake timber sale piles, shoofly/la manga timber sale piles, el gato timber sale piles, hunt camp timber sale piles, monarch/reservoir timber sale piles and the rito hondo hand piles. Pile burning will begin when conditions are optimal. Sufficient snow cover is a key component for many pile burns.

Next round of Gray wolf releases now underway.

Planning for the next round of gray wolf releases is now underway and Colorado Parks and Wildlife mangers and wolf program staff has been meeting with county commissioners and staff in counties where CPW is considering releasing wolves during the 2024-25 capture and release season. Counties included are Rio Blanco County, Garfield County, Eagle County and Pitkin County. Final release site decisions will not be made until the operation is underway. Variables, including weather, animal welfare, staff safety and many other day-of-operation logistics and possible scenarios, are taken into consideration when making the final decisions for release.

With only three weeks since the election, 3 Colorado lawmakers have already resigned their positions in the State Legislature. Two of the winning candidates, both Democratic Senators Chris Hansen and Janet Brucker, have submitted letters of resignation after just being re-elected to their seats on November 5th. A third Senator, Republican Kevin Van Winkle, announced his resignation last Friday, two years into his first four-year term after he was elected to be a County Commissioner. Replacements for all three senators will be chosen by vacancy committees, consisting of local precinct organizers, party officers and other registered members. The committees, which are typically comprised of a few dozen people, are a far cry from the tens of thousands of Coloradans who just voted for Hansen and Buckner. now, some are calling for change to Colorado's vacancy system.

Body found in San Luis Saturday.

The body of an unidentified man was found in San Luis on Saturday. According to the Costilla County Sheriff's Office, a tourist was walking near the stations of the cross footpath around 3:50pm on Saturday afternoon, when he spotted the body of a man under the bridge that crosses Rito Seco creek at the intersection of Colorado 142 and Colorado 159 in San Luis. The body has not yet been identified, but is described as an Hispanic Male, 30 to 40 years of age. It is believed that the body had been there for a few days and the death is believed to be due to the cold weather. The body has been taken to Colorado Springs for identification and an autopsy. There is no threat to the public and foul play is not expected in the incident.

Fort Carson announces prescribed burns in training areas.

Fort Carson has announced that it will be conducting prescribed burns at its training areas and at the pinon canyon maneuver site beginning this week and ending on December 31st. Smoke from the burns maybe visible from Interstate 25 from Colorado Springs to Pueblo, along Colorado 115 from Colorado Springs to Florence, and along US350 in Las Animas County. Fort Carson officials say the prescribed burn program is critical to reduce the risk of wildfires. Burns will only be conducted when the weather is favorable.

CO SOS orders CO State House District 16 recount.

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold on Monday ordered a recount of the Colorado House District 16 race. The race was between Republican Rebecca Keltie and Democrat Steph Vigil in El Paso County. The race had a difference of .5 percent of the winner's total. That means that a recount is required by Colorado law. A bipartisan board will work with District 16 to complete a logic and accuracy test on the equipment prior to the recount. The recount will begin after the test is complete. The recount should be finished no later than December 6th.

National Weather Service issues Winter Weather Advisory and Winter Storm Warning.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory and a Winter Storm Warning for much of our area until 5am tomorrow. Rain and snow is expected to fall today over much of the KSPK listening area, making its way eastward towards I-25 and out to the eastern plains. Areas located south of Pueblo are expecting 2 to 5 inches of snow with less predicted in other areas. Thanksgiving Day will start with slick conditions and chilly temperatures, giving way to sunshine once again. Then, dry and sunny conditions return Friday, but cool temperatures will remain throughout the holiday weekend.

A Denver man was arrested in Colorado Springs and more than 600,000 pills were seized in a drug raid earlier this month that spanned from Albuquerque to Denver. According to a release the drug enforcement administration, a tip was received in Albuquerque that two suspicious men were traveling on a bus to Denver with four suitcases and a backpack. One of the men fled and two of the suitcases were seized by Albuquerque police. Around 330,000 fentanyl pills and two ounces of heroin were found in the two suitcases. The second man was detained in Colorado Springs where 340,000 additional pills and several thousand dollars in cash was found in the suitcases and backpack. According to the DEA, the fentanyl pills represent about 25% of the total pill seizures in all of 2023 in Colorado. The suspects in the case were not publicly identified.

CDOT rolls out new dynamic tolling feature.

The Colorado Department of Transportation says that it rolled out a new feature called "dynamic tolling" for mountain express lane corridors on Interstate 70, and on the gap between Denver and Coloado Springs on Interstate 25, yesterday. CDOT hopes that dynamic tolling will move traffic along more easily and will reduce congestion. Tolls will now be adjusted based on real-time traffic conditions, instead of time-of-day adjustments. Rates may be updated as often as every five to 15 minutes, and overhead signs will display current toll prices. The price displayed when a vehicle enters the express lane is the price drivers will pay, even if the toll changes while the dtiver is traveling in the express lane. License plate fees will continue to apply for drivers who do not have an express toll pass.

CPW announces rare opportunity of admission to state parks this Friday.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has announced that it is offering a rare opportunity of free entry to all Colorado State Parks this Friday, November 29th. The free "fresh air Friday" celebration will provide a chance for visitors to experience Colorado's world-class state parks and live life outside to create new outdoor memories with loved ones. Whether you're a nature lover, an outdoor adventurer, or are just looking for a peaceful retreat, there's something for everyone at Colorado State Parks. Go to cpw.state.co.us/state- parks for more information.

Family of Jim Bishop inviting community to life celebration.

The family of Jim Bishop is inviting members of the community to celebrate the life of Jim Bishop, the man behind bishop's castle, located north of Rye on Colorado 165. Bishop died last week. His memorial service will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pueblo on Friday, December 6th, at 10am. All are welcome to attend. a public memorial will also be held at the castle next summer. Cards and donations can be sent to Bishop Castle in Jim's honor.

CDOT advising drivers to anticipate adverse weather conditions.

As the Thanksgiving Holiday approaches, the Colorado Department of Transportation is advising drivers to anticipate adverse winter weather conditions, particularly in the mountains and higher elevations across the state over the next few days. Drivers should consider adjusting travel times to avoid the heaviest periods of snowfall, and make sure to be prepared for possible conditions when heading out on the road. Travel could be challenging with a snowstorm expected to impact the mountains and front range through tomorrow.

Nicholas Jordan, the alleged UCCS Shooter, on Friday, entered a not-guilty plea to the alleged murder of Samuel Knopp, 24, and Celie Rain Montgomery, 26, who were found dead in a UCCS Dorm Room in February. Jordan also entered a not-guilty plea to the assault of an officer while in custody. Judge David Shakes addressed two motions Friday, one to change the venue of the trial as well as a motion to remove shakes as the judge in the case. Shakes said he will remain the judge on the case at this time. A hearing for the motion to change venues will take place on January 31st of next year. Jordan's attorneys also attempted to delay the plea enter, however, that request was denied. The trail for the murder charges is scheduled to begin on April 7th, 2025, and is set to last two weeks. A separate trial will begin on April 21st, 2025, for the assault of an officer while in custody.

CBI and Blanca Police on lookout for suspects in rifle case.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation and Blanca Police are on the lookout for two suspects who allegedly broke into a fully marked Blanca Police Department vehicle and stole a black patrol rifle. The theft took place on Thursday, November 21st, at approximately 2:30am in front of the Police Department at 601 main street, where the patrol car was parked. The suspects arrived on foot and were last seen walking eastbound from the police department. Anyone with any information about the incident is encouraged to contact Blanca police at 719-589-5807. The Blanca Police Department is offering a $500 reward for the recovery of the firearm and/or for information that leads to the arrest of the suspects.

Former RTN owners enter guilty plea Friday.

Former Return To Nature Funeral Home Owners Jon and Carie Hallford, on Friday, plead guilty to nearly 200 counts of abuse of a corpse in the 4th judicial district court. Money laundering and theft charges were dropped as part of the plea deal. In court, Jon Hallford admitted to not properly cremating or burying remains. Jon Hallford is facing up to 20 years in prison on the state charges. Carie Hallford is facing up to 15 years in prison on the state charges. The pair plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on the federal level last month. Sentencing for the federal case has not yet taken place. The Hallfords were charged after authorities bound almost 200 bodies improperly stored at the funeral home. The 4th Judicial District DA's office says there are 267 victims in the case.

CPW announces low altitude helicopter flights next Monday.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has announced that beginning next Monday, December 2nd, they plan to conduct low-altitude helicopter flights to assess big game herds across southeast Colorado. According to CPW, flights conducted west of I-25 will include surveys and captures. Those flights will be in the pikes peak region as well as in south park, the upper arkansas river valley, the sangre de cristo mountains, the wet mountain valley and at fishers peak state park. Beginning Monday, Colorado residents may see low-flying helicopters in the area while they survey herds. Helicopters will hover for long enough to court, determine sex and assess the health of the animals.

Amtrak Southwest Chief delayed Saturday after crashing into a vehicle.

Amtrak's Southwest Chief, Train #3, was delayed on Saturday after crashing into a vehicle on the tracks south of Raton. According to Amtrak, train #3, which left Chicago on Friday, came "in contact with" a vehicle that was obstructing the track west of Raton around 11am on Saturday. Amtrak said there were no injures reported to the 116 passengers or crew members on board the train. The train was delayed on Saturday due to mechanical issues. Amtrak reported that crews were working to get the train moving again. No further information was made available.

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