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Rockslide closes Las Animas County Road Friday.

A rockslide on Las Animas County Road 31.9, the wet canyon road, on Friday, has closed the road, located about 5 miles northwest of Weston, west of the City of Trinidad. Two vehicle-sized boulders along with a good deal of rubble has been strewn across both lines of the roadway. No injures were reported from the slide on Friday. Crews with Las Animas County are working to get the road reopened, however, there is no definite timeline as to when the road will reopen. The recent rains are believed to have been the cause of the slide. Las Animas County is suggesting that drivers in the area take County Road 32.5 to County Road 41.7, The Saracillo Canyon Road.

CDOT announces Pueblo County intersection improvement project.

The Colorado Department of Transportation has announced that it will begin an intersection improvement project at U.S. 50 and Baxter Road in Pueblo County on June 2nd. Work at the intersection will include widening the north side of U.S. 50 to improve the turning radius to and from Baxter road, converting the right westbound lane into a dedicated turn lane and acceleration lane, adding channelized islands to separate opposing traffic, milling and paving, installing new curb and gutter, and adding streetlights and signs. The work zone will extend on U.S. 50 east to west from mile marker 7 to mile marker 8. Warning signage will be posted before the work zone to alert travelers of lane closures. Work will take place from 8:30am to 3pm, Monday through Friday. Work is expected to be complete in late July.

Rio Grande County Commissioners deny acquatics center request.

Rio Grande County Commissioners last week unanimously denied a request to place a $24 million acquatics center before voters on a special election ballot that would have taken place in the fall. The proposed ballot issue was the latest attempt to pass the project. The proposal included a $24 million aquatics center that would mostly be funded by a perpetual tax increase of 8.5 mills. Most people who spoke at the meeting were reportedly against the proposal citing the tax increase and the large mill levy proposed for the project. Commissioners also cited water and sewer issues coming up in the county that could prevent the county from discharging the proposed indebtedness on a reasonable basis.

CDOT and law enforcement agencies begin seat belt campaign.

The Colorado Department of Transportation, along with the Colorado State Patrol and 39 local law enforcement agencies will begin their largest seat belt campaign of the year today. Over the course of the next 21 days, drivers can expect to see increased patrols focusing on citations to unbuckled drivers. 49 unbuckled people have lost their lives on colorado roads already this year, making up 38% of all vehicle occupant fatalities. The national highway traffic safety administration estimates that wearing a seatbelt in the front seat of a passenger vehicle can reduce fatal injury risk by 45%, and the risk of moderate to critical injury by 50%. A total of 1,782 citations were issued last year with 74 of those for unrestrained children. The enforcement period lasts until June 1st.

Philmont Scount Ranch announces grant from NM recreation.

The Philmont Scout Ranch, located south of Raton in New Mexico, has announced that it has received a $99,999 outdoor recreation trails plus grant from the New Mexico economic development's outdoor recreation division. The funding will support the revitalization of the historic 3.5-mile Philmont Santa Fe trail – Cimarron heritage trail, enhancing connectivity between Philmont and old town Cimarron. The project will repair and widen the existing footpath and will add clear trail markings for improved navigation. The project will take place this fall through spring of next year. For more information about the Philmont Scout Ranch, visit www.philmontscoutranch.org.

May 9th 2025

State Legislature parties reflecting outcome of the session.

With this year's Colorado State Legislative session coming to a close on Wednesday evening, both democrats and republicans are reflecting on the outcome of the session. Democrats celebrated measures to increase affordability, such as one that makes it easier to build condos and starter homes. They also celebrated passing bills that protect rights and freedoms for coloradans on topics like abortion and voting rights. This was also the first year they unveiled their new school funding formula. Republicans said they are proud of their accomplishments over the course of the session, focusing on affordability, public safety and protecting the taxpayer's bill of rights. Republicans also said one of their priorities was fixing colorado's $1.2 billion budget shortfall. Republicans also listed a number of rights they say are under attack, such as the recent transgender bill that intrudes on parents rights and senate bill 3 that violates the rights of gun owners. The next legislative session begins on January 14th, 2026.

CSP investigating vandalism at State Capitol.

The Colorado State Patrol is investigating vandalism that took place on Wednesday at the Colorado State Capitol building. According to CSP, they were notified on May 7th that damage had been done to two vehicles belonging to state legislators. The windshield of a 2022 Rivian SUV had been broken after a rock was thrown through it. The vehicle belongs to Rep. Sean Camacho. The second vehicle, a ford bronco, was found with an expletive "carved into the hood". That vehicle belongs to Senator Byron Pelton. CSP says they believe the two vehicles were chosen at random. The vehicles were both vandalized around 9:36am. CSP investigators are now working with Denver police to identify and locate the suspect.

Alamosa City Council votes to keep St. Benedict open.

The Alamosa City Council voted to keep st. benedict open on Wednesday night following public comments on the matter. The council vote was unanimous. All public comments on Wednesday were in support of keeping st. benedict open, most stating the importance in being compassionate and treating people with dignity. Alamosa County Sheriff Robert Jackson also encouraged council to keep the camp open, but stating that since the camp has been cleaned up, some homeless encampments have sprung up again along the river, where conditions are terrible and private property along the river is being trashed. He hoped that some of those people would be allowed back into St. Benedict's.

Huerfano County Tuesday Election results.

Taking a look at election results for the Huerfano County fire protection district board that took place on Tuesday. The top 3 vote-getters were elected. They are Bradford Brooks with 83 votes, Joe Faris with 78 votes, and Dale Westley Van Matre with 76 votes. For the Huerfano County Hospital District Board, the top 3 vote-getters were also elected. They are Nancy Nielsen with 774 votes, Maurice Heikes with 611 votes and Joann Ugolini with 527 votes.

Two individuals airlifted near Deadman Lakes.

Two individuals were airlifted near Deadman Lakes in the Sangre De Cristo mountains after they became stranded in the backcountry. According to Alamosa Volunteer Search and rescue, The initial call for help came in on May 2nd. The two were stranded after being injured and suffering altitude sickness. While crews attempted to reach the two on foot, conditions worsened, resulting in the need for an aerial rescue. Both individuals were airlifted to an awaiting ambulance, and were then transported to SLV Health in Alamosa. The identities of the two stranded individuals were not made available.

May 8th 2025

CO State legislative session officially ended last night.

Colorado's 2025 legislative session officially ended at 7:30pm last night. While yesterday was more relaxed than usual, state lawmakers still had plenty to do. Lawmakers gave final approval to amendments that were added to dozens of bills, including to HB25-1291, which increases safety requirements for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft. Lawmakers also considered delaying the implementation of artificial intelligence regulations from SB24-205, which lawmakers passed last year, however, that effort failed on Tuesday night. Democrats, who control both legislative chambers by wide margins, got most of what they wanted this year, including new gun regulations and strengthening abortion rights. Republicans say they're glad some democratic proposals didn't make it. Governor Jared Polis will new spend the next few weeks signing bills and likely vetoing others.

CO State Senate passes transgender individuals bill.

The Colorado State Senate passed HB25-1312, the legal protections for transgender individuals bill, on Tuesday. If the bill is signed into law, protections that would immediately go into effect include expanding the colorado anti-discrimination act to include "misgendering" and "deadnaming" as acts of discrimintation. It would also grant transgender persons the ability to change their name on marriage licenses, allowing the state to issue a new license. The bill also requires each school district in Colorado to adopt a "safe school plan" that include fair treatment of all students, including a dress code allowing students to choose any approved clothing option regardless of gender and require a student's chosen name to be used. The bill now awaits Governor Polis' signature.

Alamosa man taken into custody following shooting yesterday.

Daniel Barela, 60, of Alamosa, was taken into custody yesterday, following a shooting on 8th street in Alamosa. According to the Alamosa Police Department, the report of a shooting came in yesterday about 12:24pm in the 200 block of 8th street. Upon arrival, officers found a male victim with a gunshot wound who was conscious and able to speak with officers. Subsequently, officers and Alamosa County Sheriff's deputies apprehended Barela without resistance. The victim, who was not identified, was taken to SLV Health before being airlifted to a front range hospital, and is currently in critical condition. Barela was also briefly hospitalized and was then released into law enforcement custody. He has been charged with criminal attempt 2nd degree murder, 1st degree assault, robbery and reckless endangerment. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.

Del Norte FP District voters vote to reject ballot measures.

Del Norte Fire and Protection District voters on Tuesday voted to reject a pair of ballot measures that would have placed a 1% sales tax in the district to help support the fire department. The second issue would have allowed the fire district to keep all revenue collected regardless of tabor caps. The votes were as follows: ballot issue A, the 1% sales tax increase, lost with 311 no votes to 195 yes votes. Ballot issue B, the Tabor exemption, also lost with 333 no votes to 196 yes votes.

Costilla County Commissioners unanimously agrees to sign Cielo Vista agreement.

Costilla County Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously agreed to sign an agreement for wildlife experts to evaluate the existing 8-foot fence on the Cielo Vista Ranch Property and make wildlife mitigation recommendations. Two wildlife experts will make the evaluation, one for Costilla County and one for Cielo Vista Ranch. Another public meeting will be held in 90 days for the experts to present their findings. If the expert proposal is adopted by all parties, the legal fight may be dismissed with prejudice.

May 7th 2025

CO lawmakers focusing on many priority bills in final hours.

Colorado lawmakers are spending the final hours of the legislative session trying to get as many priority bills approved as this year's legislative session comes to an end today. Many bills, including some that seem to have much support, won't make it to the Governor's desk. Bills still in the works include: HB25-1312, a bill that expands legal protections for transgender people. SB25-005, that would ease the formation of labor unions by getting rid of the second election requirement. The senate also advanced legislation to crack down on wage theft and implement a new school financing formula. The House passed SB25-124 and SB25-071, which are both aimed at reducing the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs. Lawmakers, however, have decided not to move forward with a resolution that would challenge the constitutionality of the taxpayer's bill of rights, or Tabor. The legislative session ends at 11:59pm tonight.

Pueblo County Tuesday Election results.

Taking a look at election results from yesterday's election in Pueblo County... The City of Pueblo ballot question 2A asking if the city should acquire the assets of Black Hills Energy and form its own electric utility has lost with 16,005 no votes to 4,557 yes votes. In the Pueblo West metropolitan district board of directors race, the top 3 vote-getters were Christopher Pasternak with 2,521 votes, Rodney Lyle Potter with 1,986 votes, and Gregory Evan Roberts with 1,877 votes. Brian Jay Gray received 1,794 votes. Joe Mahaney received 1,757 votes. Carla "Jody" Davenport received 1,548 votes and Vincent Hall received 1,094 votes. In the Rye Fire Protection district board member race, the top 3 vote-getters were Austin R. Lennin with 924 votes, John Christenson with 906 votes, and Jim Beach with 862 votes. Dean Zemp received 287 votes and Jolunda Baker received 387 votes.

President Trump calls for release of Former Mesa County Clerk and Recorder.

President Donald Trump has called for the release of Former Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters in a post on truth social. Peters was sentenced to nine years in prison after she was convicted by a jury in August of last year of three counts of attempting to influence a public servant, one count of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonations, first-degree official misconduct, violation of duty and failing to comply with the secretary of state. Trump criticized Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser for allegedly ignoring violent crime while prosecuting Peters.

Trinidad Welcome center voted best public restrooms in Colorado.

The group "american river wellness" surveyed 3,017 drivers and truckers based on age, gender and geography, in an effort to determine the best public restrooms across america. according to the survey, the trinidad welcome center, in trindad, was voted the best public restrooms in colorado and the 28th best public restrooms in all of america. the group said the trinidad welcome center feels more like a mountain lodge than a highway pit stop. the bighorn rest area near georgetown also won a place on the list as the 34th best public restroom in the country.

City of Alamosa advising residents of cemetery clean up.

The City of Alamosa is advising residents that city crews will be at the Alamosa cemetery for a scheduled clean up on Monday, May 12th, at 8am. Maintenance staff will be disposing of items that are outside the designated area. To help maintain the grounds, please secure any personal items to headstones and ensure that all flowers are placed in vases. If there are items you would like to keep, you must pick them up before Monday, May 12th. For questions, contact Danny Govea at 719-496-7368. For a copy of the rules and regulations, please contact Alamosa Parks and Recreation at 719-589-2105.

May 6th 2025

CO State House passed immigration status bill Saturday.

The Colorado State House on Saturday passed SB25-276, the protect civil rights immigration status bill, on Saturday in a 42-21 party-line vote, just one day after the United States Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the state and the city and county of Denver for alleged interference with federal immigration law. SB25-276 seeks to enhance protections for individuals without lawful immigration status and broadens the prohibition against state law enforcement from cooperating with or sharing data with federal immigration officers. The bill also eases access to public facilities and in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants. Republicans opposed the bill saying it would allow undocumented immigrants to "cut the line". Democrats say the bill will safeguard civil rights for everyone. SB25-276 now returns to the senate for approval of amendments made to the bill.

CO State Legislature fails to override CO Gov Polis veto.

The Colorado State Legislature has failed to override two of Governor Jared Polis' vetoes during this year's legislative session. A week ago Friday, The Colorado Senate voted to override Polis' veto of SB25-086, a bill which would have imposed more regulations on social media companies. In the end, The Colorado House decided not to pursue the override of SB25-086. This past Friday, The Colorado Senate tried to override a second veto of Senate bill 25-077, which would have changed Colorado's open records law. Sponsors of the bill were not able to muster the votes needed in the senate for an override, and that effort failed as well, meaning that the vetoes of both bills stand. It takes a two-thirds supermajority in both chambers to override a veto. The last time that happened was in 2011 when lawmakers overrode then-Governor John Hickenlooper's veto of spending instructions that were part of that year's budget.

Cost for ground ambulance services bill now awaiting CO Gov Polis signature.

HB25-1088, the costs for ground ambulance services bill, a bipartisan measure, passed by Colorado lawmakers, is now awaiting a signature from Colorado Governor Jared Polis. The bill aims to address what's known as "balance billing", which is a process that often results in "surprise" bills being sent to patients. Ambulance providers would typically bill insurance companies first, however, if the ambulance is out of network, and the insurance company doesn't fully pay the bill, the remaining balance is often billed to the patient as a "surprise". Protections from balance billing already exist when it comes to private ambulance rides. This bill seeks to expand that to public ambulance rides. Polis says he will review the proposal once it reaches his desk.

PDPHE offering free well water testing.

The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment, in partnership with the colorado department of public health and environment, is offering free well water testing for PFA's, a group of chemicals linked to long-term health risks. A public meeting will be held at the Pueblo health department at 101 west 9th street in Pueblo tomorrow, May 7th, from 6 to 8pm, to answer questions and share more information about PFA's, the testing program and other well water quality concerns. To apply for free PFA's testing, go to cdphe.colorado.gov/pfas.

CPW officers called to Rio Grande Farm park on trapped moose.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers were called to the Rio Grande Farm park in Alamosa yesterday morning to coax a young moose that was trapped inside the park. CPW said the moose was a yearling and probably came from the east. The moose had been separated from its mother and CPW was working to reunite the two yesterday afternoon. The Alamosa County Sheriff's office alerted CPW to the moose and assisted in moving the moose out of the park.

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