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The National Transportation Safety Board has determined that the probable cause of the derailment of a BNSF Railway train north of Pueblo in October of 2023 was the train encountering a rail break that occurred when a mismatched thermite weld failed, according to a 600 page report issued on February 12th. The thermite weld cracked near the rail's base because the welder, for unknown reasons, likely did not use a compromise kit during the welding as required by BNSF Railway procedures. The report says the welding work was completed in May of 2023, five months prior to the derailment. The derailment caused a railway bridge over Interstate 25 north of Pueblo to collapse, killing a truck driver who was passing below. The interstate was fully closed for days as cleanup took place, causing hours of delays for travelers.

New bill known as Restaurant relief bill introduced in CO State legislature.

A new bill introduced into the Colorado State Legislature this week, HB25-1208, also known as the restaurant relief bill, would make it so that restaurants are only paying out a portion of tipped workers' paychecks while tips make up the difference. The bill would not decrease the non-tipped wage in any part of Colorado. The bill was introduced by Representatives Steven Woodrow and Alex Valdez and Senator Judy Amabile, who are hoping to ease the burden for restaurant owners. The Colorado restaurant association says this bill will save businesses money or will let them allocate it elsewhere. The Colorado Chamber of Commerce announced its support for the bill last Friday. The bill is scheduled for a hearing before the business affairs and labor committee at 1:30pm tomorrow.

New Financial literacy graduation bill moving through State Legislature.

HB25-1192, the financial literacy graduation requirement bill, a bipartisan bill moving through the Colorado State Legislature would make a personal finance class a requirement for high school graduation. A personal finance class is already a requirement to graduate in about 25% of school districts in Colorado. This bill would make it a requirement for all districts in Colorado. The nonprofit "financial kids Colorado" is pushing school leaders for more classes in financial literacy, including grade-appropriate lessons in budgeting, investing and fiscal responsibility. The bill was introduced last week. it is scheduled for a hearing tomorrow before the education committee.

Woodland Park Police asking for public's help in locating missing child.

The Woodland Park Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a missing child. According to Woodland Park Police, Audrey Martinez was last seen on foot yesterday afternoon, following an argument with her mother around 1:15pm. She was last seen at the hikers view apartments, located near Colorado 67 and valley view drive. Audrey is described as five feet tall and 80 pounds. She has brown hair, brown eyes and two scars above her left eye. She was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black pants, a white or lime undershirt and "lilo and stitch" shoes. If you see, or know of Audrey's whereabouts, call local law enforcement or 911.

CDOT releases preliminary 2024 traffic death data.

The Colorado Department of Transportation has released preliminary 2024 traffic death data showing a 5% decrease in traffic fatalities on Colorado roadways in 2024 compared to 2023. There were a total of 684 traffic deaths last year, a decrease of 5% from 2023. 371 of those were passenger vehicle deaths, a 10% decrease. There were 162 motorcycle deaths, up 23% over 2023. 210 deaths were caused by impaired driving. 183 deaths were due to not using seatbelts. There were 120 pedestrian deaths, 14 bicycle deaths and 31 construction zone deaths an increase of 94% over construction zone deaths in 2023. To address traffic safety in construction zones, CDOT says it will launch a speed safety camera program to reduce crashes involving excessive speed.

A new bill in the Colorado State Legislature, HB25-1040, the "adding nuclear energy as a clean energy resource" bill, would designate nuclear energy as "clean energy" in the eyes of state law and would open up federal funding opportunities for cities and the state, and would also supplement Colorado's renewable energy sources. The sponsors of the bill believe that Colorado's demand for energy is only going to grow, and the state cannot solely rely on wind, solar and battery power. While the bill is in the early stages in the legislature, sponsors say they have bipartisan support in both the state house and senate. the bill passed through the House committee on energy and environment last week and will now be debated on the House floor tomorrow.

Multiple drivers cited for crossing the double white lines on I-25 in the gap.

2,801 drivers were cited in January for crossing the express lane double white line through the I-25 gap between Monument and Castle Rock, the first month of enforcement, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. Using the express lanes comes with a toll, and drivers are only allowed to use marked enter and exit points, meaning that drivers are not allowed to cross the double white line going in or out of the express lane. Drivers caught crossing the express lane lines receive a $75 fine that jumps to $150 if the fine is not paid within 20 days. CDOT cautioned through the month of December that an automated monitoring system would go active in January of this year and active enforcement is currently underway. CDOT data shows that 80% of drivers who get cited once for crossing the express lane lines do not get cited again.

Pueblo Police Department and FBI attempting to identify wanted suspects.

The Pueblo Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are attempting to locate two wanted suspects in Southern Colorado. Miles Trujillo-Arbour, 33, is wanted for identity theft. Trujillo-Arbour is described as Hispanic, 5'9" tall and weighs 160 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. Samuel Arbour, 39, is wanted for property damage and criminal mischief. Arbour is described as Hispanic, 5'10" tall and weighs 180 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. Anyone who has any information as to the whereabouts of Trujillo-Arbour or Arbour is asked to contact the Pueblo Police Department. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Pueblo crimestoppers at 719-542-7867. Information that leads to a felony arrest could be eligible for a cash reward.

CPW to host public meeting in Colorado City.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife will host a public meeting at 6pm on Wednesday, February 26th, in Colorado City, to discuss mule deer populations around colorado city and rye and management options to deter growing conflict issues. The public meeting will be held a Craver Middle School at 4850 S. Crow cutoff in Colorado City. The goal of the 90- minute meeting is to understand the community's concerns regarding the growing deer populations and to discuss possible management options. Gathering public input is CPW's priority at the meeting. For more information, email cody.purcell@state.co.us.

US Fish and Wildlife services plan to conduct prescribed fire operations.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service plans to conduct prescribed fire operations on the Monte Vista and Alamosa National Wildlife refuges to remove old and matted vegetation and to improve wildlife habitat, now through April 30th. Additionally, piles of natural materials from thinning and cutting of trees may be burned when conditions are favorable. During fire operations, the auto tour routes and walking trails may be temporarily closed to the public. Professional fire personnel will conduct the fire operations. Smoke may be visible to residents, town and highways during the day of burning operations and may last for a few days. For more information, call 719-589- 4021.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife on Saturday confirmed that a wolf killed a cow in Jackson County on February 5th. According to CPW, a report was received of a possible depredation incident in Jackson County. A CPW wildlife officer responded and found injuries consistent with wolf depredation on a cow. CPW says the wolf in question is not part of Colorado's reintroduction program and does not have a GPSs collar. All known collared wolves were accounted for in other locations. CPW says it does not know where this wolf came from. CPW says as the wolf population grows in Colorado, it expects more wolves to pair, breed and form packs. This will create territories that will allow CPW to monitor patterns and better collaborate with ranchers on strategies to protect livestock and to reduce conflicts. CPW offers compensation to livestock producers whose animals are killed by wolves.

Colorado State legislature update with CO House D47 Rep Winter.

Today I want to bring you the final part of my conversation with Colorado House District 47 Representative Ty Winter. Today, Ty talks about some of his priorities for this legislative session... (Interview Segment 1). District 47 Representative Ty Winter.

2020 Alamosa Shooting suspect released from prison.

James Edward Marshall, formerly of Alamosa, has been released from prison after only serving 3 years for shooting disabled veteran Danny Pruitt at a Black Lives Matter rally that took place in Alamosa in June of 2020. Marshall has been moved to a community corrections facility, according to court records. He was originally sentenced to 11 years in prison in December of 2021. After blocking an intersection on main street, Marshall shot Pruitt through the back window of his truck. Pruitt survived the shooting, but suffered a traumatic brain injury. Although Marshall had been charged with criminal attempt to commit 2nd degree murder, he entered into a plea deal with then Alamosa District Attorney Alonzo Payne for a reduced charge of tampering with a deceased human body.

Multiple CSP Troopers cars hit in span of one weekend.

Four Colorado State Troopers have been hit in the span of one weekend, according to the Colorado State Patrol. CSP says the first accident took place on Friday at 7:15pm on Southbound I-25 near the Air Force Academy. The second took place Saturday at 9:03am on I-70 while it was stopped for a previous crash. Then, 2 took place yesterday, one at 1:36am on I-25, when a semi struck the side of a patrol car while a trooper was setting up traffic cones. And at 7:05am yesterday, during a safety closure on Northbound I-25 and East palmer divide avenue, due to multiple crashes. CSP says these crashes were caused by drivers struggling to "adjust their driving behavior and reduce their speed".

Conejos County Sheriff requesting public to avoid traveling backcountry roads.

Conejos County Sheriff Garth Growther is asking the public to avoid traveling on backcountry roads until conditions improve to help keep the roads safe. Crowther says that there hasn't been enough snow in certain areas to keep people from accessing the backcountry roads. He says that current conditions have resulted in several individuals getting stranded in deeper snow, requiring emergency assistance. Crowther says that "while the desire to enjoy the outdoors is understandable, the safety risks are significant right now as vehicles can easily become stuck in snowdrifts or rough terrain. For more information, call the Conejos County Sheriff's office at 719-376-2196.

Today we continue with our conversation with Colorado House District 47 Representative Ty Winter. Today, Ty talks about 3 different bills that he's working to move through the state legislature... (Interview Segment 1) District 47 Representative Ty Winter. we'll have a little more with Ty Winter on Monday.

Travel expected to be hazardous in the mountains.

Travel in the mountains is expected to be hazardous now through tomorrow morning and people should plan for longer trips to winter recreation areas as long weekend crowds head to the fresh snow. A very active pattern throughout the western slope ramps up today through tomorrow. The system is expected to affect higher elevations with heavy snow expected over southern mountain areas including Red Mountain, Coal Bank, Molas and Wolf Creek Passes. Central mountain zones will also see heavy snow. The northern mountains will feel the impacts today through tomorrow morning. Motorists should prepare for road conditions that can change or decline quickly. Travel with caution and expect to encounter delays or safety closures due to the adverse weather and difficult driving conditions.

Presidents Week DUI enforcement period now underway.

The Colorado Department of Transportation says don't cut your weekend - or someone's life - short. Avoid a DUI or crash this Presidents Day weekend and drive sober. Running now through February 26th, CDOT, The Colorado State Patrol and 73 local law enforcement agencies will participate in the heat is on Presidents week DUI enforcement period. Law enforcement throughout the state will remove impaired drivers from our roads and encourage Coloradans to enjoy the holiday weekend responsibly. Drivers may see sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and additional law enforcement on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers. In 2024, 210 people were killed in crashes involving an impaired driver on colorado roads, a decrease of 8% from 2023. CDOT encourages all Coloradans to make responsible choices behind the wheel.

NWS issues High wind warning for Southern I-25 corridor.

The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a high wind warning for the southern I-25 corridor through this afternoon. The National Weather Service says that strong, westerly crosswinds will be hazardous to high-profile and lighter vehicles. Travel will be dangerous for these vehicles as gusts could reach above 60 miles per hour.

Following a suspension of service, then a reinstatement, the State of Colorado has now terminated its contract with medride entirely. The Colorado Department of Health Care policy and financing put medride on a corrective performance plan in November with time to correct specific issues, however, the state says it did not correct the problems. The state is accusing medride of engaging in a "pattern of abuse". The department is also accusing medride of failing to submit documentation for more than 5,000 insurance claims and things like incomplete paperwork on eligibility of patients, duplicate claims, incorrect birth dates, and members who weren't covered by their claim. Medride has been providing medicaid patients with non-emergency rides to doctors' appointments and other medical services. Medride is allowed to appeal the termination within the next 30 days.

Colorado State legislature update with CO House D47 Rep Winter.

I spoke with Colorado House District 47 Representative Ty Winter yesterday regarding some of the legislation making its way through the state legislature this year. Here’s what Ty said about energy in Southern Colorado… (Interview Segment 1). and we’ll have more of the conversation with Ty Winter tomorrow.

Semi versus snow plow crash on I-25 leaves one dead.

A semi-truck driver is dead following a crash with a snow plow just before 5am yesterday morning on interstate 25 just north of Walsenburg. According to the colorado State Patrol, the preliminary investigation revealed that the semi-truck driver struck the back of the CDOT snow plow on I-25 near milemarker 57. The driver of the semi was pronounced dead at the scene. The snow plow driver was taken to the hospital. CSP is asking that anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have any information that hasn't been shared with investigators, please call CSP Dispatch at 719-544-2424. Neither driver involved in the crash has been identified. The CSP vehicular crimes unit is conducting the investigation into the cause of the crash.

House first south of Pueblo fully destroys home Tuesday night.

A house fire south of Pueblo, and fully visible to drivers on Interstate 25, fully destroyed a home on Tuesday night on wantland lane, just south of the Burnt Mill Road exit. According to the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office, deputies and firefighters arrived on scene shortly after 5pm Tuesday, finding the home already fully engulfed in flames. It took firefighters several hours to get the fire under control. No one was at home at the time the fire broke out and no injures have been reported. The home is a total loss. While the fire investigation is not yet complete, investigators say the fire appears to have begun in the area of the chimney.

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