April 2nd 2025
Bills to modernize and improve CO water management pass State Senate committee.
Three bills to modernize and improve Colorado's water management programs passed
the senate agriculture and natural resources committee last week. HB25-1014, which is
cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson of Alamosa, would streamline permitting for
Colorado's groundwater and cut red tape for the division of water resources to more
efficiently issue and extend permits for Coloradans who want to build a water well.
HB25-1113 would expand an existing limitation on new artificial turf and invasive plants
on government property to include new residential apartment or condo construction.
HB25-1115 would expand power for the Colorado water conservation board to
administer programs to monitor, measure and disseminate data on snowpack using the
latest technologies. HB25-1113 now heads to the Senate floor. HB25-1014 and 1115
now move to the Senate appropriations committee for further consideration.
PDPHE officials preparing for worst after measles case.
Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment officials say that they are
preparing for the worst after an unvaccinated deli worker in Pueblo contracted measles
during a trip to Mexico. There has only been one confirmed case of measles in Pueblo so
far, specifically the deli worker who is expected to recover. While the health department
says that the deli is now safe to eat at, they are also informing anyone who may have
eaten at the southwest deli and café on south Pueblo Boulevard between March 17th and
21st, that they may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus. Anyone who
visited the Southern Colorado Clinic in Pueblo West on March 22nd, may also have been
exposed. If you visited either of those places on those days, you should watch yourself
for symptoms, which include cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and then the characteristic
rash that starts to develop. If you do start to feel sick, call your health care provider.
Suspect arrested in UCCS Professor death.
53-year-old Ceasar Lorenzo Wilson has been arrested, seven months after 54-year-old
Haleh Abghari, a Professor in the UCCS visual and performing arts department, was
found dead in her home. Colorado Springs police were called to a home along Caddy
point on August 7th, 2024, where they found Abghari's body. She had been stabbed.
During the investigation, detectives developed probable cause to arrest Wilson. Last
week, detectives tracked Wilson to another state where he was being held under a
different name on unrelated charges. Wilson has since been booked into the El Paso
County Jail.
Alamosa County Commissioners to hold public hearing on energy facility next week.
The Alamosa County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 9th,
beginning at 8:30am, to discuss the Korsail energy 986-acre solar production and storage
facility proposed about two miles west of the City of Alamosa, called the cornflower
solar project. The project includes a 90-megawatt solar production system and an 80-
megawatt battery system. The project's total cost is expected to be $52.18 million. The
meeting will be held at 8900 Independence Way in Alamosa and also via zoom. The
public is invited to attend.
CPW hosting event at Pueblo Hunter education building this Friday.
Join Colorado Parks and Wildlife this Friday at the Pueblo Hunter education building to
master your calling techniques and to increase your chance of bagging a gobbler this
spring. The free class is limited to the first 35 participants who sign up. Students will
learn from experienced turkey hunting professionals who will cover everything about
turkey hunting from hunting gear, decoy placement and laws and regulations. The class
will take place from 5 to 8pm. To register, go to register-ed.com/events/view/226830.
April 1st 2025
New reimbursement requirements for health insurers bill being met with backlash.
HB25-1174, the “reimbursement requirements for health insurers” bill, currently being
considered in the state legislature, has been met with backlash from hospitals in Colorado
as it aims to limit how much money can be reimbursed to large, urban hospitals when
treating patients who utilize the state employee health insurance plan and for small group
health insurance policies. The bill would cap the state reimbursement at 165% of what
medicare pays for the same hospital services. The bill exempts rural, smaller or essential
access hospitals, and certain sole community providers. Opponents say the bill would
have a catastrophic effect on hospitals because their operating margin is so low or already
negative. The bill has passed out of both the health and human services committee and
the house appropriations committee. It is waiting to be scheduled to be considered on the
house floor.
Gun Rights organizations file lawsuit against Prop KK.
Gun Rights Organizations yesterday filed a lawsuit in Denver County district court
against Proposition KK, which will place a 6.5% tax on guns and ammunition sold in
Colorado beginning today. The tax is projected to bring in around $40 million for
government programs, including for crime victim services, mental health programs,
school safety and gun violence prevention initiatives. The gun rights organizations say
the tax is an attack on second amendment rights. The groups filing the lawsuit are: the
colorado state shooting association, national rifle assocation, firearms policy coalition,
second amendment, magnum shooting center, and Zachary Langston of El Paso County.
CDPHE announces CO's First confirmed measles case.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment yesterday announced that
Colorado's first confirmed case of measles since 2023 involves an unvaccinated Pueblo
adult who recently traveled to an area of Mexico that is "experiencing an ongoing
measles outbreak". The case is the state's first confirmed case of measles since 2023
amid recent outbreaks in surrounding states across the country. CDPHE says that people
who visited the southwest deli and cafe, located at 1873 south pueblo boulevard in
Pueblo, between Monday March 17th and Friday March 21st, may have been exposed to
the disease. Anyone at the Southern Colorado clinic between 3:30pm and 6pm on
Saturday, March 22nd, may have also been exposed. CDPHE says that anyone who
visited the deli or clinic during those specific dates should monitor themselves for
measles symptoms for 21 days following exposure. Symptoms typically include fever,
cough, runny nose, red eyes and a "characteristic" rash that usually starts several days
later on the face and then spreads.
City of Alamosa announces street intersection to be closed.
The City of Alamosa announced yesterday that the intersection of state avenue and
second street in Alamosa will be closed through tomorrow, April 2nd, for paving and
paving repairs. Residents are asked to use alternate routes during this time to avoid the
closed intersection and to minimize any delays. For more information, contact the
Alamosa Public Works department at 719-589-6631.
CDOT announces that April is distracted driving awareness month.
April is distracted driving awareness month. The Colorado Department of Transportation
says that following the start of Colorado's new distracted driving law, The Colorado State
Patrol has issued 94 citations to Colorado drivers who were using their cellphones or
mobile devices while behind the wheel, more than half of the total number of citations
issued last year, or a 135% increase in citations compared to the same time period last
year. CDOT says the new law is resulting in safer driving behaviors with a recent study
finding a 3.3% reduction in cellphone use while driving since the hands-free law took
effect. Distracted driving is the 3rd leading cause of traffic crashes in Colorado, according
to CDOT.
March 31st 2025
CO State Senate repasses controversial gun bill.
The Colorado State Senate, late Friday, repassed SB25-003, the controversial gun bill to
add restrictions for new purchase of certain gas-powered semi-automatic guns that accept
detachable magazines. If signed by Governor Jared Polis, buyers will now have to get a
permit from their county sheriff and complete a training course before being allowed to
purchase such a firearm. The bill, which was first introduced in the Senate in January,
has faced opposition from both parties and more than 30 amendments. Supporters say
the bill will target weapons commonly used in mass shootings and safe lives. Opponents
say the bill fails to establish the funding or staffing necessary for this new permit-to-
purchase system and is vague.
Retired CO 12th District Judge chosen to receive award.
Retired District Judge of Colorado's 12th Judicial District Martin Gonzales of Alamosa,
has been chosen to receive an award during the 24th annual Cesar Chavez peace and
justice committee of Denver celebration that will take place this Saturday, April 5th from
8:30am to 1pm at Cesar Chavez park in Denver. The committee selects individuals each
year who embody the values and commitment of Cesar Chavez to social justice to receive
awards. The Cesar Chavez peace and justice committee of Denver's mission is to pay
tribute and homage to the ideals of justice and non-violence embodied by Cesar Chavez
as one of the Americas' greatest leaders, whose legacy for global working-class interests
and whose contributions toward peace and humanity for all should be remembered and
practiced.
Pueblo Police announced accident reporting to transition to online reporting.
The Pueblo Police department on Friday announced that accident reporting for most
accidents in the City of Pueblo will transition to online reporting effective today.
beginning today, police in Pueblo will only accept online submissions through the State
of Colorado crash reporting website if all the following conditions are met: minor
crashes with no injuries, all vehicles can be removed from the scene, drivers exchanged
information on-site, private property accident and wildlife-related accidents. For
accidents that don't meet that criteria or that require police assistance, call 911 or the
non-emergency line at 719-553-2502. Crashes involving commercial vehicles still
require officer assistance. To report an accident, visit dmv.colorado.gov/report-accident,
scroll down to "if a police officer was not present" and click on "file a crash report
online".
UCCS Shooters jury trail to go on as scheduled.
The jury trail for Nicholas Jordan, the man accused of killing two people inside a
University Of Colorado Colorado Springs dorm room a little over a year ago, will go on
as scheduled, an El Paso County Judge ruled on Friday. Jordan is accused of shooting
and killing Samuel Knopp and Celie Montgomery. Jordan's attorneys argued for a delay
of the trial on Friday saying that new evidence has come to light that points to a different
suspect. The judge denied the request. Jordan's trial is scheduled to begin a week from
today.
Conejos County Sheriff advising residents of dry conditions and low snowpack.
Conejos County Sheriff Garth Crowther is advising county residents that as spring and
summer approach, Conejos County is currently facing dry conditions and low snowpack,
both of which have led to concerns regarding the potential for increased wildfire risk.
Due to these factors, Crowther says there is a very high possibility that a fire ban will be
put into effect in the near future. On red flag days, a stage one fire ban will automatically
go into effect for the day. As you begin your spring and summer activities, please be
vigilant when burning or cleaning up debris, and, ensure all fires are properly contained
and take necessary precautions to avoid accidental ignition.
March 28th 2025
No pricing coordination between landlords bill passes CO State House.
HB25-1004, the "no pricing coordination between landlords" bill, passed the Colorado
House of Representatives following a party-line vote on Wednesday. The bill would ban
"the distribution and use of an algorithmic device by a service provider or landlord to set
rents and other certain commercial terms regarding the occupancy of rental housing".
Colorado joined a lawsuit last year against a Texas company, real page, accused of
sharing non-public information with landlords as part of a pricing scheme. Opponents
say this and other bills in the legislature that aim to keep landlords accountable end up
going too far. The bill now moves on for consideration in the Colorado State Senate,
where a similar bill died last year.
Victim's Family files lawsuit against Huerfano County agencies.
The family of Michael Burch, 69, has filed a lawsuit against the Huerfano County
Sheriff's Office, The Huerfano County Commissioners, The Spanish Peaks Hospital
District, The Health Care Partners Foundation, Sheriff Bruce Newmann and 8 other
individuals, alleging that Burch was left to die from injuries he sustained from a
corrections officer while in custody in 2023. The lawsuit has been filed in Denver
Federal Court. Attorneys say Burch was a retired correctional officer and was
experiencing a mental health crisis when he was arrested and taken to the Huerfano
County Detention Center on March 25th of 2023. Detention officers found Burch holding
a pencil on March 28th, 2023, and told him to drop it. When he did not, attorneys say
they "pummeled [him]... into a metal bench". Burch was reportedly looked at by
paramedics after complaining about his ribs following the incident, but was cleared. He
spent the next 7 days in a cell before passing away. Huerfano County has 21 days to
respond to the lawsuit.
Woman killed in Costilla County attack cause of death reveled.
The woman who was killed in an animal attack in Costilla County in January is believed
to have been killed by domestic dogs. According to the El Paso County Coroner, the
woman, 68-year-old Cindy Denholm was found dead on January 23rd in the Sangre De
Cristo Ranches area of Costilla County. The coroner's office has determined that
Denholm died from several injuries she received from the dog attack. Colorado Parks
and Wildlife determined that the incident didn't involve wildlife, and they say that
evidence points to domestic dogs, which have a history of running loose for years, some
being feral. The Costilla County Sheriff's Office says that swab samples to the bite
wounds were taken and that they will be available for further DNA analysis to determine
which dogs may be responsible for Denholm’s death.
CBI announces missing Walsenburg person found safe.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation announced yesterday that Snow L. White of
Walsenburg has been found safe. CBI had been asking for the public’s help to locate
White who was last seen in Walsenburg around 7pm on Sunday. Law enforcement were
concerned for white’s safety and mental health. No further details as to where or when
white was located were provided.
Prescribed fire to take place at MV Wildlife refuge.
A prescribed fire on the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge has been underway this
week and will continue today. Smoke may be visible to residents, towns and highways
during the day of burning operations. The public is asked to avoid roadways near the
refuge along County Road 6 east and 3 east if possible. For more information, contact
refuge manager Suzanne Beauchaine at 719-589-4021.
March 27th 2025
CO State Senate passes several gun safety bills.
The Colorado State Senate on Tuesday passed two gun safety bills that would raise the
minimum age to purchase ammunition and improve security at gun shows. HB25-1133
would raise the minimum age to purchase firearm ammunition to 21 years old, and would
also require that sellers verify a buyer's age using a government-issued photo id. The bill
would also require sellers to store ammunition in locked cases or behind a counter to
prevent theft. HB25-1238 would require that promoters of gun shows maintain liability
insurance and submit "detailed security plans" to local law enforcement prior to an event,
including information about vendors, security personnel, venue entrances and exits and
locations of security cameras. Both bills will now return to the Colorado House for
consideration of amendments. If the house approves the senate amendments, the bill will
then be forwarded to Governor Polis' desk for his signature.
Law enforcement whistle-blower protection bill passes CO State House Committee.
HB25-130, the "law enforcement whistle-blower protection" bill, passed the House
Judiciary Committee on Tuesday by a vote of 9-2. The bill would protect police officers
who report misconduct within their departments. The bill would allow whistle-blowers
to sue their employers if they are retaliated against for coming forward to report
misconduct. A similar bill was defeated last year after police groups opposed it
complaining that they were left out of the process. This time, the Colorado fraternal
order of police supports the new bill, but some local law enforcement groups remain
opposed, saying it puts local agencies at higher risk for costly lawsuits. The bill now
moves on to the full house for consideration.
Alamosa County Clerk and Recorder indicted by a grand jury.
Alamosa County Clerk and Recorder Mari Felix has been indicted by a grand jury on six
counts of complicity and accessory to violation of a protective order in a related case that
involves a victim who is a child. Following the indictment, Felix's $60,000 bond was
revoked and she was taken into custody. A new bond has been set at $200,000 and Mari
Felix is prohibited from having any contact with the victim. Felix was taken into custody
after a child reported to her school counselor a history of sexual abuse by Martin Felix-
Lopez, Mari Felix's husband. Mari Felix's next court appearance is set for Tuesday,
April 1st.
New CPW maps show gray wolves making progess towards Denver area.
A new map released by Colorado Parks and Wildlife yesterday shows that at least one of
Colorado's gray wolves has been recorded in west Clear Creak County, meaning that the
wolves are making progress in reaching the Denver area, and are now just west of
Jefferson County and south of Boulder County. It is not known how long the animal or
animals remained in Clear Creek County, if it is still there or if it has left, only that at
least one wolf entered the county within the past 30 days. As expected, the wolves are
continuing to travel long distances in almost every direction. The map also shows that
wolves appear to have moved slightly away from the Utah border, have left Teller
county, and continue to explore Northern Colorado. The maps only show the movements
of collard gray wolves within the state.
CBI asking Public's help in locating woman last seen in Walsenburg.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is asking for the public's help in locating a woman
who was last seen in Walsenburg. According to the CBI, Snow L. White was last seen
near the 700 block of Kansas Avenue in Walsenburg around 7pm on Sunday. She was
last seen driving a bronze 2018 Toyota Highlander with Colorado license plate #DAW-
906. Law enforcement officers say that they have concerns for her safety and mental
health. She is a white female with brown hair, green eyes, is 5-foot 3 inches tall and
weighs 138 pounds. Anyone who may have seen white or who knows her whereabouts is
asked to call 911 or the Walsenburg Police Department at 719-738-1044.
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