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Some evacuations lifted in SLV after flooding. City of Walsenburg Ballot Issue 300 on the Colorado November Ballot. Walsenburg Police Officer fired and two other disciplined following incident. Pueblo County announces appointment of manager of community recovery and resilience. Final Aspen Acres Fire update released Friday. For older News stories please scroll below today's headlines.

About KSPK

KSPK-FM is a locally owned and operated country music radio station that is located in Southern Colorado, and broadcasts to most of Southeastern Colorado and the San Luis Valley. KSPK's format consists of the new country hits with some of the older country favorites mixed in. KSPK-FM carries various High School Athletic Games from various High School's in Southern Colorado. KSPK's coverage area extends from Colorado Springs Colorado in the North to Raton New Mexico in South; South Fork Colorado in the west and Lamar Colorado in the east. With such a large area of coverage KSPK remains to this day Southern Colorado's Largest Radio Station.

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KSPK NEWS

October 27th 2026

Some evacuations lifted in SLV after flooding.

South Fork officials announced last night that mandatory evacuation orders have been lifted for Rivercrest, Beaver Mountain Estates, and all areas on the west side of US 160 above the confluence in South Fork. The Escondida Drive Bridge in South Fork has also reopened, however, motorists are asked to observe a posted speed limit of 15mph with one-lane, alternating traffic. Other evacuations remain in place. Evacuations for the town of Manassa also remain in place. Flood waters are receding and county officials throughout The San Luis Valley are working to get people who have been evacuated back into their homes. Those living in flooded areas who have wells are advised to boil their water before using it until wells can be tested. If you lost power while you were evacuated, throwing out perishable food in your refrigerator is also recommended.

City of Walsenburg Ballot Issue 300 on the Colorado November Ballot.

Today we look at City of Walsenburg Ballot Issue 300. Ballot Issue 300 asks if the City of Walsenburg should increase its sales and use tax rate by 0.5%, such that the city sales and use tax would increase from 3.0% to 3.5%. The increase would be effective on January 1st of 2027 and is expected to raise about $525,000 annually to fund The Walsenburg Police Department. Proponents say that public safety is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of local government. For the City of Walsenburg to remain safe, stable, and an attractive community for residents, businesses and visitors, it must maintain a professional and adequately funded police department. Opponents say that this issue, like last year, treats a spending problem as a revenue problem and that this issue would raise Walsenburg sales tax from 8.9% currently to 9.4%, one of the highest, combined rates in Colorado. Opponents say sales tax places a higher burden on lower income residents; that the issue does not specify how funds will be split between salaries, equipment and training, and includes no reporting requirements to verify spending; and does not address any current funding urgency. Opponents say that voters rejected a larger sales tax increase for similar purposes last year by more than 60%, yet the city has done nothing to resolve the budget questions. A "yes" vote would raise Walsenburg's sales tax to 9.4%. A "no" vote leaves the tax as it is. A little commentary... quite a few years ago now, Walsenburg voters voted to disband the police department. About two years ago, when The Huerfano County Sheriff decided to no longer police the City of Walsenburg, The City of Walsenburg decided to create a new police department, yet never asked voters if they wanted a police department. Then, the city asked for funding last year, and the issue lost by a 31 point margin. The citizens spoke, saying they did not want to fund a police department. The city is not listening to its citizens, and keeps asking for more money.

Walsenburg Police Officer fired and two other disciplined following incident.

A Walsenburg Police Officer has been fired and two other officers have received "administrative disciplinary action" after a video posted on Youtube shows the terminated officer making an "inappropriate comment" that was "derogatory in nature". Reports are that the terminated officer threatened to kill a person he was talking to. The Walsenburg Police Department did not publicly release the former officer's name and did not specify what disciplinary action was taken, citing department policies. The department says it considers the matter an "isolated incident".

Pueblo County announces appointment of manager of community recovery and resilience.

Courney Deviney has been appointed as Pueblo County's new manager of community recovery and resilience to help coordinate the community's recover from The Aspen Acres Fire, which destroyed about 850 structures in Pueblo and Custer counties, including 337 homes. Deviney says she hopes to connect with the community and assess needs, and then support the community doing the background work to get things cleaned up and to progress forward to rebuilding.

October 26th 2026

CO Gov Polis verbally declares 12 Counties disaster emergencies.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis has verbally declared La Plata, Archuleta, Montezuma, Dolores, Hinsdale, San Miguel, Ouray, San Juan, Mineral, Alamosa, Rio Grande and Conejos Counties disaster emergencies for flooding that has taken place thanks to heavy rainfall since late last week. Some of the worst flooding in our listening area took place from the summit of Wolf Creek Pass, traveling eastward, to South Fork, Del Norte and to the western side of Monte Vista. US 160 over Wolf Creek Pass remains closed currently. Rio Grande County Road 18 Bridge to County Road 15 Escondida Bridge remains closed. And, The Park Creek Road remains closed. In Del Norte, local street closures include 3rd Street from Spruce to Hermosa, Spruce from 2nd to Front Street, First Street from Oak to Pine Street, Front Street from Spruce to Pine, and 3rd and Cherry Street to Second Street. In Conejos County, Manassa and Guadelupe remain under mandatory evacuation. Sanford and La Jara are being advised to be alert for possible flooding. All schools in The North Conejos School District are closed today.

City of Walsenburg Ballot Question 2A on the Colorado November Ballot.

As we continue to look at local ballot issues, today we'll take a look at City of Walsenburg Ballot Question 2A. The question is short, and says: shall an ordinance amending sections 16-4-700 and 16-4-720 of The Walsenburg Municipal Code concerning the criminal detention center district be adopted? Many have asked exactly what this question is about, and there has been very little information given. In my opinion, that alone should be a reason to vote "no". It basically says "we're going to change some stuff, is that Ok?" And asks you to vote yes or no with no clue what you're allowing, or not. So what is it really for? Basically, The City of Walsenburg is asking if residents of Walsenburg want to change the Walsenburg municipal code to restrict the "federal incarceration of immigrants under federal policies and procedures", although it does not clearly define the relevant terms of what that means or how the city would determine whether a particular facility, contract, or detainee population falls within the prohibition. If passed, the measure may expose the city and taxpayers to substantial legal expenses and administrative burdens, especially if Core Civic, the owner of the private prison in Walsenburg, or The Federal Government sue Walsenburg over the ordinance. It really doesn't matter how you feel about immigrants or detention of immigrants, this whole idea is not well thought out, and may open the city and residents to future legal and administrative expenses. A "yes" vote would allow the city to change the municipal code without a clear definition of what that would be. A "no" vote would leave the code as it is currently.

Final Aspen Acres Fire update released Friday.

The final update on The Aspen Acres Fire was released on Friday. Firefighers report that no remaining heat has been detected by unmanned aircraft scanning the fire footprint. Containment has reached 94%. The incident command says that “crews still need to remove weakened trees, reinforce control lines, and ensure the perimeter will hold under future dry, windy weather”. Firefighters expect full containment to be reached once measurable snow remains on the ground for an extended period.

Flooding causes County Road 580 closure in Huerfano County Friday.

County Road 580 was closed in Huerfano County on Friday after portions of the road eroded away near where Deer Creek meets The Huerfano River, making the road impassable. The road was closed about 6:30pm Friday. Huerfano County officials say that road and bridge crews are working to make repairs to the road so that it can be reopened.

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.