November 2nd 2026
Heavy rain falling in San Juan Mountains prompts new SLV evacuations.
With heavy rainfall taking place in The San Juan Mountains, rising water levels prompted
evacuations of South Fork, Del Norte, Northern Monte Vista, Manassa, Ortiz, San
Antonio and Guadalupe once again yesterday, along with the closure of U.S. 160 between
South Fork and Bayfield. According to The National Weather Service, flood stage will
be a concern now through tomorrow on the South Fork of the Rio Grande, Conejos River,
and additional streams and rivers in the eastern San Juans. Flood stage will be a concern
now through Wednesday on the Rio Grande through Del Norte and Monte Vista. And,
flood stage will be a concern Wednesday through Friday on the Rio Grande through
Alamosa. Evacuees were told yesterday that they should be prepared to stay away from
their homes for 2 to 3 days. Road closures currently include U.S. 160 Wolf Creek Pass
through South Fork, Colorado 112, over the Rio Grande Bridge in Del Norte, and
Colorado 17, Antonito to the New Mexico state line. Motorists are urged to avoid travel
during flood warnings or flood watches if possible.
Ballot Issue 7A on the Colorado November Ballot.
Today we look at Ballot Issue 7A that appears on ballots in Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla,
Mineral, Rio Grande and Saguache counties, concerning 12th judicial district attorney
term limits. Ballot Issue 7A asks if the term limits for the district attorney of the 12th
judicial district be eliminated, allowing the district attorney of the 12th judicial district to
serve an indefinite number of terms. Proponents say that removing the term limit could
lead to more experienced leadership and continuity in the district attorney's office.
Opponents say that term limits are essential for ensuring fresh perspectives and
accountability in elected positions and assure that elected officials of governments are
responsive to the citizens of those governments". A "yes" vote removes the term limit
from the district attorney's office, and so from whoever holds the office, now or later.
The DA would still have to be re-elected every four years to continue. A "no" vote keeps
the two-term limit.
CO Gov Polis announces request of expedited major disaster declaration.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced on Saturday that he has formally requested an
expedited major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump through the Federal
Emergency Management Agency to support recovery from the devastating flooding and
debris flows in southwestern and southcentral Colorado. The request specifically seeks
FEMA public assistance and hazard mitigation grant program funding for Archuleta and
Rio Grande Counties following severe storms that took place from October 22nd through
25th. Polis said the state will continue damage assessments with FEMA and local
governments and will add those to the request as those damages are identified.
Unknown reason sends Walsenburg and surrounding areas into the dark Saturday night.
Walsenburg and surrounding areas suffered a massive power outage beginning about
10:35pm Saturday night, plunging the entire town of Walsenburg into complete darkness,
along with the areas around Walsenburg served by the Walsenburg substation. Power
was restored about an hour later. San Isabel Electric gave no information about the cause
of the power outage. A second power outage also occurred about 10:42pm last night
south of La Veta. Again, no further information was made available.
Earthquake struck Las Animas County yesterday morning.
A 3.7 magnitude earthquake struck Las Animas County about 1:55am yesterday morning,
November 1st. The earthquake was located about 11 miles south-southwest of Weston
and 10 miles south of Stonewall Gap, a few miles north of the New Mexico State Line.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the quake was about 6 miles deep. No damage
or injuries were reported.
October 30th 2026
Current 2026 Colorado Midterm Elections Ballot return statistics.
As of Monday, 842,056 ballots had been returned statewide in Colorado, according to
The Colorado Secretary of State's Office. Registered Democrats accounted for 33% of
ballots cast, while Republicans made up 25% and Unaffiliated voters 42%. Older voters
continue to drive turnout thus far. More than one-quarter of ballots returned so far came
from voters aged 65 to 74 years. Voters ages 18 to 24 have recorded the lowest turnout
rate thus far. If you have not voted yet, do not mail your ballot to your county clerk's
office as there is no longer enough time to guarantee that your ballot will make it there on
time. Instead, use one of the ballot drop boxes in your county, or hand deliver your ballot
to your county clerk's office. And, you can vote in person instead of using your mail-in
ballot right up until 7pm on Tuesday, November 3rd. Check with your county clerk's
office for polling locations in your area.
City of Alamosa Ballot Measure 2A on the Colorado November Ballot.
Today we take a look at City of Alamosa Ballot Measure 2A, titled "Alamosa Streets
Trust Fund". Ballot Measure 2A would allow the City of Alamosa to continue collecting
the existing sales tax that voters put in place in 2019 of one-half percent, beginning on
January 1st of 2030. The sales and use tax is currently set to expire on December 31st of
2029. Proponents say the tax only amounts to 5 cents on a $10 purchase and that visitors
and tourists also help pay for the improvement of city streets. Proponents also say 100%
of the money collected goes to fund street repair. Opponents say city taxes will be
increased by $2.5 million in the first year, and that while the city says it is not a new tax,
it is just that, and continues it for 10 years, until 2039. Opponents say that streets are a
core duty of a city and should be paid for from the budget that the city council already
controls, not from a dedicated tax renewed 3 years before its term runs out. A "yes" vote
continues the half-cent city sales tax to fund roads. A "no" vote would end the tax on
December 31st of 2029.
State of Colorado issues boil water advisory for Mogote Meadows.
The State of Colorado has issued a boil water advisory for Mogote Meadows in Conejos
County. The order was issued in response to the recent flooding that damage the Mogote
Meadows well pump, causing the system to lose pressure and potentially allowing
bacteria to enter drinking water. Mogote Meadows serves 85 people. The state will lift
the boil water advisory once the system restores pressure, conducts disinfection and
flushing, and submits follow-up samples showing that there are no disease-causing
organisms in the water. Boil orders for private wells in Rio Grande and Mineral Counties
continue until wells can be tested and approved.
NWS says strong storm to bring increased flooding risk for west SLV.
The National Weather says that the end of the weekend and the beginning of next week
brings with it another strong storm system into Western Colorado and The San Luis
Valley, which, they say, will bring additional heavy precipitation to the already soaked
mountains. Flooding is expected to be a concern once again beginning Sunday and
running into next week. The weather service is predicting increased flooding risk once
again for Mineral, Rio Grande and Conejos Counties, although the snow level may drop
this time, meaning the moisture this time may fall as snow with less overall rain.
Daylight Savings Time ends this Sunday at 2am.
Don't forget that Daylight Savings ends this Sunday morning at 2am, so remember to set
your clock back one hour before you go to bed. And, Colorado Parks and Wildlife wants
you to remember that wildlife is on the move, so drive with caution and slow down
during the nighttime hours, as wildlife are migrating to wintering habitats during rush-
hour traffic on roadways. Remember to slow down, stay alert, obey traffic signs and
speed limits, always wear a seatbelt, and report collisions with animals much like you
would any collision by calling The Colorado State Patrol at *CSP, or *277, on any
cellphone.
October 29th 2026
CSP troopers investigating suspicious device left outside of State Capitol yesterday.
Colorado State Patrol troopers are investigating after a suspicious device was left outside
of one of the entreances to The Colorado State Capitol in Denver yesterday. The device
was reportedly "designed to look like an explosive device". CSP responded to the capitol
around 10:34am yesterday after the suspicious device was found on a windowsill outside
the east capitol entrance. The capitol was evacuated about 11:12am as a precaution, and
Lincoln street and 14th Avenue were closed. The Colorado State Patrol identified a
person of interest who may have information about the device. CSP announced later
yesterday that they had arrested a 32-year-old suspect, who was not identified. There is
no ongoing hazard at the capitol.
Damage assessment teams continue work throughout Flood affected SLV counties.
Damage assessment teams are continuing to work throughout Rio Grande and Mineral
counties, including Monte Vista, Del Norte and South Fork. Teams have assessed 1331
homes and businesses so far, documenting flood-related property damage. Property
owners are also encouraged to submit their own damage reports, although please do not
submit multiple reports for the same property. Residents affected by the flooding who
need help with cleanup can call 211 or 970-283-7325 to request free volunteer assistance.
Park Creek Road remains closed due to significant damage and erosion. Local streets in
Del Norte also remain closed. Residents are reminded that a boil water order remains in
effect until further notice for residents using private wells throughout Rio Grande
County, as well as those in Mineral County along the South Fork of the Rio Grande
whose wells may have been impacted by the recent flooding.
Rye Fire Protection District Ballot Issue Number 7B on the Colorado November Ballot.
Today we look at Rye Fire Protection District Ballot Issue Number 7B, titled "mill levy
increase for emergency services". Issue 7B would increase taxes by almost $1.1 million
in the first full fiscal year, for 10 years, by an increase of 11.652 mills in the district's
property tax levy. Revenue from the increase would be used for general district purposes,
including increasing and maintaining emergency response staffing, maintaining fire
protection, emergency medical, ambulance, rescue and wildland fire services. For
purchasing, replacing and maintaining fire apparatus and other emergency equipment,
repairing and maintaining facilities, for funding capital improvements and maintaining
financial reserves. The additional tax will begin with the 2026 property tax year for
collection in 2027 and the tax will end with the 2035 property tax year for collection in
2036, unless voters authorize the tax again. The issue also authorizes the district to
collect, retain and spend all revenues generated by such a tax increase, together with any
investment earnings thereon, over and above the Tabor cap. No comments from
proponents or opponents have been made for the issue. A "yes" vote for Ballot Issue 7B
raises the district's tax by 11.652 mills for 10 years, and authorizes the district to keep
any revenue received above the Tabor cap. A "no" vote leaves the district mill levy as it
is currently.
New I-27 project receives boost from Federal Government.
The new Interstate 27 project, to connect Texas to Colorado, has received a $1 million
boost from the federal government in the form of a check to help pay for an alignment
study. The proposal would bring about 100 miles of U.S. 64 and U.S. 87 between The
Texas State Line and Raton up to interstate standards so that the new Interstate 27 can
connect with Interstate 25 in Raton. The new funding will support planning and project
definition. The proposed connection would be part of the ports-to-plains corridor, linking
Laredo, Texas, with points north toward Canada to support trade.
October 28th 2026
Recovery efforts continuing in SLV after flooding.
Recovery efforts are continuing across Rio Grande and Mineral Counties as crews
continue to assess damage and support residents impacted by the recent flooding.
Mandatory evacuation orders remain in place for Upper River Greens. Mandatory
Evacuations have been lifted for Lower River Greens, Riviera Estates, River's Edge
Subdivisions, and all other neighborhoods east of river's edge. Rio Grande County Road
18 bridge has also reopened to traffic, but motorists are encouraged to use caution when
traveling in the area. The mandatory evacuation order for the town of Manassa was lifted
last night, although The Guadalupe area remains under mandatory evacuation orders due
to continue impacts from flooding. According to The San Luis Valley Water
Conservancy District, all stream gauges on The Conejos and Alamosa river systems have
peaked. The Rio Grande below Alamosa is still rising, meaning that The Rio Grande at
Lobatos bridge is still rising. Reservoirs are storing what they can and that water will be
put to use next summer. Ditches are still diverting water for late season irrigation and
aquifer recharge, which has helped lessen the flows through downs and has reduced
flooding where possible.
Huerfano County Ballot Issue 1A on the Colorado November Ballot.
Today we take a look at Huerfano County Ballot Issue 1A, titled "recreational and
cultural facilities and programming mill levy increase". The measure asks if Huerfano
County taxes should be increased by almost $355,000 annually beginning on January 1st
of 2027, by increasing the county's property tax rate by an additional 2 mills. The
revenues from which shall be deposited in a dedicated fund to be used for development,
improvements and maintenance of new and existing parks and recreational facilities
within Huerfano County, maintain and improve cultural facilities within Huerfano
County, and provide more recreational and cultural opportunities. Proponents say the
measure is a direct investment in our community, families, health and quality of life and
will give Huerfano County a steady, local source of funding for parks, recreation, cultural
facilities and community programs. Opponents say the new tax will be a permanent
voter-approved revenue change. The 2 mill levy will cost about $13,60 per year for each
$100,000 of a home's actual value. With the median home in Huerfano County valued at
$245,000, the average person’s taxes would increase by $33.60 per year. A "yes" vote
would increase property taxes in Huerfano County by 2 mills. A "no" vote keeps taxes as
they are now. My commentary? Property tax and valuations have gone up wildly in the
past few years. Vote for another tax increase? Now that's just what we need.
US 160 over Wolf Creek Pass reopened yesterday.
The Colorado Department of Transportation reopened US 160 between Pagosa Springs
and South Fork yesterday for travel in both directions. While the highway has been
cleared for travel, motorists should be prepared for 24/7 delays and single lane alternating
traffic at multiple locations along the route where damaged segments of roadway are
being repaired. CDOT is warning travelers to plan ahead and to allow for up to an hour
of additional travel time if traveling over US 160 Wolf Creek Pass. Motorists are urged
to slow down and use caution through work zones with narrow and reduced travel lanes.
CDOT asks that you keep your full attention on the roadway for your safety and the
safety of workers operating close to traffic.
CSP and local law enforcement agencies to host Halloween Weekend DUI Enforcement period.
The Colorado State Patrol and 17 local law enforcement agencies will host the heat is on
Halloween Weekend DUI Enforcement period beginning today and running through
November 3rd. CSP urges all drivers to arrange a sober ride home before celebrating over
the holiday weekend. Additional law enforcement officers will be on duty to arrest
impaired drivers and keep Colorado's roads safe.
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