November 18th 2025
US DEA announces largest fentanyl seizure in Colorado.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement administration has announced that they have made
Colorado's largest fentanyl seizure of all time. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation
says that 1.7 million fentanyl pills were seized following a year-long investigation. The
pills were located after a Douglas County resident legally purchased a storage unit at
auction. Following the purchase of the unit, the buyer found what appeared to be illicit
drugs, and contacted The Douglas County Sheriff's Office. Not only is this Colorado's
largest fentanyl seizure, the DEA says that this is the 6th largest in the United States.
According to the DEA, the original registered owner of the storage unit was already in
federal custody when the drugs were located.
CPW announces fee's increase for SAR.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has announced that fees that support Colorado backcountry
search and rescue will increase from 25 cents to $1.25 to expand funding for Colorado's
volunteer search and rescue teams. The increased fees will apply to wildlife licenses, as
well as boat, snowmobile and off-highway vehicle registrations. The fee was initially 25
cents, a price that was set in 1987. CPW says the new reimbursement fee of $1.25 is a
"necessary step" to keep up with an increase in backcountry calls for help, account for
inflation, and more rescues and recoveries that are highly technical and risky. Colorado
has about 50 search and rescue organizations, which are 100% volunteer-based. CPW
commissioners voted to approve the increase at its November meeting.
Pueblo murder suspect sentenced to life in prison.
Joseph Rodriguez, 36, of Pueblo, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of
parole yesterday, after he was found guilty of murder in the first degree and of tampering
with physical evidence on Friday in connection with the death of Justin Sapeda, also of
Pueblo. According to the 10th Judicial District Attorney's Office, Sapeda was killed on
Christmas Day of last year after Rodriguez hit him with his truck several times in the
2600 block of Himes avenue, which is located near Lake Minnequa. Rodriguez's
conviction came following a two-week trial and four hours of jury deliberation.
CDOT begins work on bridge improvements north of Antonito.
The Colorado Department of Transportation has begun work on bridge improvements to
two bridges over the Conejos River on U.S. Highway 285 north of Antonito. The bridges
are located bout a mile north of Antonito at mile markers 7 and 8. The winter season
project will take advantage of low water flows and will include resurfacing a bridge deck
at the structure over the north branch Conejos River, and completely replacing the bridge
structure with a concrete box culvert at the Conejos River, further north on the highway.
A temporary bridge will be constructed to allow traffic to detour around the northern
bridge while work is taking place. Work will take place from 7am to 5pm, Monday
through Friday. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane alternating traffic. Motorists
should expect 15 minute delays. Work is expected to be complete by march of next year.
NMDOT announces I-25 Raton pass construction placed in winter suspension.
With winter weather approaching, the New Mexico Department of Transportation has
announced that construction on Interstate 25, from Raton to the Colorado State Line, has
been placed under winter suspension. The ongoing $27-million project has paused its
final phases of roadway surfacing and the installation of shoulder rumble strips due to
low temperatures. Construction is scheduled to resume in the spring when weather
conditions allow. All lanes have been reopened to traffic throughout the winter season.
November 17th 2025
Federal government funding language may have impact on hemp industry.
Language in the funding package that passed last week and reopened the federal
government could have a huge impact on the hemp industry in Colorado. The new
federal law now bans the manufacture and sale of hemp products with more than 0.4
milligrams of thc per container. The move will ban more than 95% of all available hemp
products. A summary from the senate appropriations committee says that the law
prevents the unregulated sale of intoxicating hemp-based or hemp-derived products,
including delta-8, from being sold online, in gas stations and corner stores, while
preserving non-intoxicating CBD and industrial hemp products. Governor Jared Polis in
a statement said that "it's disappointing to see the federal government leading with fear
rather than a vision for the future, and cutting off access to a variety of hemp-based
products."
Former Mesa County Clerk backers seeking prison relocation.
Backers of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, who is currently serving prison time,
are asking officials to relocate her from a state-run facility to a federal prison. They
argue that a federal institution would offer a safer environment while she continues her
appeal of her state conviction. The Federal Bureau of Prisons has formally requested that
colorado transfer her. Peters is being held at la vista correctional facility, a medium-
security women's prison in Pueblo, serving a nine-year sentence after she was convicted
of helping an individual gain unauthorized access to dominion voting machines in Mesa
County in 2021. Colorado has confirmed that it has received the request. It is not known
if the request will be granted. Peters' attorneys say that she is facing safety risks inside
the state system.
Eruption of shootings targeting houses within Raton.
There has been a sudden eruption of shootings targeting houses within The Raton
community, according to Raton Police Chief John D. Garcia. Garcia issued a statement
yesterday addressing the recent drive-by shootings, saying he wants to reassure the
community that officers are fully committed to finding and prosecuting the individual or
individuals responsible for these dangerous acts. Garcia says his team, with assistance
from New Mexico State Police, has been actively investigating every call and every tip
that comes in. He asks all residents to remain vigilant. If you have any information,
evidence or observations that could assist police, please contact the Raton Police
Department by calling 575-445-2704.
CPW investigating potential Saguache County poaching.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating a potential poaching after a Rocky Mountain
big horn ram was found poached in Saguache County. According to CPW, a report of a
dead ram came in around 1:20pm on Tuesday, November 11th, off of County Road 38FF
in game management unit 681. The ram was found just a little over 200 yards from the
road, and was shot in the guts. It is believed that the shooting took place in the
immediate area. Nothing was removed from the ram. The illegal taking of a bighorn
sheep is punishable by a $100,000 fine, according to CPW. anyone with any information
about this poaching should contact operation game thief at 877-265-6648, or email
game.thief@state.co.us.
Suspects with Venezuelan gang ties remain at large in Salida.
Three men with alleged ties to a Venezuelan gang remain at-large following several
assault incidents in Salida. According to Salida police, one incident took place on
November 2nd, beginning as an assault in Buena Vista, then moving to Salida where they
forced their way into a home and attacked those inside. The suspects have been
identified as Daviler Brito Ibarra, 24, Carlos Garcia Reyes, 41, and Wisan Ruiz, 25, all of
Buena Vista. Anyone with any information regarding the suspects is asked to call Salida
Police at 719-539-2596.
November 14th 2025
CO Gov Polis presents next fiscal year budget Wednesday.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis on Wednesday presented his budget proposal for the next
fiscal year to the joint budget committee. For the second year in a row, Colorado is
facing down a daunting budget deficit. Every year, the JBC is tasked with preparing
budget recommendations for the general assembly. The group of Colorado lawmakers
are provided with budget requests from all executive and judicial departments by
November 1st. Polis presented his proposal on Wednesday. The Governor believes that
cuts to medicaid are one solution to balancing the budget, although that solution feels
more like a problem for many Colorado families. Polis told the JBC Wednesday that the
federal government shutdown, tariffs and HR1 have hurt Colorado's budget, combined
with large increases in medicaid costs. He said "difficult choices are needed to address
these impacts and protect the progress we have made".
CO State Land Board give final approval to La Jara Basin land transfer.
The Colorado state land board yesterday gave final approval to the three-way transfer of
almost 46,000 acres of land that make up The La Jara Basin in Conejos County. The land
transfer will bring in a total of $49.6 million, or $1,000 per acre, for the land transferred
to The U.S. Forest Service and The Bureau of Land Management, and $2,500 per acre for
The La Jara Reservoir area which will be managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Both
Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper urged final approval of
the plan. Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar compared the transfer to the
establishment of The Great Sand Dunes National Park. Local officials and residents also
spoke of their support for the approval of the land transfer at yesterday's meeting.
Representatives of the BLM and Forest Service told state land board members that it was
doubtful that they could muster support in congress to approve money for the acquisition
again if the current deal wasn’t accepted.
Case against planned parenthood shooter delayed again.
The case against accused planned parenthood shooter Robert Dear is being delayed again.
Dear is accused of a mass shooting at the planned parenthood location on centennial
boulevard in Colorado Springs on November 27th of 2015. Three people, including a
UCCS Police Officer, were killed, and nine others were injured. The case has been
undecided for years as Dear has undergone mental health evaluations. A judge ruled in
September that Dear is unlikely to be restored to competency. Prosecutors told the judge
yesterday that the federal court has begun the process of having Dear committed to a
long-term mental health facility. No decision was made on Dear's Colorado charges.
Dear's next hearing is scheduled for February 26th.
CSP reminding Coloradans to slow down during winter months.
The Colorado State Patrol is reminding Coloradans to slow down during the winter
months as snow can bring wildlife onto roadways and increase the risk of crashes. CSP
says that November is the peak month for wildlife crashes in Colorado, saying that last
year alone there were 530 such crashes during the month. CSP encourages drivers to
obey the speed limit and to use their high beams when no other motorists are around,
thereby giving you more time to adjust your speed when you see wildlife. If you do get
into a crash with wildlife, law enforcement say to call 911.
City of Alamosa seeking residents to serve on temporary committee.
The City of Alamosa is seeking residents to serve on the temporary citizen street
committee. The committee's central function is to help develop the official, prioritized
list of road reconstruction projects that will be recommended for funding through the
potential renewal of the dedicated streets trust fund tax in 2026. The renewal of the
proposed dedicated streets trust fund tax will allow for the continued essential road
repairs and maintenance. For more information on applying, go to
cityofalamosa.granicus.com/boards/forums/683/apply, or call the city clerk's office at
719-589-2593.
November 13th 2025
President Donald Trump signs funding bill to end shutdown.
President Donald Trump last night signed a government funding bill that now ends the
43-day government shutdown. Both Colorado's Democratic Senators, John
Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, voted against sending the bill to the house on
Monday. Bennet said he voted no because the bill did not address the expiration of the
affordable care act tax credits. He has promised to work towards extending those credits
when he returns to Washington next week. Governor Jared Polis said last night that
"while this brings some relief to families, businesses and communities across Colorado, I
continue to urge congress to renew the enhanced premium tax credits..." Polis also
called for the federal government to fund and backfill important programs like Snap and
WIC.
CDHE says Coloradans could see full snap funding today.
The Colorado Department of Human Services said yesterday that as the federal
government moves towards reopening, Coloradans could see full snap food assistance
funding for November as soon as today. CDHS says the state is working to deliver 100%
of the November snap payments to the approximately 600,000 residents that use SNAP.
Officials said that Coloradans on snap who have opted in for text updates would receive a
text from the state announcing the news in the next few days. CDHS Executive Director
Michelle Barnes said that "after weeks of uncertainty, Coloradans will finally have
critical access to food back."
Costilla County Suspect in custody for alleged threats.
A suspect is in custody for allegedly making threats that closed both school districts in
Costilla County. According to the Costilla County Sheriff's Office, Sierra Grande School
in Blanca and Centennial School in San Luis both reported "potential threats" on Monday
night, causing both schools to close on Tuesday. The threat came from a man, later
identified as suspect David Lee Landrum, about "blowing up a school" in Costilla County
over a conflict involving Landrum and a staff member from one of the districts. Landrum
didn't name the school, so that prompted Sheriff Danny Sanchez to notify both districts,
and that led to the closures. Landrum has since been arrested. No explosive devices
were found at either school. Sierra Grande reopened school yesterday. Centennial called
the threat "credible" and said the school would remain closed for the rest of the week.
Landrum is facing misdemeanor charges of harassment, interference with faculty and
obstruction of government operations.
New solar generation and storage facility moved forward in Alamosa County.
A new solar generation and storage facility in Alamosa County moved forward during
The Alamosa County Commissioners meeting this week. The facility, proposed by
Nextera energy, plans for a 600 megawatt solar plant and 600 megawatts of solar storage
to be located on road 2 north between County Road 104 and County Road 108, in the
central part of Alamosa County north of the City of Alamosa. Commissioners yesterday
approved waivers to certain regulations within the required 1041 permit that didn't apply
to the project. The next steps with the county will be taken next year and notice will be
given for a public hearing. Commissioners hope that the large project will help convince
state officials about the importance of increasing transmission capacity to move power in
and out of the valley. The proposed site is adjacent to the 30 megawatt Alamosa Solar
Generating Facility.
CDPHE announces measles case in Montezuma County.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has identified a case of
measles in a Montezuma county resident. The school-aged child, who had not received
the MMR Vaccine, developed symptoms of measles after recently traveling to another
state where there is an ongoing measles outbreak. Health officials are issuing an alert to
the public about potential community exposures that may have occurred between
November 5th and 11th. People who have been in Cortez and Mancos may have been
exposed and should monitor themselves for symptoms through December 4th.
November 12th 2025
CO State Treasurer Dave Young encouraging veterans and families to claim lost property.
Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young is encouraging veterans and their families to claim
military medals, service records and missing money. The Colorado unclaimed property
division currently has several military decorations, including three purple hearts and a
bronze star. The state treasury says that they hold the items, then notify the veterans and
families to which they belong. Dave Young says that reconnecting them with their
unclaimed property is one small way we can honor their sacrifice and commitment.
Military medals and decorations are not allowed to be sold by state law, so they are safe
until claimed. The treasury is currently holding 15 million assets. To search for lost
property, go to colorado.findyourunclaimedproperty.com.
CBI asking for public’s help in locating missing Trinidad woman.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is asking for the public's help in locating a missing
woman from Trinidad who was last seen eight years ago. According to CBI, Tammy
Jean Friesth was last seen in November of 2017. Her siblings have not heard from her
since July 2017. Her disappearance has been listed as a cold case. She was last seen in
Trinidad and had just moved to Trinidad the year prior to her disappearance. She was
known to drive a blue pontiac vibe. Friesth is described as a 5-foot-2 and 125-pound
white woman with blue eyes and gray, or partially gray hair. She has two purple feathers
tattooed on her forearm and a butterfly tattoo on her left hand. Anyone with any
information about Friesth is asked to call The Colorado Bureau of Investigation at 303-
239-4320.
Raton Police officer charged with battery following domestic disturbance.
Following a domestic disturbance, a Raton police officer has been charged with battery.
According to New Mexico State Police, officers were dispatched just before 2am on
Saturday, November 8th, to 1450 State Street in Raton for a domestic disturbance that
involved a Raton police officer. The disturbance stemmed from an argument between
Derek and Jennifer Hightree after Jennifer allegedly came home late, smelling of alcohol.
A physical altercation ensued. Based on evidence and on the statements made by both
parties, New Mexico State Police placed Derek Hightree under arrest. Judge Felix Pena
has been assigned to the case.
Sangre De Cristo National Heritage seeking board members.
The Sangre De Cristo National Heritage area is seeking board members who are
passionate about cultural preservation, heritage tourism and community history. The
heritage area is looking to fill two volunteer board seats, one from Costilla County and
one from Conejos County, to help guide its future work. Local projects include historic
building rehabilitation, interpretation of historic and scenic/recreational sites, educational
programming, cultural events, and documentation of culturally significant components of
traditional ways of life. Go to www.sangreheritage.org to learn more and to apply.
Powerful solar storm resulted in aurora borealis through much of Colorado last night.
And, if you noticed something odd in the sky last night, you weren't seeing things... a
powerful solar storm made it possible for Coloradans to see the aurora borealis, or
northern lights, across much of the state of Colorado. According to the National Weather
Service, last night's solar storm peaked at a G4 level. The highest level is G5. A weaker
storm is possible again tonight.
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