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Denver Court Judge rejects last minute Amendment 87 lawsuit. Proposition 137 on the Colorado November Ballot. New Pueblo County SD70 BOE member appointed. Westcliffe man in custody after standoff with authorities. CSU Extension Office to hold free AG business management workshop in Monte Vista. For older News stories please scroll below today's headlines.

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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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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.

October 20th 2026

Proposition 135 on the Colorado November Ballot.

Today we take a look at Proposition 135, titled "prohibit surgery on minors in response to perception of sex or gender". Proposition 135 would prohibit surgeries on minors that alter their biological sex characteristics as a treatment in response to a minor's perception of sex or gender, with certain exceptions, and would prohibit the use of state or federal funds or insurance coverage to pay for such surgeries. Proponents say that minors lack the maturity to make permanent, life-altering medical decisions, and that, until an individual is a legal adult, less invasive, non-surgical methods of providing gender- related care should be used. Proponents also say that more long-term data is needed to determine whether gender-affirming surgery is a necessary treatment option prior to adulthood. Opponents say that the measure creates an overly broad ban on gender- and sex-based surgeries that interferes with needed care for both transgender and non- transgender minors, and that by banning such surgeries, the measure could limit the ability of any youths to have surgeries for a range of reasons, both medical and cosmetic. Opponents say medical care decisions for minors should be individualized based on a patient's unique needs and well-established standards of care. A "yes" vote would prohibit surgeries on minors that would alter their biological sex characteristics and would prohibit the use of government funds or insurance to pay for the surgeries. A "no" vote maintains Colorado law which protects access to surgery that alters minors' biological sex characteristics.

Hearing held yesterday in Denver over lawsuit challenging CO State Ballot issue.

A hearing was held yesterday in Denver over a lawsuit challenging one of Colorado's state ballot issues. An Arapahoe County man is suing Secretary of State Jena Griswold, and Amendment 87 proponents Chris Degruy Kennedy of the Bell Policy Center and Kiyana Newell of New Era Colorado. Amendment 87 proposes a graduated income tax. the lawsuit claims that groups in charge of the signature gathering and certification process that got the measure on the ballot, was done incorrectly, with 9,849 signatures in question. If those signatures are revoked, the amendment wouldn't have enough signatures to be on the ballot. The lawsuit alleges that 69 of the people listed as paid gatherers weren't on the list of registered and trained petition circulators. The judge will issue a decision in the case by the end of the day on Wednesday. The defendants reportedly plan to appeal if the decision in not in their favor.

Pueblo County SD70 could be ordered to pay legal fees in open meeting law case.

Pueblo County School District 70 could be ordered to pay more than $78,000 in attorney fees and court costs after Pueblo District Court Judge Michelle Chostner ruled that the board violated Colorado's open meeting law twice in 8 months. The first violation was by failing to disclose the religious character of Riverstone Academy, a now-defunct, 30- student elementary school established within District 70 boundaries. The second violation was failing to provide proper notice to the public about the appointment of Susie Carnes to the Pueblo County School District 70 Board Of Education. The ruling invalidated Carnes' controversial appointment to the board, as well as the memorandum of understanding with Riverstone.

Alamosa County Commissioners entered into letter of interest with ABQ hangars company last week.

Alamosa County Commissioners entered into a letter of interest with high flying hangars of Albuquerque last week to determine if there is interest in new hangars at The San Luis Valley Regional Airport. The airport is hoping to capitalize on storing private aircraft with the construction of new private aircraft hangars and development plans for the land that surrounds the airfield. The hangars would be for corporate and private jets valued at between $1 million and $7 million. The airport hopes providing storage will give it an exceptional opportunity for growth.

October 19th 2026

Proposition 134 on the Colorado November Ballot.

In our continuing series on ballot issues, today we take a look at Proposition 134, titled "Male and Female participation in school and collegiate sports". Proposition 134 would require that all elementary through collegiate school-based athletic teams and sports be designated as male-only or female-only based on biological sex, unless the team or sport is open to individuals of either sex. Proposition 134 would also require schools and school districts to implement policies to ensure that students are assigned to gender- designated teams that align with their biological sex and prohibit investigations of, or penalties for, a school that designates a team or sport as female-only. Proponents say females should be able to compete against other females. Allowing biological males to participate on female teams creates an unfair advantage for the males and can prevent female athletes from achieving wins, records, podium spots and scholarship opportunities. Opponents say the proposition would turn athletic eligibility into a body inspection and manufactures new grounds for discrimination. Opponents say it could subject many athletes, not just those who are transgender, to uncomfortable physical inspections. A "yes" vote would mean that all school-based athletic teams would have to be designated as for biological males only, biological females only or mixed. A "no" vote would allow schools and athletic associations to continue setting their own policies.

CDPHE announces first reported pediatric influenza-associated death this RV season.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has announced that the first reported pediatric influenza-associated death of the 2026-27 respiratory virus season, is an elementary-aged child from outside the Denver metro area. CDPHE said Friday that there is no record that the child received the 2026-27 flu vaccine. No additional information about the child was provided. The death comes as flu activity increases across Colorado, with hospitals reporting more positive flu tests and flu-related hospitalizations. Health officials urge parents to get their children vaccinated before flu transmission increases further.

EPA announces completion of major Walsenburg cleanup.

The Environmental Protection Agency has announced that it has completed a major cleanup of the former lamme hospital and an abandoned residence in Walsenburg that was destroyed by fire in October of 2023. Cleanup began on September 17th and was completed by October 10th. The EPA says it removed 1,520 cubic yards of asbestos- contaminated material and contaminated debris from the site. The EPA says it used air monitoring to ensure asbestos fibers did not migrate off-site and disposed of the contaminated debris at a permitted landfill in Pueblo.

Raton home destroyed by fire last night.

A home in Raton was destroyed by fire last night. According to Raton fire, a call came in regarding a house on Terrill Avenue just before 8pm yesterday. Upon arrival, fire fighters found the front of the house at 337 Terrill Avenue fully engulfed in flames. Fire fighters doused the flames, but the house is a total loss. The occupants of the home were able to get out and were not injured. Fire fighters remained on scene last night. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Las Animas County R&B announces County Road closure on Wednesday.

Las Animas County Road and Bridge has announced that County Road 40.2 will be closed on Wednesday, October 21st, beginning at 9am. The road is scheduled to reopen at about 4:30pm. The road will be closed from the railroad tracks near the intersection of County Road 40.2 and County Road 61.5 at the train overpass for about one mile. Please use an alternate route if you will be in the area at that time. For more information, call Las Animas County Road and Bridge at 719-846-2931.

October 16th 2026

Lawsuit filed against CPW says bag limit reduction vote came with no prior notice.

A lawsuit, filed in Denver District Court on October 2nd, by safari club international and sportsmen's alliance foundation, says that the Colorado Parks and Wildlife commission gave no prior notice of its intent to significantly reduce bag limits below what it had publicly proposed and the public had no opportunity to comment on the changes. The dispute stems from the commission's July 16th vote, which narrowly approved a two-per- day limit on mink, pine marten, badger, red fox, gray fox, swift fox, western spotted skunk, striped skunk, beaver, muskrat, long-tailed weasel, short-tailed weasel, bobcat, opossum, ring-tailed cat, raccoon and coyote. CPW staff initially recommended at 15- bag limit last march, but commissioners asked for fewer. The lawsuit says the 6-5 vote was unlawful, noting that the state's administrative procedures act requires proper notice and an opportunity for meaningful public comment.

Proposition 133 on the Colorado November Ballot.

In our continuing series, today we look at Proposition 133, titled "penalties for human trafficking of a minor". Proposition 133 would mandate a sentence of life in prison without parole for child sex trafficking convictions, and would expand child sex trafficking to include buying sexual activity with a minor. Proponents say child sex trafficking causes serious and long-lasting harm to victims. Someone who commits this terrible crime deserves a life sentence instead of a shorter prison term or probation. proponents say with this change, victims will have no doubt that child sex trafficking offenders are punished to the fullest extent of the law. Opponents say harsher sentences are unlikely to deter human trafficking, but may instead result in punishing victims, and, that due to the fear of a life sentence, victims may be less likely to report these crimes or cooperate with police, especially if they are pressured or forced to commit crimes for the trafficker. A "yes" vote increases the penalty for child sex trafficking to life in prison without parole. A "no" vote keeps the existing felony criminal penalties in place.

Aspen Acres Fire ignition findings strengthen lawsuit against SIEA.

While several lawsuits had already been filed against San Isabel Electric Association alleging that the company was responsible for the aspen acres fire, now that investigators have confirmed that electrical lines were the cause of the fire, and, while investigators did not establish liability, the findings strengthen lawsuits already filed. In the most recent, and largest, lawsuit against San Isabel, with 44 plaintiffs, filed on October 7th, alleges that the plaintiffs suffered damages "including but not limited to property damage, loss of natural resources, evacuation expenses, economic damages such as losses of income and business activity... damage to the soil, loss of water storage, loss of aesthetic value", and more. The lawsuit says "because of SIEA's corporate policy of putting profits over public safety, plaintiffs and others like them have had their homes, businesses, ranches and farms damaged or destroyed..." The lawsuit alleges that, in the days before the fire, residents in the ignition area reported smaller power line-related fires. The lawsuit argues that SIEA "had or should have had notice of a dangerous condition of the power lines and/or equipment in the area where the fire occurred". San Isabel Electric has refused to comment citing the ongoing litigation.

CDPHE confirmes new measles case in Jefferson County.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has confirmed a case of measles in a Jefferson County resident, and are notifying the public of areas for potential measles exposures. The confirmed case involved an adult with unknown vaccination status. The individual was likely exposed during travel, not in Colorado. Known exposure locations include Denver International Airport and Carenow Urgent Care in Arvada. If you experience symptoms, call your healthcare provider before you visit in person.