KSPK NEWS
February 5th 2026
CO GOP Vice Chair announces resignation from position.
Saying that it is "impossible" to work with Colorado State GOP Chair Brita Horn,
Colorado GOP Vice Chair Richard Holtorf has announced his resignation from his
position effective at the end of the month. Holtorf, a third-generation cattle rancher,
former state lawmaker and congressional candidate, is the 2nd State GOP Vice Chair to
resign in the past year, following last summer's departure of Darrel Phelan, a former Las
Animas County GOP Chair, who also blamed frustration with Horn for his decision.
Holtorf was elected to replace Phelan in July after calling on fellow Republicans to "build
bridges between our divided factions" and to "focus on our candidates, not our bickering
and infighting". A statement from the State Republican Party says that the vacancy
created by Holtorf's resignation will be filled at an upcoming state central committee
meeting.
SLV Research Center to receive appropriation to rebuild facility.
The San Luis Valley Research Center, located in Center, Colorado, has learned this week
that it will receive a $1 million appropriation to rebuild a potato storage unit at the
facility. The money has been secured by 3rd Congressional U.S. Representative Jeff
Hurd. In 2018, the facility experienced high winds that severely damaged a potato
storage unit. Staff has rented space in a warehouse since 2018, however, being offsite
presented a number of challenges, including keeping staff safe while hauling large loads
of potatoes back and forth. The research center works in cooperation with programs
across the western U.S. to support San Luis Valley growers and communities with
research, educational programs, and work toward optimizing agricultural productivity in
current and future markets.
Former Pueblo County detention deputy arrested.
Andrew ward, a now-former Pueblo County detention deputy, has been arrested for
charges related to sexual crimes against children. According to The Pueblo County
Sheriff's Office, they began investigating ward in late December after receiving a report
that he had sexually assaulted a child. Deputies identified two child victims during their
investigation, the most recent being in 2020. Ward also had "substantial and extensive"
sexual abuse material on his electronic devices. Ward was fired on January 14th. He had
been employed with the sheriff's office since June 2nd of 2014. He is facing charges of
sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust and sexual exploitation of a child.
He is currently being held without bond.
Colorado snowpack continues to drop thanks to persistent high pressure ridge.
A persistent ridge of high pressure over the Western U.S. has dominated weather patterns
this winter, keeping storm systems away while maintaining unusually warm temperatures
across the region. Unfortunately that also means that statewide snowpack continues to
drop with statewide levels dropping from 57% of average last week to 55% of average
this week. By river basin, The North Platte is on top with 66% of average snowpack.
Followed by The Yampa & White at 62%, The South Platte at 59%, The Gunnison at
56%, The Colorado at 55%, The Upper Rio Grande at 49%. The San Juan & Dolores at
48% and The Arkansas River basin comes in at 47% of average currently.
Lathrop State Park Rangers honored at CPW annual awards.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife recently honored 21 employees for their outstanding service
and commitment to protecting the state's citizens and natural resources. The annual
awards recognize CPW wildlife officers, park rangers and staff who demonstrate a
sustained commitment to preserving and enhancing Colorado's outdoors and a
willingness to put their lives on the line to protect outdoor recreationists. Award
recipients in our area include: for outstanding ranger of the year, Park Ranger Erin
Steinman at Lake Pueblo State Park. Lathrop State Park Ranger Heather Prather was
recognized for exceptional leadership with the columbine emerging leader award. And,
Lathrop Senior Park Ranger Jennifer Ives was recognized with the exceptional service
award.
February 4th 2026
New bill SB26-005 advances out of State Senate Judiciary Committee.
SB26-005 advanced out of The Colorado State Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday
afternoon on a 5-2 vote along party lines. The more than 3 hour public hearing prior to
the vote saw around 60 people who testified about the bill before the committee. If the
bill becomes law, it would allow private citizens to sue federal immigration agents in
state court for constitutional overreach. The bill seeks to provide remedies for illegal
searches and excessive force by stripping agents of qualified and sovereign immunity.
Supporters say the bill is a way to create legal remedies when federal officers violate
constitutional rights during immigration operations in Colorado. Opponents say that
federal immigration officers are simply enforcing the law and that the bill does not
safeguard the immigrant community, but instead discourages law enforcement from
doing their job. The bill now moves on to the senate appropriations committee.
CPW announces another grey wolf death.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced yesterday that gray wolf #2305 – the three-year-
old breeding male in the king mountain pack - died on January 28th during routine
collaring operations in Routt County. CPW says that while its staff takes every
precaution to ensure a positive outcome during capture operations, but when the animal
was delivered to CPW staff in the field from the initial capture site, it was unresponsive.
Resuscitation efforts were initiated but it was determined that the animal had died. CPW
has performed a necropsy. Final results are still pending. In addition to the capture of
2305, the adult female and one pup from the king mountain pack were successfully
captured and collard during the operation. Four pups were observed during the operation,
however, only one was captured and collared.
Man found dead on the street Sunday Night in Walsenburg.
A man was found dead in the street in Walsenburg on Sunday Night. According to
Walsenburg Police, officers responded to the report of a person lying in the street at west
9th street and South Hendren about 8:52pm Sunday. Upon arrival, officers determined
that the male subject had apparently been struck by a vehicle. Officers observed
substantial injuries. Lifesaving measures were begun until medical personnel arrived on
scene. The man died at the scene. He had not yet been publicly identified as of
yesterday. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Anyone who may have
any information about the incident is asked to call The Walsenburg Police Department at
719-738-1044.
Canon City PD asking for public's help in locating missing inmate.
The Canon City Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating 37-year-old
Richard Capek, who allegedly walked away from a community corrections facility in
Pueblo. Capek is currently wanted by the Colorado Department of Corrections with an
active warrant for escape. Capek is described as a white male, 6-feet tall, 200 lbs, with
short brown hair and a brown gote. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered. Anyone
with information about Capek is asked to call their local law enforcement, or call
crimestoppers at 719-275-stop.
Raton PD alerting public of counterfeit currency in the area.
The Raton Police Department is informing citizens of Raton and the surrounding area
that there has been an increase in the circulation of counterfeit currency being passed
throughout the area. The counterfeit bills are generally in denominations of $50 and $20,
and are marked as "for motion picture use only". Citizens and business owners are urged
to carefully inspect any currency received during transactions. Taking a moment to
review your cash can help protect you, your business and community from further harm.
Intentionally distributing counterfeit currency is a 4th degree felony and will result in
arrest and prosecution.
February 3rd 2026
First deadline of universal preschool program took place yesterday.
Yesterday was the first deadline for Colorado families to apply for the first round of the
2026-2027 universal preschool program. More than 23,000 Colorado families have
already applied. If you missed out on yesterday's deadline, applications for the second
round are due by March 15th. Direct enrollment will then begin on April 1st. The
universal preschool program offers up to 15 hours of tuition-free, high-quality preschool
for all children, with additional hours available for qualifying families. The program has
served more than 87,000 children since it launched in 2023. For help with enrolling, go
to help.upk.colorado.gov/hc/en-us. You can also call 303-866-5223 between 8am and
8pm, Monday through Friday. Interpreters are available.
CDA confirms new pathogenic avian influenza detections.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture has confirmed three new detections of highly
pathogenic avian influenza in backyard flocks in Larimer and Logan counties, and an
additional detection in a commercial egg layer operation in Weld County. All premises
are currently under quarantine orders and control areas have been set up in Weld and
Logan counties. The state veterinarian's office is urging all flock owners to remain
highly vigilant, monitor their birds closely for any signs of illness and, most critically to
immediately reinforce and practice strict biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.
HPAI is a viral disease that can cause severe illness and death in poultry. The recent
detections signal that the virus is circulating, often carried by migrating wild birds. More
information can be found on HPAI by going to ag.colorado.gov/category/hpai.
Pueblo County Sheriff's Office announces Sunday's brushfire cause.
The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office said yesterday that a brushfire on Sunday was caused
by a construction saw. According to the sheriff's office, The Pueblo West Fire
Department and The West Park Fire Protection District responded to a brushfire south of
Pueblo early Sunday morning. The fire was quickly knocked down, although crews
remained on scene to mop up. The fire was estimated to be between 150 and 200 acres
and was caused by the use of a construction saw cutting metal.
Durango College Student arrested in case.
19-year-old Jackson Keller, a Fort Lewis College Student, was arrested late last week
after an investigation into an alleged murder-for-hire plot was completed. According to
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation, evidence was found suggesting that Keller
allegedly tried to persuade two different people to kill another student in exchange for
money. Keller was arrested on Thursday on charges of criminal solicitation for first
degree murder, homicide, and unlawful possession of a weapon on college grounds.
Great Sand Dunes National Park to host scientists in paid summer internship program.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve will host a scientists in parks paid
summer internship program, and a southwest conservation corps paid internship position
for the 2026 summer season. The scientist internship position will work with the park
biologist, archaeologist and geologist. The conservation corps intern will assist
interpretive staff in the interpretation, education and visitor services branch. For more
information about these summer paid internship opportunities, contact Park Ranger Luke
Anders at 719-378-6342 or email luke_anders@nps.gov.
February 2nd 2026
Top fundraisers begin to emerge in CO Gubernatorial Race.
With 46 active candidates in Colorado's Gubernatorial Race, some are beginning to
emerge as the top fundraisers. According to The Colorado Secretary of State's website,
the top fundraisers on the Democratic side are Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser
who has raised $4,669,051. U.S. Senator Michael Bennet comes in 2nd at $3,479,745.
Labor Leader Anthony Martinez rounds out the top 3 with $200,450 raised thus far. On
the Republican side, Victor Marx, a former marine & entrepreneuer, has raised $625,193.
State Senator Barb Kirkmeyer comes in second with $381,466. And, Robert Moore, an
army veteran and entrepreneur comes in 3rd with $208,308 raised thus far.
Colorado caregivers to testify at State Capitol today.
Caregivers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and those with
medically complex conditions, say they plan to testify at the Colorado State Capitol
today. A large group is planning to attend the joint budget committee meeting at 1:30pm
in person and virtually to share their stories with the committee. This comes after
Governor Jared Polis signed executive orders that will cut paid caregiving hours for
adults with disabilities by 50% beginning April 1st. Polis says the cuts will help to ensure
the long-term sustainability of Colorado's medicaid program as the state continues to face
an estimated $850 million budget shortfall.
PFAS chemicals found in Baxter water and services system.
State health officials say that elevated levels of PFAS chemicals have been found in the
Baxter water and services system, located east of Pueblo. The Baxter water and services
system serves around 350 people, who were notified last week after state testing found
PFAS levels above the federal drinking water standard. PFAS chemicals are often
refereed to as "forever chemicals" because they don't break down easily in the
environment. Studies have shown that some PFAS compounds lead to an increased
cancer risk, immune system effects and developmental risks in children. The company
plans to issue PFAS-approved pitcher filters to each affected household while it works
with CDPHE to determine the next steps.
Interview with Colorado District 47 State Representative Ty Winter.
Today I want to bring you the remainder of the conversation I had last week with District
47 State Representative Ty Winter. I asked Ty to address rising utility costs…. (cart cut 1)
District 47 State Representative Ty Winter.
January 30th 2026
Colorado paid caregivers could see funding cuts.
Paid caregivers in Colorado could see cuts to their medicaid funding in an effort to get
the state's budget under control. Beginning April 1st, Colorado will cut the maximum
number of paid caregiver hours per week from 112 hours to 56. The new limit will
impact home health aides, personal care, HMA and nursing services. Paid homemaker
hours for legally responsible persons, typically parents, will also be reduced by half from
ten to five. The changes were announced by the Polis administration last year as part of
the effort to balance the state's overall budget. The new cap on weekly caregiving hours
is expected to save the state $1.1 million in the next fiscal year.
Walsenburg suspect arrested by US Marshalls.
Travis Glenn Gerdes, 30, of Walsenburg, was taken into custody by The U.S. Marshalls
service on a Pueblo County warrant issued last march for alleged assault with a deadly
weapon. Marshalls were called in after Huerfano County Sheriff Bruce Newman said his
office was not successful in serving the warrant. The arrest took place at 515 N. Harrison
Street. The U.S. Marshall's Service said that The Huerfano County Sheriff's Office,
Colorado Bureau of Investigaion, Fountain Police Department and Colorado Department
of Corrections were involved in serving the warrant and making the arrest. Gerdes was
booked into the Pueblo County Detention Center. He was later released on $40,000
bond.
Rocky Ford suspect pleads guilty in case.
27-year-old Mario Rocha, of Rocky Ford, has plead guilty to multiple charges of illegal
firearms possession and drug trafficking, including possessing controlled substances with
the intent to distribute, knowingly being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition,
and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Investigators found that
Rocha was distributing large amounts of fentanyl, meth and cocaine out of his Rocky
Ford home last August. Rocha's sentencing is scheduled for May 29th.
Interview with Colorado District 47 State Representative Ty Winter.
Continuing with my conversation with District 47 State Representative Ty Winter from
Wednesday, Ty talks about more bills that he is working on this session... (cart cut 1)
District 47 State Representative Ty Winter. I'll have the last part of our conversation on
Monday.
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