April 14th 2026
House Bill to prohibit colorimetric field test arrests passes CO Legislature.
House Bill 26-1020, a bill that prohibits law enforcement from arresting an individual for
a level 1 drug misdemeanor based solely on a positive colorimetric field drug test, was
signed into law last month after passing both the State House and Senate unanimously,
making Colorado the first state in the nation to prohibit arrests based solely on
colorimetric drug tests, also known as field drug tests. To conduct these tests, the
suspected substance is placed into a small bag and shaken. The contents of the bag
change color if an illicit substance is identified. However, research has found false-
positive rates as high as almost 40% in some cases. It is estimated that about 300
Coloradans have been arrested on drug charges each year resulting from the tests’ use.
The new law now prohibits law enforcement from arresting an individual based solely on
a positive colorimetric field drug test.
Gov Polis issues disaster emergency for Schwachheim Fire.
Governor Jared Polis yesterday afternoon issued a disaster emergency in response to a
fire that is burning south of Trinidad near the Colorado-New Mexico border. What is
being called the "Schwachheim fire" began on Sunday in Las Animas County and has
since grown to more than 450 acres. The fire, located in the Lake Dorothy State Wildlife
area, is being battled by firefighters from The Hoehne Fire Protection District and The
Raton Fire Department. The verbal disaster emergency declaration activates the state
emergency operations plan and directs the department of public safety to take the
necessary actions to assist in response, recovery and mitigation efforts. That support
includes engine and hand crews, aerial resources and a type three incident management
team to manage incident response efforts. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has closed The
Lake Dorothy State Wildlife area to the public, effective immediately.
Custer County Commissioner arrested on tax evasion charges.
Custer County Commissioner Bill Canda has been arrested on a felony tax evasion
charge following a months-long investigation by The Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
According to The Custer County Sheriff's Office, a warrant was issued Friday for Canda
who later turned himself in to The Custer County Jail. Canda was then charged with one
count of tax evasion, a class 6 felony, and was released after posting a $1,250 bond. The
arrest stems from an investigation by CBIi, which began back in August of 2025, at the
request of The Custer County Sheriff's Office. According to CBI, the allegations against
Canda center around whether he improperly used a county tax-exempt certificate to
purchase materials for his private business, talon earthworks, rather than for public use.
City of Raton announces opening of baby box.
The City of Raton announced yesterday that it has opened its first baby box at Raton Fire
Rescue on Clark Avenue. The box gives parents a safe way to give up a baby when they
can no longer care for the baby. The climate-controlled box has an alarm system that
alerts people inside the fire station when someone places a baby inside. It also dispenses
resource packets for parents after they close the door. The box is the 15th baby box in the
State of New Mexico. There are almost 500 baby boxes located across the United States.
CDLA announces rental assistance applications being taken.
The Colorado Department of Local Affairs has announced that applications for the April
round of emergency rental assistance in Colorado are now being taken. The program
helps Coloradans who've fallen behind on rent. You can receive up to 7 months of rent,
or $10,000. Your income cannot exceed 60% of the median income. Applicants are
entered into a random selection and then will be sent an email to complete a full
application on the online portal. The window is open now until 5pm tomorrow. To fill
out an application, go to doh.colorado.gov/emergency-rental-assistance.
April 13th 2026
CO Rep Bottoms and Victor Marx win spots on Republican Primary ballot.
State Rep. Scott Bottoms and Victor Marx both of Colorado Springs, both won spots in
The Colorado Republican Party's Gubernatorial primary at the party assembly held on
Saturday in Pueblo. State Senator Barb Kirkmeyer of Brighton is also running for
Governor but didn't participate in the party assembly. Instead she has submitted
signatures to qualify for the primary. Bottoms finished with 45% of the delegate vote.
Marx came in second at 39%, both above the 30% required to make the ballot. Teller
County Sheriff Jason Mikesell received 12%. The remaining candidates all came in
under 1%. The Republican who wins the June 30th primary will face the winner of the
Democratic primary, pitting U.S. Senator Michael Bennet against Attorney General Phil
Weiser, in the fall. Current Governor Jared Polis is term limited.
CO State House passes state budget Saturday.
The Colorado State House on Saturday, after four days of work, passed the $46.8 billion
2026-27 state budget, contained in House bill 1410, along with 64 accompanying
measures designed to help balance the budget, by a vote of 43-19. Joint budget
committee member Rep. Rick Taggart, of Grand Junction, was the only Republican in the
house to vote for the bill. One of those amendments was offered by Assistant Minority
Leader Rep. Ty Winter of Trinidad and Rep. Megan Lukens, of Steamboat Springs, and
would remove the ability of Colorado Parks and Wildlife to use $264,238 in general fund
dollars to acquire more wolves for the state's troubled wolf reintroduction program.
CPW would still retain those funds, but could only use them for wolf program
management, including conflict minimization. Winter called the program a failure and
said people were lied to about the program. The amendment passed. The bill now moves
on the State Senate for consideration there.
NPS break ground on Great Sand Dunes project Friday.
The National Park Service broke ground on Friday on an approximately $14 million
project to rehabilitate employee housing at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and
Preserve. Funded by the Great American Outdoors act legacy restoration fund, the
project will rehabilitate 13 existing park housing units located within the park. These
units, originally built in the 1960s, support more than 25 park employees and their
families. The project will upgrade fire protection and wastewater systems, address water
damage, update both interior and exterior finishes, and ensure units meet accessibility
standards.
Contractors to spray forest sites in Pike National forest.
Contractors will be spraying 17 forest service recreation sites on the Pike National Forest
in an effort to minimize impact from mountain pine beetles. Treatment is expected to
begin as soon as today, weather dependent, and last until April 23rd. Many of the sites are
campgrounds, which are currently closed for the season, so impacts to visitors should be
minimal. Forest service staff will be on site during spraying operations for safety and
contract inspection. Trees were selected for protection based on tree health, aesthetic
value and the ability to provide shade and animal habitat. During the treatment, the
public will be asked to avoid each area for 24 hours after spraying.
Alamosa PD participating in DEA Drug take back day this Saturday.
The Alamosa Police Department is participating in The DEA National Prescription Drug
take back day on Saturday, April 25th, from 10am to 2pm. Safely and anonymously
dispose of unneeded medications at City Market at 131 Market Street in Alamosa, or at
Walgreens at 1203 Main Street in Alamosa. For more details, visit deatakeback.com or
contact the Alamosa Police Department by calling 719-589-2548.
April 10th 2026
US Senator Hickenlooper's campaign announces campaign finances.
United States Senator John Hickenlooper's campaign has announced that it raised almost
$1.4 million in the first quarter of this year, and that it plans to report more than $4
million on hand as the campaign heads into Colorado's June Primary. Hickenlooper, a
first-term Democrat, has raised a total of about $9 million since Hickenlooper took office
in 2021. Hickenlooper is facing a primary against State Senator Julie Gonzales of
Denver who reported raising nearly $180,000 in the final quarter of 2025. Gonzales has
not yet filed a fundraising report for 1st quarter. Six Republicans are also running for the
seat. The top fundraiser among them reported raising less than $500,000 last year. None
have yet filed a report covering 1st quarter. First quarter fundraising reports aren't due to
the federal election commission until April 15th.
Former State Rep Hanks announces primary challenger to Rep Hurd.
Former Republican State Representative Ron Hanks says he plans to challenge first-term
U.S. Representative Jeff Hurd in the 3rd Congressional District Primary by seeking a spot
on the June ballot at the Republican District Assembly in Pueblo today. Hanks lost the
nomination to Hurd in the 2024 primary. Hanks described Hurd as opposed to President
Trump and says the district's delegates are "furious" at Hurd's record. Hurd has opted to
submit petition signatures to qualify for the primary. With Hurd not going through the
assembly process, that leaves an opening for another Republican, and Hanks says he's
taking it. Alex Kelloff, a former investment executive, and Dwayne Romero, a business
owner, are facing off in the Democratic Primary for the 3rd district.
I-25 accident north of Walsenburg claims life of child.
A child died as part of an accident on Interstate 25 about 8 miles north of Walsenburg
yesterday afternoon. According to The Colorado State Patrol, troopers responded to a
one-vehicle crash near The Huerfano Butte around 3:15pm yesterday. The 2024 Jeep
Compass was northbound when the vehicle failed to navigate a right-hand curve and
traveled off the left side of the road. The left rear door was damaged and opened up, and
a female child who was not buckled in was thrown from the vehicle. She died at the
scene. The jeep then reportedly continued forward before coming to a stop in the center
median. The driver, a 31-year-old woman, and a juvenile male were both taken to the
hospital with unknown injuries. The crash remains under investigation.
Alamosa man arrested in connection to Maverik robbery.
Sergio Mauri, 35, of Alamosa, was arrested in connection with a robbery that took place
at The Maverik Convenience Store at 3141 Main Street in Alamosa, during the early
morning hours of Wednesday, April 8th. According to Alamosa Police, officers were
dispatched to the store about 2:07am Wednesday after receiving a report of a robbery that
had just occurred. An employee reported that a male entered the store wearing a black
hoodie and black sweatpants. He appeared to be concealing a rifle on his back
underneath his clothing. He approached the counter, demanded access to the cash
register and requested cigarettes. When the employee refused to open the register, the
man went behind the counter, took approximately 5 packs of cigarettes, and left the store
on foot. Mauri was identified as the suspect. He was arrested at 9:46pm Wednesday
night at a residence in the 800 block of Maroon Drive. He has been charged with
aggravated robbery, theft, and violating a restraining order.
Huerfano County Firefighters responded to structure fire in Walsenburg Tuesday Night.
Huerfano County Firefighters responded to a structure fire around 8:55pm on Tuesday in
The City of Walsenburg. Upon arrival on the scene, firefighters found the house at 713
S. Hendren engulfed in fire. The house has reportedly been vacant for years and
squatters are reported to have occupied the structure from time to time. The garage and
the rear part of the house were a total loss, with significant damage to the entire structure.
the fire was extinguished by 10:30pm Tuesday. The cause of the fire has not yet been
determined.
April 9th 2026
Colorado lawmakers began debating proposed budget yesterday.
Colorado Lawmakers yesterday began debating the proposed $46.8 billion budget. With
rising medicaid costs, no money for new legislation and dozens of bills still seeking
funding, the main budget measure and its 64 accompanying bills may have already been
out of balance before reaching the House Floor. Legislators are constitutionally required
to adopt a balanced budget each year. The state medicaid program is among the biggest
drivers of spending increases in Colorado and is also alleged to be full of waste, fraud
and abuse, while its leadership has been accused of mismanagement. Democrats have
additionally blamed congress for Colorado's fiscal woes. Republicans blame the state's
fiscal problems as the result of Democrat decisions, including refusing to reduce
spending while knowing major deficits were ahead.
Majority of Colorado residents oppose legalizing prostitution according to new poll.
A majority of Colorado residents, 61%, oppose legalizing prostitution in the state,
according to a new poll conducted by the Colorado polling institute late last month. Just
over half of Democratic respondents said they would support legalization, while 76% of
republicans and 66% of unaffiliated voters said they are against it. Half of the
respondents said they would support a measure suspending the reintroduction of gray
wolves on public lands in Colorado. 39% said they are opposed to the idea. 51% of
respondents said they believe local law enforcement should be allowed to cooperate with
federal immigration authorities. Nearly 85% of Republicans support the idea, as did 50%
of Independents and 21% of Democrats. The online poll questioned 600 Coloradans and
has a margin of error of 3.96 points.
Alamosa County Commissioners make air service provider choice yesterday.
Alamosa County Commissioners yesterday agreed with the county's advisory board and
will ask The U.S. Department of Transportation to confirm Denver Air Connection as the
essential air service provider for the next two years at The San Luis Valley Regional
Airport. Commissioners made the unanimous recommendation after hearing from
community members on both sides of the issue - those supporting Denver Air and those
against Denver Air due to its parent company providing charter flights for ICE detainees.
In the end, commissioners considered the positive reviews it heard about Denver air's
performance in Alamosa and the desire to build consistency and trust in the local
community.
CDPHE announces El Paso County potential measles exposure location.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is notifying the public about
a new potential exposure location in El Paso County related to two additional measles
cases in two unvaccinated adult Weld County Residents. Anyone who visited the Chick-
Fil-a in the Citadel Crossing shopping center at 505 N. Academy Blvd in Colorado
Springs, on Wednesday, March 25th, between 5pm and 8pm, may have been exposed to
the measles virus. If you were exposed, watch for symptoms, including fever, cough,
runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash that usually starts on the face. If you need
medical care, call your health care provider or emergency department before going to
alert them to your condition.
PCDPH confirms first pediatric RSV death in Pueblo County this year.
The Pueblo County Department of Public Health has confirmed Pueblo County's first
pediatric death caused by RSV this year. According to the department, the victim was a
child under the age of five years old. RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects the
nose, throat and lungs, and can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes or by
direct contact with a contaminated surface. Public health officials encourage the
community, especially older adults and infants younger than 6 months, to receive the
RSV vaccine.
April 8th 2026
Federal Wildlife Officials open WIP formal review.
Federal Wildlife Officials have opened a formal review of Colorado’s wolf reintroduction
program. As such, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking comments from the
public as to how Colorado has implemented the Federal 10(J) rule issued in 2023,
including conflict-prevention efforts and suggestions for improving the program. The
agency is also requesting information on the impact of wolves on wild herds, such as elk
and moose, on tribal lands, as well as on how Colorado has carried out procedures for
nonlethal and lethal management of wolves causing unacceptable impacts. The federal
agency also wants feedback on how Colorado has assessed the risk of wolf-livestock
conflicts, what steps the state has taken to reduce that risk, and feedback on the state's
wolf compensation program. Comments are due by June 5th.
Suspect arrested in crimes against at risk adult case.
Timothy Michael Walstrom has been arrested by The Custer County Sheriff’s Office for
crimes against an at-risk adult. According to The Sheriff's Office, deputies received a
report that a person had gained access to a victim's home under the pretense of providing
cleaning services. A search warrant was executed at a home in Denver where evidence,
including digital, was seized. Walstrom is facing charges of unauthorized use of a
financial transaction device, identity theft with intent, crimes against an at-risk adult,
theft of between $100,000 and $1 million, forgery and at-risk theft. Walstrom was
released on a $5,000 surety bond.
Alamosa County Commissioners to decide between air service providers.
Alamosa County Commissioners, at their meeting today, will decide between two air
service providers for the essential air service contract for The San Luis Valley Regional
airport. The two companies are: Denver Air Connection, the current provider, who has
been criticized for providing Charter Flight service for Immigration Customs and
Enforcement, and Sky West Airlines, who suddenly terminated service to Alamosa in
March of 2022. The SLV Airport Advisory Board yesterday unanimously recommended
keeping Denver Air Connection. Following the commissioner's decision today, an
official recommendation from Alamosa County will be sent to The U.S. Department of
Transporation.
Pueblo County Sheriff's Office looking for missing man from Rye.
The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office is looking for a missing at-risk 68-year-old man who
was last seen on Sunday. 68-year-old Terry Johnson was last seen around 9pm on
Sunday, April 5th, at his home in Rye. Johnson is described as a white man, 5'6" tall and
weighing about 125 pounds. He has long brown hair and blue eyes. Johnson was last
seen wearing blue jeans and a black and red flannel shirt with a Harley Davidson logo on
the back. If you've seen Johnson, you're asked to call The Pueblo County Sheriff's
Office at 719-583-6250.
CDOT announces winter maintenance and helicopter operations.
Motorists should plan for lengthy delays and full closures this morning as The Colorado
Department of Transportation completes winter maintenance and helicopter
operations. U.S. Highway 160 Wolf Creek Pass between Pagosa Springs and South Fork
is scheduled to close at 8am for approximately 2 hours. U.S. 550 Red Mountain Pass,
and Colorado 145 Lizard Head Pass, will both have lengthy delays between 10am and
noon. The closures are needed to allow for safety during critical helicopter operations.
delay times are approximate and may be extended should unusual circumstances arise.
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