KSPK NEWS
March 2nd 2026
US Senator Bennet turned in nominating petitions for June primary Friday.
U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a Democratic candidate for Colorado Governor, on Friday,
turned in nominating petitions for Colorado's June primary ballot, according to the
Colorado Secretary of State's Office. Bennet's campaign says he plans to rely on this
petitions to get on the ballot and will be skipping the caucus and assembly process.
Bennet's campaign said he turned in petitions bearing more than 17,000 signatures, well
over the number required to qualify for the June 30th primary. Democratic and
Republican candidates running for statewide office in Colorado need to submit 1,500
valid signatures from members of their party registered in each of the state's 8
congressional districts, or a total of 12,000 signatures. Bennet is facing Colorado
Attorney General Phil Weiser in the primary. As many as 25 Republicans are seeking
their party's gubernatorial nomination.
Attorney files motion on Morphew case.
An attorney representing Suzanne Morphew's daughters has filed a motion in the 12th
Judicial District Court in Alamosa related to the release of Suzanne's remains, claiming
that the State of Colorado wrongfully took her remains from the funeral home before a
funeral service could be held. According to motion filed last week, the daughters had
planned a funeral service for Suzanne after the Chaffee County Coroner released her
remains in April of 2024. However, "without warning and contrary to the prior lawful
release", the state took possession of them. The motion seeks an explanation as to why
the remains were taken and why they are being withheld, a temporary restraining order
preventing the state from interfering in the next-of-kin's possession and burial of
Suzanne, and the immediate release of Suzanne's remains. Barry Morphew, Suzanne's
husband, is facing a murder charge in Suzanne's death.
Suspect in UCCS Professor murder case found guilty Thursday.
An El Paso County jury on Thursday found Ceasar Lorenzo Wilson, 54, guilty of
stabbing and killing Haleh Abghari, a University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Professor, after sneaking into her Colorado Springs home the night of August 7th, 2024.
On Friday, Wilson learned that he will be facing a harsher sentence due to his previous
crimes. Wilson was charged with second-degree murder, murder and aggravated
robbery. Wilson was previously convicted of more than a dozen felonies, meaning that
he will be sentenced as a habitual offender. Wilson's sentencing is set for April.
CPW necropsy confirmes Gray wolf cause of death.
A Colorado Parks and Wildlife-conducted necropsy has confirmed that gray wolf 2305
died from capture-related complications during collaring operations on public lands that
took place on January 28th, 2026. These complications led to acute cardiogenic shock,
which could have been exacerbated by several different factors including hyperthermia,
exertiona/capture mayopathy, respiratory distress or drug reation. And independent third-
party veterinary pathologist confirmed all exam results. Two other animals were
successfully captured and collared at the same time, one being a pup.
CDPHE announces Measles case in Broomfield County.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has confirmed a case of
measles in a Broomfield County resident and are notifying members of the public of
additional areas for potential measles exposures. The child, who had not been
vaccinated, has no known connection to recent exposures and has not traveled out of
state. Known exposure locations are Broomfield High School, King Soopers in
Broomfield, Petsmart in Westminster, Efrains Mexican restaurant in Lafayette, Advanced
Urgent Care in Broomfield, UC Health in Broomfield, and The CU Family Medicine
Clinic in Louisville. Measles is a highly contagious, but preventable disease. Getting
vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community.
February 27th 2026
CO Lawmakers advanced bill to prohibit animal selling.
Colorado Lawmakers advanced a bill this week that would prohibit pet stores from
selling dogs and cats obtained from large-scale commercial breeders. HB26-1011 targets
"brokers", which the bill defines as individuals who sell animals bred by another person,
often in large-scale commercial breeding facilities known as "puppy mills". Pet stores
would still be allowed to house animals available for adoption through a local shelter or
rescue. Eight states and 26 Colorado towns have banned pet stores from selling animals,
such as dogs, cats and rabbits. Proponents say the bill would shut down the "puppy mill
pipeline". Opponents say the bill will not diminish the demand for puppys and warn that
it would push sales into unregulated online and out-of-state markets. The bill passed the
house agriculture, water and natural resources committee on Monday and now will be
considered by The Full House.
CO House passes bill to prevent out of state Colorado labeling.
The Colorado House of Representatives yesterday passed HB26-1031, a bill to prevent
out-of-state farms from labeling their products as Colorado-grown. The vote was
unanimous 65-0. Representative Matthew Martinez, a sponsor of the bill, said in a
release yesterday that "Pueblo Green Chile and San Luis Valley potatoes are renowned
Colorado products, but current law does not prevent bad actors from slapping "Colorado-
grown" labels on out-of-state products." Martinez said "this bipartisan bill would
prohibit deceptive trade practices, such as false labeling, to ensure that consumers can
feel certain that their dollars are supporting Colorado-grown products". Any violation
would be considered a "deceptive trade practice". The bill now moves on to The Senate.
Walsenburg City Council approves new agreement with BHE.
The Walsenburg City Council has approved a one-year technical services agreement with
Black Hills Energy to provide gas service to the City of Walsenburg. The approved
contract will automatically renew for additional one-year terms until terminated. The
motion passed unanimously. City Staff and City Attorney Dan Hyatt will sign off on any
last minute changes to the contract in advance of an April 1st start date. The change
means that gas utility customers within the City of Walsenburg will now be receiving
their gas service from Black Hills. Utility billing will still come from the City of
Walsenburg. The contract calls for the city to pay black hills $102,928.33 for the first
year, payable at $8,577.36 per month. The annual rate will increase 3% per year.
Small earthquake near Weston occurred yesterday morning.
A small earthquake struck near Weston along The Colorado/New Mexico border early
yesterday morning. According to The U.S. Geological Survey, the magnitude 2.6
earthquake took place at 4:17am yesterday at a depth of 5 kilometers. The epicenter was
located about 15 miles south of Weston, near the state line and west of Raton pass. No
injuries or damage has been reported. While people very near the epicenter may have felt
a brief, light shake, events below magnitude 3.0 rarely produce reports of damage.
Construction to begin on Pike Avenue Improvement project in Alamosa Monday.
Construction on the Pike Avenue Improvement project in Alamosa will begin on
Monday, March 2nd. Over the next three months, crews will replace vital infrastructure,
including water lines, sewer lines, sidewalks and curb and gutter systems. To facilitate
the improvements, pike avenue will be closed from U.S. 160 to first street beginning
Monday and will remain closed through the duration of the project. Second Street will
also be closed to through traffic from Pike Avenue to Blanca Avenue. Residents within
the project area must ensure that no vehicles, RVs or trailers are parked on the street or
within the public right-of-way. Questions should be directed to the public works
department at 719-589-6631.
February 26th 2026
New State legislature bill being considered would expand cottage foods act.
A new bill being considered in the State Legislature is HB26-1033, the expanding the
Colorado cottage foods act, which would remove the barriers that currently exist around
selling homemade food in Colorado. Nicknamed “the tamale act”, the bill would make
Colorado a food freedom state, allowing Coloradans who make homemade foods like
Tamales, Burritos and Tortas to be sold responsibly to Coloradans. Currently, a number
of regulations exist around the sale of homemade food, making some products prohibited.
Proponents say the bill would allow more citizens to make money as entrepreneurs. In a
statement, Governor Jared Polis said this action would align Colorado with fellow
western states like Arizona and Wyoming that have removed this barrier for these types
of home-cooked foods.
New CPW collared gray wolf map shows increased central CO activity.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife released the latest collared gray wolf activity map yesterday
showing wolf activity from January 27th through Tuesday. CPW says that two wolves
have been traveling through the majority of Saguache, Rio Grande and Alamosa
Counties, as well as through parts of Conejos and Costilla counties, through the upper
Huerfano and Mountaineous areas of Pueblo, Custer, El Paso and Teller Counties. Wolf
activity continues throughout the central mountains, basically from The Wyoming border
south to New Mexico. Wolf activity has pulled back from The Denver Metro area in the
past month. Wildlife officials note that no wolves have crossed Interstate 25 or have
spent time in any urban areas at this time. CPW encourages the public to submit any
wolf sightings, videos and photos to them if you see one.
New Pueblo County SD70 board member appointed.
Susie Carnes, Pueblo County School District 70's newest board member, was sworn into
office yesterday. Board President Ann Bennett administered the oath of office. Bennett
personally appointed Carnes to the seat vacated by Anne Ochs after Ochs resigned in
December amid calls over a conflict of interest. Bennett appointed Carnes after citing a
state law that says if the board does not appoint a replacement within 60 days, the board
president has the ability to select the appointment. The swearing in happened yesterday
instead of during Tuesday Night's board meeting, which ended early, after the meeting's
agenda was not approved.
CPW confirmes large scale fish kill along Rio Grande.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has confirmed that a "large-scale fish kill" along The Rio
Grande River below Del Norte took place after a river restoration project dried up 7.2
miles of channel during a winter cold snap. The kill wiped out brown trout and rainbow
trout from 2-inch fingerlings to 24-inch adults, along with native species. The "farmers
union canal diversion and headgate improvement project" is at the heart of the problem.
The project was designed to replace an aging diversion dam and headgates on the farmers
union canal to improve irrigation efficiency while adding fish and boat passage. CPW
estimates that the fishery in the 7.2-mile section will need three to five years to recover.
CO Snowpack has risen to most recent record low.
As of yesterday, Colorado's snowpack has risen to the most recent record low, which
took place on February 25th of 2002, or 7.8" of snowpack, thanks to an upward trend over
the past several weeks. Statewide, snowpack has increased from 58% to now 63% of
median in the last 7 days. By river basin, The North Platte is now at 71% of snowpack,
The Yampa & White is at 69%, The Gunnison at 67%, The San Juan & Dolores at 64%,
The Colorado at 62%, The South Platte at 61%, and The Arkansas River Basin remains at
the bottom at 49% of snowpack.
February 25th 2026
Senate Bill to require license plate reader warrants passed committee Monday.
Senate Bill 26-070, a bill that would require warrants for license plate reader searches,
passed out of the senate judiciary committee on Monday evening following about 5 hours
of testimony on both sides of the issue. Those supporting the legislation say that striking
the balance between privacy and technology is at the heart of the bill. The bill would
require law enforcement to obtain a warrant to search automatic license plate reader
databases if more than 72 hours have passed since the organization was alerted to a
crime. There ware no restrictions on the first 72 hours following an incident, a change
from the original version of the bill, which would account for emergency situations.
Policies would have to be adopted by entities that collect data from license plate readers
to maintain compliance with the legislation. Law enforcement has argued against the
bill. The bill now heads to the appropriations committee.
Measure to allow people to sue Federal immigration agents in Colorado passed state senate yesterday.
SB26-005, a measure that is aimed at paving a path to allow people to sue federal
immigration agents in Colorado, passed the state senate yesterday morning. If passed, the
measure would give individuals the legal right to sue a person who hurts them or violates
their rights during immigration enforcement. Violators could be held liable for anything
a judge rules to be "equitable relief". Supporters say the bill will help protect certain
constitutional rights for Coloradans. Opponents say the bill could increase harm against
law enforcement. The bill now moves on to the Colorado State House for consideration
there.
CDPHE announces possible measles exposure this past weekend.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is notifying the public of
possible measles exposures this past Saturday and Sunday, February 21st & 22nd. An out-
of-state traveler with a confirmed case of measles traveled through Denver international
airport and attended a church service in colorado while infectious. The individual arrived
on frontier flight 1279 from Miami at gate A83 at 9:15am Saturday and departed on
frontier flight 1280 to Miami from gate A76 at 11:29pm on Sunday. The person attended
a church service and reception at St. Mary's catholic church on prince street in Littleton
between 9:30am and 2pm on Sunday. If you believe you may have symptoms of
measles, contact your health care provider via phone before visiting in person.
Lascar Fire in Huerfano County contained yesterday.
What is being called "The Lascar Fire" broke out about 2:47am yesterday morning in the
area of County Road 651 in Huerfano County. The Huerfano County Fire Department,
La Veta Fire, Gardner Fire, Rye Fire, and The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office responded
due to the size and rapid growth of the fire. The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention
and control and steel city hot shots were also called in to assist. The fire was declared
100% contained at approximately 5am yesterday morning. The fire burned
approximately 50 acres. Firefighters remained on scene yesterday in case there were any
flare ups.
Family continues to ask for public's help in locating missing person.
The family of Angelica Sandoval continues to ask for the public's help in locating their
daughter. This month marks 15 years since the 21-year-old disappeared. The Colorado
Bureau of Investigation took over the investigation after Alamosa Police responded to
715 13th Street in Alamosa on February 23rd, 2011, regarding a missing person. CBI says
officers determined that Sandoval arrived home after doing laundry. She then took a load
of items into her residence, went back outside, and has not been seen since. Anyone with
any information regarding Angelica Sandoval or her disappearance is asked to call The
Alamosa Police Department at 719-589-2548.
CDOT announces I-25 overnight lane closures postponed.
The Colorado Department of Transportation has announced that the planned overnight
lane closures on I-25 in Colorado Springs announced yesterday have been put off until
next week due to unforeseen circumstances.
February 24th 2026
New lottery online sales ban facing bipartisan Feedback.
A new bill in the Colorado State Legislature, SB26-117, would ban online sales and
return lottery purchases to cash only. The bill comes after the Colorado lottery
commission approved online lottery sales and credit card purchases last November, in
spite of pushback from both Democrats and Republicans. The Colorado Lottery says that
commissioners approved the rule changes in an effort to modernize the state’s lottery
system. Legislators have argued that a change of this magnitude should require
legislative review or even a statewide vote. If the bill passes, lottery tickets would once
again only be available at physical retail locations, such as grocery stores or gasoline
stations. The Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to consider the bill at March 3rd.
Bill to reallocate funds passes CO State House.
A new bill being considered in The Colorado State House, HB26-1003, the small
business recovery modifications act, would allocate $5 million from the state's climber
loan program to the existing Colorado startup loan fund. The climber loan program was
launched during the Covid-19 pandemic to help businesses recover from economic
shutdowns. The bill would also allow a deferral for circumstances of hardship and
repeals the requirement that the hardship must be caused by The Covid-19 pandemic, or
ongoing economic conditions. The bill passed The State House earlier this month by a
vote of 50 to 15. The bill is now scheduled for a hearing before The Senate Finance
Committee on March 10th.
Nextera Energy proposing 2,578 acre facility in SLV.
Nextera Energy is proposing a 2,578 acre, 600 megawatt solar energy and 600 megawatt
battery storage facility to be located along Colorado 17, North of Alamosa between the
Stanley road and the 5 north, just south and west of Mosca. dubbed the "spud valley
energy center", the facility will be the largest in The San Luis Valley and one of
Colorado's biggest. The plan is to build an initial 200 megawatts of solar, along with 200
megawatts of battery storage, then to eventually expand to expand to 600 megawatts of
each. Alamosa County is currently reviewing Nextera Energy's 1041 permit application
and will eventually hold public hearings at the county planning level, and then before the
county commissioners. The company hopes to begin construction next year and tie into
the neighboring substation by the end of 2029.
CPW announces bear sightings up in 2025.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife received 5,299 reports of sightings and conflicts with bears
in 2025, which is 15% higher than during the previous 6 years. CPW says that trash
continues to be the number one source of conflicts between humans and bears. Of the
5,299 reports, 2,448 resulted in property damage to a shed, garage, home, vehicle, fence
and more. Over 57% were linked to trash, 18% to livestock, chickens and beehives, and
15% to bird seed, pet food, barbeque grills, coolers and refrigerators. CPW encourages
residents and visitors to be bearwise and never feed or approach bears; secure food,
garbage and recycling; remove bird feeders when bears are active; never leave food
outside; clean & store grills; and, alert neighbors to bear activity.
CDOT announces I-25 Colorado Springs lane closures.
The Colorado Department of Transportation has announced that it will have lane closures
on north- and southbound Interstate 25 between Mile Marker 144 near Fillmore Street
and Mile Marker 146 near Garden of The Gods Road, beginning tonight at 7pm. There
will be northbound lane closures Tonight and Thursday. Southbound lane closures will
take place tomorrow night and Friday, all beginning at 7pm. All lanes will reopen by
5am the following morning. Work will include construction of a new median shoulder
and roadway restriping.
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