KSPK NEWS
August 26th 2026
CSP troopers hospitalized after traffic stop shooting yesterday.
Two Colorado State Patrol troopers were hospitalized and a suspect is dead following a
shooting during a traffic stop that took place on the west edge of Woodland Park
yesterday. According to The Colorado State Patrol, the initial incident took place around
7:15am yesterday when a resident reported suspicious activity in the area near mile
marker 286 along US 24. A responding trooper attempted to make a traffic stop, and the
suspect opened fire, striking the trooper. A second trooper responded to the distress call
and was also shot when he encountered the suspect. That trooper returned fire, striking
the suspect. At 9:24am, law enforcement was notified that the suspect's vehicle was in
the area. When sheriff's deputies approached the vehicle, the suspect began firing.
deputies returned fire, striking the suspect. The suspect was then flown to a hospital,
where he was pronounced dead at noon. Both troopers are expected to fully recover.
Public School enrollment trending down according to the CDE.
Data from the Colorado Department of Eduction shows that overall public school
enrollment is trending down. CDE reported a total of 870,793 students were enrolled in
Colorado public schools during the 2025-2026 school year. That's down 10,272
students, or 1.2%, from the previous year. CDE says that Colorado's enrollment trends
are being shaped by a declining school-aged population and shifts toward part-time and
online learning. At the same time, the data also shows that the number of students
reported as being in 100% home-based education has increased nearly 20 in three years,
from 8,674 students to 10,367 during the 2025-2026 school year. The latest one-year
increase was particularly concentrated in Southern Colorado. The latest statewide
numbers reflect the past school year. Numbers for this new school year won't be released
until January.
Alamosa City Council approves resolution to extend street sales tax.
The Alamosa City Council has approved resolution 7-2026, placing a proposal to extend
the municipality's half percent street sales tax ahead of its current expiration in 2029 on
the November ballot. City Councilors are asking voters to extend the dedicated half-cent
sales tax to keep pace with rising construction costs and long term maintenance needs.
Currently, the city operates on an annual street maintenance budget of about $300,000.
However, comprehensive, long-term infrastructure needs and projected street
preservation targets across the city range between $1.8 million and $2.1 million, leaving a
significant budget gap that officials hope to bridge through the extended sales tax
revenue.
Fire crews responded to single tree fire in Westcliffe last night.
Fire crews responded to a fire in Westcliffe last night, just before 5pm. According to The
Custer County Sheriff's Office, emergency crews were investigating a smoke sighting
south of 729 Navajo Road in Westcliffe, near airport road. A single tree appeared to be
on fire in the area. The Wet Mountain Fire Protection District believes a lightning strike
caused the fire. The surrounding area appeared to be damp. As of 6pm, fire crews had
reached the fire, which is in an area with heavy timber, and attached the blaze. The fire
was out and crews had cleared the scene of the fire by 7:45pm last night.
Pueblo County Sheriff's Office warning public of new scam.
The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office is warning the public about an ongoing text message
scam where fraudsters pose as reputable companies like apple and paypal and send text
messages saying there is a problem with your account or computer. The text message
will ask people to call a number of click a link. The fraudsters are hoping to gain access
to bank accounts or credit card information. Remember... don't click on suspicious lines
are call numbers in text messages if you don’t know the sender, and never give out
personal or financial information.
August 25th 2026
10th Circuit US District Court heard oral arguments in 2023 CO Law case yesterday.
10th Circuit U.S. District Court Senior Judge John L. Kane yesterday hear oral arguments
about the constitutionality of a 2023 Colorado law that generally imposes a three-day
waiting period on firearm purchase following the initiation of a background check.
Attorney for the plaintiffs, Michael D. Mccoy, remarked yesterday that "the first
'cooling-off'-style waiting period did not come into existence until the 1990s... hardly a
tradition." He said "there should not be a further delay, whether it be three days or seven
days, imposed on that person. That is unconstitutional". Assistant Solicitor General
Joseph G. Michaels said that the plaintiffs sought to recognize a constitutional right to
"immediate" acquisition of firearms... and is a window already built into federal law for
conducting background checks. The case is Rocky Mountain Gun Owners et al v. Polis.
Judge Kane will issue a written decision in the case.
Pueblo County Sheriff's office arrest suspects in shooting case.
The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office has arrested 22-year-old Isaiah Trujillo-Martinez and
25-year-old Oscar Deherrera after more than 30 shots were fired in the St. Charles Mesa
Area of Pueblo County earlier this month. According to the sheriff's office, deputies
responded to the 1700 block of Santa Fe Drive around 2:35am on August 14th after
receiving reports of multiple shots fired near Aspen road and South road. Deputies found
25 spent shell casings in the area. After reviewing security camera footage, officials
identified Trujillo-Martinez and Deherrera. Trujillo-Martinez has been charged with
illegal discharge of a firearm, possessing a danger weapon, child abuse, prohibited use of
a firearm, large capacity magazine and reckless endangerment. Deherrera has charged
with complicity, child abuse, illegal discharge of a firearm and reckless endangerment.
ATF offering reward for information in Carson NF destructive devices case.
The bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives is offering a reward of up to
$10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the
placement and/or use of suspected destructive devices in the Carson National Forest in
Northern New Mexico. Between April 2nd and May 8th of this year, multiple suspected
destructive devices were recovered near the Tres Piedras Ranger Station. On August 10th,
an additional device was turned in to the Canjilon Ranger Station. ATF reminds the
public to never handle suspicious objects. Anyone with information about any of the
incidents is asked to call ATF at 888-283-8477.
CPW ramping up community outreach following bear encounters.
Following a record number of bear encounters this year, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is
ramping up community outreach efforts. On Friday, a bear attack in Jefferson County
injured an angler, marking the 4th bear attack in the state last week and the 6th so far this
year. Drought and wildfires have decimated the animals' food supply this year,
according to CPW. CPW says simple steps can keep bears away, including removing
bird feeders, securing trash and cleaning grills. Bear sightings are expected to peak in the
coming weeks.
US 160 to close this morning east of Pagosa Springs for repairs.
U.S. Highway 160 will close for most of the morning today, just east of Pagosa Springs.
The full-highway closure is necessary for emergency repair work to a culvert located
about ¼ mile east of the US 84 junction. CDOT strongly urges travelers to be prepared
for lengthy delays. Recent rains and excess irrigation runoff have raised water to an
unsafe level for the highway at the location. Crews will pump water out and will clear
debris that has obstructed the culvert and restricted water from flowing freely.
Reopening of the highway will depend on the length of time it takes to successfully clear
the culvert.
August 24th 2026
CO Gov Polis officially requested major disaster declaration for Aspen Acres Fire yesterday.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis yesterday officially requested a major disaster declaration
from the Trump administration for The Aspen Acres Fire in Pueblo and Custer Counties
and for The Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County. Polis is asking for federal aid to span
from June 27th to July 29th and said the state is trying to assess the damage "by the book"
to properly support affected Coloradans. The request also addresses flooding and debris
following the fires. Polis is asking FEMA for three forms of support: individual
assistance for Pueblo and Custer Counties to address temporary housing and disaster
recovery assistance; public assistance for all three counties to help local agencies cover
the costs of recovery; and hazard mitigation grant funding to find long-term solutions to
reduce potential impacts.
Amendment 84 to establish fishing and hunting rights approved for ballot.
Colorado voters will be asked in November if fishing and hunting are constitutional
rights. The Colorado Secretary of State's Office recently approved a ballot initiative,
known as Amendment 84, that would establish constitutional protections for hunting and
fishing in Colorado, while maintaining safeguards for endangered species, federally
protected wildlife, private property rights and public safety. The amendment would also
preserve the authority of Colorado Parks and Wildlife and state policymakers to regulate
wildlife management using science-based principles. Supporters say that hunters and
anglers provide critical funding for wildlife conservation through license fees, excise
taxes and habitat restoration programs. Opponents say everyone deserves to be a part of
the conversation and the amendment would impact democracy. If passed, Colorado will
become the 25th state to adopt hunting and fishing as a constitutional right.
Pueblo County Officials announce August 31st last day for free clean up services.
Pueblo County Officials on Friday said that August 31st will be the last day for residents
impacted by The Aspen Acres Fire to use free clean-up services offered by the county.
According to a news release from Pueblo County, the county cited high recovery costs
and budget limits saying that the county cannot fund clean-up efforts past August. So far,
clean-up efforts have cost the county more than $250,000. The county said it has covered
a large amount of clean-up costs for people in the Beulah, Rye and Colorado City areas
over the past 2 months. County leaders say they will work with state and federal partners
to secure additional recovery funding.
Multitude of topics discussed at Monte Vista public meeting last Tuesday.
About 20 people attended a public meeting last Tuesday at The Monte Vista City Hall, to
discuss rising utility costs, a multimillion-dollar wastewater treatment plant and the future
of Monte Vista's aging water system. The city is moving forward with a new wastewater
treatment facility because the existing facility cannot meet current discharge requirements
set by the state. When the project was bid in March, the apparent low bid came in just
over $41.4 million. A new 1 million gallon water storage tank is also being proposed to
provide additional capacity and help stabilize water pressure. A second public meeting
will be held on Tuesday, September 22nd from 6 to 7:30pm at The Monte Vista City Hall.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo asking for public input on new bear cub names.
Two orphaned grizzly bear cubs that now call The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo home need
names. The brother and sister cubs came to the zoo from Montana in June after their
mother was put down. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is inviting the public to get involved
in the process and is asking for a minimum donation of $5 that will support wild grizzly
bear conservation. For more information go to www.cmzoo.org/help-name-our-grizzly-
bear-cubs.
August 21st 2026
CO AG/Dem Gov nominee Weiser lays out his vision for water.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, also the Democratic candidate for governor, told
the Colorado water congress meeting in Steamboat Springs yesterday, that he intends to
appoint a rural outreach director and a water policy adviser should he win election in
November. Weiser's speech covered his work on water issues throughout his years as
Attorney General. Weiser noted that he's doubled the capacity of The Attorney
General's office to address water issues. Weiser also outlined the team he hopes to
assemble as Governor, beginning with the departments of natural resources and
agriculture. Weiser's Republican Opponent, Victor Marx, addressed the water congress
on Wednesday. Independent gubernatorial candidate Greg Lopez did not speak at the
annual event.
Costilla County running out of funds for law enforcement operations.
Costilla County leaders are saying that the county is running out of money to fund law
enforcement operations. Interim County Sheriff Joe Smith told County Commissioners
on Tuesday that he has three people, including himself, to patrol and respond to calls
across all 1,230 square miles of the county. Smith says all three officers are working 80
to 90 hours per week, sometimes with only one officer on duty at any given time. County
Commissioners on Tuesday passed a resolution finding an "extraordinary law
enforcement staffing shortage" that threatens essential public safety services. Costilla
County has been struggling to staff its sheriff's department since March, when 12th
Judicial District Attorney Anne Kelly indicted former sheriff Danny Sanchez and four of
his deputies on a host of felony and misdemeanor charges. Commissioners passed
Tuesday's resolution to help the county apply for financial assistance from the state.
Stolen vehicle suspect arrested after shooting at Pueblo Police.
28-year-old Adonis Ortiz Lopez was arrested and charged with attempted murder and
other felony charges after he reportedly fired several shots at Pueblo Police officers while
fleeing from police in a stolen vehicle on August 8th. Ortiz Lopez also had four felony
warrants and two misdemeanor warrants against him totaling $91,000 in bonds, primarily
related to motor vehicle theft and narcotics offenses. Following a chase, Pueblo Police
executed a pit maneuver to bring the vehicle to a stop. The Pueblo incident comes after
Ortiz-Lopez was arrested and then released on July 16th following a domestic disturbance
at the Love's Travel Stop in Walsenburg. While investigating the domestic disturbance,
police found significant amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl in Ortiz-Lopez's
vehicle. Ortiz-Lopez was reportedly released by Walsenburg Police in the hopes he
would help investigators, bringing into question the handling of drug-related offenders.
Pueblo County SD 70 board meeting centered around trial court case.
Pueblo County School District 70's Tuesday board meeting centered around calls for
Board President Ann Bennett's resignation and discussion around a recent ruling finding
the board in violation of Colorado's open meetings law. The district 70 board was also
ordered to pay the plaintiffs' attorney fees. The board has filed a notice of appeal and is
currently seeking a stay of the judgement before the trial court.
Pueblo and Trinidad among places on envied first time buyers list.
A Portland Real Estate poll revealed that Pueblo and Trinidad are among the places
prospective first-time homebuyers most envy. Pueblo ranked #8 nationally. Trinidad
ranked #40. The poll found that affordability is a major factor in where first-time homebuyers
are willing to live with price as the biggest consideration (30%). 27% said the
would consider a smaller town or rural area. The number one most envied place to buy a
first home? Chattanooga, Tennessee.
August 20th 2026
Rep Gov nominee Victor Marx lays out his vision for water.
Republican nominee for Governor Victor Marx yesterday at the Colorado Water
Congress in Steamboat Springs, laid out how he says Colorado should approach its water
future. Marx told the standing-room-only audience that he holds water rights himself,
giving him a personal stake in Colorado's water challenges. Marx says that more storage
is the answer. He said storage gives farmers and ranchers reliability, options for
communities and reduces emergency decisions. Marx said he would advocate for greater
partnership with the federal government, local and private partners, in part to address
forest health issues, and would build a good team that will look for solutions. Marx said
he would advocate for more responsible storage, better conservation, modern
infrastructure, healthy forests, protected watersheds, strong water rights, faster
responsible permitting, technology and innovation and long-term planning.
CDE released 2026 statewide assessments results.
The Colorado Department of Education yesterday released 2026 student achievement and
growth results, including data on how students performed on statewide assessments
administered this spring. The data shows that math achievement increased in most
elementary and middle school grades compared with 2025. Elementary english language
arts scores also increased in 4th and 5th grades. However, achievement declined in middle
school english language arts, while science results were largely unchanged in middle and
high school. 5th grade science scores decreased from 39% to 36.1%. In math, the
percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectation increased in 5 of the 6 grades
tested. 3rd grades remained unchanged. State officials said overall growth remained near
expectations, but said middle school english language arts and science require continued
attention.
CO AG Weiser files lawsuit against geo group.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser yesterday filed a lawsuit in an effort to force geo
group to provide information after a confirmed case of tuberculosis was reported at the
Aurora ice detention center. On august 13th, the Colorado Department of Public Health
and environment issued a public health order directing the geo group to share information
about the tb case for a public health investigation. The AG's office says the geo group
has failed to share medical information, potential contacts and detainee discharge and
transfer information. The Colorado AG's office says it has the authority to file a suit on
behalf of CDPHE to enforce its health order.
CPW contacting Aspen Acres Fire area hunting license holders.
Specific Elk hunting license holders in the Aspen Acres Fire area are being contacted
directly through the mail by Colorado Parks and Wildlife with options for refunds for the
purchase cost and restoration of any preference points used to select their impacted elk
hunting license. Impacted hunting areas are within game management units 69 and 84
and access may be restricted by fire recovery efforts. More details are in the mailing.
Info is also available by calling 303-297-1192.
Calhan Police Chief announces flock camera removal.
Calhan Police Chief Anthony Tribuzio on Tuesday announced that the flock camera that
had been located in Calhan has been removed and will not be replaced by any other brand
of similar camera. The announcement comes days after the Salida Police Department
announced that it has ended its contract with flock safety and would also stop using their
automated license plate reader. Both removals come as public pressure begins to increase
over the invasion of privacy and fourth amendment violation issues that such cameras
create.
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