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Colorado State Senator Cleave Simpson and State Representative Matt Martinez last week introduced legislation in support of a group of Costilla County residents who are engaged in a battle with the owner of the 83,000-acre "cielo vista ranch", also known to locals as "la sierra", over the construction of a fence. The conflict is not a new one that spans decades and has included a series of owners and local residents. HB25-1023, called the "local government review of fencing projects" bill, only pertains to the fence on land grant lands in the Sangre De Cristos. If passed, the bill would empower local officials to require landowners to first submit an application to the county if planning to install a contiguous fence that is at least 5 feet high and one mile long. Also, any project involving construction of a fence must include required accommodations for wildlife to cross the fence.

CPW announced completion of second gray wolf release.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced Saturday that they have completed the capture and release work for the second gray wolf reintroduction season in support of their Colorado gray wolf restoration and management plan. Fifteen wolves were translocated from the central interior of British Columbia to Colorado, seven males and eight females. separately, the agency also successfully completed the release of five members from the original copper creek pack. All wolves were released in Eagle and Pitkin counties. No further released are planned for the 2024-2025 capture season. This is the second of three to five release seasons for wolves in Colorado. Because CPW staff safety was threatened as CPW officers were watched and threatening social media posts and phone calls were received, CPW did not share wolf release details while the operation was underway.

CO Gov Polis to attend Trump inauguration.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis will be on hand in Washington DC for today's inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Polis, who is a Democrat, will be at the inauguration in his capacity as the chair of the bipartisan national governor's association. In a statement released yesterday, Polis said "the relationship between states and the federal government is critical to getting things done and delivering for americans". He said "I look forward to making sure that the voice of the governors and the states is heard in Washington DC". During Trump's first term, he and Polis had a cordial relationship, with the president singling out Colorado as one of the states succeeding at balancing Covid and the economy and going as far as to invite Polis to the White House.

Alamosa Police arrest Manassa woman yesterday.

Amanda Granados, 40, of Manassa, was arrested yesterday in the course of Alamosa police executing a search warrant at 509 9th street in Alamosa in regards to illegal drug activity. A total of 8 people were contacted at the property. Detectives located suspected heroin along with items used to distribute and consume illicit narcotics within the residence and property. It was determined that only three of the eight people were actually living in the residence and the other five were located in an abandoned camper in the backyard. Granados was booked into the Alamosa County jail on two outstanding warrants. She was also charged with violation of a protection order and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

NWS issues Cold weather advisory and extreme cold watch.

The National Weather Service has issued a cold weather advisory for much of the state of Colorado until 5pm tonight. MLK day, today, will be extremely cold with highs in the single digits to low teens across Southern Colorado. Snow chances will also continue today until late afternoon to evening. An extreme cold watch is also in effect until tomorrow morning, meaning that the wind chill could be as low as 35 degrees below zero. If you must go outside today, dress in layers, including a hat, face mask and gloves.

Saying that "such conduct is illegal and will not be tolerated in Colorado", Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has filed a lawsuit against Greystar, one of the largest rental property management companies in Colorado. The lawsuit accuses Greystar of violated the Colorado consumer protection act. The AG's office says the suit claims that Greystar uses deceptive advertising practices by failing to mention some mandatory, fixed fees in the advertised price for an apartment. As a result, it says, renters end up paying much more each month than what was advertised. The lawsuit seeks an injunction that requires Greystar to stop the practice, as well as financial damages for consumers and civil penalties for the state.

Trinidad man arrested on charges of menacing.

22-year-old Jeremy Ross, of Trinidad, has been arrested after he allegedly chased Trinidad State College President Ronda Epper, and her husband, with an axe over a missing cat. According to the Trinidad Police Department, officers responded shortly before 3pm yesterday to the Boulevard loop trailhead in Trinidad on a report of a man threatening people with an axe. Epper told police that she and her husband had been walking on the trail when a man approached them with an axe, yelling and asking where his cat was. The man, identified as Ross, allegedly charged at the two,threatening that he would kill them if they had taken his cat. Once in custody, Ross told police that it had been a miscommunication about his cat that had lead to the threats and he asked if he could talk to Epper and her husband to apologize. Ross was booked into the Las Animas County detention center on menacing charges.

Colfax County manager placed on paid leave by Board of Commissioners.

The Colfax County Board of Commissioners yesterday held an emergency meeting and placed the county manager on paid leave effective immediately. Just what the reasons were for the action were not made public. Colfax County Manager Monte Gore was asked to leave at the end of the meeting. He will remain on leave pending the outcome of an investigation and resolution of a personnel matter that was discussed in closed session. While Gore is on leave, he cannot be on county property in an official capacity. He also cannot talk to the county attorney or log into county email. The motion to suspend Gore passed unanimously. Commissioner Si Trujillo was named acting county manager until one can be appointed.

Teller County Sheriffs office arrests suspect on arson charges.

The Teller County Sheriff's office has arrested Lacey Tillitt for allegedly setting her house on fire, an action that lead to the Highland Lakes fire that took place in Teller County last October. Over 700 homes were threatened in the fire with the residents of the highland lakes area evacuated for three days. The house fire set the surrounding grassland on fire. Firefighters worked to get the flames under control, but the fire spread quickly. The house was reportedly under foreclosure. Tillitt is being held on $50,000 bail and is charged with 4th degree arson.

Arctic cold front arriving into Colorado later today.

An arctic cold front will push into Colorado later today, bringing extremely cold temperatures with it to much of Colorado for the next few days. While pipes inside a heated home are generally okay, think about protecting any pipes that may be exposed to the weather. Be prepared in case of a power outage with extra blankets and an alternative heating source, such as a wood stove or fire place. And, if you have to be outside, guard against frostbite by wearing extra layers of clothing, and don't forget a hat and gloves, and limit your time outside as much as possible.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers have introduced HB25-1063, a bill they hope will bring relief to veterans and other who suffer from serious mental health disorders in Colorado. The bill would allow Colorado doctors to prescribe a synthetic version of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in mushrooms. The drug is designed to treat veterans or anyone who has PTSD, a traumatic brain injury, or depression, who hasn't responded to other treatments. State Reps. Anthony Hartsook of Parker, and Kyle Brown of Louisville are sponsoring the bill in the House. State Senator Dafna Michaelson Janet of Commerce City, is sponsoring the bill in the Senate. The bill advanced from the house health and human services committee on Tuesday by a vote of 12 to 1. It now goes to the full house for consideration. If passed, the measure would only take effect if the food and drug administration approves psilocybin.

Alamosa PD execute search warrant at St Benedict yesterday.

Alamosa police officers executed a search warrant yesterday at the Saint Benedict Campsite, space #60, in regards to illegal drug activity. While executing the search warrant, officers located suspected heroin, marijuana, over 200 fentanyl pills, a handgun and U.S. currency, along with items used to distribute and consume illicit narcotics within the campsite. Mikayla Pacheco, 27, of Alamosa, was taken into custody on charges of special offender, unlawful distribution of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Angelo Abeyta, 44, also of Alamosa, was also taken into custody on charges of special offender, unlawful distribution of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. The Alamosa Police department would like to thank all of those who assisted in this investigation and who helped create a safer, cleaner environment for those staying at Saint Benedict.

CDPHE shuts down water testing lab.

The Colorado Department of public health and environment's water testing lab has been shut down after a second chemist was placed on leave amid allegations of manipulating data. A senior leader who failed to escalate concerns raised over the first chemist who was found to be manipulating data, stepped down from their position late last year. The state is investigating what happened a the lab and has shut down water testing. The investigation has already cost $93,000 and is expected to cost much more. The department is working to reassign the 9 people who were working at the lab, however, layoffs are a possibility.

State Patrol looking for drivers who may have hit debris.

As many as 30 vehicles may have hit debris after a semi truck lost its load as it was traveling north on Interstate 25 in Weld County early yesterday morning. According to the Colorado State Patrol, the semi spilled wooden planks onto the roadway. Cleanup took more than an hour, shutting down the northbound lanes north of Highway 52. Troopers are now trying to locate any drivers who may have struck the debris in the road. If you are one of those people, contact the State Patrol by calling 970-239-4501.

Teller County Sheriff's office announces completion of a safety inspection in Cripple Creek mine.

The Teller County Sheriff's Office yesterday announced that The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment's division of reclamation, mining and safety, the division of oil and public saftey, and the mine training and safety program, completed a safety inspection of the Mollie Kathleen Mine near Cripple Creek in December. The inspection came following a tragic incident at the mine that left several people stuck underground and killed mine tour guide Patrick Weier. It has been determined that the mine met provisions of the regulations set for the mine and there is no imminent danger to the public or employees. The mine is now able to resume its normal operations for the 2025 tourist season.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser's office said yesterday that Colorado's violence intervention and prevention resource, safe2tell, continues to be exceedingly effective in protecting students. According to newly released numbers, safe2tell received 15,340 reports during the Fall 2024 semester, a 23% jump from the same time from in 2023. The 23-24 school year saw more reports than in any other academic year in its nearly two-decade history, a record that the 24-25 school year is on track to break. Safe2tell enables students, parents and other members of the community to make an anonymous report if they are concerned about their safety or the safety of others. Weiser's office said yesterday that only a small percentage of submissions ended up being false reports. In December, the most commonly reported issues were suicide, bullying, school safety concerns involving staff, drugs and welfare checks.

Custer County suspect enters plea of not guilty last week.

Hanme Clark, 45, via his attorney, entered a plea of “not guilty” last week during an arraignment hearing that took place at the Custer County court house in Westcliffe. Clark is accused of ambushing and murdering three people and injuring a 4th person on November 20th of 2023, following almost a decade of disputes with neighbors over a small, winding private road in Northern Custer County. Following the shooting, Clark fled the area with his girlfriend, Nancy Rae Medina-Kochis. The pair were captures in New Mexico the following day. Clark’s attorney says he was harassed and threatened with violence by his neighbors, and when he reported it, the sheriff did nothing. The court is expected to schedule the two-week trial for some time in June of this year.

Pueblo man arrested in Lincoln county on multiple charges.

Travis Battleson, of Pueblo, was arrested in Lincoln County after he allegedly made plans to travel to Limon to meet with a 14-year-old girl. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Battleson planned to pick the girl up before driving her back to Pueblo where the assault was planned to take place. During the incident, deputies say Battleson was found with felony amounts of drugs and drug paraphernalia. Battleson is being held on criminal attempt to commit second-degree kidnapping, internet sexual exploitation of a child, enticement of a child, internet luring of a child, possession of a controlled substance, possession of an illegal weapon, driving under the influence, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

CPW announces biologists want to learn more about Rio Grande county sheep distribution.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has announced that its biologists want to learn more about the distribution of bighorn sheep in Rio Grande County during different times of the year. As such, it will soon begin a project to fit the animals with satellite GPS collars in the La Garita area. CPW says it will use helicopters to locate bighorn sheep for the study. The goal is to place 10 GPS collars on bighorns in bighorn sheep unit 55, northwest of Del Norte. Location data provided by the collars will help inform biologists about bighorn distribution across the landscape during different times of the year. For more information, contact CPW's Monte Vista office at 719-587-6900.

CO House Republicans voicing opposition on CPW new wolves.

Colorado House Republicans are speaking out, voicing their opposition, as Colorado Parks and Wildlife is underway in bringing another wave of wolves to the state, this time from Canada. Representative Larry Don Suckla, a rancher in House District 58, said in a release: "this reintroduction program is creating havoc in our rural communities". He said "ranchers are losing livestock, families are losing income, and the states response has been inadequate at best." He said "we need leadership that listens to those on the front lines". The reintroduction program stems from the passage of proposition 114, which only passed by a margin of 2%. Only 11 counties in Colorado voted to approve the measure..

Colorado U.S. House Representatives Lauren Boebert, Jeff Crank, Gabe Evans and Jeff Hurd released a joint statement yesterday following reports of Colorado Parks and Wildlife importing Canadian Gray Wolves into Colorado this past weekend. The statement says in part: "after years of slighting or outright ignoring Colorado farmers and ranchers... bureaucrats in Colorado have rushed through the importation of Canadian Gray Wolves and have set them loose in our state despite numerous protests and questions about the legality of this dysfunctional and chaotic approach. We are demanding answers from the department of the interior on why agencies like the Bureau of Land Management have failed to provide any evidence of statutorily required updates to resource management plans to address the importation of wolves and how they will impact our agricultural producers, our sovereign Indian tribes, sportsmen and our oil and gas producers across the state." The statement continues: "Colorado's agricultural producers have lost $580,000 in just one year from wolves already introduced. We should be working with our farmers and ranchers who tirelessly labor to feed us, instead of hastily rushing foreign predators into our state and bloating even further a terribly mismanaged wolf program".

Fire in Alamosa friday results in Total loss of a Van.

A Chevy Van was destroyed on Friday at the Cottonwood Mobile Home Park in Alamosa. According to the Alamosa Fire Department, reports of smoke visible from State Avenue came in around 11:18am Friday. Alamosa fire fighters responded and quickly extinguished the blaze and stopped the fire from spreading to nearby homes. Two other vehicles parked near the van were damaged. The owner of the van reportedly started it to warm it up, then went back inside the residence, noticing it was on fire when coming back outside. No injuries were reported. The van was a total loss.

CO 7th Congressional Rep pusing for proxy voting.

7th Congressional District Representative Brittany Pettersen says she and other House Representatives are making a push to allow for proxy voting for members of congress who have just given birth to a baby. Pettersen, who is expecting a child, says she cannot fly due to medical and travel restrictions, so is unable to vote beginning this week. A resolution to allow for another house member to act as a proxy to cast a vote in a member's absense for pregnancy reasons is being pushed by both republicans and democrats. Petterson represents Jefferson, Broomfield, Lake, Park, Teller, Chaffee, Fremont and Custer counties.

Some SOCO school districts affected by data breach.

Some Southern Colorado school districts have been affected by a data breach that involves an education technology software platform called powerschool. Data access includes workforce notification that includes personal staff information and parent notification that includes personal information of parents of students. On or about December 22nd, 2024, a powerschool contractor account was reportedly compromised and used to access the data. Other powerschool systems were not impacted. Powerschool is continuing to assess the full scope of the incident. School districts that use powerschool software include Colorado Springs District 11 and 49, and the Chavez Huerta preparatory academy in Pueblo.

Pueblo County Sheriffs office seeking public's help in theft.

The Pueblo County Sheriff's office is asking for the public's help in located a truck that was reportedly involved in the theft of a mobile toilet trailer in northern Pueblo County. According to the Sheriff's office, a red Ford 250 flatbed with an unknown license plate, took the trailer from the KOA Campground off of Interstate 25 north of Pueblo early on Friday. The trailer has grey-metalic sides with multiple doors and no windows. The rear door of the trailer says "portablerestroomtrailers.com" at the bottom. If you know who owns the truck, have seen the truck or seen the stolen toilet trailer, call the sheriff's office at 719-583-6250.

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