February 17th 2026
Proposed bill to clarify assistance/emotional support animals passes CO State House.
HB26-1045, a bill that would clarify how "assistance animals" and "emotional support
animals" are defined under the colorado anti-discrimination act, is making its way
through the state legislature. The goal of the bill it to provide clearer guidelines for
landlords and renters and to help ensure equal access to housing for people with
disabilities. The bill also defines what qualifies as a "reasonable accommodation" under
The Colorado Anti-Discrimination act as it relates to housing. Supporters say that putting
those standards into statute would help reduce confusion, prevent disputes and ensure
consistent application of housing protections across the state. The bill has passed The
Colorado State House and has been introduced in the senate where it has been assigned to
the local government & housing committee.
BHE announces emergency public safety power shutoff watch.
Black Hills Energy announced yesterday that it has declared an "emergency public safety
power shutoff watch" in portions of Crowley, Fremont, Otero and Pueblo counties, as
well as for the towns of Cripple Creek, Victor and Westcliffe. Black Hills says the watch
went into effect at noon yesterday and is due to high fire-risk conditions in today's
forecast. Some customers should expect to have their power shut off by mid-day today
due to windy conditions. If conditions persist, approximately 8,200 customers in those
areas may have their power temporarily shut off from 11am to 4pm today. Black Hills
says it will notify any impacted customers via email, text messages and phone calls, as
well as providing updates on their website.
CAIC warning public of widespread dangerous avalanche conditions this week.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center is warning the public of widespread
dangerous avalanche conditions this week. CAIC said the major winter storm arriving in
the Colorado mountains could produce the largest and most destructive avalanches of the
season. The center says that parts of the park range, elk and west elk mountains and The
San Juan Mountains could reach high level four of five in avalanche danger, which
means a widespread cycle with many avalanches running spontaneously or naturally is
expected. The CAIC emphasized that avalanche deaths remain a serious risk in
Colorado. Anyone planning to head to the backcountry this week is urged to check the
avalanche forecast and adjust their plans as needed. Also, if going into the backcountry,
carry avalanche rescue gear and avoid avalanche-prone terrain.
Suspect arrested in La Junta murder case.
18-year-old Anthony Barron Sandoval Jr. was arrested on Saturday on a charge of murder
in the 2nd degree. According to The Colorado Bureau of Investigation, La Junta Police
responded to a home in the 1400 block of Belleview avenue around 1:50am on Saturday
on the report that someone had been fatally shot. The victim, a 17-year-old boy, will be
identified by the otero county coroner's office. CBI is assisting in the investigation.
Sandoval remained in jail as of yesterday on a $500,000 bond.
NWS has issued High Wind warning for all the KSPK listening area today.
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for virtually all of the
KSPK listening area with winds expected to gust up to 60-85 mph during the day today.
A red flag warning, due to the high winds, goes into effect at 10am this morning until
7pm tonight for all of Colorado to the east of Interstate 25. Weather conditions will
remain gusty and dry tomorrow with fire weather watches issued. Then, a gusty cold
front will come in on Thursday, dropping temperatures to the 30s and 40s across
Southern Colorado.
February 16th 2026
Proposed State Senate Bill would decriminalize sex work in Colorado.
Senate Bill 26-097, sponsored by Democratic Senator Nick Heinrichsen of Pueblo and
several other lawmakers, would decriminalize sex work in Colorado. The bill hopes to
decriminalize commercial sexual activity among consenting adults. If passed, local
municipalities would not be able to override the law through home rule. Under the bill,
offenses like prostitution, soliciting, or patronizing a prostituted would be decriminalized.
However, "pimping" and pandering that involves menacing or criminal intimidation
would still result in criminal penalties. Organizations against decriminalization say that
removing laws that target buyers normalizes male demand for paid sex and perpetuates
gender-based violence. The bill is facing opposition from municipalities along with
citizens in Southern Colorado.
House bill that would repeal CO sterilization law passed CO House last week.
HB26-1040, a bill that would repeal parts of Colorado's current forced sterilization law,
passed The House unanimously last week. The bill addresses the sterilization rights of a
person with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Current law says that if a person
who has a disability objects to sterilization, they can still be sterilized over their
objection. The new bill says people with intellectual or developmental disabilities must
receive counseling before agreeing to sterilization. The bill also prohibits sterilization
against the person's will, and the court cannot order it unless sterilization is necessary to
preserve their life or health. The bill now heads to the state senate for consideration
there.
Western states miss CO River agreement deadline for a second time.
The seven western states that depend on The Colorado River missed a deadline for the
second time on Saturday to agree on a plan that addresses record drought and water
shortages. The Governors of California, Arizona and Nevada released a joint statement
calling on the upper basin states, namely Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, to
offer more concessions. The three Governors have offered to decrease their Colorado
River allocations, however, not to the extent that is deemed necessary. How the water is
allocated – especially in dry spells – and conserved has been the center of agreements
among the states for decades. If no consensus can be reached between the states, the
federal government could step in and devise a plan that could leave parties dissatisfied
and could eventually result in litigation.
Alamosa County Republican Party precinct caucus meeting announced.
The Alamosa County Republican Party precinct caucus meeting will take place on
Saturday, March 7th, at Ortega Middle School. The caucus meeting will begin at 3:30pm.
check-in and registration for The Alamosa Central Committee will begin at 3pm. The
caucus meeting is open to all registered republican voters in Alamosa County. Delegates
will be selected during the caucus to attend The State GOP Convention. The Alamosa
County General Assembly meeting will take place on Saturday, March 21st, at Society
hall, beginning at 3pm.
Colorado's Bustang Outrider announces new additional stop.
Colorado's Bustang Outrider Service has announced that it will add Canon City as a new
stop on its daily route from Alamosa to Pueblo, beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, February
17th. The stop will be located at the Gateway Depot, 816 Royal Gorge Boulevard.
Eastbound buses are scheduled to make the stop at 9am. Westbound buses are scheduled
to stop at 3:45pm. Additional stops along the route include Pueblo, Pueblo West,
Penrose, Cotopaxi, Salida, Poncha Springs, Moffat and Alamosa.
February 13th 2026
Trump Administration planning to withhold public health and transportation money.
The Trump Administration is reportedly planning to withhold some public health and
transportation money from a group of Democratic-led states, namely Colorado,
California, Illinois and Minnesota. The Federal Government has cited concerns over
fraud and mismanagement of taxpayer dollars. The Colorado Department of Health and
Human Services and The Colorado Governor's Office both say that they have not
received any official notice about the decision. Some of the programs expected to be cut
appear to be targeted because they do not line up with the administration's policies
dealing with transgender issues and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Transportation funds expected to be cut include money for electric vehicle chargers in all
four states. Full details have not been released.
PDPHE says dead skunk tested positive for avian Influenza.
The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment is warning Pueblo County
residents that a dead skunk found near The Arkansas River and Pueblo Boulevard on
February 4th has tested positive for avian influenza. Avian Influenza, also known as bird
flu, is a virus that traditionally spreads from animal to animal, but there are rare cases of
humans contracting the virus. Public health encourages people not to touch infected, sick
or dead animals or surfaces or materials that may be contaminated. Wear gloves and use
a shovel to dispose of dead birds or other wildlife on private property. And, wash your
hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water after contact with birds or animals.
Walsenburg resident pleads guilty to assault charge.
Alicia Bryant, of Walsenburg, has plead guilty to misdemeanor assault stemming from an
altercation with an anti-trump protester at Heritage Park in Walsenburg on September 12th
of last year. Under the plea agreement, Bryant received a 24-month deferred sentence.
During the scuffle, Bryant allegedly punched protester Steffany Tucker, knocking her to
the ground. Protesters that day had gathered in front of the old Huerfano County
Courthouse on Main Street to protest Trump Administration policies.
Pueblo D70 BOE failed to appoint new director this week.
The Pueblo District 70 Board of Education failed to appoint a new director after the
meeting this week ended abruptly. Board directors spent over an hour debating who
should fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Former Board Director Anne Ochs.
Board President Ann Bennett and Vice President A.J. Wilson advocated for the vacancy
to be filled by Susie Carnes, a private christian school educator. Board Directors Mark
Emery and Michelle Erickson voted against motions to appoint Carnes, but voted in
support of motions to appoint each of the other three candidates: Janathan Lewis, Adolph
Vigil and Tara Stroesenreuther. Following repeated failed attempts to appoint a board
candidate to the vacancy, a 10 minute recess was called, however, board members never
returned for further discussion.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church hosting health and wellness fair tomorrow.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in collaboration with The SLV Area Health Education
Center, will host a free community-wide health and wellness fair tomorrow, February
14th, from 8am to noon at 715 4th Street in Alamosa. Free screenings will include
cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure. Results will be available within minutes. For
optimal results, fasting for 12 hours with water consumption is suggested, but not
required. There will be educational and informational booths. For more information, call
Lisa Lucero at 719-588-5363.
February 12th 2026
3rd Congressional US Rep Hurd joins vote to rescind tariffs on Canada.
3rd Congressional U.S. Representative Jeff Hurd joined with 5 other Republicans last
night to vote to end President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada. The House passed a
resolution disapproving of the emergency that underlies Trump's 25% tariff placed on
Canada by a vote of 219 to 211. The six Republicans voted with almost all Democrats
for the resolution. Hurd said that he had heard from a lot of farmers, agricultural
producers, and manufacturers across the 3rd District that the tariffs are not good for
Colorado. Colorado's other Republican Representatives Lauren Boebert, Jeff Crank and
Gabe Evans all voted to keep tariffs on Canada in place. All of Colorado's Democratic
house members voted to rescind the tariffs. The resolution now heads to the Senate for
consideration there. If the resolution makes it to the President's desk, it is likely it will be
vetoed.
CO Gov Polis announces appointments to state boards and commissions Monday.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced appointments to state boards and commissions
on Monday. Those appointed from our area are as follows: to the automobile theft
prevention board - Brent Nelson and Martin Trujillo, both of Colorado Springs. To the
Colorado aeronautical board - Gigi Dennis of Monte Vista. To the Colorado Scenic and
historic byways commission - Mary Blickham of Pueblo West and Julie Chacon of
Alamosa. To the Colorado Water Conservation Board - Alan Ward of Pueblo, Lorelei
Cloud of Ignacio, and Nathan Coombs of La Jara. To the minority business advisory
council - Julie Rodriguez of Pueblo. To the state board of The Great Outdoors Colorado
trust fund - Krithika Prashant of Colorado Springs. To the 4th Judicial District Judicial
nominating Commission - Ian Kalmanowitz and Audrey Ramos, both of Colorado
Springs. And, to the 10th Judicial District judicial nominating commission - Danita
Alderton and Alexis Romero Stewart, both of Pueblo, and Shawn Contioe Pueblo West.
Custer County student injured by K9 last Thursday.
A Custer County student received minor injuries after being bitten by one of the Custer
County Sheriff's Office K-9s last Thursday. According to The Sheriff's Office, during
an event at the school, several students ran near the K-9 team, startling Zara. Zara then
bit one student, causing minor wounds. The student was checked out at a local medical
clinic. The incident has been reported to The Custer County Public Health Department
and Zara is currently under a standard quarantine period. Zara has had no prior history of
aggression toward children or the public. The sheriff's office says it is reviewing its
policy regarding K-9's at school events.
Well known SLV Accountant cause of death ruled a homicide.
Charles William "Bill" Mcclure, a former Center Town Trustee and well known San Luis
Valley Accountant, died from blunt force injuries to his head. His death has been ruled a
homicide by The El Paso County Coroner's office. According to the report, Mcclure
suffered multiple contusions and abrasions to the front, side and back of his head. He
also had multiple contusions and abrasions on the back of his right hand. The
investigation into Mcclure's killing is continuing, although no new information has been
made available.
Colorado's Snowpack crisis continues to deepen.
With unusually warm temperatures and dry conditions, Colorado's Snowpack crisis
continues to deepen with statewide levels dropping to 52% of median, with The Arkansas
River Basin reaching record-low territory. By river basin, The North Platte is at 63% of
average, The Yampa & White at 60%, The South Platte at 55%, The Gunnison at 53%,
The Colorado at 51%, The Upper Rio Grande at 45%, The San Juan & Dolores at 44%
and The Arkansas at 42% of average. The good news is that not only is snow predicted
to arrive, but a favorable storm track is expected to persist for at least the next two weeks.
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