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Presiding disciplinary Judge Bryon M. Large on Friday denied 11th Judicial District Attorney Linda Stanley's motion for stay pending appeal of her disbarment and ordered that Stanley be disbarred before her appeal is heard. The Colorado Supreme Court's disciplinary board last month ruled that Stanley violated attorney conduct rules while prosecuting two cases. Stanley appealed that decision and wanted to continue serving her term, which would have ended in January. One of those cases was brought against Barry Morphew, in connection with the disappearance of his wife, Suzanne Morphew, who he reported missing in 2020. Charges against Morphew were dropped in 2022 after a judge barred prosecutors from presenting their key witnesses because prosecutors failed to follow evidence rules. Suzanne Morphew's remains were found in Saguache County in September of 2023.

With snow in mountains Colorado drivers reminded of new state law.

With snow in the mountains this past weekend, drivers in Colorado are reminded that a new state law went into effect in august that requires all commercial vehicles with a combined weight of 16,001 pounds to have chains if traveling between September 1st and May 31st on the following roadways: I-70 west of Morrison, Colorado 9 between Frisco and Fairplay, US 40 west of Empire, US 50 west of Salida, US 160 west of Walsenburg, US 285 west of Morrison and US 550 from Mile Marker 0 to 130. The law is not only aimed at 18-wheelers, but also includes buses in that weight range that are capable of transporting 16 or more people, including the driver.

Custer County EMS paramedic killed in cras Saturday.

Andrew Fernandez, 39, of Canon City, a highly respected Custer County EMS paramedic, was killed in a car crash Saturday on Colorado 69. According to the Colorado State Patrol, troopers responded to a fatal crash just before 9am on Saturday on Colorado 69 near Mile Marker 64. Trooper determined that Fernandez's Honda Civic was traveling southbound when it lost control and struck a Ram 3500 traveling northbound, head-on. The driver of the Ram 3500 remained on scene and was not injured, however, Fernandez was declared dead on the scene. Custer County EMS says that Fernandez was on his way to work when the crash took place. He had been a paramedic for more than 10 years. Fernandez leaves behind a wife and 2-year-old daughter.

New executive director of CPAC taking over end of month.

Tara Artho will take over the reigns as executive director of The Colorado Potato Administrative Committee at the end of the month when longtime director Jim Ehrlich retires. The Colorado Potato Administrative committed was founded in 1941 and supports local growers and shippers. Artho grew up on a farm in the Texas panhandle and brings extensive agriculture-related experience to the position. She also spent 10 years at the Texas grain and feed association, was a board member for national grain and feed and was an executive committee member for the Texas agricultural council.

CDOT announces bridge repair on US 50.

The Colorado Department of Transportation has announced that it will begin bridge repair operations on US 50 just north of the City of Las Animas beginning today. The work will take place between mile markers 399.85 and 401.69. The project will consist of bridge deck asphalt removal and bridge bearing device repair followed by bridge deck resurfacing and striping. The project will improve the structural soundness of the bridge and will increase its lifespan and update the roadway surface. Work is expected to be complete in the Spring of 2026.

28-year-old Deshawn Joyce of Alamosa was killed Wednesday while riding an e-bike on Colorado 17. According to the Colorado State Patrol, Joyce was traveling south on Colorado 17 near Splashland about 7:35pm Wednesday when he was hit from behind by a Chevrolet Tahoe that was also traveling south in the lane of travel. Joyce was riding an ebike, also in the lane of travel, and was fatally injured. Joyce was hit in the area where the speed limit decreases from 65mph to 50mph and where there is only a small shoulder. Darkness is being considered as a cause for the accident, however, the investigation into the incident is ongoing. The occupants of the Tahoe were not injured.

Pueblo man arrested for false kidnapping report.

Daniel Reyes, 34, of Pueblo, has been arrested for falsely reporting a kidnapping which triggered an amber alert Wednesday evening. According to the arrest affidavit, Reyes admitted to using police and the amber alert to find his stolen truck faster. Reyes admitted that the name he gave to police was a relative, but the photo was of a different person that he knew. Reyes reported that 13-year-old Sandra Mendoza was "his cousin" and was in the back of a vehicle that was stolen out of an area near the mountain view cemetery in Pueblo. Following the investigation, police determined that Sandra had no relation to Reyes and that Sandra was safely located at home. Reyes was booked into the Pueblo County Jail on a charge of attempting to influence a public servant, a felony. He has been released on a $10,000 bond. Reyes is scheduled to be back in court next Thursday.

Las Animas Clerk and Recorder announces error in ballots.

Las Animas County Clerk and Recorder Karrie Apple yesterday announced that an incorrect ballot style was sent to voters in precinct 6 within the City of Trinidad. The error occurred due to a processing issue. To ensure votes in precinct 6 are counted accurately, the originally ballot mailed to voters has been voided and a second, corrected ballot was mailed out to voters yesterday, which will include the city tabor ballot measure 2A. Apple said she appreciates voters' patience and understanding. Those with questions about their ballot should call the clerk's office at 719-845-2575.

Santa Fe woman killed in traffic accident in Monte Vista last Friday.

A Santa Fe, New Mexico, woman was killed last Friday in a traffic accident that took place in Monte Vista. According to the Colorado State Patrol, two vehicles were traveling northbound on US 285 about 3:15pm last Friday, approaching the intersection with Rio Grande County Road 6 north. The first vehicle, driven by an 80-year-old man, attempted to turn left onto County Road 6 north. The second vehicle attempted to pass the first vehicle on the left, striking the rear end of the first vehicle and losing control, traveling off of the highway and rolling two times. The driver of the first vehicle was not injured. The passenger in the second vehicle, a 59-year-old woman was killed. The driver, a 60-year-old man, sustained serious injuries. None of those involved were identified.

Significant winter storm expected to affected Southern and Western Colorado.

A significant winter storm is expected to affect Southern and Western Colorado this weekend, bringing heavy snow and possible travel disruptions with it. The San Juan Mountains are forecasted to receive the heaviest accumulation. The Southern Sangre De Cristo mountains above 11,000 feet are expected to see between 9 and 16 inches. Snow is expected to start today and continue through Sunday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning beginning at 1:33pm this afternoon until noon on Sunday, October 20th. Travel is expected to be difficult, especially on mountain passes. Travelers are encouraged to keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

The Colorado Office of The State Auditor last month released a report that the State of Colorado saw an excess revenue of approximately $1.4 billion in fiscal year 2024, which, when combined with what was left over from the prior year, amounts to a total of about $1.7 billion in excess revenue. That is enough to trigger all three of the refunding mechanisms under the taxpayer's bill of rights, or tabor, and means that Colorado taxpayers will be seeing tabor refunds next year. Just how much money will you get back? Well, it depends on your income level. The Colorado Legislative Council is forecasting that single filers will receive an average of $326, while joint filers will see an average of $652 for tax year 2024. Thanks to the legislature, however, tax refunds are expected to be lower, if not non-existent, in coming years as legislation signed into law by the Governor this year will divert excess revenues toward things like child tax credits and a tax credit for seniors instead of giving refunds like we've all been used to.

Alamosa man arrested after suspicious package found.

Nathan Gibson, 39, of Alamosa, was arrested yesterday in connection with a suspicious package that was found at the Alamosa County Justice Center. According to Alamosa Police, Alamosa County Court security personnel located a package near a vehicle in the parking lot of the Alamosa County Justice center about 8:30am yesterday. The package was placed there by a person who had arrived to attend a court hearing. It was determined that the justice center be evacuated in the interest of safety and a perimeter was established around the package. The Pueblo Police Department regional bomb squad and an agent from the bureau of alcohol, tobacco and firearms responded and determined that the package was not explosive. Gibson was arrested on assault in the 1st degree, felony menacing and retaliation against a prosecutor. He was also booked on two active warrants. Gibson is being held in the Alamosa County Detention Center.

Amber alert leads to rescue of Pueblo teenager.

An amber alert was issued last night for 13-year-old Sandra Mendoza of pueblo after officials said she was in a vehicle when it was stolen. Sandra was last seen around 5pm yesterday in the 1200 block of South Prairie Avenue. Sandra has since been found safe. According to Pueblo Police, a truck was stolen at 6:44pm with Sandra inside the truck. Just before 8:45pm last night, the stolen vehicle had been recovered in the 1100 block of Cypress Street in Pueblo, however, Sandra was not in it and was still missing and was expected to be in danger, and the suspect was still at large. Information about where Sandra was found or if the suspect has been located was not made available. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation did not release anything further about the suspect other than to say he is a Hispanic male.

Firefighters responsed to I-25 car fire yesterday.

Firefighters were called to Mile Marker 112 on Interstate 25 yesterday morning for a car fire. According to the Colorado State Patrol, a vehicle was engulfed in flames on the northbound side of the interstate just before 7am. Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the car fire before it could jump to the surrounding grass. While crews worked, the right lane of the interstate was closed, causing major backups. All lanes had reopened by 8:45am. No one was injured in the inciden

CDOT issues winter travel alerts for southwest part of Colorado.

The Colorado Department of Transportation has issued a winter travel alert for the southwest part of Colorado through the weekend. Travelers are advised to be prepared for treacherous road conditions, especially at higher elevations along all Southwest Colorado mountain passes, including US 160 Wolf Creek Pass, US 550 red mountain/molas/coalbank passes, CO 145 lizard head, and CO 149 slumgullion pass. US 50 monarch pass, US 160 la veta pass and CO 114 cochetopa pass are also expected to be impacted by the storm.

Testimony in the Colorado trial attempting to stop the merger between Kroger and Albertsons wrapped up on Monday morning with an economic expert who is one of the main experts the Colorado Attorney General's office is using to make their case that the merger will have a negative impact on consumers because of the reduction in competition. The companies have rebutted, saying the merger will allow them to create efficiencies in their business and will help lower prices in stores. As part of the merger, 91 stores would be sold to a third party, C&S. C&S would get leadership staff that would move over from Albertson and would be able to keep the "Safeway" banner. If allowed to move forward, the merger could be the largest supermarket merger in U.S. history. Closing statements in the Colorado trial are expected in the coming days.

CDOT reminding driver of move over law after incident.

The Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding drivers of the move over law after a CDOT vehicle was struck while responding to a crash. Colorado law requires that drivers merge to the lane furthers from the car or drive 20 mph under the speed limit when passing vehicles parked on roadway. Monday night, a CDOT truck was responding to a deadly crash on I-25 on the north side of Colorado Springs after a man driving a Ford F-150 was driving erratically and collided with another vehicle. The truck then flipped and killed the driver. Later, after that crash, a Honda pilot came and rear-ended the CDOT truck that was on scene, helping to clean up the first crash. Failure to appropriately yield to roadside traffic means you could face a misdemeanor and potential fines.

Crash along I-25 closes road for a short time.

A crash in the northbound lanes of Interstate 25 south of Walsenburg yesterday morning closed the northbound lanes for a time. According to the Colorado State Patrol, the crash was first reported at 4:55am yesterday when a semi-truck ran off the east side of the highway and turned onto its side near Mile marker 41, near the Huerfano and Las Animas county line. The driver of the truck was taken to the hospital with possible injuries. Their condition was not available. Recovery efforts began around 7:55am, closing both northbound lanes. One northbound lane reopened to traffic about 8:15am yesterday. The Colorado State Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash.

RG hospital launching community health need assessment.

The Rio Grande hospital has launched a "community health needs assessment" survey in an effort to gain insights into the communities of Monte Vista, Del Norte, Center, Creede and South Fork. Residents of those communities are being asked to participate in the survey so that the hospital can work to better meet your future healthcare needs. The survey is anonymous and only takes about 10 minutes to complete. The survey can be taken by going to surveymonkey.com/r/rgh2024chna.

Night work to continue on US 160 on east side of Durango.

Night work is continuing on US 160 at the base of Farmington hill on the east side of Durango. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, work is continuing to install multiple inlets and a pipe for drainage under the highway at the former Farmington Hill intersection where the signals have recently been removed. Motorists should expect lane shifts around the work zone, single lane closures in the nighttime hours, and the speed limit on US 160 has been reduced to 40mph during the construction.

Leaf Glimpse, 34, an inmate at the arrowhead correctional center located within the east canon complex, was captured around 6pm last night after escaping the facility early yesterday morning. According to the Colorado Department of Corrections, Glimpse was serving a 8 year sentence for burglary at the time of his escape and was classified as a "minimum-restrictive inmate". Glimpse was captured in Canon City on CDOC property last night following an "intensive and highly coordinated search". The Canon City search team was activated and law enforcement was notified upon discovery of the escape. The office of the inspector general is conducting an investigation into how the escape occurred.

US 50 Blue Mesa Reservoir Bridge to partially reopen to traffic.

The Blue Mesa Middle Bridge on U.S. 50, over part of the Blue Mesa Reservoir, will reopen a 24/7 single-lane configuration to all traffic tomorrow. The bridge was closed on April 18th after an inspection revealed multiple cracks in the bridge. The Colorado Department of Transportation on Friday announced that after "significant progress on major structural repairs", it will open one lane on the bridge to all legal loads with pilot operations. Traffic will continue to be piloted in one direction at a time and heavier vehicles will be released one by one to cross the bridge, so drivers should still expect some delays. Meanwhile, crews will continue to work on final construction aspects overnight, meaning that travelers between 11:30pm and 6am should expect longer wait times to cross the bridge. CDOT hopes to return to a normal traffic configuration on the bridge ahead of winter.

Proposition 131 on the Colorado November Ballot.

Today we take a look at Proposition 131, which was placed on the ballot by citizen initiative and will pass with a majority vote. If passed, Proposition 131 would establish an all-candidate primary for all voters regardless of their political party for most statewide and federal office, with the exception of U.S. President. The top four vote- getters in each race would then advance to the general election where voters would rank the candidates in order of preference, once certain conditions in state law are met. A "no" vote would continue the current primary and general election system in Colorado. Proponents say an all-candidate primary gives all voters an equal opportunity to decide which candidates make the general election ballot, eliminating districts that are safe for one political party. They say rank choice voting gives voters more choice to express their preferences. Opponents say the new election system is more complex and expensive, and that voters will have to vote in two different systems for each election and may receive multiple ballots. Counting ballots is also more complex. Opponents also say that political parties play an important role in elections and should each have their own primary.

Trucker in east Pueblo accident will not face charges.

The driver of a semi-truck that struck and killed a 9-year-old boy east of Pueblo in the morning of September 16th will not face charges. According to the Colorado State Patrol, the child was hit by the semi while crossing US 50, just east of Baxter Road, in Pueblo County. The crash was reported at 5:27am. The boy was walking on the shoulder of us 50 while the semi was driving in the right lane. The boy ran into the road and was struck by the truck. He died at the scene. The boy has not been publicly identified.

Suspect arrested by Trinidad Police Friday.

Charles Lamorie, 49, was arrested by Trinidad Police on Friday. According to police, Lamorie was wanted on a warrant for second degree aggravated motor vehicle theft of $20,000 or more. Lamorie is described as a white male, 6 feet tall, weighing 245 pounds with a bald head and brown eyes. He was contacted and arrested without incident. No further information was made available.

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