Letter from Colorado Springs mayor to Air Force Secretary says Space force decision was political.
In a letter written to Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall on Tuesday, March 7th,
Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers said he wanted to relate two conversations he had
with President Donald Trump regarding trumps decision to move space command from
Colorado Springs to Huntsville, Alabama. Both took place on the tarmac at Peterson
Space Force Base and Suthers says Trump told him the decision was his to make. During
the second conversation Trump told Suthers he wanted to see how the 2020 election
turned out before making the decision. Suthers says the conversations led him to
conclude that trumps decision to move space command to Huntsville was a wholly
political one. The decision to move space command to Huntsville was made in January
of 2021 a week before President Trump left office. A relocation process report by the
government accountability office found significant shortfalls in transparency and
credibility in the decision.Alert Custer County citizen aids deputies in arrest of wanted criminal.
An alert citizen helped Custer County deputies arrest a wanted criminal who is allegedly
connected to a series of crimes shortly after 8am on Friday morning. According to the
Custer County Sheriffs office, Floyd Halliburton had an open warrant for his arrest out of
Alamosa. Halliburton was in possession of two grams of methamphetamine and one
gram of hallucinogenic mushrooms during his arrest. The concerned citizen alerted the
sheriffs office to a suspected drunk driver. Upon responding, a sheriffs deputy noted that
the Mack truck Halliburton was driving was stolen. A stolen wallet and an additional
stolen credit card from burglaries in Denver were also discovered on his person. Further,
fresh damage on the stolen truck was noted from a hit-and-run crash.Saguache County Sheriffs searching for suspect accused of helping abductor escape.
The Saguache County Sheriffs office is now searching for Bethany Clements, who is
accused of helping a father who abducted his child, avoid law enforcement, in connection
to five-year-old Lea Vikhrev, who has been missing out of Houston, Texas, since
September 14th of 2021. Clements is believed to be a live-in nanny for Andrew Vikhrev,
leas father, and is reportedly helping him avoid law enforcement. Clements is most likely
driving a white or silver lexus suv with a possible New York license plate that reads
zubr. Lea was abducted by her non-custodial father, according to Houston police. The
Saguache County Sheriffs office believes both Andrew and Lea are currently in the
Saguache County area after an abandoned vehicle registered to Andrew was recovered in
Crestone on March 20th . Anyone with any information regarding the investigation is
asked to call the Saguache County Sheriff at 719-655-2544, or call 911.Pueblo Firefighters respond to grass fire behind Pueblo Mall.
Firefighters in Pueblo responded Saturday morning to a grass fire that broke out behind
the Pueblo mall along Fountain Creek. According to the Pueblo Fire department, the fire
began at a camp near 29th and Dillon around 9:30am Saturday. The flames were
approaching homes near the Mohawk and Glenwood areas, but were contained before
they could cross the river trail. Part of Dillon drive behind the Pueblo mall was also
closed. No one was evacuated, however, a few were treated for breathing problems due
to smoke from the fire.Four tanker train cars derail in La Junta.
Four tanker train cars derailed in La Junta yesterday morning around 5am. According to
the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad, the four cars derailed within the BNSF rail
facility in La Junta. There were no injures and no hazardous materials were spilled. The
railroad says there is no threat to the public. The cause of the derailment remains under
investigation.
March 24th 2023
CO Senator Bennet argues with Senator Tuberville over objection to DOD nominees.
Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet yesterday had an argument on the senate floor
with Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville after Tuberville objected to the appointment of
several department of defense officer nominees. The Alabama senator and former
football coach objected to the nominations for the first time in the senates history saying
that women in U.S. Military service have been given full access to abortion care
following the Dobbs decision. Tuberville says the Biden administration has turned the
DOD into an abortion travel agency. Bennet responded saying that Tuberville has done
something that no senator has ever done, which is put a blanket hold on all flag officers
and argued that a lack of access to abortion care for service members and their families
could hurt recruiting. Currently, the objection remains in place. Tuberville says he will
continue to object until the abortion policy in the military is changed.Otero County Republican Lincoln day dinner in La Junta see largest crowd ever Saturday.
More than 300 people turned out last Saturday to the Otero County Republican Lincoln
day dinner in La Junta, the largest crowd ever. The events keynote speaker was U.S.
Congresswoman Lauren Boebert who represents Colorados 3rd congressional district.
Boebert also greeted attendees at the door and took time to visit with as many people as
she could. Boebert spoke about January 6th and how there are still hundreds of American
locked up who have not even had a hearing or been allowed to place bail. She also talked
about gun rights and the reintroduction of wolves in Colorado. She also spoke about
working to propose budget cuts to President Bidens proposed budget to defund woke
programs, services and organizations that go against the American way of life.Saguache County Sheriff seeks help in Locating missing child.
The Saguache County Sheriff is asking for the publics help in locating a missing child.
Lea Vikhrev, 5, was last seen on September 4th , 2021, in Houston, Texas. She may be
with her non-custodial father, Andrew Vikhrev, and the sheriffs office has reason to
believe that Lea and Andrew may be in Colorado and could be traveling in one of the
following vehicles: a yellow GMC Savana van with Colorado license plate CFU-097, or
a gray 2007 Nissan Xterra Suv Colorado license plate 729-YAP. Andrew was last seen
in the Monte Vista area this week and the pair may have been in Crestone. The sheriffs
office also adds that Andrew has connections in Breckenridge. If you know the
whereabouts of either Lea or Andrew, you are asked to call 911. If you have information
that could help authorities in the case, call the Saguache County Sheriffs office at 719-
655-2544.Cause of Fire between Lamar and Granada yet to be determined.
The fire that broke out between Lamar and Granada on Wednesday afternoon burned
5,604 acres and destroyed 3 outbuildings, according to Prowers County authorities. The
fire was first reported around 3:58pm Wednesday and was burning along U.S. 50, east of
Lamar at mile marker 443. From there, the fire moved northeast toward the Arkansas
river, County Road 19 and Colorado 196. The fire grew quickly due to the dry and
windy conditions. The fire is believed to have begun in a home in Bent County. The
cause has yet to be determined.Multiple mountain passes in Western Colorado continue to remain closed this morning.
Many mountain passes in Western Colorado remain closed this morning due to the heavy
snowfall in the San Juan Mountains. U.S. 160 over Wolf Creek Pass remains closed in
both directions, although ski traffic is being allowed to access the ski resort from the
South Fork side. U.S. 550 is closed north of Durango to Ouray. Colorado 65 over Grand
Mesa remains closed. And, Colorado 125 near Walden remains closed. The Colorado
Department of Transportation said yesterday that crews were performing mitigation and
snow removal operations on the passes, however, no time of opening was given. Crews
will continue to evaluate the roadways and will re-open each pass when it is safe to do so.
March 23rd 2023
Four Mexican citizens on parole arrested by US ICE in Colorado.
Four Mexican citizens who were on parole or probation for driving under the influence
have been arrested in Colorado by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements
enforcement and removal operations. The arrests were part of a nationwide enforcement
effort that took place from March 4th through March 13th. Ice says arrested were: a 25-
year-old convicted of vehicular assault was arrested in Aurora. A 33-year-old convicted
of a misdemeanor DUI was arrested in Aurora. A 54-year-old convicted of driving while
ability impaired was arrested in Denver. And, a 48-year-old convicted of driving while
ability impaired was arrested in Denver. Ice says its officers focus enforcement resources
on people who threaten the homeland. ICE arrested 46,396 noncitizens with criminal
histories in the U.S. Last year.RWE proposing to build a battery energy storage facility northwest of Mosca.
A company called RWE is proposing to build a battery energy storage facility on lane 8
north, northwest of Mosca and east of county road 6 in Alamosa county. The storage
facility will have an approximate 17.5 acre footprint and will support 95 megawatts of
battery storage. Approximately 225 electric battery storage containers for lithium-ion
batteries will be housed on site. Construction is expected to last 6-7 months and will
employ approximately 70 laborers. Once operational, the project will support one full
time job. RWE is hoping to enter into a contract with Xcel Energy for off take of the
stored energy. Additional information can be found and comments can be made by going
to www.swcavirtualpublicinvolvement.com/alamosa-bess.Walsenburg Mayor and City Council member resign Tuesday night.
Walsenburg Mayor Charles Bryant and City Council member Carmen Lara resigned from
the Walsenburg city council during Tuesday nights council meeting. The resignations
come following the resignation of now former councilman Greg Daniels, who resigned
on March 7th. Both council members and the mayor were facing recall elections and
Bryants resignation came after he unsuccessfully protested the recall petition against him.
Now only two council members remain who are facing recall. They are Veronica Maes
of Ward 1 and Nick Vigil of Ward 2. Councilmen Rick Jennings and Don Martinez were
also subject to a recall campaign, however, neither recall qualified for the recall ballot. A
special election for the recall has been set for Tuesday, May 16th .CAIC final report states February 25th avalanche caused by fresh fallen snow.
According to a final report issued by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, the
February 25th avalanche near the red lakes trailhead at La Manga Pass in the southern San
Luis Valley was brought about by fresh snow that had fallen in the area between
February 20th and 23rd . Kevin Gray, of Antonito, who lost his life in the avalanche, was
snowmobiling with five others. All had two-way radios and three wore avalanche
transceivers, but gray did not. While riding at an elevation of about 10,800 feet, one of
the riders triggered the avalanche. Another rider witnessed gray get separated from his
snowmobile and disappear into the moving debris. Knowing that gray was not wearing a
transceiver, the group searched the debris. However, gray was not located for two days,
buried under two to three feet of snow. The CAIC encourages backcountry enthusiasts to
know the avalanche forecast on its website before going into the backcountry. Go to
www.avalanche.state.co.us.Prowers County Fire crews fighting fire in Prowers County.
Fire crews are battling a fire burning in Prowers County. Prowers County rural fire
responded yesterday to a fire east of Lamar near County Road 19. Officials say that the
fire grew quickly due to the dry and windy conditions. As of last night, officials said
crews cut a path around the fire and contained it to the area around the Arkansas river
bottom. No information as to the size of the fire was available last night.
March 22nd 2023
18 year old male dead after shooting in Monte Vista.
An 18-year-old man is dead following an officer-involved shooting yesterday afternoon
in Monte Vista. According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Monte Vista police
officers were dispatched to a house on South Broadway in Monte Vista for a welfare
check around 12:35pm. Shortly after arriving, an 18-year-old male jumped out of a
window, brandishing two knives. The man then began to run toward the officers,
swinging the knives. The man was Tasered and shot by officers outside the home. He
was pronounced dead at the scene. Neither responding officer was struck by the suspects
knives, however, one of the officers sustained minor injuries in the incident. The officers
were both placed on administrative leave. Their names will not be made public until the
12th Judicial District Attorneys office makes a ruling as to whether or not the shooting
was justified.CSP trooper's vehicle struck on I-25 Monday Evening.
A Colorado State Patrol trooper was struck in his vehicle on Interstate 25 in El Paso
County on Monday evening. CSP said yesterday that the trooper went to the hospital as a
precaution but that he was in good condition yesterday. The Colorado State Patrol wants
to remind you to move over and slow down when you see an emergency vehicle. Its the
law. And, that law was just expanded with the signing of HB23-1123, the move over or
slow down stationary vehicle law, which expands the emergency vehicle law to any
stationary vehicle displaying hazard lights.Sanford man makes first appearance in Court on Sexual assault charges.
William Crowther, 61, of Sanford, on Monday made his first appearance in Conejos
County court to face charges that he allegedly committed sexual assault of a child by one
in a position of trust, a class 3 felony, and child abuse, a class 2 misdemeanor. Crowther
appeared in court in person with his defense attorney, David Lipka. District Attorney
Anne Kelly and a deputy DA were in court for the prosecution. Lipka advised the court
that Crowther will waive advisement on the charges, meaning that the charges would not
be read aloud. After much debate, Conejos County Judge Jason Kelly ruled that he
would issue a protection order against Crowther to specify no contact with the victim, the
victims siblings and parents, plus no contact with a family member under the age of 18,
regardless of if they are in the immediate or extended family. Judge Kelly also agreed
with the defense counsel that there is much evidence to review and set a status hearing in
the case for May 15th. Crowther is currently out on bond.CDOT warning drivers of Mountain Pass closures for the rest of this week.
With heavy snow accumulation and high-winds forecast throughout the San Juan
mountain range, the Colorado Department of Transportation is advising motorists that it
plans to close multiple mountain passes for the remainder of the week. CDOT closed
U.S. 550 north of Durango to Ouray last night due to adverse conditions. No estimated
time or day of reopening was given. And, CDOT also closed U.S. 160 over Wolf Creek
Pass last night. Winter maintenance was already planned for this morning, but it is
unclear if that will still take place and when wolf creek pass will reopen. Check
cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and closures.CDOT to begin infrastructure project at Exit 50 on I-25 in Walsenburg.
The Colorado Department of Transportation will begin an infrastructure upgrade project
on Interstate 25 at exit 50, the middle Walsenburg exit, late this month. The project is
designed to improve the safety of the two bridges over Colorado 10 and to support
increased traffic on the I-25 corridor. Work will begin with building median crossovers
to shift traffic on I-25. That is expected to take 60 days to complete. Crews will then
begin rehabilitating the northbound bridge deck before moving to the final phase of
removing and replacing the southbound bridge structure. The project is expected to be
completed in September of 2024.CDOT to hold kickoff today for new Bustang route.
The Colorado Department of Transportation will hold a kickoff today for a new Bustang
outrider route between Trinidad and Pueblo. The new route will begin boarding
passengers tomorrow, and free rides will be offered until April 30th . CDOT says the new
route will broaden outriders existing network and will help bridge a transportation gap for
communities south of Pueblo.
March 21st 2023
Vice President Harris joins other leaders in announcing new wildfire prevention funding.
Vice President Kamala Harris yesterday joined other national leaders in Washington to
announce new funding to help protect high-risk communities from wildfires ahead of this
years fire season. The vice president said that $197 million in federal funding will be
made available this year to 100 communities in 22 states and to 7 Native American tribes.
Unfortunately, however, the only Colorado community recipients of the first round of
funds are Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County, who will receive $1.1 million for
wildfire mitigation and community education and prevention. Some question if the
funding will be enough to make a significant difference but hope it will help offset the
rising costs of equipment and gear for local fire crews.Fentanyl found at rollover accident site North of Pueblo yesterday.
A Pueblo County Sheriff K9 yesterday discovered a backpack containing Fentanyl while
sheriffs deputies assisted the Colorado State Patrol yesterday morning with a rollover
accident that took place near mile marker 112 at the southbound rest area along Interstate
25 north of Pueblo. According to witnesses, someone in the vehicle threw a backpack in
a trash can at the rest stop. After the K9 found the backpack and alerted deputies to the
possible presence of drugs, deputies looked inside, finding a stuffed bunny with a jar of
Fentanyl pills concealed inside. Deputies also recovered a handgun that had an altered
serial number along with a loaded magazine in the backpack and were also alerted to
possible drugs in the vehicle. The three people involved in the crash, who are all under
18, were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. No charges have been filed and no
names have been released as of last night.Copper Mountain sledding accident claims lives of two people Sunday.
A sledding accident on Sunday at copper mountain ski resort claimed the lives of two
people. According to the Summit County Sheriffs office, the victims, who were 17 and
18, were riding tandem on a half-pipe when they launched off a snowbank and fell down
hard on the ice. The accident took place about 8:35pm Sunday. Both victims suffered
from blunt force injuries and could not be revived. Both were on spring break from
Illinois. A skier was also killed Sunday and 2 others were buried in an avalanche that
took place near Aspen. Friday, a man was killed and two others rescued following an
avalanche near Marble, Colorado.CPW searching for mountain lion after clawing incident Saturday.
A man sitting in an in-ground hot tub was clawed in the head by a mountain lion on
Saturday night, prompting Colorado Parks and Wildlife to launch a search for the animal.
CPW officers were alerted to the incident about 10pm Saturday. Four wildlife officers
responded to the scene at a rental home in a heavily wooded subdivision about 5 miles
west of nathrop along chalk creek. The victim had four superficial scratches on top of his
head and near his right ear that CPW determined were caused by a mountain lion.
Saturday nights incident is the first reported mountain lion attack of a human in Colorado
since February 27th of last year. CPW encourages residents to keep reporting mountain
lion sightings or activity near their homes. You can call CPWs Salida office at 719-530-
5520, or call the Colorado State Patrol after business hours at 719-544-2424.New report says Coloradans increasingly reliant on credit cards.
A new report from upgradedpoints.com says that 40.8% of adults in Colorado are relying
on credit cards to meet their spending needs and 23.4% have increased their credit card
use due to recent price increases. The report looks at the recent impact of inflation on
credit card reliance in the U.S. And shows that Colorado experienced the 6th highest rate
of increased credit card reliance in the nation due to inflation. Inflation has pushed 21%
of adults to use credit cards, loans or pawnshops to help pay for the increased costs,
according to the report.
