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• First Day of Civil Unions in El Paso County Play Video

  May 2, 2013 6:20 PM

  In El Paso County, the first day of civil unions got off to a modest start. There were no ceremonies at 8:00 a.m. at the clerk and recorders office, just a about a dozen same-sex couples coming in to get their civil union license. It took about 15... more »

• Extra security in place at county buildings in Colorado Springs after alleged harassment Play Video

  February 8, 2013 1:10 AM

  There is heightened security at El Paso County office buildings across Colorado Springs. On Friday 25-year-old Jessica Tuckness and 35-year-old Burnest Johnson went to the Department of Human Services office after hours, wanting to speak to a case worker about a child custody case. A security guard informed them... more »

• Sal Pace wins Pueblo County Commissioner seat

  January 12, 2013 5:45 PM

  The Pueblo County Democratic Party met today to fill the County Commissioner seat left open by Jeff Chostner who's moving on to be the new District Attorney. Several candidates had three minutes each to convince delegates to vote for them. After two votes, the winner with 53% of the vote... more »

• Local job market still lags national trend

  January 4, 2013 7:22 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS - Even with the national unemployment rate holding steady at 7.8 percent in December, those who are out of work in Southern Colorado face a more challenging job market. In November, the most recent month available, there were 25,765 people unemployed in El Paso County, or roughly... more »

• Colorado Springs police join in search for missing boy

  November 21, 2012 8:44 PM

  Colorado Springs Police Department is now part of the search for a missing 13 year old boy. Dylan Redwine was reported missing on Monday afternoon, November 19, 2012 from his father's house in La Plata County. The home is near Durango. A witness reported seeing Dylan walking along... more »

• Deputy, retired officer killed in plane crash

  August 31, 2012 11:05 PM

  Two local law enforcement officers have been killed in a plane crash in Pueblo County. The plane vanished just before 10 a.m. The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office says the wreckage was found earlier tonight about five miles southwest of Lake San Isabel in Custer County. We're told the pilot... more »

• Most counties in Colorado eligible for disaster relief

  July 4, 2012 7:28 AM

  DENVER (AP) - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says 62 of Colorado's 64 counties qualify for federal disaster relief due to drought conditions. Gov. John Hickenlooper says Vilsack notified him Tuesday that he was designating all of the state's counties, except Delta and San Juan counties, as primary disaster areas. The... more »

• Small fire controlled in Fremont County

  May 29, 2012 2:39 PM

  Fire crews in Fremont County contained a small fire on private property northwest of Canon City last night. About 20 firefighters responded to the fire, west of Highway 9 and about 16 miles north of Highway 50 Monday morning. It covered only 1.5 acres. It was started by... more »

• Drought meetings start for Summit County

  May 8, 2012 8:42 AM

  FRISCO, Colo. (AP) - Summit County officials are seeking options to deal with a severe drought. County officials are holding a meeting Tuesday after the National Integrated Drought Information System declared a severe drought in Summit County and the Colorado River Basin. The meeting is sponsored by the Colorado River... more »

• CBI investigating Elbert County payoff to sheriff

  April 16, 2012 8:05 AM

  KIOWA, Colo. (AP) - The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is trying to find out why Elbert County Sheriff Shayne Heap was paid more than $12,000 for unused vacation time he saved up during his years of work in the department. According to the Denver Post, the amount appears to be... more »

• Burn restrictions increased in Elbert County

  April 5, 2012 6:32 PM

  Elbert County has moved from Stage 2 to Stage 3 burn restrictions because of warm weather and dry conditions. The Stage 3 rules will be in effect through April and May and possibly longer. Not allowed under Stage 3 restrictions: Open burning of any kind ... more »

• Evacuees allowed back in homes

  April 2, 2012 6:26 AM

  CONIFER, Colo. (AP) - Colorado authorities are allowing all remaining evacuees from the Lower North Fork wildfire to return home on Monday. Jacki Kelley of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said that residents of 50 homes can return Monday morning, nearly a week after the fire erupted. She says firefighters... more »

• Wind fans fires

  March 26, 2012 6:20 PM

  Two brush fires kept fire fighters busy in Pueblo County this afternoon. Both are now contained. One burned brush along the Arkansas River bottom near Blende. It burned about 5 acres. Another burned prairie land near 55th Lane and Elderberry. That fire burned 3 to four acres. ... more »

• NB I25 closed near County Line Road

  March 22, 2012 1:32 AM

  We are hearing reports that SB I25 near the El Paso County, Douglas County border is closed due to a serious crash. It's north of the County Line Road. Flight for life has been called, but we are unsure of injuries. No word on NB traffic. more »

• Yuma County fire

  March 18, 2012 9:46 PM

  Authorities say at least two homes have been destroyed and three firefighters injured in a large fire in Yuma County. That's west of Denver. Mike McCaleb, emergency manager in neighboring Washington County, says the blaze started at about 1:15 p.m. Sunday south of Yuma, and firefighters are battling low... more »

• Remains of missing Durango woman identified in New Mexico

  March 3, 2012 10:13 PM

  DURANGO, Colo. (AP) - Authorities say the remains of a La Plata County woman who went missing more than a year ago have been identified in New Mexico. Detective Burke Baldwin with the Durango Police Department says the remains of Alesha Daniel, who would have been 38 years old, were... more »

• Boulder County considering biotech crops

  December 20, 2011 7:14 AM

  BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - Boulder County commissioners are set to decide whether to allow genetically modified crops on open space land. The public had a chance to comment earlier this month, and commissioners are scheduled to make a decision at a meeting Tuesday. A debate over genetically modified... more »

• Treasurer likely to add another fee to stormwater tax bills.

  September 23, 2011 8:33 PM

  El Paso County Treasurer Bob Balink says he expects that he will add delinquent Stormwater Enterprise fees to property tax bills, but attorneys for the city and county are still discussing the legal fine print. What's more, he said he is legally required to add a 10 percent fee on... more »

• Elections office moving Friday

  August 29, 2011 1:04 PM

  The Elections Department of the El Paso County Clerk and Recorders Office will be moving over the Labor Day weekend to the new county building on Garden of the Gods Road. The office will begin the move on Friday leaving Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Avenue, and opening Tuesday at... more »

• Alabama county could file for bankruptcy

  August 12, 2011 8:22 AM

  BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - Commissioners in Alabama's largest county say they hope to vote on whether to settle with Wall Street or file the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. Jefferson County commissioners have delayed a decision for two weeks while negotiating with creditors. Members say they expect to... more »

• Fire restrictions lifted in Pueblo County and City

  August 4, 2011 8:49 PM

  Pueblo County and City are no longer under fire restriction. Sheriff Kirk M Taylor lifted the Stage I Fire Restrictions this evening. This means that residents of Pueblo County can again have outdoor fires for yard debris, agricultural needs, and recreation. Simultaneously, Pueblo City Fire Chief Christopher Riley lifted... more »

• County wants to know your opinion

  July 25, 2011 9:20 PM

  The decision makers within the various government offices of El Paso County want to know how citizens feel about the value they receive for their tax dollars and where they would rate the county as a place to live. These questions are among a list of inquiries posted in... more »

• Fire restrictions in your county

  July 1, 2011 2:59 PM

  Area counties have various restrictions on smoking, fireworks and even grills. The most restrictive rules are in Fremont County where you aren't supposed to smoke in your car or use gas grills. Here are the current rules for El Paso, Pueblo, Fremont, Teller and Custer Counties. Keep in mind... more »

• Homes evacuated in Jefferson County

  May 9, 2011 7:35 PM

  INDIAN HILLS, Colo. (AP) - Sheriff's officials say a wildfire in Jefferson County has prompted evacuations of 30 to 40 homes. Sheriff's spokeswoman Jacki Kelley says the fire Monday afternoon between Evergreen and Morrison is believed to have been human caused. She says the fire is about an acre,... more »

• Late night crash in Pueblo County sends boy to hospital

  May 7, 2011 4:45 PM

  The Colorado State Patrol is investigating a serious accident that sent a 12 year old boy to the hospital in Pueblo County. The accident is being treated as a hit and run accident resulting in a vehicular assault charge involving serious bodily injury. The accident occurred at around 11:00... more »

• Pueblo Sheriff says new emergency center is "critical"

  April 28, 2011 6:45 PM

  As the army prepares to destroy dangerous stockpiles of weapons at the Pueblo Chemical Depot, Pueblo County hopes to tap into more funding from the federal government. Over the past twenty years the county has received $42 million from the federal government in emergency preparedness funding. More than 8%... more »

• Rabies found in another Pueblo County skunk

  April 15, 2011 5:08 PM

  Public Health Department have announced another skunk has tested positive for rabies. This animal was found in the 500 block of S. Kingston Avenue. This is the third skunk to test positive in Pueblo County during 2011. "This is a very serious situation to have three skunks test positive... more »

• Gruesome murder of 8-year-old girl shocks many

  April 14, 2011 7:23 PM

  A father in Pueblo County will face a first degree murder charge in the shooting death of his 8-year-old daughter. Sheriff's deputies say John French Jr., 32, shot his daughter Desirea execution style and then attempted to kill himself. "This is one of the most difficult cases you can... more »

• Bent County fire grows but is 90 percent contained

  April 13, 2011 7:09 PM

  FORT LYON, Colo. (AP) - A wildfire in southeast Colorado has spread to nearly 22 square miles, but it is about 90 percent contained after drops of water and fire retardant from the air and work by ground crews. A single-engine airplane dumped water and an air tanker made... more »

• Bent County fire now 85 percent contained

  April 12, 2011 3:01 PM

  FORT LYON, Colo. (AP) - A large wildfire in southeast Colorado has been 85 percent contained. Fire managers said cooperative weather Monday night helped crews fighting an 11-square-mile wildfire near Las Animas, about 85 miles east of Pueblo. Crews were working Tuesday to put out hot spots and protect structures... more »

• Three fires burning in Jefferson County

  April 8, 2011 7:46 PM

  EVERGREEN, Colo. (AP) - Three fires are burning in Jefferson County, including one that has evacuated homes and diverted buses taking students home from school. Jefferson County sheriff's spokeswoman Jacki Kelley said Friday a fire in Evergreen by Squaw Pass Road has grown to 40 acres, prompting evacuations in... more »

• Pueblo County's financial outlook good this year

  April 6, 2011 5:41 PM

  We've been reporting for months now the budget crisis facing state lawmakers, school districts and local communities. But there's at least one exception. Pueblo County is bucking the trend. Last year Pueblo County faced a $9.5 million deficit and even required staff to take 12 furlough days, but this... more »

• Families wait month or longer for food benefits

  March 31, 2011 6:03 PM

  People in Pueblo County who rely on food assistance from the government are frustrated. There's such a large backlog some are having to wait over a month for help--and this isn't a new problem. The government offers help with food for people who don't have a lot of money.... more »

• Hazmat crews respond to leaking fuel in Park County

  March 31, 2011 1:13 PM

  Hazardous materials crews have been called to Park County where a tanker truck is leaking fuel. The initial report says about 6,000 gallons of fuel is leaking into a water way a couple of miles from Highway 285 on Park County Road 77. This is near the town... more »

• County cites men for alleged violation of fire ban

  March 26, 2011 1:54 PM

  BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - Boulder County has banned outdoor fires because of the high fire danger and people who ignore the ban might end up paying. The sheriff's office said Friday that two men were issued summonses for violating the ban. Authorities say both men were burning agricultural debris... more »

• Leaders set rules on loud noises in Pueblo County

  March 22, 2011 5:47 PM

  A lot of people move to the county for peace and quietness, but until now there weren't any specific laws against loud noises in Pueblo County. Not anymore. On Tuesday, Pueblo County Commissioners approved an ordinance that states excessive or unusually loud noises are a public nuisance punishable by... more »

• Investigators converge on rural home

  March 10, 2011 1:23 PM

  Investigators have converged on a home west of Monument that may offer clues as to the whereabouts of two boys missing for years. Linda and Edward Bryant are charged with fraud for collecting welfare checks for two adopted boys who haven't been seen in years. The Bryant family lived... more »

• Environmental group opposed to proposed nuclear power plant

  February 23, 2011 12:47 AM

  A group wants to build a clean energy park in southeast Pueblo County including a nuclear power plant, but not everyone supports it. Puebloans for Energizing Our Community want to build the energy park south of Highway 50, about 25 miles east of Pueblo. The land is zoned... more »

• Proposed energy park goes to planning commission

  February 22, 2011 4:35 PM

  Pueblo Attorney Don Banner will present a plan tonight to build a clean energy park in southeast Pueblo County that would include a nuclear power plant. The Sierra Club has voiced opposition to any nuclear power plant, calling it a dangerous form of energy. The Pueblo County Planning and... more »

• Rosaries in school: religious freedom or gang-related?

  February 21, 2011 8:21 PM

  Religious freedom versus school safety. It's a hot topic right now at Pueblo County High School. The principal says students cannot wear rosaries to school, because they're considered a gang symbol. However, some believe this may be violating the students' constitutional rights. For Catholics the rosary is a string... more »

• Pueblo County High tells students to remove rosaries

  February 21, 2011 2:09 PM

  Students at Pueblo County High School aren't allowed to wear rosaries on the outside of their clothing. Last week, the principal told students to tuck them in or remove them because they're considered a gang-related item. School District 70 doesn't have any policies banning rosaries, but Pueblo County High... more »

• Update: Mother, twins escape house fire

  February 18, 2011 6:27 PM

  A mother and her 4-year-old twins survived an intense house fire in Pueblo County this morning. Firefighters say they escaped through a window before the home was destroyed. "We were able to see visible smoke and actually fire from western Pueblo when we responded initially," said Master Deputy Dylan... more »

• Mother, twins escape house fire in Pueblo County

  February 18, 2011 4:22 PM

  A mother and her 4 year old twins survived an intense house fire in Pueblo County this morning. Firefighters say they escaped through a window before the home was completely destroyed. The fire happened on the 8400 block of Savage Rd. located a few miles east of Beulah. Volunteers... more »

• County director resigns, interim director appointed

  February 8, 2011 4:57 PM

  The Pueblo County attorney's office says Greg Severance has resigned from the county. Severance was the former Director of Pueblo County's Public Works Department. Last month, commissioners announced they wanted a civil engineer to run the department, which meant Severance was no longer eligible to hold his position. Severance... more »

• Pueblo County appoints interim director

  February 8, 2011 12:21 PM

  Pueblo County Commissioners have appointed an Interim Director of the newly created Department of Engineering and Public Works. The county's current senior engineer Alfred Randall is now in charge of that department. Last month, commissioners changed the department from "Public Works" to "Engineering and Public Works". Commissioners said they... more »

• Pueblo County Sherrif's Office investigating shots fired at home

  January 22, 2011 2:40 PM

  The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office is investigating what appears to be a possible drive by shooting that took place at approximately 11:00pm Friday night. Deputies were called to the 1600 block of San Pedro St. located in the Salt Creek community of East Pueblo County following calls of multiple shots... more »

• Pueblo County leader written out of job

  January 18, 2011 4:32 PM

  Pueblo County's Public Works Director may be out of a job. Greg Severance reportedly held the position for 12 years, but today commissioners voted to rewrite his job description. Commissioners now want a civil engineer to run the department, which they believe will be more efficient for the county.... more »

• AmeriCorps to be used in fire mitigation

  January 11, 2011 6:40 PM

  The El Paso County Sheriff's Office will use AmeriCorps volunteers to help in wild land fire mitigation in several areas of El Paso County. The visits by the AmeriCorps team will happen from January 8 through March 11 and from May 1 to June 21. AmeriCorps is a... more »

• Dozens of snow plows out in Pueblo County

  January 10, 2011 2:51 PM

  People in Rye and Beulah woke up to about a foot of snow according the snow removal crews in Pueblo County. Greg Severance, the county's Public Works Director says more than 30 plows and sand trucks have been treating the roads since 3 a.m. Severance says 6 inches of snow... more »

• Video visitation in place at Pueblo jail

  December 31, 2010 12:33 PM

  The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office is using new technology to make jail visitations more efficient. They're using a system called VizVox, which is a lot like Skype. Inmates and visitors no longer have face to face contact, instead they speak to each other over a phone and see each... more »

• Denver-area county assessor reduced taxable value of property owned by campaign donors

  November 28, 2010 5:04 PM

  DENVER (AP) - The Denver Post reports a Denver-area county assessor reduced the taxable value of property owned by some of his campaign donors by millions of collars. The newspaper reported Sunday that Adams County Assessor Gil Reyes cut $23 million from the taxable value of 11 buildings owned... more »

• Nearly third of voters in Pueblo, El Paso counties voted early

  November 1, 2010 8:27 PM

  Election workers are gearing up for a busy day at the polls Tuesday, although new numbers show nearly a third of voters in El Paso and Pueblo Counties have already made up their minds. In El Paso County, 106,905 people or 29% of registered voters either voted early or by... more »

• Burglary arrests made in El Paso County

  October 19, 2010 7:50 PM

  Two people have been arrested in a home invasion burglary at 363 Greensboro South in El Paso County that happened on October 16. Officers reported three suspects knocked on the door and when the occupant answered the victim was hit with a stun gun. Several items were removed... more »

• Major initiative to make local teen drivers safer

  October 18, 2010 9:42 AM

  Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for Americans aged one - 44. The problem is especially acute for new drivers, 15-19 years old. In an effort to save young lives in El Paso, Teller and Elbert counties, students from 32 high schools will participate in a peer... more »

• Fremont County breaks up crime racket

  October 14, 2010 4:26 PM

  Several people believed to be involved in a crime spree in August have been arrested by members of the Fremont County Combined Investigative Response Team (CIRT) , the Cañon City Police Department and Deputies from the Fremont County Sheriff's Office. The suspects are accused of several car thefts, burglaries... more »

• Boulder wants Supreme Court to stop church growth

  October 1, 2010 8:32 AM

  Boulder County wants the U.S. Supreme Court consider its dispute with a church that wants to nearly double the size of its 128,000-square-foot campus. The Daily Camera reports that the county commissioners voted Thursday to press their legal battle with the Rocky Mountain Christian Church near Niwot. The... more »

• Report: McKinley depressed over surgery before suicide

  September 22, 2010 8:18 AM

  An Arapahoe County Sheriff's report suggests Broncos wide receiver Kenny McKinley was depressed over knee surgery performed about a month before he committed suicide. An investigator noted in the report that shortly after the surgery, the 23-year-old said he should "just kill himself," but "No one believed he was... more »

• Prosecutors seek more information on Loveland fire

  September 21, 2010 4:19 PM

  Larimer County prosecutors say they need more information before deciding whether to file criminal charges against two people suspected of accidentally starting a wildfire that destroyed two homes in the foothills west of Loveland. Sheriff's investigators presented their evidence to the district attorney's office last week. They say... more »

• Pueblo County Detention Facility receives accreditation

  September 20, 2010 2:03 PM

  The Pueblo County Detention Facility last week received accreditation from the American Correctional Association. The accreditation process included an audit to see if the jail, operated by the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office, had met 386 standards set by the A.C.A. for detention facilities. A letter sent to Sheriff... more »

• Fire mitigation west of Boulder under review

  September 20, 2010 8:24 AM

  Fire management officials say removing trees and clearing brush and other fire mitigation worked by some measures, even though the Labor Day fire west of here was the most destructive in Colorado history in terms of homes lost. There were no reported serious injuries or deaths from the 3,500... more »