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• Three years later: Parents pleading for answers about son's death Play Video

  April 2, 2013 8:59 PM

  It was April 2nd, 2010; eastern Pueblo County rancher Chris Spera found something on his land that he'll likely never forget. "I turned around and came back and it was a human skull," says Spera. "It seems like yesterday to me," Spera adds. "I think about it often."... more »

• Pueblo County farmers worry about the drought

  January 23, 2013 6:55 PM

  With record warm temperatures in the area, it may feel nice outside, but no moisture just fuels the drought we're experiencing. That has some local farmers concerned. "It's our number one issue right now," said Shane Milberger, of Milberger Farms. The drought in Pueblo County, like most of... more »

• STATE: Flu hospitalizations climbing fast this season Play Video

  January 9, 2013 7:53 PM

  It's a familiar scene for many right now; the waiting room. Many people are waiting for the results of a flu test. Flu season typically runs from about October to May. Last year the flu put 543 people into Colorado hospitals, according to the Department of Public Health and... more »

• Mailbox vandalism on the rise in Pueblo County

  December 16, 2012 6:51 PM

  It seems there's more criminal mischief than usual in Pueblo County, and the main targets are mailboxes. The Pueblo Chieftain reports the number of mailbox damage reports is up quite a bit. Last year there were only 37 reports, and so far this year there have been 116. It mainly... more »

• Voting machines changed their vote, some say Play Video

  November 3, 2012 12:49 AM

  How would you feel if you went to vote for Mitt Romney, but it turned out you voted for Barack Obama? That's the concern in Pueblo County as early voters are coming forward, saying electronic voting machines changed their vote. Reports of problems have come from every polling location... more »

• Some Pueblo County neighbors in Vineland angry over trash on private property they say looks like a landfill Play Video

  October 29, 2012 7:43 PM

  A group of neighbors in Pueblo County say a property in Vineland has been trashy for far too long. We wanted a look for ourselves, so we headed out there earlier today. Here's what we found. It's a home some neighbors say has been an eyesore for decades. ... 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 »

• Drought devastating the family ranch Play Video

  July 16, 2012 7:29 PM

  Cattle ranchers Harold and Jean Meinzer have been forced to deal with 10 years of the driest conditions they can imagine. "We're just trying to hang on like everybody else," Harold said. "We haven't had the ponds filled since ‘02." The Meinzer's ranch, Four Corners Ranch, sits on... more »

• Fireworks stand stays open despite state ban

  June 19, 2012 7:51 PM

  Almost everything for sale at Big Top Fireworks in Pueblo County is illegal for customers to use under the statewide fire ban. However, owner John Musso is perfectly within his rights to stay open for businesses. "When they walk in we tell them you can buy them but I... more »

• Responders react during Pueblo emergency drill Play Video

  May 2, 2012 5:51 PM

  On alert and out in full force! Crews respond to two emergencies in Pueblo County, but it's all only a drill. We found out there will be a grade. "The Emergency Operation Center is the nerve center of the entire exercise," said Kirk Taylor, Pueblo County Sheriff. Nearly... more »

• Annual disaster drill under way in Pueblo

  May 2, 2012 11:35 AM

  Pueblo County emergency personnel are conducting a drill today. The drill involves crews from all over the county, from the Pueblo Chemical Depot to Pueblo West. Testing will include the warning sirens in Avondale and a test of emergency radios. more »

• Pueblo County Election Department location changed

  April 23, 2012 5:46 PM

  If you're voting in the Pueblo County special election on May 8, you need to make sure you take your ballot to the correct location. The Pueblo County Election Department has left the courthouse for a location on Eighth and Main Street. They're in Suite 200 on the second floor... more »

• 3 Pueblo County residents face drug charges

  April 18, 2012 1:57 PM

  Three Pueblo County residents have been arrested on drug charges in Fremont County. 51-year-old Billy Jo Graves, 34-year-old Jeremy Dean Stephenson and 36-year old Tina Marie Young were arrested April 13th for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule II Controlled Substance. The trio was arrested following a... more »

• Rabid skunks found in Pueblo

  April 4, 2012 5:11 PM

  Three skunks have tested positive for rabies in Pueblo. Public Health Department officials announced Wednesday that these are the first skunks to test positive in Pueblo County this year. Skunks positive with rabies were found at Garland Road on the Mesa, on Paloma Place and Roselawn Road in... 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 »

• Fire destroys rural Pueblo County home

  March 7, 2012 2:15 PM

  Fire destroyed a modular home over night at 45493 Fields Road in eastern Pueblo County. The owner called 911 when he heard popping noises on his roof and found his roof was on fire. He did have a fire going in a wood burning stove at the time, though... more »

• Preschool teacher gives students building blocks for learning Play Video

  February 28, 2012 6:35 PM

  In Debbie Cardinal's preschool class at Vineland Elementary, each part of the day is a learning experience. Whether it's the pledge of allegiance, marking the calendar or sitting down for circle time to learn letters and numbers, every activity involves learning. "It's so beneficial for every kid to come... more »

• Pueblo restaurant health inspections now on Internet

  February 7, 2012 5:19 PM

  Ever wondered about how your food is being prepared and if conditions are sanitary in the kitchen? Pueblo Health Department has put health inspections of food establishments in Pueblo County on the Internet. The report lists any non-critical and critical reports from the last inspection. Critical Violation:... more »

• Highway 50 homeless camper arrested Play Video

  January 18, 2012 8:17 PM

  A man who's been living along Highway 50, near Fowler, is now under arrest. News 5 caught up with Roy Gleiter in December, after he had been in the area for a few months. He stopped in eastern Pueblo County last summer while making his way across the country; he... more »

• Abuse suspect received probation in two previous cases Play Video

  January 10, 2012 7:57 PM

  The Pueblo County woman who had more than 60 animals taken from her property has a history of animal abuse. Valeria Harris, 55, has pleaded guilty on two previous occasions for animal cruelty, but this latest case is certainly the largest. Investigators reported not finding any food or water... more »

• Cruelty case could cost thousands

  January 10, 2012 1:01 PM

  At minimum it will cost Pueblo Animal Services and the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region $20,000 to care for the 34 horses, 31 dogs and a llama that seized from a Boone woman's property Friday. This is the third time Valerie Harris, 55, has been charged with... more »

• Over 60 animals taken from Pueblo County ranch Play Video

  January 10, 2012 12:47 AM

  55 year old Valerie Harris of Boone is in a Pueblo County jail cell, facing felony animal cruelty charges in one of the worst cases authorities have ever come across. "The conditions were deplorable." explains Joe Stafford, the Pikes Peak Humane Society's Regional Director of Animal Law Enforcement On... more »

• Changes at Lake Pueblo for the season

  October 16, 2011 1:34 PM

  Summer is officially over at Lake Pueblo. State Park officials are switching the reservoir to winter operations on Sunday. That means changes in the hours; you can boat on the lake 24 hours a day all year, but boat docks close at 6 p.m. in the winter season instead... more »

• Voter registration deadline tomorrow

  October 2, 2011 10:18 PM

  A reminder that the last day to register to vote is tomorrow, and If you are registered but did not vote in the last election you should renew your registration. You can register or renew by either calling your county clerks office or visiting the secretary of state's website. ... more »

• Overnight accident near Pueblo under investigation

  September 18, 2011 1:55 PM

  The Colorado State Patrol has released a statement detailing a crash scene investigation from a rollover crash that occurred at about 2:25am Sunday. Troopers say that a white Nissan Sentra being driven by Dwanye Kaber, age 31 of Pueblo heading north on I-25 when it veered into the center median.... more »

• Number of bears killed, up already this year

  August 30, 2011 8:29 PM

  The number of bear sightings is up this year in Southern Colorado, with that the number that has been killed is also up. Colorado Parks and Wildlife says in El Paso and Teller counties about 18 have been killed and in Fremont County that number is 12. Farther south... 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 »

• Fire sparked possibly by lighting in St Charles River Canyon

  July 23, 2011 6:10 PM

  The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office has reported that a small fire currently burning in the St Charles River Canyon area between Rye and Colorado City may have been sparked by lightning. Crews are on scene and aerial drops have been made to gain control of what has now been described... more »

• Update: crews still looking for body

  July 18, 2011 9:23 PM

  Pueblo County Sheriff's Office crews continue to look for a body in the Arkansas River near the Fremont County Line. Rafters found the body earlier this afternoon and called authorities. So far, search crews have not located it. We'll continue to follow this story and bring you the latest... 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 »

• Rabid skunk found on Pueblo porch

  June 10, 2011 3:22 PM

  Another rabid skunk has been found in Pueblo, this time on the porch of a home in Pueblo County near 28th Lane and Gale Road. This is the sixth skunk to test positive for rabies in Pueblo County this year. The skunk was not known to have contact with... more »

• Severe thunderstorm warning for Pueblo and Huerfano

  May 24, 2011 2:41 PM

  The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for central Huerfano County and southwestern Pueblo County until 1:30 p.m. At 12:25 p.m. trained weather spotters reported a severe thunderstorm producing quarter size hail. This storm was located 31 miles south of Pueblo. more »

• UPDATE: Young boy killed in accident

  May 9, 2011 2:11 PM

  A deadly crash on I-25 last night killed a 12 year old boy from Pueblo. It happened near exit 106, just north of Pueblo, around 7:00 p.m. State troopers say the truck the boy was in rolled, ejecting him and two others inside. The driver, Michele Meastas, was seriously... 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 »

• Plan for Pueblo nuclear power plant rejected

  April 25, 2011 9:06 PM

  PUEBLO, Colo. (AP) - The Pueblo County commissioners have rejected a request to rezone land in the eastern part of the county for a nuclear power plant. The Chieftain reports the commissioners voted 3-0 Monday against a special land-use permit sought by Pueblo lawyer Don Banner. He has proposed rezoning... more »

• Phone outage at Pueblo County social services

  April 15, 2011 11:36 PM

  People trying to get a hold of the Pueblo County Department of Social Services' Family Service Center via phone won't get through until Monday. The phones are out of service. The center, located at 805 Desert Flower Boulevard, is open and assisting customers. According to a news release,... 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 »

• 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 »

• Colorado city weighs whether to OK nuclear plant

  March 26, 2011 6:50 PM

  PUEBLO, Colo. (AP) - At a time when Japan's nuclear crisis has nations worldwide questioning reactor safety, Southern Colorado's Pueblo County is taking up a fledgling proposal to build a nuclear power plant - the state's first since a plant in the northern town of Platteville was decommissioned in 1989.... 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 »

• Fires east of Pueblo controlled

  March 21, 2011 5:04 PM

  Three small fires east of Pueblo are now controlled. They started burning earlier this afternoon in farm fields. We're awaiting more details for you from the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office. more »

• UPDATE: Wildfire in Rye contained

  March 20, 2011 2:51 PM

  News First 5's James Amos has just given an update from the scene of the wildfire near Rye in Pueblo County. Officials report that the fire has been contained and no homes were damaged. The fire sparked from embers that blew in from an unrelated controlled burn. A majority... more »

• Wildfire near Rye on a Red Flag day

  March 20, 2011 2:43 PM

  The Pueblo County Sheriffs Office tells News First 5 that a grass fire is burning near the town of Rye. There are homes threatened but no injuries have been reported at this time. The photos attached by our reporter James Amos shows the remote area where smoke is rising. more »

• Anti-nuclear crowd speaks to county commissioners

  March 16, 2011 11:06 PM

  A day after those in favor of a Pueblo County nuclear power plant had their say, the other side speaks. Pueblo County commissioners heard testimony from residents on Wednesday who don't want the plant to come to town. Some like Ross Vincent say they flat out don't trust the nuclear... more »

• Public hearings on nuclear power this week in Pueblo

  March 13, 2011 11:04 PM

  Workers in Japan pump seawater into nuclear reactors to keep them from a meltdown, but the crisis is not over. These actions come as Pueblo County Commissioners this week will listen to debate about putting a nuclear power plant in Pueblo County, south of Avondale. "I don't think you... 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 »

• Pueblo man arrested for suspected DUI accident

  February 19, 2011 1:07 PM

  A Pueblo woman was seriously injured during a suspected drunk driving accident that happened along the US Hwy 50 bypass in Pueblo County late Friday night. The Colorado State Patrol reports that the driver, 36 year-old Bill Riggs of Pueblo, was headed east on Hwy 50 near 23rd Lane... 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 »

• Cops heating up DUI patrols over Super Bowl weekend

  February 6, 2011 6:15 AM

  Law enforcement agencies across Colorado have stepped up drunk driving enforcement efforts during the Super Bowl weekend. Additional officers will be on patrol until early Monday morning. As of Saturday evening, 55 people had already been arrested for drunk driving statewide. Of those arrests, 12 were reported by the... more »

• Pedestrian killed in Pueblo County

  January 13, 2011 12:44 PM

  The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office says a 24 year old man was killed Wednesday night when he was struck by a driver. It happened on the 3900 block of Bergemann Rd. south of Highway 78 between Pueblo and Beulah. A spokesperson for the sheriff's office says it appears the... 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 »

• Wind driven fire burns home and 40 acres

  December 10, 2010 7:42 PM

  The Pueblo Rural Fire Department put out a fire east of Pueblo this afternoon along 44th Lane. Five homes were threatened by the fire, which was helped by very dry conditions and fanned by gusty winds. One modular home and two vehicles were destroyed. The Sheriff's Office got... more »

• Mobile home burns east of Pueblo

  December 10, 2010 5:43 PM

  A mobile home burned this afternoon in eastern Pueblo County. It started as a grass fire started possible sparked by a cigarette, according to the Sheriff's Office. The fire started in the 3800 block of 44th Lane. At one point five homes were threatened. One mobile home was destroyed.... more »

• One last furlough day in Pueblo County

  November 17, 2010 3:39 PM

  Pueblo County employees will have one more furlough day and then the money-saving effort is over. Every month this year most Pueblo County employees have had to take one day off without pay. The last day is Friday. The Pueblo County Commissioners voted yesterday to lift the furloughs,... more »

• Traffic accident on Hwy 96

  November 10, 2010 12:12 PM

  The Colorado State Patrol reports one woman was injured in a traffic accident on state Highway 96 in eastern Pueblo County, between Avondale and Boone, Wednesday morning. Dawn Martinez of Fowler was westbound when she attempted to pass a car and realized there was oncoming traffic. She went off... 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 »