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CO Gov Polis signs AI Bill into law.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis on Friday signed an AI bill into law making Colorado one of the first states to attempt to regulate the rapidly growing AI industry. SB24-205 requires AI developers to publicly disclose the types of high-risk AI systems being used in Colorado and how the technology figures into a decision. High-risk AI systems are typically used to manage digital infrastructure such as traffic systems and utilities. The new law also requires developers to disclose any "foreseeable risks of algorithmic discrimination" that may arise and submit a report to the Attorney General. Polis says he is concerned about the impact this law may have on an industry that is fueling critical technological advancements across our state for consumers and enterprises alike. He said the work of protecting consumers is better applied by the federal government. The new law goes into effect in 2026.

Body of missing 3 year old found in a canal.

The body of a 3-year-old Rocky Ford boy was found yesterday evening in a canal near his family home, according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. The search for Amari Galan began around 4am on Saturday after Galan walked away from his home in the 900 block of Washington Street in Rocky Ford. Galan was reportedly a child with special needs, who left his residence on foot wearing only a diaper. Multiple law enforcement agencies conducted a search that focused on the Catlin Canal that runs directly behind the boy's home. Search and rescue, while searching the banks of the canal by foot, found a body several miles downstream in the canal around 5pm yesterday evening. A positive identification of the body was confirmed by the boy's family, according to Otero County Coroner Robert Fowler.

CPW announces minimum age to operate motorboats to be raised.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is notifying boating enthusiasts that beginning on June 1st, the minimum age to drive a motorboat in colorado is being raised to 18 years old. Currently, a person only has to be 16 years old or age 14 or 15 if you complete the boater safety course. The change is part of a nationwide effort to make boater education for powerboats mandatory and to encourage boaters to learn important skills for responsible boating at an early age. Those 14 to 17 can still drive a motor boat as long as they complete the driver safety course.

Divide Ranger District announces Creede office to begin providing visitor information services.

The Divide Ranger District on Friday announced that the forest’s Creede office will begin providing visitor information services on Tuesday, May 28th. The office will be open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm and closed for lunch daily from 12:15 to 1pm. Forest product permits and recreation passes will only be available at the Creede office on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 3pm. Permits and passes are available Monday through Friday at the Del Norte Office. The Creede office is located at 304 S. Main Street in Creede. The office phone number is 719-658-2556. For more information on The Rio Grande National Forest, go to www.fs.usda.gov/main/riogrande/home.

State of Colorado provides funds to reopen San Luis Peoples Market.

The State of Colorado has provided $200,416 to reopen The San Luis Peoples market, the only full-service grocery store in San Luis, serving the community since 1857, making it the oldest operating business in Colorado. Asbestos, lead-based paint and mold were found in the store last year, forcing the store to close its doors. With the help of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's brown fields revolving loan fund, the Acequia Institute, working on behalf of the market, receive the grant. The grant will cover the cost of asbestos abatement and lead-based paint and mold removal, making it possible for the market to reopen this summer. No date for the reopening was made available.

May 17th 2024

CO Gov Polis signs multiple transit bills into law.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis, yesterday, signed multiple transit bills into law while riding on an RTD Train enroute from Westminster to Denver. Transit advocates say the new laws will not only improve the state's transportation system, but will also bring the state closer to its goal of passenger rail. One of the bills, SB24-230, will provide more funding for transit projects through new fees on oil and gas production. The fees could generate $175 million a year. Another, SB24-032, will extend the ozone season free transit grant program, which provides free transit rides during ozone season, and year round for young Coloradans. The final bill was SB24-184, which imposes a $3 per day fee on rental cars, providing the state with about $60 million a year for transit projects. The bill will also help Colorado secure federal funding for passenger rail, including from Pueblo to Fort Collins.

Healthy school meals for all seeing less funding than anticipated.

The healthy school meals for all program is seeing less funding than was originally anticipated, according to officials. The program provides public school students with free breakfast and lunch regardless of income. The program was approved by voters in 2022, and was introduced this year. The program is paid for by a change in income tax for those who make more than $300,000 a year. Officials say they are struggling to keep up with the funds due to the substantial increase in students taking advantage of the free meals. To help with the shortage, Colorado legislators passed a bill signed by Governor Polis last month that takes care of the funding for the remainder of the school year as well as for next school year. The bill also requires the department of education to establish an advisory working group to work on maximize federal funding and helping reduce costs of the program.

Crash and tanker fire on I-70 causes one fatality.

One person was killed following a crash and tanker fire that took place on Interstate 70 near Morrison in Jefferson County. The accident and fire closed I-70 in both directions yesterday, and the large plume of smoke could be seen for miles. According to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, just before 10am yesterday, an SUV slammed into the rear of a tanker truck, causing the tanker to burst into flames. As many as 6 other vehicles were also impacted by the fire. The person driving the SUV died at the scene. The truck driver was taken to the hospital. Interstate 70 reopened in both directions by about 6:30pm yesterday.

CDOT announces Memorial Day DUI enforcement period.

The Colorado Department of Transportation is urging motorists to travel safe this summer, and now underway is the heat is on Memorial day DUI enforcement period, running now through Wednesday, June 5th. During the 21-day enforcement period, drivers may see saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and additional law enforcement officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers. Memorial Day marks the start of the 100 deadliest days of summer, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day that historically sees a spike in fatal crashes.

RG National Forest announces seasonal road closures have come to an end.

The seasonal road closures on the Rio Grande National Forest have now ended. Most of the forest roads will be open, however, at higher elevations, many roads may still be impassable due to mud and snow. Visitors are advised not to attempt to drive through patches of snow or over muddy areas to avoid getting stuck and to prevent damaging roads. All motorized travel on the Rio Grande National Forest is regulated by a motor vehicle use map. Maps can be obtained by visiting a forest office or by going to www.fs.usda.gov/main/riogrande/maps-pubs, or call 719-850-2374.

May 16th 2024

Jury returns verdict in 2022 Alamosa shooting case.

Following less than 3 hours of deliberation, the jury in the case of Daniel Brandt yesterday unanimously found Brandt guilty of all charges. Brandt was charged in connection with the shooting of Alamosa Police Officer Mollee Heeney and Ricardo Rangel on October 27th of 2022. Brandt, who is 17, was being tried as an adult. After a week and a half of testimony, the jury found Brandt guilty of two counts of criminal attempt to commit murder in the first degree, three counts of assault in the first degree and one count of criminal mischief. The defense rested its case at noon on Tuesday. Alamosa District Judge Crista Newmyer-Olsen read the verdict in the courtroom. Brandt was then taken into custody by Alamosa County Sheriff's Deputies. Brandt is scheduled to be sentenced at 9am on July 26th. There will also be a pre-sentencing investigation and contact with youth offender services.

CDLA launchs final round of pre applications for temporary rental assistance.

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs has launching its 4th and final round of pre- applications for the temporary rental assistance grant initiative. The initiative program provides a total of $30 million to Coloradoans at risk of eviction or displacement who meet certain income limits as well as other qualifying factors. Pre-applications can be filled out on the DOLA website now through 5pm on Sunday, May 19th. After filing out a pre-application, DOLA will conduct a random selection to invite certain individuals to complete a full application. Those with a verified court summons for eviction will be prioritized. For more information on the pre-application process and eligibility requirements, go to cdola.colorado.gov/temporary-rental-assistance.

Crowley County substitute teacher arrested for sexual assault.

Shelby Clarke, a 20-year-old substitute teacher in the Crowley County School District, was arrested last week for sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust. according to the Crowley County Sheriff's Office, the superintendent of the Crowley County School District reported in April that he believed that Clarke was possibly having inappropriate relationships with male students. Clarke has denied the charges. The Crowley County School District says that Clarke is no longer employed by the district. Clarke has bonded out of jail. She is due back in court on June 11th.

Interview with State Rep Ty Winter.

Yesterday, we began airing part of a conversation I had with Colorado State House District 47 Representative Ty Winter regarding the now concluded legislative session. as promised, we pick up where we left off yesterday…. Colorado State Representative Ty Winter.

May 15th 2024

CO Gov Polis signs five measures into law.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed five measures into law that include major changes to tabor and property tax rates, Colorado's earned income tax credit and an expansion of a senior property tax exemption. The bills signed into law were: SB24- 228, a law that restructures how Colorado residents will get their tabor refunds, and reduces the state income tax. SB24-233, a law that will give colorado residents billions of dollars in property tax cuts over the next three years. SB24-111, a law that will allow seniors to keep a large property tax exemption, even when they move. HB24-1134, a law that increases Colorado's earned income tax credit, something Polis says can make life more affordable for working families. And, HB24-1288, a law that creates a nation- leading data-sharing agreement so families who qualify for a range of state benefits can get them.

Pueblo City Council votes in favor of banning needle exchange program.

The Pueblo City Council has voted in favor of banning the needle exchange program currently taking place in the city. Some council members say they're seeing an increase of dirty or used needles in public parks and trails. They believe that programs to help properly dispose of needles are not working so they need to find another solution. City officials believe that the improper disposal of such items increases threats to the public's health, property, safety and welfare. The needle and syringe exchange programs have been operating in Pueblo since 2014. The program was created to help reduce infections such as HIV, HCV, and many others as well as to help prevent deaths by overdosing.

US Fish and Wildlife service announce death of Gray wolf.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced yesterday that one of the ten wolves introduced to colorado in December has died. Fish and Wildlife say they became aware of the death last month after the carcass of the wild animal was found in Larimer County. A necropsy performed on the deceased gray wolf found the cause of death as trauma, consistent with predation. Puncture wounds found on the wolf's skull are consistent with those typically inflicted by a Mountain lion. According to CPW's wolf restoration and management plan, a total of 30 to 50 wolves are hoped to be released in the state over the next three to five years.

SLV Resource Development Group hosting economic meeting.

25 to 30 people with the office of economic development and trade economic development committee are expected to be in Alamosa today for their monthly meeting. The SLV Resource Development Group is hosting the visit. The office of economic development is a state agency whose core objective is to promote economic growth and long-term job creation across Colorado.

Interview with State Rep Ty Winter.

I had the opportunity to speak with Colorado State Representative for District 47 Ty Winter yesterday. He spoke about some of the results of this year's legislative session. Here is some of that conversation…. State Representative Ty Winter.

May 14th 2024

Pueblo City Officials meet to discuss proposed ordinance.

Pueblo City officials yesterday met to discuss a proposed ordinance that would prohibit the exchange of syringes within Pueblo's city limits. Some city council members say there is an increase of dirty or used needles in public parks and on trails and that programs to help properly dispose of needles are not working, so they need to find another solution. The pueblo syringe access program is an anonymous program that offers unused clean syringes and other injection equipment for free to those who inject substances. Only about 56% of needles handed out are returned to the exchange. The needle and syringe exchange program has been operating in Pueblo since 2014. There are also similar programs in Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Denver, Greeley and Grand Junction.

Georgia man accused of murder and car theft pleads not guilty.

Dorien Ray, a Georgia man who is accused of killing a stranger at the Tinaja rest stop, south of Raton, has pled not guilty to the charges against him. According to New Mexico State Police, the man and his wife, from Colorado, stopped at the I-25 rest stop in Colfax County last month to use the restroom. When the wife came out, she saw their car was gone and her husband was on the ground after being stabbed to death. The couples' car was stopped by police in San Miguel County where they say Ray was driving at the time. Ray Pled not guilty to first-degree murder, armed robbery and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle.

Potential threat causes Monday cancelation of classes at Swink School District.

The Swink School District canceled classes yesterday so that law enforcement could investigate a potential threat. According to The Otero County Sheriff's Office, a threat was posted on social media over the weekend aimed at the district. Law enforcement did not elaborate on the nature of the threat. As a precaution, the district canceled school yesterday. School is expected to take place today as per normal. No further information about the incident was made available. Law enforcement askes that anyone with any information about the threat call The Otero County Sheriff's office at 719-384-5941.

New Alamosa Police Chief sworn in Last Monday.

George Dingfelder, The former Chief of Police of the Monte Vista Police Department, was sworn in last week as Alamosa's new Chief of Police with the Alamosa Police Department. The ceremony took place on Monday, May 6th, and the oath was administered by municipal Judge Mcdonald. Chief Dingfelder has a long history of service in law enforcement, including 6 years in The U.S. Army Military Police, 25 years with the Colorado State Patrol, and four years as Chief of the Monte Vista Police Department. Dingfelder's wife and three city staff members were present at the ceremony.

As warmer weather approaches CPW urges water safety.

With warmer weather on the horizon, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials are urging people to use life jackets and to be safe while boating at Lake Pueblo State Park. By state statute, any vessel, including paddleboards, kayaks and canoes, must have a life jacket for every person on board. CPW encourages people to wear their life jackets at all times. Kids under age 13, however, must wear a life jacket at all times while in a vessel on the water. CPW rangers currently have two patrol boats out on the lake all day during busy weekends. Rangers will be watching for safety violations, including capacity violations, intoxication, and more. More information about water safety at Lake Pueblo can be found at cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/lakepueblo.

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