Author: KRDO

Bradley Davis

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – The Gingersnap Rescue Ranch is hosting an Easter scavenger hunt this weekend. Participants will get a sheet with clues leading them to different animals, all with easter eggs hiding in their enclosures!

At a couple of stops along the hunt, there may be a few more eggs than the kids bargained for. Gingersnap owner Eryn Haggard said the warm temperatures have led their ducks and chickens to lay quite a bit more than usual. So pay attention, or you might end up putting a few real eggs in your basket!

Haggard said almost all the animals at the ranch are rescues. Visitors are free to roam around and pet most of the animals along the scavenger hunt spots.

Haggard said the ranch will have vendors, outdoor games and the Easter Bunny at the event. The Easter egg hunt is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s $7 a person and $3 for a feed cup.

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Mackenzie Stafford

COSTILLA COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – After 13 Investigates first broke the news that arrest warrants were issued against the Costilla County sheriff and four others, nearly half of the sheriff’s office’s law enforcement members, the fallout continues.

Sheriff Sanchez resigned from his role after turning himself in. Undersheriff Soto and Deputy Sanchez were placed on administrative leave while the county conducts an investigation, according to Costilla County officials.

The indictments left the department with only three deputies unaffected by the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s (DA) Office’s investigation. One of those deputies resigned shortly after the allegations were made public, leaving only two deputies to cover the county over the weekend. Costilla County officials tell KRDO13 Deputy Joe Smith and Corporal Adam Fresquez remained on duty throughout the weekend.

On Monday, Costilla County Commissioners appointed Deputy Joe Smith as the interim sheriff to lead the department in the meantime. His appointment came in a special meeting following Sanchez’s resignation.

Since there are many people throwing their hats in the ring for the Sheriff election, the board sought a candidate without political ties, according to Commissioner Steven Romero.

“That could either make them or break them. Like it could have really helped them out and help them to become sheriff, which we would have then been seen as political agents instead of, you know, people trying to make the best decision on behalf of the county,” explained Commissioner Steven Romero.

He was also hoping to find a candidate who maintained a positive relationship with the district attorney’s office. Commissioner Romero said that is part of what made Deputy Smith stand out. This follows prior allegations by the DA regarding the mishandling of evidence under the leadership of Sanchez.

STATEMENT FROM SHERIFF JOE SMITH ON TAKING OFFICEDownload

“We need to establish rapport and a good working relationship with the district attorney’s office. That, to me, is goal number one, because unless we have that relationship, you know, things are bound to fail again,” said Romero.

Commissioner Romero described the situation as a difficult transition for the region. He noted how the commissioners knew of the past allegations of mishandling evidence, so when he heard of the criminal indictment, he said he was not surprised.

“So it wasn’t a complete shock. But, you know, it’s very painful. It’s a very sad day for the county and for us. And, you know, it’s just a really painful situation. And so, the initial reaction is to try to, you know, support everybody,” explained Romero.

He says he hopes this can create change and ensure that the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is following the proper procedure.

“I hope that there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” Romero said. “I hope that the growing pains produce something good.”

While the office works toward reaching full staffing levels, several agencies are providing support, according to a Costilla County official. They say Colorado State Patrol (CSP), Blanca Town Police and the County Sheriff’s Association of Colorado are assisting with patrols and community safety.

Despite the staffing shortage, Commissioner Romero said the county will not allocate additional funds for recruitment or training. He said more than half of the county budget is already dedicated to the sheriff’s office and the jail.

“I mean, if we had unlimited resources, it would be a completely different ballgame, right? It’s the fact that we do have a very limited budget, it’s it’s it’s a tough, tough position,” said Romero.

A representative for the Board of County Commissioners tells KRDO13 that Smith is working on his background check to be sworn in as interim sheriff as soon as possible. A new administrative role will also be created to oversee the operations of the CCSO during the transition, according to Commissioner Romero. He says they are still ironing out the role, but says it will be created by the DA’s Office and Commissioners.

Do you have something we need to know? If so, send a tip to KRDO13Investigates by emailing 13investigates@krdo.com.

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Bradley Davis

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – The Russell Middle School theater program is days away from becoming the first middle school in the country to perform the “Frozen” Broadway play in full, according to the school.

Theater teacher Sarah Chandler said the rights to perform the famous play based on the Disney animated classic first became available last summer. There are three different versions that school productions can license: A JR, One-Act and the full show.

Since Frozen became licensable over the summer, Chandler said Russell Middle School was the first middle school to get approval to perform the full show.

The show is this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Wasson Academic Campus. There is also a showing at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for kids.

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Scott Harrison

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — This busy street on the city’s southwest side is about to become even more challenging for drivers to navigate.

Beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, lane closures and turn restrictions will be in place on 8th Street, between Motor City Drive and Abbot Lane, so that crews can replace an underground water main as part of the ongoing improvements project in that area.

Officials said that the changes will last for approximately 12 weeks.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction along that stretch, and left turns won’t be allowed.

The center lanes will be closed around the 8th Street/Motor City Drive intersection, with the closures shifting to the east side of 8th Street northbound to the Abbot Lane intersection.

Drivers needing to travel into and out of the Motor City auto dealership area must use Automotive Drive, at the top of the 8th Street Hill, as the detour.

The traffic shifts will affect several businesses, including at least two auto dealerships, an auto repair shop, and a drive-thru coffee shop, but those businesses will remain open.

Because of the changes, a city bus stop in front of the Walmart will be relocated slightly north, in front of the Shell gas station.

Crews will gradually move northbound to continue the water main replacement on the north side of Cimarron Street.

Meanwhile, one northbound traffic lane remains closed across the Fountain Creek bridge as crews continue repairs there.

Officials hope to finish that phase and return all lanes to normal configuration before the end of April.

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Dylan Foreman

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Many people have picked up a ping pong paddle at some point, thinking the game looks easy — until the ball starts flying back faster than expected.

But in Colorado Springs, table tennis has become much more than just a casual pastime. For hundreds of people, it’s a source of fitness, friendship, and even healing.

Every Sunday afternoon, the Pikes Peak Ping Pong Club meets in the gym at Colorado Springs School, where it comes alive with the sound of bouncing balls, paddles striking plastic, and laughter echoing across the room. Players of all ages line the tables, battling for points and enjoying the competition.

At the center of it all is Scott Preiss, a USA Table Tennis Hall of Fame member who organizes and facilitates the weekly sessions.

“I just wanted people to keep moving and stay healthy,” Preiss said. “And what better way to do that than playing ping pong?”

Preiss started the program five years ago with just 17 participants showing up that first week. Since then, it has grown dramatically. This year alone, between 300 and 400 people have taken part.

Some participants are there for the workout. Others for the social interaction. But for Kristin Woesthoff, these sessions have become deeply healing.

Woesthoff was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and says the sport has helped slow the progression of her symptoms.

“It’s slowed my progression for sure,” Woesthoff said. “I don’t think I’ve progressed in the last five years.”

Studies suggest that combining aerobic exercise with cognitive and motor challenges can help reduce symptoms of neurological diseases like Parkinson’s. Table tennis checks all those boxes, requiring quick reactions, coordination, balance, and mental focus.

“Ping pong does all that,” Woesthoff said. “It challenges everything you have to fight to maintain.”

Woesthoff isn’t the only one experiencing life-changing benefits. Some members who attend the sessions manage their post-traumatic stress disorder through playing, offering an outlet to focus their minds and work through suppressed memories. For others, it’s simply a way to stay active, meet people, and have fun, no matter their age or skill level.

Preiss says that sense of connection is what makes the program special.

“Overall, people are just happy to come in, play, and escape the outside world,” he said.

That community feel is obvious once the games wrap up.

“It’s become a table tennis family,” Preiss said. “In about 20 minutes, you’ll see people hugging, laughing, and just having a great time.”

The smiles were hard to miss and impossible not to join.

I decided to give it a try myself. Against the practice robot, I looked pretty sharp. But when I stepped up against a seasoned player like Scott’s son, Austin, the game quickly reminded me how humbling it can be.

Still, that’s part of the draw.

“It’s just fun when you see yourself improve and know you’re playing well,” Woesthoff said.

Ping pong may be a sport that humbles, but in this gym, it’s also one that heals, bringing people together, improving lives, and proving that sometimes, the smallest ball can make the biggest difference.

Below is a list of places to play table tennis throughout Colorado Springs:

Pikes Peak Table Tennis Club (Tuesday 6:30-9:30 p.m. UCCS Downtown, 102 S. Tejon, Suite 105)

Pikes Peak Ping Pong Club (Sunday 12-4 p.m., Colorado Springs School, 21 Broadmoor Ave)

Briargate YMCA (Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1-4 p.m. 4025 Family Pl)

Colorado Springs Senior Center (Tuesday, Friday 1:30-4:30 p.m., 1514 North Hancock)

Colorado Springs NeuroPong (Tuesday, Thursday, 1-3 p.m., 207 North Nevada)

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Michael Logerwell

SAN LUIS, Colo. (KRDO) – KRDO13 Investigates has learned Danny Sanchez is no longer serving as Costilla County Sheriff.

His resignation comes one day after he, along with four other current and former members of the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office, were indicted on a slew of charges ranging from Official Misconduct to Assault to Abuse of a Corpse.

READ MORE: Arrest warrants issued for Costilla County sheriff, multiple deputies

The Costilla County Commissioners say that as of March 30, Deputy Joe Smith was appointed sheriff by the board. The Commissioners confirmed that Undersheriff Soto and Deputy Sanchez were placed on administrative leave while the county conducts an investigation.

Officials confirm to KRDO13 that Blanca Town Police, the County Sheriff’s Association of Colorado, and the Colorado State Patrol are lending support and resources while the County Sheriff’s Office works to get back to being fully staffed

A regularly scheduled election for the Costilla County Sheriff is set for this November.

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Samantha Hildebrandt

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)– More than three city blocks of downtown Colorado Springs were filled with protesters chanting and holding signs for the third rendition of the ‘No Kings’ Protests

The protest began at 12 p.m. and lasted two hours. The group was concentrated at the Colorado Springs City Hall along Nevada Avenue, and stretched from Uintah Street to Kiowa Street.

The event is part of a coordinated effort happening across the country, with more than 3,000 protests planned nationwide and over 70 scheduled throughout Colorado.

Local organizers anticipate this could be the largest protest in Colorado Springs history, potentially surpassing turnout from a similar event held last October.

The demonstration will include what organizers are calling a “Mile of Resistance,” where participants are expected to line Nevada Avenue. Additional activities include acoustic musical performances, a designated PrideSpace, and speeches at City Hall. A full speaker schedule has not yet been released.

Community organizations will also be set up along the route, offering information and resources for those looking to get involved locally.

Organizers emphasize that the event is intended to remain peaceful and focused on community engagement.

Drivers should expect road closures and delays in the downtown area during the event.

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Scott Harrison

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — It looks so great now, that it almost shines, even at night.

For the first time in decades, a block-long drainage ditch just east of the Powers Boulevard/Galley Road intersection isn’t an eyesore choked with broken concrete, weeds, trash and debris.

Last month, KRDO 13’s The Road Warrior showed how a county crew began cleaning up the ditch and applying a new concrete layer; the 500-foot channel starts at the intersection of Ford Street and Seneca Road, and continues west to Valley street.

A county official said on Thursday that the project requires some final touches before it’s finished in a few weeks.

The project is a relief to adjacent business owners who coped with flooding and erosion damage because of the clogged ditch.

Repairing the channel took so long because local governments couldn’t agree on who had jurisdiction; it wasn’t until 2024 that the county took responsibility for maintenance.

The county also is considering plans to improve drainage from Seneca neighborhood by replacing a failing underground metal drainage pipe under Ford that empties into the channel.

Officials said that the previous concrete liner failed because it wasn’t properly reinforced; the new liner is, and has an increased capacity to contain heavier flows.

Some neighbors hope for similar repairs at the west end of the channel, past Valley, where that concrete liner is deteriorating.

Drainage in that channel flows into an unlined segment full of trees and rocks, before entering a newer, more extensive stormwater channel along Paonia Street.

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Bradley Davis

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Dennis the Emu loves people, and he’s inviting anyone who wants to join to celebrate his fifth birthday party at Acacia Park on Saturday, April 4.

Billie Mitchell bought Dennis when he was still in his egg to guard her ducks. She didn’t know he would help bring her out of her deepest depression after her younger brother suddenly died four and a half years ago.

She started taking him on walks, and he loved it. She thought Dennis would grow out of it, but he never did.

Dennis now has over 40,000 followers on TikTok from all over the world. Mitchell takes him all across Colorado Springs, making people’s day.

Dennis’ public party on Saturday is from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Josh and John’s will bring their mobile ice cream truck bearing a special cake for Dennis. He’ll be joined by superhero cosplayers from Mile High Multipverse, the Cosmo Colorado Springs arts and crafts group, and the Buzzy Bee arts and crafts group.

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Rob Namnoum

The twenty minutes after training for the Switchbacks FC is used for yoga. That time can be relaxing or it can be a time for chatting it up, “They do let a lot of the, you know, their guard down and everything. So they know that this is a safe place. I think that’s a really cool thing for me to experience with them, says Kitten Dupreez. But overall it’s a time to get their bodies right.”

Kitten Dupreez of D1 training has been leading the team in the flow stretching and yoga for the last eight years.

“Just adds another piece of that recovery point that they’re really going to that any athlete needs, honestly,” says Dupreez.

For players like Brennan Creek and Aidan Rocha, it’s allowed them to play at their peak, “and that’s been beneficial in terms of staying in tune with my body and mind. Yoga is definitely helped yoga has been a big part of that,” says Aidan Rocha.

Brennan Creek adds, “We’ve done it for so long now. All the guys here that, you know, you can definitely see how much it’s helped us and it’s definitely easier as, as we’ve gone on.”

The circle itself is full of characters. As they make their way through movements their body needs leading up to the fan favorite, Happy Baby.

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