Author: KRDO

Michael Logerwell

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Florida’s governor signed a bill this week to make his state, along with Utah, the second state to ban adding fluoride to the water supply. The passage comes as US Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr calls the mineral “industrial waste”.

At a news conference Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis said, “Yes, use fluoride for your teeth, that’s fine, but forcing it in the water supply is basically forced medication on people. They don’t have a choice, you’re taking that away from them.”

But did you know the effects of fluoride on teeth were first discovered in Colorado Springs by Dr. Frederick McKay.

Director of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum Matt Mayberry said it was Dr. Fredrick McKay who first looked into the brown stains.

“Many of the children that [Dr. Fredrick McKay] treated here had brown staining on their teeth,” he said.

Mayberry added that Dr. McKay then looked past the brown stains, and noticed the children he treated had far fewer cavities than children in Boulder.

After decades of work by Dr. McKay and others, municipalities started adding fluoride to the water to prevent cavities.

“They began to dial in what is the proper amount of fluoride that can be used by humans that can not cause the brown staining, but prevent cavities,” Mayberry said.

So what would happen if other states start following in the footsteps of Florida and Utah and remove fluoride from the water supply?

KRDO13 asked a local dentist, Dr. Nora Balota, what the impacts could be for the larger state populations that no longer have fluoride in their water.

“I honestly don’t know what’s going to happen, and I don’t think anybody really does. I think the most impact will [be] the access to care. Can you go to your dentist?” Dr. Balota asked.

Dr. Balota says fluoride is helpful in protecting your teeth, but agrees that too much can be a problem. She believes basic hygiene is likely the best way to prevent cavities.

“If I only brush your teeth once in six months, we’re in big trouble,” she said.

Another medical expert, Dr. Helen Yang Meyer, who practices at the Colorado Endodontic Group and sits on the board of the Colorado Springs Dental Society, disagrees with the decision to remove fluoride from drinking water.

“It’s a shame that some people in Utah and Florida have taken the benefits of community water fluoridation for granted and chosen to remove its protection,” she said.

Yang Meyer added that those most impacted will be the elderly and youth populations.

The Colorado Department of Public Health says drinking optimally fluoridated water prevents approximately 25 percent of cavities.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tyler Cunnington

DENVER, Colo. (KRDO) — Colorado House Bill 25-1062 is waiting to be signed by Governor Polis, and would increase the minimum penalty for stealing a firearm to a felony. Previously, a stolen weapon had to be worth at least $2,000 in order to qualify as a felony.

It’s an issue we previously reported on, as gun thefts have plagued the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) for the past several years.

The police chief said the bill would be a huge help in their enforcement.

In 2023, CSPD says more than 800 firearms were reported stolen to them. It marked a five-year high for the department.

“We have so many weapons either stolen out of vehicles, stolen out of stores, pawnshops,  or out of homes and burglaries that are used later in a crime,” said Chief Adrian Vasquez with CSPD.

But similar legislation failed in 2024. Local senators Marc Snyder (D.) and Nick Hinreichsen (D.) are sponsoring the bill once again. The bill is bipartisan, with Republicans like Byron Pelton also sponsoring.

Senators Snyder and Hinreichsen are confident Governor Polis will sign it into law this go around.

Chief Vasquez says it could help his officers nab prolific offenders.

“We might have caught them doing quite a bit of shoplifting, as an example, in which we would have to write them a summons. But they have that firearm, our honor and the firearm stolen. Now they’ve increased themselves into a felony range.”

He also says the new law would mean fewer criminals are being enabled to commit violent crimes.

“Not only being used for things like robberies or, you know, carjackings. We’ve had some carjackings this last weekend, for example. When does it spill over into now? Somebody’s been injured. You have shots fired. You know, maybe they’re more apt to to to use it in that regard,” he said.

KRDO13 also reached out to Pueblo Police Chief Chris Noeller, who has seen four of his officers wounded by gunfire this year.

He applauded this pending legislation, saying firearm thefts “needed this level of accountability for some time,” adding, “It is nice to see the state legislature finally recognizing this fact and the harm stolen firearms bring to our community.”

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story named the bill HB 25-1026. The correct name of the bill is HB 25-1062. We apologize for the error.

Click here to follow the original article.

Karla Sosa

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)- Police departments across the nation are honoring fallen officers; it’s all part of National Police Week.

On Friday, the Colorado Springs Police Department hosted its 32nd Annual Pikes Peak Regional Peace Officers Memorial at Memorial Park. 

Chief Adrian Vasquez with the Colorado Springs Police Department said this service serves as a healing process for families and officers of fallen officers. 

“We want to show support not only to their families, but to the officers’ service that they gave themselves and then really inspire our officers that are continuing to serve every single day,” said Vasquez.

In September 2023 Community Parole Officer Christine Guerin Sandoval was killed in a hit-and-run while trying to serve an arrest warrant. 

Her name is already on the Peace Officers’ Memorial at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs. 

This month, her name was added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Families and officers were able to pay their respects and see portraits of fallen officers, including Guerin-Sandoval. 

“I love the fact that you see families walking around the perimeter here, looking at the names, really paying homage to the service that was given. And I think being able to come together and just talk,” said Vasquez.

Chief Vasquez said they know they have a tough job, which is why they have close relationships with other departments.

“We’re still obviously out there supporting each other, making sure that we’re taking care of one another and, you know, paying caution to that,” said Vasquez.

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week.

Click here to follow the original article.

Heather Skold

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Mother’s Day takes on a different tone for JoAnn Madorran, who lost her son to an improvised explosive device while he was deployed to Iraq.

Madorran is a Gold Star Mother.  A title she never asked for– yet lives with courage. 

Jeffrey Allen Avery had not been in Iraq a year when he was killed on April 23, 2007.  He was just 19. 

“He was very determined.  He was very proud or what he did — and he should be,” said Madorran.  “He always went by the book.”

Jeffrey Allen Avery, prior to his deployment to Iraq

Avery, who was posthumously promoted to Private First Class, was a military policeman and wanted to follow in the footsteps of so many of his relatives serving his country.

Madorran remembers when Avery came home during that brief break between boot camp and his deployment, and how he had matured, both emotionally and physically. 

“They leave a child, they come back a man,” she smiled.  

When she was told he would be headed to Iraq, it didn’t sit well, said Madorran. 

“I had kind of a strange gut feeling when he told me that I didn’t take it that well.”

Avery was in the country on patrol for less than a year when she received the news that would change her life.

“It was quick, they said, that he didn’t really have a chance at life.”

Grief crippled her many days; sometimes she didn’t feel like leaving the house.

Jeffrey as a child

“It’s something that’s changed me for the rest of my life. It’s always going to be there,” she revealed. “What’s worse is, I’ve been robbed of knowing him as an adult.”

Madorran is actively invested in the local Gold Star Mothers chapter, where she mentors other mothers who’ve more recently lost their children in combat. It’s there she finds comfort in their commonality, while supporting veterans in the Pikes Peak Region as they do community service.  It’s in that role, she tells fellow Gold Star Moms they’re not alone.

“I tell them, you can pick up the phone anytime, day or night, I don’t care if it’s 2:00 in the morning.  I’m here for you.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Celeste Springer

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – A new Consumer Reports study claims that Kroger, which owns King Soopers, has been advertising marked-down prices on products, but customers are still paying more at the register.

According to the report, the agency found that the average overcharge cost customers was about 18.4% more at checkout.

Consumer Reports believes the problem lies with old/expired sales tags not being removed after a sale is over.

Consumer Reports said they began investigating after union members in Colorado began calling attention to the alleged issue, “a problem they say has been going on for years and that Kroger is well aware of.”

The agency said it dispatched people to Kroger and Kroger-owned stores across the country to investigate.

UFCW Local 7, the union representing King Soopers and City Market employees in Colorado, says it sought to investigate as well. The union alleges every single one of the stores they went out to had “misleading prices leading to the over-charging of consumers.”

The union claims the issue is due to understaffing, with not enough staff able to go through and properly vet and remove old sale tags.

“When Kroger dictates that workers’, hours be cut in these stores, it is customers who pay the price,” said Kim Cordova, UFCW Local 7 President, in a release.

King Soopers has fired back at the allegations, releasing the following statement:

“The Consumer Reports allegations boil down to misinformation, reviewing a handful of discrete issues from billions of daily transactions. It in no way reflects the seriousness with which we take our transparent and affordable pricing.”

-Spokesperson for King Soopers

Click here to follow the original article.

Celeste Springer

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) says they’re working a grass fire near I-25 and South Nevada Avenue.

CSFD says multiple crews are responding.

While CSFD said the fire is near Nevada, a KRDO13 crew says fire crews can be seen off Tejon Street near Dorchester Park.

Click here to follow the original article.

Celeste Springer

PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – The Colorado State Board of Education says they have upheld a decision by Pueblo District 60 to not renew its contract with Chavez Huerta K-12 Preparatory Academy.

The decision follows a lengthy saga and dispute between the charter school and the school district.

In January, the D60 school board made a decision not to renew its charter agreement with Chavez Huerta.

District leaders told KRDO13 that the school was one of the lowest-performing in the district, and also faced high staff turnover and lower enrollment. The district also cited improper fiscal management and failing to provide timely and accurate financial documents, according to the state board of education.

However, the school hoped to maintain charter status, though this time through the Colorado Charter School Institute, not D60. In April, D60 denied that request, saying they did not want a charter within the boundaries of District 60 to not be under District 60 rule.

The future of Chavez Huerta seems to be in limbo for now. Chalkbeat is reporting the school will now be forced to close. KRDO13 reached out to the school’s lawyer, who said he could not confirm or deny whether the school would be closing. He did share the following statement:

“While we are disappointed, Chavez Huerta respects and acknowledges the decision of the Colorado Board of Education. Chavez Huerta is exploring all options and remains committed to servicing the educational needs of its students and the youth of Pueblo.”

-Fred Segura, representing Chavez Huerta

The contract between Chavez Huerta and D60 expires on June 30, according to state officials.

Pueblo District 60 released the following statement:

“On May 15, 2025, the Colorado State Board of Education upheld the Pueblo District 60 Board of Education’s decision to nonrenew the charter for Chavez Huerta K-12 Preparatory Academy.

Pueblo District 60 recognizes that this decision was difficult for all involved and will impact not only the students currently attending the school, in addition to those who were planning to attend for the 2025-2026 school year, but also their families and our community. 

We are committed to working closely with the administration at CHPA to make the transition for students and families as smooth and supportive as possible, including supporting families in making their school choice selections.

In the coming days, we will be sending communications to all affected families. In the meantime, families are also encouraged to call our Student Support Department at 719-253-6014 or to visit the D60 website for more information about our schools and available programming. Families are also always welcomed and encouraged to visit our schools to talk to the principals and staff personally.”

-Spokesperson for D60

Click here to follow the original article.

Celeste Springer

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez, a Fort Carson soldier who is accused of dealing cocaine and working security at an underground nightclub, has been released on bond, according to court records.

PREVIOUS REPORTING: Soldier who was charged for cocaine distribution worked as security at busted underground club

The club, dubbed “Warike” was reportedly operating illegally. Multiple federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), raided the club.

According to ICE, 104 undocumented immigrants were detained; 18 were subject to a final order of removal, and 14 had previous criminal histories.

Federal agents allege that Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez dealt drugs and worked at the after-hours club. According to a Fort Carson official, Staff Sergeant Orona-Rodriguez had been a member of the military for more than 8 years. He was assigned to the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

Court documents show that Orona-Rodriguez will be living in a halfway house and submit to urinalysis testing. He will have GPS monitoring and must be back at the halfway house from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Click here to follow the original article.

Celeste Springer

MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Ownership of the historic Penny Arcade is changing hands, according to the Manitou Art Center.

In a release, the center said the Kerns Family, who have owned the location for 92 years, is selling to John Weiss, who they say is a long-time Manitou Springs resident.

“I see myself more as the Arcade’s caretaker than as its ‘owner,'” Weiss said in a release.

The Manitou Arts Center said Weiss launched the Colorado Springs Independent in 1993 before moving on to launch the Colorado Springs Business Journal.

The release states that the arcade’s general manager, AJ, will continue to oversee daily operations.

Click here to follow the original article.

Celeste Springer

 PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) – The Colorado State Fair has announced more artists for its 2025 concert lineup.

The fair previously announced a handful of live performances, including names like Cooper Alan (Aug. 22), Clay Walker (Aug. 24), Flo Rida (Aug. 29), and Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias (Aug. 24). Tickets for these shows are on sale now at the link above.

On Friday, officials announced more names and dates:

Thursday, Aug. 28: My Generation Tour starring The Lovin’ Spoonful, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, and The Hollies Greatest Hits with Terry Sylvester

Saturday, Aug. 30: Russell Dickerson with guest Drew Green

Not all of the concerts listed are free with a general admission fair ticket; some do cost extra. Tickets for the newly announced shows go on sale Thursday, May 22.

Click here to follow the original article.