Author: KRDO

Celeste Springer

CAÑON CITY, Colo. (KRDO) — The Cañon City Police Department placed third in the state, bringing home some of the most donations during a fundraiser for the Special Olympics.

According to the department, various Colorado law enforcement agencies participated in a “Tip a Cop” fundraiser at 33 Chili’s restaurants.

During the single-night fundraiser, officers and Special Olympians greeted restaurant patrons and spoke with them about the mission of the Special Olympics. Chili’s customers were given the opportunity to leave a donation after their meal.

Of the dozens of participating agencies, the Cañon City police helped raise the third-highest amount of funding with $2,897 in one night. Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction came in first and second place respectively, with $2,962 and $3,434.

In Colorado Springs, officials with the Special Olympics say four participating locations raised $5,511 altogether.

If you missed the event but would like to contribute to the Colorado Special Olympics, click here.

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Celeste Springer

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — Tuesday, July 8, marks the official kick-off for the 84th Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo.

PRORODEO champions from across North America will be in town competing for over $1 million in payouts.

World Champions and Team roping duo Wesley Thorp and Tyler Wade are among the top names in the sport, both here in Colorado Springs this week, chasing another title.

The duo gave KRDO13 more insight into their sport on the opening day with Tyler Wade saying, “I nod or call for the cow, and that’s when they open the gate. And I go out there and I head the steer and turn him left. And then Wesley comes in.” His partner, Wesley Thorp, finished the explanation by saying, “He’s like the quarterback. He dictates the run, sets it up. So I’ve got to just finish the run out basically. He sets it up and I try to finish it.”

The duo will compete in multiple rounds this week, with the NFR open finals set for Saturday night.

The rodeo dates back to 1937, and although it has been hosted in various venues over the years, Norris Penrose has been its home for two decades.

The rodeo is also a fundraiser that supports military families through emergency aid, holiday assistance, and deployment programs. Officials say the fundraiser has raised more than a million dollars over the years.

In addition to all the classics like barrel racing and steer wrestling, there are a variety of other events like live performances. The Pikes Peak Rangerettes will be performing each evening.

“We’ll be performing our high-speed precision drill, and it’s definitely not something you want to miss, said Pikes Peak Rangerettes Captain Kaylee Gripentrog.

@krdo__13 Don’t miss the Rangerettes at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo! Read more on the festivities on the KRDO website. #rodeo #rangerettes #pikespeakorbust #coloradosprings #colorado ♬ original sound – KRDO13

Tickets for the rodeo can be found here.

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Scott Harrison

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Northbound on 8th Street is traditionally the shortest and fastest way home for spectators leaving the annual Pikes Peak or Bust rodeo at the Norris Penrose Event Center.

Many drivers take that route to reach Interstate 25 or US 24 (Cimarron Street), although it creates long backups.

But with 8th Street across the Fountain Creek bridge being a construction zone this year, many drivers are wondering if the post-rodeo congestion will be even worse.

City officials planned for rodeo traffic when they announced the $12 million improvement project on 8th Street two months ago.

Over the past two weeks, crews have reached two important milestones: dismantling the pedestrian bridge over the creek and adjusting the traffic configuration to provide two lanes of traffic in both directions.

However, the two northbound lanes also serve as turn lanes into a shopping center and onto the US 24 Frontage Road, which could slow the traffic flow.

“I’m cautious to ask people to avoid the area because we have businesses that are on this, for traffic to get to Highway 24 or I-25,” said Ryan Phipps, the city’s capital improvements manager. “The businesses will remain open during construction. But for a large event like the rodeo, I would encourage an alternate route. Maybe use 21st Street, or come in from a different direction than using the interchange at US 24 and 8th Street. Also, coming in from the south and taking Lower Gold Camp Road would be ideal for going to events at the North Penrose Event Center.”

Phipps also suggested another possible detour, one provided by the recent completion of another improvement project at the nearby interchange of South Nevada Avenue, South Tejon Street, and I-25.

The year-long, $9 million project improved traffic flow through the congested area south of downtown and upgraded safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized traffic.

To use that detour, rodeo drivers would have to turn south onto 8th Street and turn east onto Motor City Drive, which connects with Motor Way and the interchange improvements.

“That would be a good alternative for folks trying to get into that area, specifically during when the bridge is being widened and we have the construction activity taking place on the bridge itself,” Phipps explained.

KRDO 13 will monitor the overnight departing rodeo traffic closely, particularly because it passes the station’s two driveways and makes entering or leaving the station difficult.

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Rob Namnoum

Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman was named to the All-Star game on Sunday.

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Celeste Springer

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) says they are on scene of a crash at Mount View Lane and North Nevada Avenue. Police say they got the call around 2:45 p.m. on Monday.

CSPD was not able to independently verify this at the time of KRDO’s inquiry, but said callers reported witnessing a head-on crash. A KRDO13 crew at the scene says one car is rolled over.

At least one person has been taken to the hospital, CSPD said. No word on that person’s condition.

Drivers should avoid the area, as CSPD says it will take time to clear the crash.

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Mackenzie Stafford

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – On Monday, the Downtown Partnership presented the Clean & Safe Pilot Program to the Colorado Springs City Council. It comes after the Downtown Partnership launched the 19-month pilot program to drive economic development in Downtown Colorado Springs. The nonprofit says this aims to improve safety, cleanliness, and the overall experience for businesses, residents, and visitors. They hope that by creating a more welcoming and vibrant urban environment, the program will increase foot traffic, attract private investment, support local businesses, and generate long-term economic growth for the city and region.

Despite reports of decreasing homelessness overall, public disturbances continue to increase in the Downtown district, the Downtown Partnership shared.

“This program is a direct response to what we’ve been hearing from our businesses: the need for a more consistent, inviting, and welcoming environment to support customers and employees,” said Chelsea Gondeck, Interim CEO. “When people feel good about being here, they stay longer, spend more, and come back. This initiative lays the groundwork for sustained business success and long-term investment in the heart of our city.”

Pat Rigdon, the new Director of Downtown Safety and Public Space Management, is spearheading the effort with his rare perspective. Rigdon is a former Deputy Chief of Police, the former owner of Mary’s Mountain Cookies downtown and a resident.

“Historically, we’ve provided limited supplemental security and coordinated disjointed services from other providers,” said Rigdon. “A coordinated, proactive approach to public safety is essential to ensuring Downtown remains competitive and inviting for everyone, and this program aims to provide a proof of concept.”

The nonprofit says the program is a proactive, holistic model integrating three main strategies:

· Welcoming and knowledgeable Ambassadors to assist and guide visitors during peak tourist times, as well as provide eyes on the streets to coordinate with other resources to address issues promptly

· Expanded supplemental private security to increase visibility and coverage throughout the greater Downtown area from the early mornings to the early evenings

· Outreach personnel dedicated to the Downtown area who are focused on addressing homelessness and behavioral health in coordination with public safety and service providers

They say that all together these efforts aim to create a cleaner, safer, and more connected downtown environment.

The program will be continuously evaluated and refined to identify the most effective strategies for addressing the increasing challenges related to public safety, homelessness, and cleanliness. The Downtown Partnership plans to hold a town hall meeting where business owners will be able to provide feedback on the pilot program in the coming months. Upon completion, the nonprofit looks forward to data-driven recommendations from the program to guide the development of a permanent initiative supported by sustainable, dedicated funding.

Business owners in Downtown Colorado Springs tell KRDO13 this new program can’t come soon enough.

Terra Verde on Tejon Street shared their joy when learning of the Clean and Safe Pilot and how it aims to help the homeless population while decreasing disturbances.

“I love that because I know it keeps everybody safe, which means our customers want to come down here more because it has become a problem, probably in every city. And so I think it’ll be a great thing. And we can explain what’s going on and how we’re helping people keep safe. And people want to walk into a store if they see that no homeless people are walking around,” explained office manager Tara Schutz.

Schutz says the security guards already on staff are incredibly kind and will check in on businesses to see if they need anything throughout the week. Now she’s looking forward to having two more in the downtown area.

“Especially when you said there will be more presence here. I mean, that just makes me happy,” shared Schutz.

It’s similar to what Rigdon says he’s heard from many business owners downtown.

“I’ve met with about 60 businesses. One of the frequent things that they talk about is early morning hours and how, you know, they just find people sleeping, in either the doorway, preventing their employees from getting in those kinds of things. So the security officers showing up at 6 a.m. will help clean the area so the merchants can get into the business areas. They’ll encounter people, I’m sure, if they need services, they can help them at that time of day if they’re willing. But it’ll kind of just set the tone for the day,” explained Rigdon.

Hence the change

“We currently have a contracted security company that provides eight hours of security seven days a week. But we’re going to expand that. And certainly, during Thursday, Friday and Saturday when we have a lot of pedestrian traffic downtown, a lot of visitors, we’re going to have two teams of two security guards, but they’re going to also expand their hours to 18 hours a day Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and then 16 hours a day is going to be, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. So it’s really going to be an increase. And we hope that does a couple of things. Number one, just a visible presence, makes people feel a little bit more safe. But we also hope it positively impacts the police. they can’t be everywhere all at once. And so we’re hoping that 90% of the calls that happen down here can be handled by our, great security guards and leave the police to do some of the bigger things,” shared Rigdon.

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Celeste Springer

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — The Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services says a section of the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail was damaged after recent storms.

According to the department, there is a closure near El Pomar Sports Complex. Officials say crews are around the area assessing for other damage.

“Please use caution, as you may encounter sediment in familiar trouble spots—and possibly some new ones,” a spokesperson with the department said.

The parks department says those hitting the trail should slow down in areas that have a lot of debris or are muddy. Be sure to keep an eye out for crews and share the trail with other people out enjoying the outdoors.

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Celeste Springer

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — The old Parkside Office Suites building off East Bijou Street has arguably seen better days. Mother Nature has begun to reclaim the parking lot, with green sprouts popping up through its cracked pavement. The large red-paneled building has plenty of street-facing windows, but a closer look reveals that many are shattered and boarded.

Photo: Pikes Peak Regional Building Department

A sign on the building also points to a bygone era: “Office space from $350.”

Photo: Pikes Peak Regional Building Department

But the building will soon bring in revenue again, though this time from clients of a different sort.

The old Parkside Office Suites, located at 125 N Parkside Dr., will be converted into 32 “micro apartments.”

“It will be a nice infill project to clean up an old building that appears to be in rough shape,” wrote a spokesperson for the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department on Facebook. “We haven’t permitted a lot of renovations like this, but it’s a growing trend nationwide.”

In the 2024 Colorado legislative session, lawmakers looked to create a tax credit program for those converting commercial buildings to residential ones. The bill, House Bill 24-1125, ultimately failed, but it didn’t stop developers in Colorado from pursuing this latest style of development.

In Denver, one converted office space is now used as affordable housing, our partners at 9News report. As of 2023, residents at 655 Broadway pay anywhere from $650 to $1,700 a month in rent.

While the conversion trend is growing in cities like Colorado Springs and Denver, it’s not a new phenomenon elsewhere. According to reporting from ABC News, New York City property owners began converting office space in the Financial District in the fallout of 9-11, rebranding the area as “FiDi” for residents. However, development conversion plans really only started to gain major momentum following the pandemic, right as office spaces emptied.

As for Colorado Springs’ Parkside Office Suites building, the PPRBD calls it a “unique project” for the area.

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Celeste Springer

FREMONT COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — Highway 50 is closed near milepost 247 after a semi-truck rollover crash, according to Colorado State Patrol (CSP).

CSP says the crash is near Highway 69, and maps show the closure runs between Sand Gulch and North Road.

Both directions of Highway 50 are closed, and CSP says the closure is expected to last for roughly 4 to 5 hours.

Officials say there is a detour onto Fremont County Road 1A. Drivers should expect delays.

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Scott Harrison

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — It seems like nowadays, there’s no true off-season for projects that can affect traffic and pedestrians.

And now, the post-holiday period brings six new projects to the area — some of which start Monday — so residents in affected areas should be aware of them.

Three of the six projects are in Manitou Springs, where traffic has already been disrupted this year by two emergency utility line repairs and a scheduled utility line replacement.

Those three projects also involve fiber optic cable installations that require closures of streets, sidewalks, and shoulders.

One project is centered around the intersection of Beckers Lane and El Paso Boulevard; it will reduce available parking spaces at Colorado Ski Furniture and affect four residential streets.

The second project is near the intersection of Manitou Avenue and Old Mans Trail, just east of downtown.

The third project is in the heart of downtown, at the intersection of Canon Avenue and Lovers Lane.

Likely the biggest project is in Colorado Springs at the intersection of Hopeful Drive and South Blissful Circle, east of the major intersection of Academy Boulevard and Austin Bluffs Parkway.

The Hopeful/Blissful intersection will close for a month so that crews can replace a storm sewer line; the project requires a 24-hour crew to pump drainage around the project and ensure that the pumps aren’t too loud for surrounding neighbors.

The project is part of the major drainage improvements underway in the Park Vista South area, where flash flooding from the Templeton Gap Floodway often posed a flash flooding risk and required closing Siferd Boulevard for safety reasons.

Two projects are happening in El Paso County; one is a water line installation that requires a weeklong closure of the north entrance to the new Falcon Marketplace, at the intersection of Meridian and Eastonville roads.

The water line will serve future development north of that shopping area; customers can still access the Marketplace from the west and south.

Finally, the extension of an existing water line will close the south end of Fontaine Boulevard at the Powers Boulevard and Marksheffel Road intersections for two days; the water line will serve a new development north of Fontaine.

All six projects will be spread out between Monday and the end of July, with work happening during daylight hours.

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