Author: KRDO

Scott Harrison

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — A block of Tejon Street in downtown Colorado Springs will be closed this week for milling and paving as part of an ongoing revitalization project.

The closure will be between Colorado and Pikes Peak avenues, the area that has received much of the work since the $8.6 million project began in late March.

Also possible is a lane shift on northbound Tejon, just north of the Pikes Peak intersection, allowing Colorado Springs Utilities to work on its electric system; some concrete removal and replacement could start on the southeast corner of that intersection.

In a release issued Friday, the city said that the project has now reached the halfway point.

The improvements will expand outdoor dining areas and sidewalks, increase public safety, and improve pedestrian accessibility and business activity.

Expanding outdoor dining was a strategy first used downtown during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Existing sidewalks will remain open during this round of construction.

In two weeks — after Labor Day weekend — the next phase of the project begins with a full closure of Tejon between Pikes Peak and Kiowa Street.

The project’s cost is shared by the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Downtown Development Authority, and the city’s Parking Enterprise.

Officials expect to complete the project by the end of the year; the long-range plan is to continue the improvements farther north on Tejon as funding becomes available.

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Marina Garcia

MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – On August 16th, police say an employee of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway was beaten in the parking lot, located at 515 Ruxton Avenue, sending them to the hospital in critical condition.

We spoke with neighbors, and they say they haven’t seen anything like this in decades.

One family told us they have lived in their home for thirty years, and for other homeowners, it has been even longer, making the community very tight-knit.

“It’s just very worrisome to hear something that violent and actually occurring in the daytime, you would expect something at night, but in the broad daylight, that’s very concerning,” says Byron Bell. “When something like that gets brought to light, it just caught me off guard.”

Bell says he and his family are now staying on their toes, thinking twice before walking towards the cog rail.

Manitou Springs Police Department says two persons of interest in the case have been located, but no arrests have been made, and the assault is still being investigated. They say the employee is still in the hospital tonight and is in critical condition.

FURTHER COVERAGE: Persons of interest identified after assault at Cog Railway, victim in critical condition

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Michael Logerwell

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Four people were lucky to escape with non-life-threatening injuries after they climbed out the windows of a truck before it was engulfed in flames.

The Colorado Springs Police Department says five minutes after 5:00 a.m., officers were dispatched to reports of a crash at 26th Street and Hwy 24.

Police officers determined the vehicle, travelling westbound on Hwy 24, passed through the intersection, went over the northwest curb, hit a light pole, and kept going through a chain link fence into a large tree.

The tree then fell on top of the truck, causing it to catch fire. While the flame was growing, the driver and three passengers inside the truck made a quick escape.

The foursome was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, but it certainly could’ve been a lot worse.

Now all that’s left behind is a broken fence, a light pole, and a tree trunk snapped in half.

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Marina Garcia

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – ALS United Rocky Mountain hosted a walk to raise money and awareness, while celebrating the power of solidarity.

ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that can affect anyone, at any age, and is mostly at random.

It’s a scary diagnosis that has no cure, but Saturday, August 16, people living with ALS and their loved ones gathered at America the Beautiful Park and showed that with a little hope, you can still have a future.

“They usually want you to plan the funeral, and that’s about it. That doesn’t work for me. I feel we have to get involved and really support others,” says Kellie Hazlett, who has ALS. “There’s a lot of us that are sticking around for a long, long time. A lot of us are reversing and getting better, which is a struggle, but they’re doing it all the time.”

Kellie and others with ALS say they’re able to do that with support — which is why all the money raised goes directly to families providing in-home equipment, wheelchairs, special utensils and more. 

Supplies to make living conditions more comfortable allow patients to focus on their friendships, which they say gives them the strength to fight.

“I have so many people here with me today that have helped me in this journey,” says Theresa Feuerbach, who has ALS.

With gratitude and smiling faces, the walk exceeded its goal of $20,000 but if you are interested in donating, you can learn more here.

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Michael Logerwell

MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – On Aug. 16th, police say an employee of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway was beaten in the parking lot, located at 515 Ruxton Avenue, sending them to the hospital in critical condition.

The Manitou Springs Police Department (MSPD) has arrested Randy Blevins, who has been charged with second-degree assault. Police say he has since posted bond.

Mugshot of Randy Blevins provided by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office

Police say the 66-year-old male victim remains in critical condition.

Court Affidavit

According to the affidavit, police say Blevins told them he and his wife had finished the incline Saturday morning and were walking through the parking lot of the Cog Railway to get to a gift shop.

Blevins told police that he and his wife were told not to walk through the parking lot by an employee, and after they continued, they were approached by another employee, a 66-year-old man.

The couple told police that the 66-year-old employee grabbed Blevins by the shirt and punched him twice in the head. Belvins said he hit the employee back once, telling police that on a scale of 1-10, with one being the least amount of force, he used a 10.

According to court records, two witnesses say the opposite occurred.

Both witnesses told police that they saw employees telling the couple that they were trespassing and that police were going to be called.

They say that the employee grabbed Blevins by the shirt to move him off the property, but that Blevins “clocked” him in the face and then punched him two more times while he was on the ground.

Both witnesses said that the employee never hit Blevins in the face, according to arrest documents.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING: Cog Railway employee in critical condition; locals concerned

Image provided by the Manitou Springs Police Department.

MSPD continues to ask that anyone who witnessed the incident, has information, or possesses video footage contact El Paso County Dispatch at 719-390-5555.

Police remind others that information should be provided directly to dispatch and not sent in on social media platforms, to ensure timely follow-up and accurate documentation.

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Rob Namnoum

“We’re ready to play dude,” says Rampart tailback, Brayden Werth.

Rob Royer’s Dudes are always ready to play, “We’re blessed with the kids. We have and we don’t worry about the ones that we don’t,” says Rampart head coach Rob Royer.

What they have. Our players who really love playing football, they know this is the Demarion Simpson’s first year at Rampart and he noticed day one his teammates deep desire to succeed, “I came to practice The first day I could tell that everyone was a lot more serious Coming here was like a big culture change. It’s a lot different. I mean, all these guys want to win. They’re not going is going to mess around at practice. They take everything seriously. Everybody wants to play football. Everyone wants to compete at that next level,” says Simpson.

And they don’t just compete on the football field, “Competing for the highest grade on a chem test. We’re competing to be the valedictorian  like we want these kids to compete, and they’ve really embraced that. They’ve done a phenomenal job,” says Royer.

Werth adds, “Every year we’ve seen a progressive growth like  a better culture, and it’s just been really exciting to grow with all the other seniors this year, too. So I’m proud to be part of it.”

The Rams believe there’s something special brewing, “I think we’re a little doubted. I think we’re also going to write that off pretty quick. So everyone here  has kind of that that small person syndrome. We all know we’re better than what people give us credit for and that’s again, that’s what makes us good,” says Werth.

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Michael Logerwell

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – UPDATE at 4:15: Colorado State Patrol says one person is dead and another is fighting for their life after a two-vehicle crash on I-25.

State Patrol says the crash happened a quarter after noon at mile marker 165 in the northbound lanes of I-25, just north of Palmer Lake.

Details on the crash are limited, but the State Patrol said a Honda Accord and a GMC Yukon were involved. The crash caused one of the vehicles to roll multiple times.

One of the vehicle’s drivers was pronounced dead at the scene, and a passenger was taken to a hospital by helicopter in a flight for life situation.

The other driver and passenger(s) only suffered minor injuries that were treated at the scene.

According to COTrip, drivers on that stretch of I-25 are still seeing heavy delays. Slower speeds are advised, and only the right northbound lane is closed at this time.

Original Report:

I-25 heading up to Denver has turned into a parking lot. The Colorado Department of Transportation says a crash caused parts of the highway to shut down.

The crash happened between Exit 163: County Line Road and Exit 167: Greenland at mile marker 164.

KRDO13 is working to learn more about this crash and will provide updates.

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Celeste Springer

LAKE PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) – What could have been a tragedy at Lake Pueblo turned into a life saved, thanks to the quick actions of one man who dove in to rescue a young boy swept into deep water.

RELATED: Why do so many keep drowning in Lake Pueblo?

Witnesses shared video with KRDO13 as a bystander, Joseph Chacon, carried a boy back to shore after strong winds began to carry him far out from safety on Thursday.

Joseph Chacon says he was fishing with a friend when he noticed a little boy drifting hundreds of yards from shore. Moments later, he heard the boy scream for help.

“Once he jumped off the floatie, he screamed, ‘Help.’ And that’s when I decided to just grab the lifejacket and head in there, because I didn’t see anybody else going yet. So I just went in myself,” Taccone told KRDO13.

Thankfully, the boy was wearing a lifejacket. Chacon and his friend Howie Chappell say another man, presumably his dad, tried to go out to save him, but was not wearing a lifejacket and struggled to reach the boy.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) said they are aware of the video; however, at the time of the event, no one called it in to them.

They want to remind people of the importance of calling 911 or *CSP immediately if you ever see something similar. The phone call could mean the difference between life or death.

“Additionally, we encourage everyone to use the buddy system and recreate with a friend, and to always watch the weather conditions closely before heading out on the lake,” said Joe Stadterman, park manager. They encourage everyone to wear a lifejacket while swimming.

There are also lifejacket loaner stations at Lake Pueblo State Park. CPW noted that the boy in the video appeared to be wearing a loaner jacket based on the design on the back. The jacket could have helped prevent the situation from escalating even more.

CPW wants to remind everyone of the following “Know Before You Go” tips (pictured below), which are posted on signs near the boat ramps:

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Heather Skold

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — The whir of the table saw and smell of freshly-cut wood is evidence of Brittany McNeal’s creativity at work. 

Different kinds of wood are stacked against her garage wall, like soldiers at the ready for their next assignment. 

It took McNeal trying a few careers as the wife of her Lt. Col husband moving from address to address, but now, no matter where the Army takes her and her family, she has found a home here in her garage. 

“My husband has just accepted the fact that I’m in the garage.  This is really my domain now!” she laughs.  “I absolutely love being in here and creating.  It was a lot of late nights, but I kept thinking, ‘You can do this.  You can make this.”

McNeal founded Lonnie Eli & Co., named after the couple’s two sons, and makes collapsible carts that are custom-built for her clients.  

The carts could be used for charcuterie, flowers, custom jewelry displays, drinks, or a visual anchor for parties.

“As a prior event planner, I like a ‘moment’ at the event,” says McNeal. 

But McNeal’s vision didn’t just stop at crafting her own passion. 

Through multiple moves in the military, she knows firsthand the value of community.  That’s why she also created HERPlace, a networking event that will bring together other female creators and entrepreneurs, as well as veterans and military members. 

“I know what that’s like to go somewhere new and have to reinvent yourself and find your clients. You need a community.  That is the number one thing that saved me.”

HERPlace is “about building a table where every woman belongs,” according to McNeal.  The event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Meanwhile Block, near the Switchbacks Stadium in downtown Colorado Springs.

You can get tickets here.

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Abby Smith

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) — The 2025 Colorado State Fair officially begins Aug. 22 through Sept.1 with carnival rides, concerts, and all of your deep-fried favorites.

Colorado State Fair map of fairgrounds – Courtesy: Colorado State Fair

The information below has been provided by the fair to plan your visit:

Address:

1001 Beulah Ave. Pueblo, CO 81004

Fair Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 3 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Friday – Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Labor Day: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Carnival Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 3 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. or laterFriday-Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. or laterLabor Day: 11 a.m.-11:00 p.m. or later

Ticket Prices:

Adult Gate Admission: $15

Kids (ages 5-12): $7

Children 4 and under are free (when accompanied by an adult)

Please note, when arriving to the fairgrounds without tickets, visit Gate 3 (Mesa Ave.), Gate 5 (Prairie Ave.), and Gate 9 (Beulah Ave.) to purchase fair admission.

The remaining gates are service only or require credentials and do not sell admission tickets. 

Buy tickets here.

Carnival Prices:

($2 fee for wristbands and cards purchased on site)

Unlimited Ride Band*: $34 through August 21, $42 starting August 22

Megapass*: $162 through August 21, $202 starting August 22

Individual Credit: $1

*Some specialty rides not included (height & weight restrictions may apply)

Parking Information: CASH ONLY

Public parking is available in the Colorado State Fair South Lot, south of the fairgrounds between Mesa and Northern Avenues.

$5 Monday-Thursday

$10 Friday-Sunday

Parking is also available in the Hangar Lot at 905 S. Prairie Ave.  Enter heading south on Prairie Ave between Small and Tulane Avenues.

Parking Price: $15

Pueblo Transit Shuttle:

The shuttle will run from the city’s Main Street Parking Garage (110 S. Main St in downtown Pueblo) to the State Fair Gate 5 on Prairie Ave. Shuttles will run every 15 to 30 minutes. The shuttle and parking in the garage is FREE. 

Monday-Thursday: 3-11 p.m.Friday-Sunday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.Labor Day: 11 a.m. -11 p.m.

Hanicap Access:

Handicap parking and access to the fairgrounds are available from designated areas along Beulah & Arroyo Avenues.

Make a reservation or find more information here.

Individuals are welcome to bring their own electric mobility scooter, stroller, wagon, or wheelchair onto the fairgrounds.

Bikes, skateboards, skates, hoverboards, and electric scooters not for mobility assistance will not be allowed on the fairgrounds.

The fair will be hosting many free concerts with gate admission featuring a variety of artists. You can find the complete schedule here.

For a list of deals and discounts, including information on free kids’ day or senior day, click here.

If you are a vendor or interested in sponsoring or volunteering, you can get involved here.

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