Category: krdo-local-news

Celeste Springer

PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — Pueblo County Commissioners have chosen Dr. Gregory Grahek as the new coroner.

Grahek will take over the role for the next 15 months, and then an election will be held for residents to decide the next coroner, commissioners say.

Dr. Grahek will need to go to the clerk’s office for fingerprints and undergo a background check. Then, county commissioners say they will officially appoint him and hold a swearing-in ceremony.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Dr. Grahek has worked as a hospitalist, a medical consultant and nurse practitioner. He received his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in 2020 from Regis University, according to his profile.

“He has a strong medical and administrative acumen, which would help rebuild the office and trust with the community. He has managed his practice and staff with care and compassion for many years,” said Commissioner Paula McPheeters.

Dr. Grahek was considered against four other candidates:

Zolanye McCulley-Bachicha

Justin Dean Youngren

Felicia McQueen

Jessica Martinez

Commissioners said that none of the five candidates owns a funeral home.

In a meeting on Tuesday, Commissioner Miles Lucero expressed some concern over appointing Dr. Grahek, as he runs his own private medical practice, which could take up a lot of his time.

“[Grahek] told me explicitly, time commitment-wise, he would be expecting to spend 40-ish hours a week on the coroner job, 30-ish at his practice,” said Commissioner Lucero.

Commissioner Lucero also said that Dr. Grahek does not have direct experience in death care or death investigation.

KRDO13 Investigates brought these concerns to Dr. Grahek.

“That’s not true, really. I’ve been in medicine for almost 19 years. And the end stage of life is death, so I see it every day. I deal with it,” contended Dr. Grahek.

We also asked Dr. Grahek about balancing both roles.

“I think the reality is, the coroner’s job is not 9 to 5. It’s going to be when the coroner’s needed, and it may be Sunday night at dinner. It may be two in the afternoon on a Tuesday. You know, all through my career, I’ve balanced multiple things,” Dr. Grahek continued, “I think at first it’s going to be a little chaotic, because most of my focus is going to have to be towards the coroner’s office, but things will stabilize.”

Dr. Grahek will replace Brian Cotter, who recently resigned. Cotter was at the center of an investigation after Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) inspectors alleged he had left decomposing bodies in a hidden room of his privately-owned funeral home.

“Mr. Cotter stated that the bodies were awaiting cremation and admitted that some bodies had been in the room for approximately fifteen years,” suspension records say.

Additionally, Cotter allegedly told inspectors that he “may” have given family members of the deceased fake cremated remains.

The CBI is currently investigating the case, but as of publication, Cotter does not face any criminal charges.

The district attorney’s office has asked that families remain patient, as the CBI must complete the investigation before the DA can assess any potential charges.

To read all of our reporting on this case, click here.

Dr. Grahek sent an open letter to Pueblo County residents. You can read the letter below.

Pueblo County Residents,

It is with a grateful heart and much humility that I thank the Pueblo County Board of Commissioners. 

As the newly appointed County Coroner (pending a background check), I would like the community to know that I plan to earn your respect and trust in this very important position. It was a rigorous process, and I know the County Commissioners were thoughtful in their final selection. There were some great candidates, including myself, that applied and have a heart to serve the community that I was born and raised in.

A few words kept coming up throughout the process that I internalized. Words like heart, trust, administrative, change and a few others, but those are the ones that stick out to me the most, and it seems as though those are the words resonating with Pueblo County.  

As your new Coroner, here are my commitments to you, the Citizens of Pueblo County:

I will always operate with heart. The passion for taking this position is something I feel I have been called to do.

A person just doesn’t know what they don’t know. I will make pragmatic changes based on consultation with the community, staff and County Commissioners. Change for the sake of change isn’t how I operate, but change for the sake of the greater good of the whole is my mission. I hope I’m able to update you all as changes occur, and I further hope that you understand that while change is hard, sometimes it is necessary.

 I bring a wealth of administrative skills to this position, as was highlighted in my resume that I submitted for consideration. I plan to put those skills, my education, and my experience to work for the people of Pueblo County, but we are going to have to work together, and communication is the key.

Finally, I’d like to address the word trust. This might be the biggest and most important of the words I have listed. I plan to earn not only your trust, but I want to earn your respect. Over time, I hope that I’m able to prove that my holding this position is just what our community needs at this moment in time.

I look forward to serving you, the citizens of Pueblo County, in the interim. I will work hard, and with all of the sensitive scenarios that will come my way, I will approach them all with empathy and professionalism. 

We have work to do in Pueblo County, and I’m here to bring back the honor and trust that this position deserves.

I thank the Pueblo County Commissioners, once again, for their appointment.

Sincerely,

Greg Grahek, DNP

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Celeste Springer

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) has arrested a suspect accused of attempting to burglarize their building on East Vermijo Avenue.

According to the sheriff’s office, they got a report of possible damage and vandalism made to their office on Friday morning.

EPSO says they looked at security camera video, which allegedly showed a man trying to force his way into the building and vandalize security systems.

A few hours later, EPSO says sheriff’s office employees saw the suspect, who was wearing the same distinctive clothing as in the video, walking across the street.

Deputies say they took 62-year-old Mitchell Highsmith into custody. EPSO says he faces charges for:

Criminal attempt: second-degree burglary

Felony criminal mischief

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Josh Helmuth

The Fremont Economic Development Corporation sponsored a surprise TradeSTART event at Cañon City High School September 11. The goal? Inspire an entire future workforce to enter into a military trade that could provide a long and fulfilling career.

The event was 90 minutes long and impacted roughly 1,000 students. During that time, they remembered those lost on 9-11, a ceremony led by the CCHS Jr. ROTC color guard, followed by a Flight For Life helicopter landing, Dreamwood Homes building a tiny house and interactive activities geared towards trades in the military.

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Scott Harrison

CAÑON CITY, Colo. (KRDO) — Crews are in their third month on the city’s biggest paving job of the season, so pardon their dust.

They’re repaving a half mile of Justice Center Road, between US 50 and Grandview Lane, on the eastern edge of town.

The two-lane street was last repaved in 1998 and had shown every bit of its age, with numerous potholes, crumbling asphalt, and in some places, no sidewalks or curbs at all.

As its name denotes, the road is home to key departments such as the Cañon City police, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, jail and courthouse, the Department of Human Services, and several other agencies — all on the north end.

On the south end are two churches and an apartment complex.

Workers are gutting the street, removing old asphalt and concrete, and installing new curbs, gutters, and sidewalks.

The project is around halfway finished; crews have paved the southern end and are now focusing on the northern end, which also leads to a shopping center containing a movie theater.

Construction requires allowing only one lane of southbound traffic through the area, and drivers can detour east or west at the Grandview intersection.

“We’re looking at about 4 to 6 more weeks of construction,” said Leo Evans, the city’s public works director. “The job’s been going pretty well, but obviously we’re getting into the heavier impacts now that we’re working north.”

KRDO 13’s The Road Warrior spoke with several people who said that the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences.

“Potholes are all gone, and for the workers, we now have a sidewalk that we are able to utilize and take walks on, instead of on the dirt,” said Dena Lucero. “It’s wonderful!”

Cameron Wormgoor agrees.

“Just because I can’t be comfortable all the time, doesn’t mean that we don’t keep building or keep fixing what’s broken,” he said. “We invest in the future.”

The city’s other major project was a $3 million revitalization of five blocks of the historic downtown area.

That project started in February and was supposed to be completed in time for the annual Music & Blossom Festival in late April, but was slowed by numerous weather delays.

The city hopes to kick off another paving project this fall, on the north end of 9th Street; that work will continue through next June.

It will cover 1.5 miles between College Avenue and Washington Street, and include replacing part of an existing water main.

The cost could run as high as $14 million, but some of it will be covered by federal funding acquired by the city.

“We get a lot of complaints about that street,” Evans said.

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Bradley Davis

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – A young local artist is turning in his page-sized comic book drawings for his own studio, where he helps beginners walk out with their own paintings worthy of a picture frame.

“It makes me feel like that was my purpose,” said “Yes, You Can Paint!” Instructor and owner Bishop Russ. “I realized I got more enjoyment from giving people the artwork and inspiring them through art rather than the art itself.”

Russ just opened his store in the Chapel Hills Mall earlier this month. He’s painted the walls with floor-to-ceiling murals, except for one he left blank for his students to sign after finishing their class.

“When they take those pictures, or when they walk out of the class, you can tell those smiles are real, and that’s a big honor. To give them something that they never thought they could do.” 

Russ shared his methods with KRDO13’s Bradley Davis and helped him paint his very own ghost portrait.

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Michael Logerwell

FOUNTAIN, Colo. (KRDO) – A Fountain City Councilor is facing multiple charges of felony theft after the District Attorney’s Office claims she forged letters, refused to accurately report her household income, and even denied that she was a Fountain City Councilor.

The probable cause affidavit starts in January 2022, when a specialist with the El Paso County Department of Human Services says she called a client, City Councilor Detra Duncan, about missing a food assistance interview. Duncan told the specialist that it was just her and her son living at the residence, and they take care of two disabled adults who live upstairs, named Earlie Mae Johnson and Ervin Jeffery Johnson.

However, the county specialist notes on the county assessor’s website that Derta and Larry Duncan bought the home in 2005. However, when asked about this, the affidavit states that Duncan claimed Larry was her nephew who lives in Louisiana with a medical disability.

The affidavit says the specialist later called back shortly after the first call, where Duncan said she made $300 monthly as a custodian for the City of Fountain. Later that same night, as the first call, the affidavit says Duncan closed her request for food assistance.

At this point, El Paso County requests that Jefferson County assist in the investigation.

The affidavit states that Jefferson County Investigators found the pay stubs from the City of Fountain that Duncan submitted were altered, and her job title, “City Councilor,” was marked out.

The affidavit says the investigators found that she was still married to her husband, Larry Duncan, who had a job with the USPS. His income was not reported on benefits forms. The affidavit continues to state that Larry Duncan did qualify for VA benefits, but his income from the USPS exceeded the limit for benefit programs.

The affidavit also claims that Duncan forged two letters, signatures and all, for the elderly woman and her disabled son, whom she said she cared for. The Jefferson County Investigators say they confirmed that Earlie Mae Johnson and Ervin Jeffery Johnson were both deceased when the letters were written and had never lived in Colorado.

When asked for comment, the City of Fountain said,

“While we appreciate your inquiry, we don’t comment on ongoing litigation, involving the city or not. Thank you for your understanding.”

KRDO13 Investigates went to the home listed in the probable cause affidavit to ask Councilor Duncan about the criminal allegations made against her. A truck was parked in the driveway, but no one answered the door or the video doorbell at the residence.

KRDO13 Investigates also spoke to Duncan’s attorney over the phone. She said that they can’t comment on an open case and added that her client retains the presumption of innocence.

According to the El Paso County Court Docket, Duncan’s next court appearance is set as a plea hearing in late October.

On Sept. 16, Duncan resigned from her position with the following statement:

“It is with deep reflection and a heavy heart that I submit my resignation as a member of the Fountain City Council, effective September 16, 2025.

While I firmly believe in the integrity of my service and my commitment to the residents of Fountain, I also recognize that recent circumstances have cast a shadow over my ability to serve effectively. The people of our community deserve leadership that can govern without distraction or doubt.

My decision to step down is not an admission of wrongdoing but rather an acknowledgment that the work of this Council, and the trust of the public, must come before any individual. I care deeply about our city, and I do not wish for ongoing questions surrounding me to diminish the important initiatives we have advanced together.

I am proud of the progress we have made during my tenure, particularly in advocating for affordable housing, supporting of our Military, advocating for clean water, the Fountain Youth Council, legislative issues protecting the citizens of Fountain, water issues and so much more. I have full confidence that this Council will continue to move forward with integrity, vision, and dedication to the people we serve.

I remain grateful to the residents who placed their trust in me, to my colleagues for their collaboration, and to city staff for their professionalism. Though I am resigning from office, my commitment to Fountain and its future remains steadfast.”

Fountain City Council says the vacancy of the position will be discussed at a future council meeting.

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Celeste Springer

STATEWIDE, Colo. (KRDO) — The governor’s office announced on Monday that Switzerland and Colorado have become state partners.

According to a release, the partnership between the Swiss Confederation and Colorado National Guard falls under the National Guard State Partnership Program.

“Our National Guard members play such an important role in protecting our state at home and supporting our partners abroad. I’m excited by this new partnership and our ability to support one another in strengthening key capabilities and security, as well as to build closer ties between Switzerland and Colorado,” said Governor Jared Polis in a release.

According to the release, Colorado and Switzerland share similar geography and demographics. The Colorado National Guard (CONG) and the Swiss Armed Forces also share common expertise in air defense and mountain operations, according to officials.

“The Colorado National Guard is proud to partner with the Swiss Confederation,” said the Adjutant General of Colorado, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Laura Clellan. “This new SPP partnership strategically aligns with Switzerland’s defense priorities and advances key U.S. national security objectives in Europe.”

Officials say the partnership is a “cost-effective and key U.S. security cooperation tool.”

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Celeste Springer

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Two Southern Colorado innovations are in the running for Colorado’s “Coolest Thing Made in Colorado” People’s Choice Award. The contest is put on by the Colorado Chamber, according to a press release.

“The People’s Choice award is one of the most exciting parts of this contest as it gives Coloradans the chance to support their favorite products from local businesses across the state,” said Colorado Chamber President and CEO Loren Furman in the release. “These finalists showcase the creativity and innovation happening in Colorado, and we’re excited to see which product will stand out as this year’s People’s Choice!”

10 finalists have made the cut, including one from Colorado Springs and another from La Junta.

Voting for the statewide competition is open now until Oct. 6, according to a Colorado Chamber spokesperson. To vote, click here.

Autonomous Nano Tractor (ANT) – La Junta

Move over, Waymo, this one’s for the farmers. The Autonomous Nano Tractor (ANT) is a self-driving mini tractor developed in La Junta. The tech is designed for small to mid-size farms, according to creator Barn Owl Precision Agriculture.

“It handles precision row-crop tasks like weeding, targeted spraying, and planting support, cutting manual labor by more than 50% and reducing input costs by about 30%,” read a statement by the company to the Colorado Chamber of Commerce.

In 2024, Barn Owl Precision Agriculture won first place in the “Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge,” which helped the company continue its work.

READ MORE HERE: La Junta-based robotics company places first and wins $50,000 in national agriculture challenge

InnovaFlex Arrays – Colorado Springs

InnovaFlex Arrays, made by InnovaFlex Foundry, are electrical systems built into flexible material. While they have multiple applications, one use is to allow researchers to study how human tissue reacts to pharmaceuticals, according to the company.

According to InnovaFlex Foundry, the tech also has uses in the military defense, automotive, and space exploration sectors.

Click here to follow the original article.

Sadie Buggle

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Two staff members of School District 49 (D49) in El Paso County have been placed on administrative leave following alleged comments made about Charlie Kirk’s death.

Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and political speaker, was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. The murder has sparked deeper conversations about violence in American politics.

D49 shared the following statement to families at “The Campus,” which is home to Springs Studio for Academic Excellence and Pikes Peak Early College:

“Campus Families –

We are actively investigating reports that two of our staff members may have reacted to the news of the assassination of Charlie Kirk in ways that indicated approval of that action. We do not condone this kind of behavior, particularly in the presence of students.

Leaders at The Campus, the Sand Creek Zone, and District 49 take every report like this one very seriously. Behaviors like those described are a clear violation of the expectations we have for everyone associated with the District. We hold ourselves to a higher standard.  

At this time, the staff involved have been placed on administrative leave while we continue to review the matter. Because these issues are an ongoing personnel matter, we will not provide further information or comments. As always, we thank you for your trust and understanding.”

-Dustin Horras, Sand Creek Zone Superintendent

It is unclear at this time what exactly the D49 staff members’ posts said; however, several similar situations have cropped up across the nation. The first was the firing of MSNBC fired senior political analyst, Matthew Dowd, after he claimed Kirk’s comments could have contributed to his shooting.

Several airlines have also said that they’ve suspended workers for comments they made on social media about the fatal shooting. Those airlines include Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines.

“We were made aware of Delta employees whose social media content, related to the recent murder of activist Charlie Kirk, went well beyond healthy, respectful debate,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in an internal memo shared with CNN.

Over the weekend, Secretary Sean Duffy took to X, condemning political violence and anyone supporting it.

“There’s no room for political violence in America and anyone applauding it will face the consequences. ESPECIALLY those we count on to ensure the safety of the flying public,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on X.

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Celeste Springer

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — Representative Rose Pugliese of Colorado’s House District 14 has resigned, according to a resignation letter obtained by KRDO13. District 14 encompasses a portion of El Paso County.

In the letter, Pugliese said that she had spent time praying on the issue following what she described as a “contentious” Special Session.

“The last day of Special Session was sad and disappointing for me. I had no other choice but to bear witness to the collapse of integrity in the Colorado State House of Representatives,” wrote Pugliese. “The lies and hypocrisies the Majority spewed were beyond what I had ever expected, even in Colorado politics.”

KRDO13 asked her about the last day of the Special Session.

“I clearly was disappointed in the way that the last day of the special session transpired. And any attacks on my integrity and character are really offensive to me because I didn’t deserve that. But, you know, I think we need to move forward and find a path forward. And for me, it was focusing on what really matters to me, which is my family. And, you know, I’m hoping that people on both sides of the aisle will continue to try to find a path forward, because I do think we need to do better in the legislature. I think the people of Colorado deserve that. But it’s going to take leadership on both sides and a willingness to want to forge a path forward,” said Rose Pugliese.

Pugliese also cited a devastating week between the shooting at Evergreen High School, the shooting of Charlie Kirk, and the anniversary of 9/11.

Above all else, Pugliese pointed to her children, who she said have made their own sacrifices during her career.

“I think the special session was hard, and I think even just over the last couple of months, just evaluating my life choices and what’s best for my kids. You know, I’m on the road a lot. I’ve got three jobs outside of the legislature, and then I am still the minority leader and a legislator. And so trying to keep all of those balls in the air while raising my kids all by myself. It’s been challenging. And so, then we went into special session, and that was rough. And then just the events over the last couple of weeks, you know, my kids have been clinging to me even more and just want me home more. And so I think I really just had to take a step back and, obviously, I’m very faithful and try to get some direction. And I really think this is the best choice for my kids, and for myself as well,” explained Pugliese.

Puglise says that she’s leaving the House Republican Caucus in good hands.

“We’ve got a lot of great leadership already, and people who are really dedicated. And then the caucus will step up. I know that they will and continue to fight for the values that they believe in,” shared the former representative.

Resignation letterDownload

According to the letter, her resignation is effective Sept. 15, 2025.

During her time at the Capitol, Pugliese passed legislation she’s proud of.

“There are three pieces of legislation that were really, I really put my heart and soul in. One was to reduce property taxes. And that was really, really important. Took a lot of bipartisan work. So proud of that legislation. My kinship bill, which was my very first bill that reduced barriers so that families can stay together when there’s an emergency situation, and then open up more foster homes to children who don’t have families that can take them in. And I thought that was really a fundamental piece of legislation. And then this past session, I was able to pass the right to try for individualized treatments. I mean, there’s not a lot of legislation you can talk about that you can say, like, this will literally save somebody’s life, but that legislation will give terminal patients, especially children, access to medications they wouldn’t have had otherwise. And so, I’m really proud of all three. And I feel like there’s a lot more I could talk about, but I really did focus on protecting our children and our families and trying to make Colorado more affordable. And I feel like I was able to accomplish that in a very short amount of time,” recounted Pugliese.

Pugliese will still be a public figure in Southern Colorado. She says she’ll continue representing rural counties as their county attorney, managing her law firm, and working on the Southeastern Colorado Opioid Abatement Council.

House Republican leadership released a statement thanking Minority Leader Rose Pugliese for her service.

Acting Minority Leader Ty Winter, today issued the following statement after Minority Leader Rose Pugliese announced her resignation as State Representative for House District 14:

“On behalf of the Colorado House Republican Caucus, we want to express our deep gratitude to Minority Leader Rose Pugliese for her dedicated service to the people of El Paso County and the State of Colorado.

This is a turning point, not only for our caucus, but for our state and our nation. At a time when Coloradans are facing rising costs, growing threats to public safety, and increasing political division, House Republicans are more committed than ever to standing firm for truth, honor, and policies that strengthen Colorado’s future. We will continue to fight for freedom, affordability, protecting families, and defending constitutional rights. 

The Colorado House Republican caucus will move quickly to elect a new leader and remain focused on delivering solutions for the people of Colorado.”

We reached out to the House Democrats for their response to Pugliese’s resignation letter.

“Stepping up to lead a caucus and represent communities in our state legislature are commendable acts of public service, and we thank Minority Leader Pugliese for her commitment to the people of her district and service in the legislature. We admire her dedication to her children, and we wish her all the best in her move to Mesa County and in the next chapter of her life.”

– Joint Statement from Speaker Julie McCluskie and House Majority Leader Monica Duran

There will be an election among republican house members to elect the next House minority leader, according to a representative for the House Republicans.

Pugliese’s House District 14 seat will be appointed by a vacancy committee; however, since Pugliese’s resignation is effective Monday, officials say it’s too early to know who will be a part of that committee.

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