Category: krdo-local-news

Dylan Foreman

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) — After a 10–2 season, CSU Pueblo football isn’t taking any time off. Spring ball is underway as the ThunderWolves prepare for another run in the fall, and one of the most intriguing storylines comes at the quarterback position.

Senior Brayden Dorman’s journey to Pueblo has been anything but ordinary.

Once one of the highest-recruited quarterbacks in the country, the former Vista Ridge standout is now competing for the starting role at CSU Pueblo, embracing a fresh start closer to home and a new definition of success.

The ThunderWolves roster features no shortage of local talent from Pueblo and Colorado Springs. Players like Dylan Hurne of Rye and Vista Ridge alum AJ Jordan — an All-RMAC defensive end — are just a small sample of the program’s strong Colorado footprint.

“We just keep working to get better day by day,” Hurne said. “Best team in the country at getting better.”

Dorman, also a Vista Ridge product, enters his second year in the program and brings with him a Power Conference background.

Dorman’s high school success made him one of the nation’s most coveted recruits. That stardom landed him at the University of Arizona, where he envisioned a clear path toward elite football.

“It just felt like almost like an NFL prep school,” Dorman said. “And that was something that drew me to that school.”

But the transition to Division I football came with a steep learning curve.

“You know, like welcome to college,” Dorman said. “For me it was just like, wow, this is really fast… a lot different than Colorado high school football.”

After two seasons, the realities of modern college football, coaching changes, the transfer portal, and logjams at key positions made him reconsider his path.

“The nature of college football now is just crazy,” Dorman explained. “When you have that many guys in the portal and that many guys with playing experience, it becomes very tough.”

That’s when a familiar opportunity emerged. Before the 2025 season, Coach Phil Vigil called with a chance to return home and help one of the Division II’s most consistent winning programs compete for championships.

“It’s about being a part of something bigger than yourself,” Dorman said. “Yeah, people want to play, but Division II, I see the same kind of football.”

Now battling for the QB1 spot heading into August, Dorman has embraced a mindset shaped by experience.

For Dorman, the move to CSU Pueblo wasn’t about stepping down; it was about finding the right fit.

“Honestly, finding a place where you feel comfortable, where you feel a true family connection,” he said, “is way bigger than playing at whatever kind of school you’re looking at.”

As the ThunderWolves continue spring workouts, Dorman’s message resonates beyond the locker room: make the most of where you are, stay true to yourself, and success will follow.

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Scott Harrison

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — It was with much fanfare late last September that Mayor Yemi Mobolade announced the city’s hiring of 12 public works employees.

Although those workers have a variety of duties, Mobolade brought them on to fulfill a campaign promise of devoting more resources to filling potholes.

The new crews appear to be off to a successful start — even with milder and drier fall and winter weather bringing less rain, snow and freezing temperatures that contribute to pothole formation.

Richard Mulledy, the city’s public works director, said this week that crews have patched nearly 21,000 potholes this year.

That’s an increase of 7,000 over the same period a year ago.

Mulledy said that the additional manpower has allowed the city to assign 6 to 10 daily crews to focus solely on pothole repairs.

He added that the city has even performed some “saturation operations,” similar to the week-long “pothole blitz” conducted by Pueblo last summer.

However, the two strategies differ in that Pueblo crews used cold mix asphalt to fill more potholes quickly, while Colorado Springs used hot mix asphalt that is a longer process, but results in longer-lasting repairs.

Earlier this week, KRDO 13’s The Road Warrior followed a crew as it filled some of the many potholes along Milton E. Proby Parkway.

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Rob Namnoum

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — Joe Crispin is a man on a mission: “When I’m on a mission that I believe in, I’m a dangerous dude,” says Crispin.

The dangerous dude is a gym rat at heart. “This man lives, eats, sleeps, and breathes basketball. He’s going to be exactly what we need,” says Air Force athletic director Nathan Pine.

He is what the Air Force needed, and it sounds like he needed the Air Force, “Oh yeah, I love it. I mean, you can tell I’m I’m alive. I didn’t even know their record when I was first asked, I kind of knew some stuff but then I looked at the record and it was like, oh, this is perfect. The more impossible it seems, the more I’m into it,” says Crispin.

He’s into it because he views himself as an underdog who is coaching underdogs. “In today’s environment, NIL and money, people are going to view us that way, right? As underdogs. Perfect. They’re going to talk about all that we don’t have. Perfect. That’s right where we want to start. But underdogs, when you truly understand the David and Goliath story have they they don’t just survive. They gained a competitive advantage,” says Crispin.

A competitive advantage is why the Air Force hired Crispin, but he is a realist: “Suffering always comes before glory, but you have to get on the other side of the suffering to get the glory,” says Crispin.

Coach Crispin believes that in order for the fly guys to witness the glory, they need to dream. “We’re going to dream big and go for it. The path is never like this. There’ll be some zig zags, but if you go along for the ride, you’ll get there,” says Crispin.

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Scott Harrison

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Thursday marks the third day for drivers to experience the new traffic changes at the south end of the 8th Street improvements project.

As KRDO13’s The Road Warrior reported on Monday, traffic is reduced to one lane between Motor City Drive and Abbot Lane, and no left turns are allowed onto or off of Motor City Drive.

“The whole left-turning thing, I’m not sure why they did that,” said Christopher Turner. “I don’t really care for it, but what are you going to do?”

The only access to and from the Motor City area from 8th Street is at the top of the hill on Automotive Drive.

Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) started excavating work on Tuesday to replace a water main that was installed in 1968.

“We’re also going to be installing water valves because currently, the water line that’s installed now doesn’t have any valves,” said Cassie Melvin, a CSU spokesperson. “That means if there’s a water main break, we’re not able to shut off anything. So, it impacts the whole area.”

CSU said that the traffic changes will remain in effect for approximately 12 weeks.

With lane shifts also at the north end of the project, across the Fountain Creek bridge, the mass of construction cones, barrels and signs makes much of 8th Street look more like a maze.

City officials said that traffic impacts there should be finished by the end of April — at least until the water main installation advances to that area.

The northbound city bus stop on 8th Street has temporarily relocated a block north, near a Shell gas station.

Businesses along the lane closures remain open.

John Stellabotte, general sales manager for South Colorado Motors, said that the business began seeing impacts earlier.

“The first initial company came out here, and they were digging up over here to find the placement of the water main.,” he explained. “And one of the customers was leaving, they don’t flag her down, she leaves, gets hit by another car. It was a car she’d just bought from us. There are no flagging crews. It’s dangerous. That’s the biggest concern.”

Drivers occasionally become confused while driving through the new traffic setup, not quite sure which lane they should be in.

While some drivers hate the construction, others understand the need for it.

“In general, they’ve been doing a pretty good job of keeping traffic moving,” said Joey Sherwood. “I’m glad they’re getting the roads fixed.”

Courtney Hicks feels better about the impacts after learning more about the project.

“It’s definitely good to know what’s actually being replaced,” she said. “It keeps me from thinking Oh, no! It’s just more road construction.”

There are two corrections to Monday’s report: Drivers leaving Walmart at 8th and Abbot are allowed to turn left onto southbound 8th, and the water main installation will not cross Cimarron Street, as originally planned.

The total cost for the 8th Street project, which began last June, is $12 million; work should be completed this fall, after repaving work is done.

CSU confirmed on Monday that the total project cost includes $7.4 million for the new water main.

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Scott Harrison

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — It’s one thing to fill a single pothole on a city street, but it’s quite another to patch up to a dozen of them, including some that are large and deep, in the same intersection.

KRDO13’s The Road Warrior recently responded to viewer complaints about two such intersections: Academy and Dublin Boulevards, and Union Boulevard/Mirage Drive.

It’s hard to believe that an intersection can have so many bad potholes.

Richard Mulledy, the city’s public works director, said that he understands citizens are frustrated with potholes, but that crews are doing all they can given the city’s growing size and limited resources.

Mulledy said that as soon as possible, crews prioritize filling the worst potholes, then return later to pave an intersection to stabilize it.

The city used a similar strategy two years ago, in March 2024, when a public outcry about potholes led crews to perform such maintenance paving at the south end of Circle Drive, near the recently-completed project to replace four bridges.

To the delight of many drivers, most of Circle will be repaved this year, as part of the city’s 2C expanded paving program.

Mulledy explained that the city tries to limit pothole work on the streets scheduled to be repaved soon, to avoid wasting resources.

Meanwhile, the city has filled the three largest potholes at Academy and Dublin.

For more information about reporting potholes to the city, visit: https://coloradosprings.gov/reportpothole.

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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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