Category: krdo-local-news

Mackenzie Stafford

MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – The city of Manitou Springs says it’s experiencing a “critical water supply emergency” and is urging all residents and business owners to stop all water use immediately, except for essential drinking water needs.

The city said the emergency stems from high turbidity levels – or cloudiness – in its primary water source, combined with an unexpected outage of its backup supply. Together, these issues have resulted in a much faster depletion of the city’s water reserves than expected, city officials say.

Beginning May 12 and until further notice, all non-drinking water use in Manitou Springs is prohibited, including indoor and outdoor uses like:

Dishwashing (except when necessary for sanitation)

Laundry

Showering and bathing

Outdoor sprinklers and irrigation

Car washing

Any water uses not directly necessary for hydration

Businesses are also being asked to restrict their water distribution and minimize all water use. KRDO13 is working to speak with local business owners to learn how these emergency restrictions will affect their operations.

They say nothing comes for free, and for the people of Manitou Springs, the cost of a weekend of beautiful weather is an influx of snowmelt seeping into the water supply, picking up all sorts of debris on the way. The city says that runoff is usually not a big deal, but when they found literal cracks in their backup plan, it became clear they had a serious problem.

Typically, the city could wait for the water to be filtered through their water treatment plant as they tap into water from Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU). 

“We simply turn a valve, and the water comes into the Manitou Springs system. Well, that’s plan B, and plan B turned out it failed yesterday,” explained Manitou Springs Mayor John Graham.

But at the moment, the CSU line that supplies that backup water is cracked and crews are working to repair it – and for now, the city only has 1,750,000 gallons left.

Now, the mayor is calling for residents to get creative in helping the city preserve its water. Graham says he remembers years ago when Manitou Springs residents would go to the Colorado Springs YMCA to shower or to a friend’s house.

“Once upon a time, I got water from my brother who lives in Colorado Springs and trucked it over here. That was for cooking supplies,” recounted Mayor Graham, “Manitou people are fairly creative and pretty resilient, so I think we’ll be seeing some of that. But really, the primary task is to be as conservative as possible.”

Graham said that people found not conserving water could be fined, but he stressed the city doesn’t really want to do that, and is hoping people will abide by the restrictions. 

“We’re asking for cooperation. I think most people will cooperate. If there are cases of extravagant use of water, especially once people know that we have restrictions in the need to conserve, then yes, if we have to, we’ll take more stringent action. But really, come on, let’s all be good neighbors. Let’s try to get through this and smile,” shared Mayor Graham.

The mayor tells KRDO13 that, to his understanding, the issue should be fixed by Saturday.

In the meantime, the city’s treated water remains safe to drink and continues to meet all Colorado drinking water standards, but the volume of that treated water is critically low, the city said.

“The City is working to maintain a safe, minimal supply of drinking water and to prevent system failure during this emergency period,” a spokesperson for the city said in a release.

To further support the city’s emergency conservation efforts, the Manitou Springs Pool and Fitness Center will be closed until further notice, and all scheduled fitness classes, swimming lessons and team practices are cancelled for the time being, the city said.

Current issues in the city’s water supply

Manitou Springs’ primary water supply comes directly from French Creek in Pikes Peak, which received several feet of snow in last week’s storm. As temperatures rise, snowmelt is causing an increase of runoff into the watershed, the city said.

That runoff carries high levels of sediment and other organic material, which is significantly clouding up the water entering Manitou Springs’ Water Treatment Plant.

Typically, the city would turn to its backup through Colorado Springs Utilities’ (CSU) Old Northslope Pipeline; however, the pipeline is temporarily out of service while it undergoes emergency repairs for leaks. CSU says it expects those repairs to be finished by the end of the week.

Once the repairs are complete, Manitou Springs will switch to using the Old Northslope Pipeline until turbidity levels in French Creek subside, city officials said.

Residents with urgent water-related concerns are encouraged to contact the appropriate numbers below:

Public Works Emergency Line: 719-685-2557

Urgent Public Works Issues: 719-492-0058

Water/Sewer Emergencies: 719-492-1970

General Inquiries: 719-685-2573

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Celeste Springer

MOSCA, Colo. (KRDO) – The Colorado Gator Farm announced one of their gators, known for movie and TV fame, has passed away.

According to the organization, Morris was with them for over 20 years. It’s difficult to say how old he was, though they estimate he was anywhere from 80 to 90 years old.

Colorado Gator Farm says Morris appeared in movies and TV shows from 1975 to 2006. One of his best-known works was his part in the movie “Happy Gilmore.”

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Josh Helmuth

FOUNATIN, Colo. (KRDO) – Students at Fountain-Fort Carson High School have a “Green Team” that’s feeling empowered like never before thanks to a statewide summit.

The D-8 school recently sent its “green team” to Carbondale for the Colorado Youth Climate Summit. It’s where 50 students from across the state came together to inspire action to combat climate change. 

It’s a two-day summit where there are student-led presentations, of which they call a ‘crash course’ on how high schoolers can use their resources to spark change in a world that’s “all messed up,” according to one high schooler who presented.

Rhyianna Banks was there too. She’s a senior at Fountain-Fort Carson High School and president of the school’s green sustainability club. She discovered her passion for climate justice after watching natural disasters tear through her old neighborhood in Louisiana. She says a hurricane wrecked her neighborhood and that’s why she became interested in climate justice. 

Is there something remarkable happening at your school? Email Josh at SchoolBuzz@KRDO.com.

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Celeste Springer

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) says they received a call about a train and vehicle collision on Monday morning.

The location of the crash was near East Fillmore Street and North Stone Avenue. CSPD says a conductor called the accident in.

According to CSPD, the driver was heading eastbound on Fillmore while approaching the train tracks. CSPD says the train lights and bells were activated. The driver said he couldn’t see the train crossing lights because he was blinded by the sun. He also said he could not hear the crossing bells. The particular crossing does not have gates that come down.

Police say the driver was issued a careless driving citation. They said no injuries were reported, and the driver was the only person in the car.

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Scott Harrison

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — Crews are several months into a two-year, $10 million project to rebuild streets and improve drainage in Colorado Centre, a community of around 1,100 homes southeast of the Colorado Springs Airport.

The community has existed since 1984 and has had constant street and flooding issues — although county officials and neighbors disagree on when those issues began.

Federal pandemic recovery money is financing the project to repave streets and install new, better drainage infrastructure; some neighbors and even some construction workers told KRDO 13’s The Road Warrior that the project replaces poor infrastructure by the community’s original developer.

“We’re going to touch pretty much every road and repave almost every road,” said Joshua Palmer, the county’s lead engineer. “We have a lot of options as we progress in the construction contract. So, if we’re seeing savings, we can keep adding on to some of the roads that we’re doing.”

It means that the project could repave more than the dozen streets listed in the plan.

The work has been quite an adjustment for many neighbors who have torn-up pavement and heavy equipment just outside their front doors, and even a mound of dirt in a cul-de-sac that looks like a small mountain.

Nikki Maestas, who lives behind that mound, said that kids regularly climb the mound to play, against the wishes of construction workers, and that she won’t allow her kids to play there out of safety concerns.

“Everyone in our cul-de-sac doesn’t like it,” she said. “We’ve asked them how much longer, and they said another couple of weeks. We’re hoping it’s gone soon because it’s hard to get in and out.”

Streets are remaining open in most instances to minimize disruption to neighborhood traffic, but some intersections and other segments where new drainage pipes are being installed will be temporarily closed.

Megan Sauerwein inspected the work in front of her house as she walked her daughter, Kinzie, home from school.

“We knew that the streets were bad when we moved here less than a year ago,” she said. “But we didn’t expect this much construction. As much of an inconvenience it is, it’s something that we are glad they are taking time to take on.”

Kinzie said that she’s glad she lives in a large house because it gives her a place to hide from the construction noise.

One construction worker told The Road Warrior that on some streets, crews are removing several feet of the old, unstable base and installing a mesh material in the new base before repaving occurs.

Another new resident, Michael Washington, said he had heard about the poor condition of streets in Colorado Centre.

“They’ve done a lot of improvement,” he observed. “Do I like it? Yeah, by all means.”

County officials expect the work to be finished sometime next year — and not a moment too soon, as more homes are about to be built in the area.

A neighbor who identified himself as a strong critic of the infrastructure issues and of what he described as the county’s slow response, approached The Road Warrior during live reports Monday morning.

“I’m not upset any more,” he revealed. “This contractor is doing what he said he would do. He knows what he’s doing.”

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Mackenzie Stafford

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – A person is now in the hospital after a shooting Sunday night at an apartment complex in the Stratmoor Hills area.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) says the shooting happened at the Hampton Village apartments near Hampton Street and B Street.

Deputies tell KRDO13 no one is in custody. They say the person shot was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

KRDO13 is working to get more details on the shooting.

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Mackenzie Stafford

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – On Sunday, May 11, just after 9 a.m., the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) received several 911 calls regarding a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Platte Ave. and Murray Blvd.

CSPD says a stolen Hyundai had run the red traffic lights and collided with another car, which had the right-of-way.

The department says the driver of the stolen vehicle had a handgun in his possession. The driver, later identified as 29-year-old Angelo Espinoza, was arrested for DUI, DUID, multiple criminal charges and outstanding felony warrants, according to CSPD.

The department said no serious injuries came from this crash. CSPD said speed, drugs and alcohol do appear to be factors in this crash.

A photo of the Platte Avenue and Murray Boulevard intersection was taken Sunday morning, less than half an hour after the crash.

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Mackenzie Stafford

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Many moms remember their first Mother’s Day. The holiday is especially memorable for those who became mothers for the first time this weekend. That’s exactly what happened for one Colorado Springs family.

Mom Marjanna and Dad Jack met their baby girl Reagan for the first time this weekend.

Baby Reagan, courtesy of UCHealth

Reagan is their first child, making Mother’s Day all the more special to them on Sunday. Reagan was born at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central.

Parents Fern and Scott of Woodland Park welcomed baby William, their second child.

Baby William, courtesy of UCHealth

Also welcoming William was big brother James, age 4. William was born this weekend at UCHealth Memorial Hospital North.

Courtesy of UCHealth

UCHealth also noted to KRDO13 that the newborns’ hats were crocheted by Aspen Trail residents, the retirement community in Colorado Springs.

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Mackenzie Stafford

MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – The City of Manitou Springs has enacted mandatory water restrictions for all residents and businesses effective immediately due to elevated water turbidity levels.

Beginning Sunday, May 11, all outdoor watering is strictly prohibited, according to city officials. The City is urging residents and businesses to significantly reduce indoor water use including postponing laundry, running dishwashers, and other non-essential activities that require substantial water. They say these precautions are necessary to preserve the City’s drinking water supply for the next 3 to 4 days.

City staff say they are closely monitoring conditions and will provide an update by noon on Monday, May 12, 2025. They say the restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.

The City emphasizes that cooperation from all residents and businesses is essential to help manage current water quality concerns.

Residents can stay informed through the City’s official communication channels and are asked to report any urgent water-related concerns using the following contacts:

General Inquiries: 719-685-2573

Public Works Emergency Line: 719-685-2557

Urgent Public Works Issues: 719-492-0058

Water/Sewer Emergencies: 719-492-1970

Just before 9 p.m. on Sunday the City of Manitou Springs announced that the Pool and Fitness Center will be closed on Monday, May 12, per the mandatory water restrictions and to conserve water due to the turbidity notice. At this time, city officials say they are hopeful to be open for normal operation on Tuesday, May 13, but an update will be provided once available.

The City said all programs will be canceled to include water aerobics, swim lessons, Masters swim team and Manitou Springs Megalodons swim team.

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Tyler Cunnington

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – A state representative from El Paso County stirred quite a reaction in the political sphere this week after she made comments about Colorado burning to the ground so the GOP can rise from the ashes.

Colorado State Rep. Rebecca Keltie (R) from El Paso County’s 16th District spoke for over 40 minutes on the “Free State Colorado” podcast, ahead of the end to her first legislative session. Keltie, a first-time politician, won her seat by an astounding three votes after a recount in December 2024.

You can view the podcast here. Keltie appears first at the 35:30 mark of the episode.

During the podcast, Keltie alluded to the unease and frustration she holds with the direction of the state, through current policies.

“I hate to say this, but it’s almost like the State of Colorado needs to be burned to the ground and built from the top up. I hate to say that, but from the ashes of the fire will rise a phoenix, and that phoenix is going to be us, and we’re going to be that phoenix,” said Keltie. “But until we take it all the way down, and we get these sons of guns out of there — [I] almost said a bad word, whoops — But anyways, get them out of there… I’m not sure what else we can do,” she added.

The representative describes her Democratic counterparts as “for lack of a better term” evil, and explains that in her 20-plus years in the military and then working as a contractor afterwards, she is used to being a team player to work towards getting things done. However, after the last four months at the Capitol, she feels that work is difficult to achieve.

“I have lost – for almost all of them, except for maybe a few – all respect. Like, I can’t even look at them in the face,” Keltie said. “It’s very difficult for me to think that they even have a soul. I’m not even sure they even have a soul,” she explained.

Keltie says she believes there is ample fiscal mismanagement when it comes to Democratic written legislation.

“These people are corrupt, and the amount of money that they’re going through, it’s like you get, ‘Oh, it’s a fiscal note of zero.’ No, it’s going to cost millions of dollars!” Keltie explained, “But they just they, they they cheat and they they scheme and they scam. Your money, your money in Colorado, every penny you give the state is not safe in the hands of these people,” she alleged.

Keltie continues by claiming she has suggested cuts that could be made to save about $70 million, as her regular occupation is working as a government contractor. However, she says those suggestions were tossed to the side by her Democratic leaders.

“The entire state of Colorado. It needs to be DOGE’d. Seriously. I mean, and I’m telling you, we will find a ton of $17,000 hammers and $20,000 toilet seats and, you know what I’m saying, like we’re going to find that,” explained Keltie about the state’s financial situation.

Keltie also explains that among her frustrations are the roadblocks that she feels conservatives like herself face in committee meetings and during group votes, as she feels there is no convincing her counterparts, who appear to already have their minds made up on any given matter.

“Unless it falls along their agenda or doesn’t mess with their agenda, they’ll consider it. But I mean, the bills that we put up, they steamroll right over them,” claimed Keltie. “I mean, it doesn’t matter like they, they will kill whatever they’re told and it doesn’t matter,” she added.

During the legislative session, Keltie was a prime sponsor of five bills within the House, all of which were postponed indefinitely within their respective committees.

Meanwhile, State Sen. Marc Snyder (D), a former three-time state representative for Manitou Springs, who prides himself on bridging the aisle in the Capitol, tells KRDO13 he doesn’t believe this is the language the Capitol, nor the public, needs.

“There’s absolutely no redeeming qualities to that approach. And I’m really ashamed for Representative Keltie,” Snyder stated.

He added that those quotes could be dangerous for the wrong people to take out of context.

“There’s a lot of there’s a lot of extreme people out there. Maybe people [who] have mental issues and they may that may inspire them to do something harmful,” Snyder said.

KRDO13 had been in contact with Representative Keltie since early Wednesday afternoon while asking to speak on camera with her. She explained that she was in the thick of multiple rounds of voting within the House chambers, but that she did want to answer our questions, but did not have the time to.

On Thursday morning, as we continued to offer her time to speak with us, she instead offered this statement by text:

“I came to the Capitol to tell the truth, fight for transparency, and protect the people of this state. I will not apologize for using strong words to describe the dysfunction I have witnessed firsthand. I will always choose honesty over political speak, no matter how uncomfortable that may be.”

-Rep. Rebecca Keltie

On Friday morning, after another offer to schedule a time to speak with her on camera, Representative Keltie offered a lengthier statement by text, once again addressing her comments, but also referring to another article that was published earlier this week about her.

“The article that Maulbech wrote was ok. Except I said “we will rise from the ashes like a phoenix. And by We I meant all Conservatives. Not just Republicans. Especially those that care about where their money is going and being wasted. I stand by my statement I sent. Along with that I was disappointed in the clickbait style headline. I will not apologize for telling the truth. There are around a dozen Democrats I do work with.

As for Sen. Snyder, maybe the people of Colorado and his district need to look at the bills he has sponsored, voted on and voted for. Especially the fiscal notes. I believe they will be very shocked and disappointed.

I believe the Committee meetings we sit on should also be video recorded along with audio and posted for public viewing like the Colorado Channel is on YouTube for the Floor debates so the people of Colorado can get a real look at what’s really happening from the real inside of these horrific bills and behaviors happening. Then they will understand fully. Transparency is a must.”

The 2025 Legislative Session came to an end on Wednesday, and Keltie says she is now back to her regular day job.

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