KOAA News5

Rain chances increase significantly along I-25 during the middle of the work week, with varying forecasts for cities like Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Canon City. Heavy rain and potential flash flooding are noted in burn scar areas and the Aspen Acres Fire region, while temperatures remain high in most locations.

Pueblo County has recorded 33 suicides this year, an increase from 28 in the same period last year and 22 the year before. The coroner notes 25% of this year's suicides involved individuals 30 and under and urges those struggling to seek support through communication with loved ones.

Monument's Town Council approved a six-month moratorium on data center applications, making it the first community in El Paso County to do so. Councilman Steve King expressed doubts about data centers' benefits, as the town proactively sets boundaries despite no current applications. Nearby, the Project Taurus Data Center remains under debate.

Beacon Light Road will close Monday for waterline and storm sewer installation between Palmer Divide Road and Wakonda Way, with a detour via Palmer Divide Road, Indi Drive, Aries Drive, and Wakonda Way. The closure will last three to four months, but local access to homes and private drives will remain open.

A motorcyclist died after crashing on I-25 in Colorado Springs Thursday night. The rider struck the median and crossed into southbound lanes between Cimarron Street and Tejon Street. Authorities are investigating speed as a potential factor, and the rider's identity will be released by the El Paso County Coroner.

Josh Peterson reopened Gin and Barrett Liquor in Colorado City after the Aspen Acres Fire, but faces challenges including ruined wine inventory and uncertain customer returns. The store operates limited hours while the community recovers.

The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) reports increased $400-$500 driving citations in construction zones along Dublin Boulevard and Marksheffel Road. Residents and business owners, including Caylea Henn and Susan Fish, cited for traffic violations, expressed frustration over unclear signage and lack of communication about road closures. CSPD attributed the enforcement surge to safety concerns for construction workers and excessive speeding.

Basic cadet training at the United States Air Force Academy's Jacks Valley complex includes obstacle and assault courses with cannons and explosives. Cadets are quizzed on Air Force knowledge during training to prepare for real-life emergencies, focusing on pressure resilience, confidence, and teamwork.

Temperatures in southeastern Colorado will rise through the weekend, peaking in the 90s by Sunday. The plains will see sunny conditions, while the mountains face spotty thunderstorms. A monsoon pattern is expected to shift eastward next week, increasing thunderstorm chances in Colorado Springs from Tuesday to Thursday.

Colorado Springs and surrounding areas will experience hot and dry weather this week with temperatures in the 80s-90s, followed by an increased chance of monsoon-related thunderstorms next week. Wind gusts up to 30 mph are expected across multiple regions.

Teller County officials expressed disappointment over Colorado Springs' decision to leave the regional El Paso-Teller County 911 Authority, citing financial contributions from the city and ongoing crises like water shortages and fire season. The city claims the move keeps $13 million annually in public safety funds within Colorado Springs.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department contained a 40-foot by 40-foot grass fire near Wooten Road and Town Center Drive on the southeast side of the city. The fire was reported to be spreading in grass before being contained around 2:30 p.m., with the cause under investigation.

Southbound I-25 is closed south of Baptist Road between Monument and Colorado Springs due to a grass fire. Crews are working to contain the fire, which has caused traffic to halt in that direction. Northbound traffic remains moving, no evacuations have been issued, and the fire's size is currently unknown.

Pueblo County authorities plan a phased reentry for Beulah evacuees starting Monday as the Aspen Acres fire nears 100,000 acres burned. Residents must obtain a card from the Disaster Assistance Center and follow assigned reentry times and routes to return safely.

Southern Colorado is experiencing clearing skies and near-average temperatures tonight, with hot and dry conditions expected on Saturday. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in some areas, and fire danger is increasing due to sustained high temperatures and breezy winds.

Colorado Springs School District 11 (D11) is hosting a hiring fair on July 10, 2026, at Jenkins Middle School to recruit for the 2026-2027 school year. The event offers on-site interviews for roles in departments including Special Education, Transportation, and Food & Nutrition Services.

A surveillance video from Paul Hindman's home in the Beulah area along North Creek Road captures firefighters working to protect structures from the Aspen Acres Fire, which destroyed 192 homes in the region. Drone footage from the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office shows the extent of the destruction, with the fire now covering over 96,000 acres and 14% containment.

The Town of La Veta has implemented Stage 4 Water Restrictions due to a critical shortage, prohibiting outdoor watering, vehicle washing, and filling pools or fountains. Violations result in fines up to $500, with initial violations starting at a written warning. Outdoor flower and garden watering is allowed using indoor water only.

Southern Colorado is experiencing increased thunderstorm activity on Thursday, including areas affected by the Aspen Acres Fire. Forecasts predict afternoon thunderstorms across multiple regions, with some potential for severe weather, followed by a hot and dry weekend extending into next week.

Thunderstorms in southern Colorado today bring heavy rainfall beneficial for firefighting but pose flash flooding risks in burn scar areas, particularly under a Flash Flood Watch for the Aspen Acres fire. Cooler temperatures and increased storm activity are expected, with varying forecasts across regions including Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and mountain zones.

El Paso County Sheriff issued evacuation orders for homes on the east side of Jordan Road in Fountain due to an ongoing fire. Residents are directed to evacuate immediately, and emergency communication tools like Everbridge and the ReachWell app are highlighted for multilingual alerts. The 911 authority partners with ReachWell to provide translations for Peak Alerts without requiring personal information.

Southern Colorado faces its hottest day of the week with high fire danger, smoke, and air quality alerts. A storm system arriving July 4th could reduce fire threats through increased moisture and thunderstorms, though temperatures remain extreme. The Aspen Acres fire remains a concern, but potential rain may improve conditions.

Special accommodations are being arranged for a data center appeal hearing in Colorado Springs on July 23. The hearing, expected to last 8-10 hours, will address five appeals filed against a proposed data center at 1565 High Tech Way. Public comment will allow attendees two minutes to speak, and the event will be held at the Ent Center for the Arts on the UCCS campus.

Low water levels at John Martin Reservoir State Park in Hasty, Colorado, have forced the closure of the west boat ramp, while the east ramp remains open. The closure is expected to last the rest of the season, though kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards can still launch from the west ramp. Colorado Parks and Wildlife emphasizes maintaining safe recreation access despite the challenge.

Red flag warnings are in effect from 10 am until midnight Thursday across multiple Colorado regions, including Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and the mountains, due to low humidity and strong winds. Air quality alerts persist until at least 9 am, with wildfire smoke affecting visibility and health conditions.

KOAA News5 and the Scripps Howard Foundation are providing wildfire relief in Southern Colorado by donating $5,000 to support affected communities. The article encourages viewers to donate to help those in need.

The Aspen Acres Fire is burning along Highway 165 near Rye in southern Colorado, with 35,467 acres scorched and 0% containment as of Wednesday morning. Evacuations are in effect, and News5 viewers are sharing photos, videos, and updates about the blaze.

The City of Manitou Springs has announced a 'soft opening' of the Hiawatha Parking Lot on July 2, allowing access to the east portion with 83 parking spots while crews complete remaining work. The full opening is expected later this month, with additional parking available on the north side of El Paso Boulevard. Visitors are urged to follow signs and be mindful of ongoing construction.

A crash along northbound I-25 north of Colorado Springs impacted traffic Wednesday morning. The Colorado Department of Transportation initially closed the entire northbound lane but later restricted the right shoulder between Baptist Road and Highway 105. The crash was cleared before 5:50 a.m.

Kimberlee Singler, a Colorado Springs mother, faces murder charges for allegedly killing two of her children and injuring a third in December 2023. The case, initially reported as a burglary, is set to trial after evidence pointed to her responsibility, with an arraignment scheduled for August 26.

Several southern Colorado cities, including Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Caon City, and Manitou Springs, are under Stage II Fire Restrictions. Prohibited activities include outdoor fires, fireworks, and certain recreational and mechanical activities.

Pikes Peak rangers have added e-bikes to their patrol fleet to improve efficiency and access remote areas like the reservoirs on the north slope. The e-bikes, which are quieter and emission-free, support environmental education and increase ranger-visitor interactions, aiding in the protection of the area's natural resources.

Southern Colorado faces ongoing fire threats due to scorching summer heat and wind, with multiple wildfires burning in the western slope and Custer County. Drought conditions in mountain zones and recent dry weather have created a tinderbox, leading to health warnings about smoke exposure and temperatures reaching the 90s to triple digits.

Southern Colorado faces severe thunderstorms, red flag warnings, and high fire danger this weekend. Hot, dry, and gusty conditions with temperatures up to 100°F and wind gusts exceeding 45 mph are expected across multiple regions, including Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and the mountains.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected across southern Colorado on Friday, with sunshine and rising temperatures forecasted for the weekend. A fire weather watch has been issued for Saturday due to dry, hot, and breezy conditions.

Michael Michaelis, 41, died in a rollover crash at Barnes Road and Peterson Road after being thrown from his vehicle. Two minors in the same vehicle sustained minor injuries. The crash, involving an eastbound and northbound car, marked the 29th traffic-related death in Colorado Springs in 2026.

A man was arrested for first-degree homicide after a shooting in Pueblo on Wednesday. Another individual was injured, but their current condition is unknown. The incident occurred along Claremont Avenue near the West Mesa Avenue intersection.

The Florissant Fire Department's wildland fire deployment capabilities are impacted after a type 3 engine truck was destroyed in a fire incident on I-80 near Wells, Nevada. No firefighters were injured, and the department is collaborating with its insurance provider to replace the truck. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

1,100 new cadets at the Air Force Academy began In-processing Day (I-Day) as part of their basic training, which will last six weeks before they are promoted to fourth-class cadets.

Residents in the Banning Lewis Ranch area of Colorado Springs are assessing damage to vehicles, homes, and solar panels after a brief but intense hail storm. The storm, which lasted less than 30 minutes, prompted residents to seek shelter and protect property, with some reporting hail large enough to damage roofs and outdoor structures.