Local Colorado Springs News

Denver police officer bitten by suspect

Fri, 24 May 2013 13:48:29 GMT

Pueblo shuts off gas pumps for nonprofits

Fri, 24 May 2013 13:46:17 GMT

Fugitive in LA attempted-murder case held in Colo.

Fri, 24 May 2013 12:59:38 GMT

A man who has been wanted in Los Angeles on attempted-murder charges for 13 years has been taken into custody in Colorado after being arrested for urinating in public. Los Angeles police Sgt. Albert Gonzalez says Miguel Sanchez was arrested Wednesday by Colorado Springs police. Police discovered he had a warrant related to an attempted murder in 2000. In that incident, Sanchez allegedly argued with another person, stabbed the person multiple times, then stabbed a second person, and ran away. Gonzalez says the incident was classified as domestic violence and that one victim was male and the other female. He declined to provide more details. Gonzalez says Sanchez is in the process of being extradited.

Wildfire bills get Colorado governor's signature

Fri, 24 May 2013 12:32:15 GMT

Wildfire prevention measures passed after Colorado's tragic wildfire season last year have been signed into law by Gov. John Hickenlooper. The governor signed the bills at Mesa Verde National Park in Cortez. One of the bills puts new curbs on prescribed burns on state forest land. The safeguards include a new requirement that people tend the fire as long as it's burning, along with a requirement that nearby residents are alerted to planned burns. The other bill gives the governor more flexibility to send money to fight wildfires in an emergency. Six people died in three major wildfires last year. Hickenlooper also had a list of economic development bills he signed into law at locations across southwestern Colorado.

Man opens fire on intruders

Fri, 24 May 2013 12:03:51 GMT

No injuries have been reported after a man opened fire at three people who broke into his apartment in Colorado Springs early Friday. Police say the trio knocked on the man's door, and when he did not recognize them, he slammed the door. Police say the intruders forced their way into his apartment waving a gun, and the victim opened fire. Police say they currently have no suspects.

Return the Favor

Fri, 24 May 2013 07:48:31 GMT

KRDO NewsChannel 13 and KRDO NewsRadio are partnering with Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado and American Furniture Warehouse to help those who helped us. During the Waldo Canyon Fire, the people of Oklahoma supported us. Now, it's our turn to return the favor. All proceeds will go to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma to help those affected by the catastrophic tornadoes. Here's how you can help:Make a $10 donation to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma by texting "Food" to 32333 Stop by American Furniture Warehouse in Colorado Springs or Pueblo to make a cash donation to the Regional Food Bank. Visit the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma's website to make a donation

Pueblo police say officers' safety being compromised

Fri, 24 May 2013 06:30:54 GMT

The job of a police officer can be a dangerous one, but Pueblo police say being understaffed by two dozen officers makes the job even more hazardous. Officers say being short staffed is compromising their safety and not allowing them to respond to calls as fast as they want, forcing them to be more reactive than proactive. Activists with the American Indian Movement say if police are too busy to be out patrolling, they'll do it themselves. It's welcome news to neighbors on Pueblo's east side who are on edge following reports of three sex-related crimes involving children in their neighborhood in the past month. "Somebody's got to be responsible for watching these children. Somebody's got to be responsible for finding out who's doing this and trying to help stop it," said neighbor Sue Doyle. Last Friday, it took an officer about 90 minutes to respond to an attempted child abduction. When the call came in, the child was with his mother. Neighbors question why it took an officer so long to get out there. Police said when they got the call of an attempted child abduction at around 3:20 p.m., they had eight officers patrolling around that area, all of whom were tied up at calls. Here's a breakdown of what officers were working on: Three officers were responding to a suicidal person, one officer was at a call for a burglary alarm, another officer was dealing with a pedestrian interfering with traffic, one officer was at a fire, another was dealing with an abandoned vehicle and one officer was responding to a report of a missing child. Police said five out of those six calls should have had at least two officers responding, but only one of them did. "We had single officers responding to those calls just because we had a need to get there," said Officer Shelly Taylor. "Unfortunately, we make a decision to put ourselves at risk, to go on these calls by ourselves because we know people need us." Taylor says until more officers are brought in, officer safety will continue to be compromised. Pueblo city leaders put a hiring freeze on 14 officer positions. Ten officers have been hired and are currently going through the police academy. They're expected to hit the streets in December.

Boy Scouts approve gay members

Fri, 24 May 2013 04:50:10 GMT

The Boy Scouts of America is throwing open its ranks to gay Scouts but not gay Scout leaders. Some warn the compromise could fracture the organization and lead to mass defections of members and donors. Of the roughly 1,400 voting members of the BSA's National Council who cast ballots, 61 percent supported the proposal drafted by the governing Executive Committee. The vote followed what the BSA describes as "the most comprehensive listening exercise in Scouting's history" to gauge opinions. Calling it "a challenging chapter in our history," BSA Chief Executive Wayne Brock says, "While people have differing opinions on this policy, kids are better off when they're in Scouting." Although the policy change takes effect Jan. 1, the bitter debate over the Scouts' membership policy is likely to continue. Liberal Scout leaders -- while supporting the proposal to accept gay youth -- have made clear they want the ban on gay adults lifted as well. In contrast, conservatives with the Scouts -- including some churches that sponsor Scout units -- wanted to continue excluding gay youths, in some cases threatening to defect if the ban were lifted. The meeting of the BSA's National Council is taking place in Texas, where Gov. Rick Perry expressed his dismay with the decision. Jim Daly, a blogger for Focus on the Family, weighed in on the controversy earlier this year. He said the decision takes the Boy Scouts from a "morally straight" organization to "moral neutrality." Several people who told Newschannel 13 they support the move are disappointed by the fact that the ban on gay adults in leadership positions within the BSA remains in place. "I think eventually it will all happen the way it should," said Charlease Bobo. "Right now, you just take it one step at a time. The first step is opening doors to any kid who wants to be a part of Boy Scouts." The scout executive for the Pikes Peak Council is in Texas for the national convention. He said the local chapter has no further comment besides the national statement that kids are better off when they are in scouting.

Anger grows at Governor's reprieve

Fri, 24 May 2013 04:18:07 GMT

A decade and a half before Nathan Dunlap’s life was in Governor John Hickenlooper’s hands, it was in Juror 39 and 11 others. “We convicted him of that heinous crime and it should be carried out,” said Steve, who was Juror 39. Moved to El Paso county in a change of venue, the jury sat for five weeks before they quickly made up their mind about Dunlap’s guilt and what his punishment should be: death. “Governor Hickenlooper destroyed the jurist system yesterday. If one person can take what a jury came up with and set it aside, then there is no system, so why do you need juries then?” Steve said. By writing an indefinate reprieve, Governor Hickenlooper indicated Dunlap will live as long as he is governor. “Is it just and moral if we make a decision to take this person’s life? Is it a benefit to the world?” Governor Hickenlooper said. Juror 39 believes it’s immoral to let a killer live. “Some people say that it’s cruel and inhumane if you put someone on death row, but what about the people who died, isn’t that cruel and inhumane to them and their relatives?” Steve said.

Anti-aging treaments

Fri, 24 May 2013 03:40:59 GMT

Maintaining a youthful appearance is a multi billion dollar industry. It's been a quest since the sixteenth century when Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon searched for the Fountain of Youth. We looked into two different methods of potentially erasing years off of your face. One dates back to ancient times. It is a form of acupuncture called "Mei Zen". It targets the entire body first, then focuses on stimulating points in the face with small gauge needles. The other is extremely popular right now. Botox temporarily paralyzes muscles in the face that can contribute to wrinkles and an older, or angry appearance. It is the number one cosmetic procedure in the united states right now. More than 11 million injections were done last year. Dermal fillers are often referred to as "liquid facelifts". Many use hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body, to plump up lines and wrinkles. The results aren't permanent and the treatments must be repeated.

Wasson choir teacher says goodbye

Fri, 24 May 2013 01:15:53 GMT

The final chapter of Wasson has come to an end. Not only the students are saying good-bye, but the teachers are too. Choir director Renee Tabet is one of the longest tenured teachers at Wasson High School. After her seventeen year run she has to pack up trophies, sort sheet music, and reflect on wonderful memories. Including the strength that her students gave her when she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May 2011. Tabet says "The only thing I had to get out of bed for was to be there teacher, to inspire them with music, to sing beautiful music, and touch their Heart as they were touching mine." Her battle made one particular song more meaningful. The song "Old Irish Blessing" has been part of Tabet's choirs for all her time at Wasson. While she was battling cancer, Tabet explains how one student shared kind words from that song to show his love and concern for Tabet and her health. "It was just a great little Facebook message that said "I remember Ms. Tabet, I remember the words that she left us with, and her words were 'May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, and until I see you again, may god hold you in the palms of his hand' because he didn't know if I was going to be gone when he came back. He was holding me with his heart and his words that I had instilled in him." Tabet will continue to teach in District 11 for another year then she will retire. Tabet is celebrating with a Wasson Alumni Choir party this Saturday at the Wasson Auditorium from 1pm to 3pm. Contact tinkfrk13@yahoo.com for more information.

Missing Fort Carson soldier sought by family

Fri, 24 May 2013 01:09:43 GMT

Officials at Fort Carson said on Thursday that they are seeking information about a soldier who disappeared after his second deployment to Afghanistan. The Florida family of Mason Van Kuiken said it hasn't seen him since mid-March. Fort Carson officials said they listed him as absent without leave in April. Van Kuiken's family said his personality changed when he returned from deployment after Christmas. Family members said he refused to wear his Army uniform, was afraid to sleep in his bed and wouldn't go to the mailbox without a gun. Fort Carson officials said they considered Van Kuiken at risk for post-traumatic stress disorder. If his status with the Army isn't resolved, he could be court-martialed and lose his military benefits.

Cowboy up to help OKC

Fri, 24 May 2013 01:09:32 GMT

Traffic on south eighth street will never be as magical after what happened on Thursday afternoon. A stagecoach rolled into the KRDO, NewsChannel 13 front parking lot. Jim Newell and his crew brought in money for our Return The Favor fundraiser to help survivors of the Oklahoma City area tornadoes. Newell told me, "Cowboys all stick together. I passed my hat at different businesses and told the folks, come on boys help donate." Newell owns the horses and the stagecoach and brought in more than 350 dollars. Newell said he had to do something after seeing all the devastation on television, "I'm thinking what a disaster. You gotta help them out in that disaster area. It's tragic with the kids and people. It is just tragic." Southern Colorado has opened up its heart to help Oklahoma. They helped us during the Waldo Canyon Wildfire. Every dollar we raise buys ten pounds of food. All the money will go to the Food Bank in Oklahoma City. Donation sites include our station at 399 South Eighth Street in Colorado Springs and American Furniture Warehouse stores in Colorado Springs and Pueblo. We appreciate all the donations that have come in to help these people and those who will be donating. Thank you very much. There's much more donation information on our home page and under links we mentioned.

Patrick Roy named the Head Coach of the Colorado Avalanche

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:07:02 GMT

Patrick Roy, 47, becomes the sixth head coach in Avalanche history and the 14th in franchise history. “This is a very exciting day for our fans and a significant moment in our organization’s history,” said Avalanche President Josh Kroenke. “Patrick’s passion for the game of hockey both as a player and as a coach defines who he is as a person. He is a winner and is coming back to Denver where he created numerous special moments on and off the ice while helping lead us to two Stanley Cup championships.” “All along Patrick was our top candidate and we are thrilled that he has decided to accept this offer,” said Sakic. “Patrick has a great hockey mind, is a tremendous coach and there is no one more passionate about this game. He will bring that winning attitude to our dressing room to help this young team grow.” Roy has spent the last eight seasons as head coach and general manager of the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He guided the Remparts to a 348-196 record (.640) in 544 regular season games behind the bench, which included leading Quebec to the 2006 Memorial Cup title as the Canadian Hockey League champions. He is also a part owner of the QMJHL franchise. Roy, who was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006, retired with the most regular season wins in NHL?history (551), a number that currently ranks second all-time. The four-time Stanley Cup champion is still the winningest goaltender in Stanley Cup Playoff history with 151 postseason wins. Roy is the only player in league?history to win three Conn Smythe Trophies as the playoff MVP (1986, ’93, 2001). The Quebec City native backstopped the Montreal Canadiens to two Stanley Cup championships (1986, 1993), the first of which was his rookie campaign. Traded to Colorado on Dec. 6, 1995, Roy led the Avalanche to the Stanley Cup during the club’s first season in Denver (1996) and again in 2001. He is the only goaltender in NHL?history to win 200 or more games with two different teams. Roy won three Vezina Trophies (1989, 1990, 1992) and five William Jennings Trophies (1987, 1988, 1989, 1992, 2002). He was selected to the NHL All-Star Team on six occasions, the first team in 1988-89, 1989-90, 1991-92 and 2001-02 and second team in 1987-88 and 1990-91. He participated in 11 NHL All-Star Games and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 1985-86. When he announced his retirement on May 28, 2003, Roy was the NHL’s all-time leader in not only wins but also regular season games (1029), minutes (60,225) and 30-win seasons (13), marks that now all rank second. In addition to being first overall in postseason wins, Roy is still the NHL record holder in career playoff games (247) and is second in postseason shutouts (23). Roy, who is the Avalanche’s all-time leader in nearly every statistical category, had his No. 33 retired by the organization on Oct. 28, 2003.

Reprieve Fallout: One Politician Goes After Governor's Seat

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:32:35 GMT

A flood of angry people after Governor John Hickenlooper grants mass murderer Nathan Dunlap a temporary reprieve for his execution. Some people are calling the governor's decision a slap in the face to victims, their families, and everyone who participated in the case. “Is it just and moral? if you make a decision to take this person's life is it of benefit to the world,” said Hickenlooper during a Wednesday press conference. After Hickenlooper's controversial decision, one politician has taken the opportunity to announce his plans to run for the governor's seat. Tom Tancredo said he wants to be Colorado’s next governor. “The governor is a nice guy. I know him, been on stage with him, debated him. He is a nice guy but he's not a leader, and the state needs leadership,” said Tancredo. The one survivor of Dunlap’s rampage at an Aurora Chuck E. Cheese said he feels betrayed. “I feel like the wind's been kicked straight out of me. I kind of feel like everyone has turned against the victims,” said sole survivor Bobby Stephens. Dunlap's trial was held in El Paso County in 1996 after a change of venue. It was El Paso County jurors who decided Dunlap should be put to death. Dunlap had an outburst in court after he found out his fate. Current El Paso County district attorney Dan May said Governor Hickenlooper is not respecting the will of jurors. “(They) sat, took weeks out of their lives, felt they came to a just decision….We have a good justice system. We needed our governor to trust that system,” said May. Phil Cherner, Dunlap's attorney, said he and Dunlap are thankful for Governor Hickenlooper's decision. The reprieve doesn't mean Dunlap is saved from the death penalty forever. A new governor could overturn the decision. It won't be Hickenlooper, though. He's already said he won't look at this case again.

2013 Water Quality Report Released

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:10:45 GMT

The Environmental Protection Agency requires utilities companies to release an annual report depicting water quality. In compliance with this demand, Colorado Springs Utilities released its report recently. “I think the water quality results look very good, as they have for the past several decades here in Colorado Springs, because of where we get our water from,” said Steve Berry, spokesperson for CSU. Berry said since about 80 percent of the water used in Colorado Springs is obtained from snowmelt; it is much easier to treat in comparison to areas that have other water sources. The report shows that there were no measurable impacts of the Waldo Canyon fire and burn scar on the quality of drinking water in Colorado Springs. This year, the report is not being mailed to customers. Instead, customers need to go online to access the report. By eliminating costs associated with postage and printing, CSU is saving an estimated $30,000 to $40,000. “We, as a full-service utility, are always looking at ways that we can cut costs and insulate our customers from rate changes,” Berry said. To view the report, click here.

Fallen heroes honored at Fort Carson

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:02:38 GMT

A ceremony at Fort Carson on Thursday remembered 12 servicemen killed during the past year in the ongoing war on terrorism. The soldiers honored were: Spcs. Mabry Anders and Kyle Rookey; Sgt. Tofiga Tautolo; Staff Sgts. Christopher Birdwell, Christopher Brown, David Nowaczyk and Mark Schoonhoven; 1st Lt. Alejo Thompson; Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin Griffin; and Maj. Thomas Kennedy. Also honored were two members of the Air Force stationed at Fort Carson: Senior Airman Bradley Smith and Maj. W. David Gray. Relatives and comrades attended the ceremony amid fog and drizzle at Fort Carson. The names of the honorees were etched into the stone Global War on Terrorism Memorial in Kit Carson Park. Ashley Damison came on behalf of her husband, to honor Thompson. She said the ceremony put her life in perspective. "My husband was hit by a suicide bomber on (his) second deployment," she said. "So it always is very close to home. It's very real, it's very emotional." Sgt. Bonifacio Luna was a comrade of Anders and Birdwell. He said the ceremony is helpful to the families. "It helps to answer a lot of their questions," he said. "They get to spend time with people who knew (fallen troops). They get to ask a lot of questions about their sons or daughters." Jerry Brown of Twin Falls, Idaho, returned to the ceremony a year after his son, Sgt. Daniel Brown, was killed. "It's important for me to be associated still with Dan and the Army, he said. "It was very important to Dan. He loved the Army, and I love the memorial here." A total of 378 servicemen and servicewomen from Fort Carson have died in the ongoing war on terrorism since it began in 2004.

Newborn puppies dumped in park

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:54:14 GMT

Animal Law Enforcement is asking for help finding the person who abandoned five 3 to 7-day-old puppies in a park. The puppies were found Tuesday at Heritage Regional Park in Highlands Ranch. That's near S. University and S. Quebec Street. On Tuesday, Douglas County Animal Law Enforcement Officers say a man told Park staff he had found the puppies in a trash can outside of the public restrooms in the park. One of the puppies died. Officers say the puppies have very low body temperatures and were taken to a veterinarian for treatment. The four puppies are doing well. "This is a senseless act of animal cruelty, and we are hopeful that the public will help bring the individual responsible for this crime to justice" said Sergeant Erica Dalton with Douglas County Animal Law Enforcement. Officers are asking anyone with information, or who knows someone whose dog had a litter of puppies recently that are no longer with their mother to call Douglas County Animal Law Enforcement at 303-660-7529 or Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP. Crime Stoppers will offer a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest or citation. Tips can also be texted to 274637 or reported online at http://metrodenvercrimestoppers.com/sample-page/submit-a-tip/.

Secretary of State repays Colo for trip to RNC

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:40:15 GMT

DENVER (AP) — Colorado's Secretary of State is picking up the tab for a trip he took to the Republican National Convention that he originally billed to the taxpayers. Scott Gessler had spent state money to travel to Tampa and speak at a panel on election law last year. He is a Republican and critics said he should not have used public funds for a partisan event. A watchdog group filed a complaint before the state's ethics commission. Gessler sent a check for $1,278 to the state treasury Wednesday to cover the cost of the trip. A spokesman said Thursday that it became apparent Gessler wouldn't receive a fair hearing and he hoped to put the matter behind him. Also on Thursday, Gessler filed paperwork to run for governor in 2014.

Comfort dogs lend a paw to people in need

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:27:46 GMT

Canines were at work in Oklahoma Thursday helping victims cope with Monday's devastating tornado. A furry team isn't just deployed in disaster zones; there's a group of dogs comforting people in need around Colorado Springs. Nine-year-old Schnauzer Roco visited his fan club at Springs Village Care Center Thursday. He became a certified therapy dog eight years ago. He's a regular at the center, Memorial Hospital and Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care. Residents laughed and smiled as they petted Roco and watched him play. "When they come in the residents just seem to light up," said Daniel Tijerina with Springs Village Care Center. "They seem to change when the dog comes in." Roco's owner, Joetta Graner-Smith, works for Therapy Dogs, Inc. She's a tester/observer for the company granting qualified dogs their therapy dog certification. She was hesitant to join the organization 12 years ago, but she watched a therapy dog at work and she was hooked. "This dog for a moment in time gives them the opportunity to not have pain, to not remember where they are at, not remember their losses," said Graner-Smith. Roco has had setbacks during his canine years. He suffered a stroke in 2011 injuring nerves in his back legs. He uses a wheelchair to make his way around the long hospital hallways. "There's been many times where we've had people that have been injured or hurt and now they have to rely on a wheelchair, a walker, a cane and this gives them hope they can go back to an active life," said Graner-Smith. Tijerina and Graner-Smith agree these dogs having healing power. "Dogs or any pet help the well-being of a human being," said Tijerina. "It's been proven that pet owners live longer." Graner-Smith said Roco's hospital visits drop patients' blood pressure and lower their heart rates. Roco will take a test in October to see if he qualifies to help disaster victims through the Hope Organization. If he passes, he'll travel to areas like Oklahoma to comfort victims. "He's able to offer some hope to them. Maybe they have lost their dog in the disaster and they want to be reunited with their animal," said Graner-Smith. In the meantime, he'll continue bringing smiles to his fans in Colorado Springs.