http://www.krdo.com/-/417342/14776464/-/14wh7xd/-/index.html en-US © 2011 Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. Home Home en-US © 2011 Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. http://www.krdo.com/news/black-forest-spoiled-food-dropoff/-/417220/20626708/-/gjeo40/-/index.html El Paso County has announced a location for drop off of spoiled food for residents affected by the Black Forest fire. A dumpster for spoiled food located at the El Paso County Slash and Mulch on Herring Road will be moved to the parking lot of the trailhead for Section 16 along Burgess Road between Vollmer and Herring. This dumpsite for spoiled food will be available Wednesday, June 19, starting at 9 a.m.   There are two dumpster locations for spoiled food: 1. The El Paso County Black Forest Regional Park just north of Shoup Road on Milam. 2. The parking lot of the trailhead for Section 16 along Burgess Road between Vollmer and Herring.   The dumpster previously offered at the North Black Forest Fire Station, located at 16465 Ridge Run Drive is no longer available. The two locations will open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. These sites can only be used for spoiled food. Your regular household trash service will resume on your regular scheduled day. Heavy duty plastic trash bags will be available at these sites as well. If you have questions, ask for Public Health at the Black Forest Fire Disaster Assistance Center, (719) 444-8301. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:37:12 GMT 20626708 2013-06-19T10:37:12Z http://www.krdo.com/news/evacuee-returns-to-demolished-home/-/417220/20625704/-/11hnek3z/-/index.html Theresa Strader was in tears as she drove up to her demolished Black Forest home Tuesday night. It's not just her home. It's also where she began National Mill Dog Rescue, which has saved nearly 8,000 dogs. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 05:28:38 GMT 20625704 2013-06-19T05:28:38Z http://www.krdo.com/news/black-forest-fire-evacuees-seek-answers/-/417220/20624634/-/106inrx/-/index.html Black Forest residents living nearest the starting point of the wildfire could be away from their properties twice as long as other neighbors. Authorities are not only investigating the fire's cause.  They're also conducting a criminal probe into the deaths of  Marc Allen Herklotz, 52, and his wife, Robin Lauran Herklotz, 50, of 6720 Jicarilla Drive in Black Forest. Their bodies were found in their garage not far from where authorities believe the fire began and where the blaze was most intense, authorities said.  Deaths in such cases are initially considered criminal until proven otherwise. Sid Webb, a fire evacuee, rented a home in that area.  He said he moved in only a few months ago, and realized when the fire began a week ago that his home was lost. "I saw helicopter video on KRDO NewsChannel 13," Webb said.  "It's weird for me to watch my house burning over and over." Webb said despite the loss of his home, he and his wife are anxious to know when they can return and see what they can salvage.  However, the fact that his property is part of a crime scene makes arriving at a timetable difficult. "How do you comprehend that?"  asked Webb.  "I'll be patient and let (authorities) do their job.  I don't know how long it'll be before we can get back in." Webb said what he'll most miss is the memorabilia from three wars his father served in. "Our house was like a paradise sitting on a hill," he said.  "It was just incredibly beautiful.  Now it's all gone." Webb said he and his wife haven't decided whether they'll continue to live in Black Forest. "We obviously have big questions for the future," he said.  "On the one hand, yes.  On the other hand, I don't know how well I'd sleep at night."  Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:51:31 GMT 20624634 2013-06-19T03:51:31Z http://www.krdo.com/news/wildfire-burning-in-fremont-county/-/417220/20515580/-/j3839vz/-/index.html Two people are dead and 509 homes have burned as the Black Forest Fire becomes the most destructive in Colorado history. The victims have been identified as 52-year-old Marc Allen Herklotz and his wife, 50-year-old Robin Lauran Herklotz The fire has grown to 14,280  acres. The process of lifting mandatory evacuations continued Monday as officials announced 85% containment was reached on the fire lines. BLACK FOREST FIRE: VITAL LINKS Map of evacuation boundaries & destroyed homes from The Denver Post. Condition of homes listed by address -- prepared by the Sheriff's office. To donate or register as a volunteer visit helpcoloradonow.org Counseling Services for those Affected by the Black Forest Fire El Paso County / Disaster Assistance Center. Up to the minute road closure information. Ready, set, go!: What you need to know about evacuating. Fire related closures and delays. People/businesses offer to help fire victims. The Black Forest Fire *** Black Forest Fire information line: Call 719-444-8300 *** *** Black Forest Fire investigation tip line: 719-444-8393 *** *** You can also e-mail tips to blackforestfiretipline@elpasoco.com *** *** To volunteer to help fire victims e-mail bffvolunteer@elpasoco.com *** ***The Disaster Assistance Center is open with services for fire Victims: 1675 Garden of the Gods Rd.  8 a.m. -  6 p.m.*** The Black Forest Fire is burning in northern El Paso County. Sheriff Terry Maketa says two people have died in the fire. 52-year-old Marc Allen Herklotz and his wife, 50-year-old Robin Lauran Herklotz were found in the garage of their home on Jicarilla Drive. The 14,280 acre fire has destroyed 509 homes and is 85% contained. By comparison, the Waldo Canyon Fire burned 346 homes. A 24-hour, self-serve water station has been set up for returning evacuees. It is located at Black Forest and Burgess Roads. This water is safe to drink. Plastic water containers are available at the distribution center. Lawyers from the El Paso County Bar Association are offering free legal advice for fire victims on Wednesday, June 19th. It's happening at the Disaster Assistance Center at 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road from Noon to 6 p.m. UPDATED EVACUATION: Updated at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18. Sheriff Maketa will open the area north of Shoup Rd. and east of Black Forest Rd. to residents only at 4 p.m.  Residents will only be able to stay for three hours from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Residents will be required to leave at 7 p.m.  The Sheriff hopes to reopen the area permanently within the next two days. Residents need to enter at one of the following checkpoints:Shoup Rd. and Black Forest Rd. Black Forest Rd. and Connaught Dr. Vollmer Rd. and Shoup Rd. Vollmer Rd. and Kirk Dr. A “Reentry Supplies and First Aid Station” will be available to assist and support residents in the Black Forest burned areas. The supplies station will open today at 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. in the School in the Woods located at 12002 Vollmer Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado. SUPPLIES AVAILABLE WHILE THEY LAST:Cleanup supplies, such as shovels, gloves, and N95 masks. Basic first aid supplies. Red cross will be available with snacks, bottled water, Gatorade, and cleanup kits. Public health staff will be available for technical advice for residents who are reentering and have concerns with well water and/or septic systems. Updated at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18. Residents of Cathedral Pines and these three addresses 12780, 12630, 12840 Milam Rd. will be allowed back into their properties at 2 p.m. today.  They will remain on pre-evacuation status.  To access the area residents need to travel north on Milam Rd. until it intersects with Shoup Rd.  Shoup Rd. from Vollmer to Tahosa Rd. remains closed to the public. Vessey Rd. east of Holmes Rd. and Peregrine Way will remain under mandatory evacuation. Residents reentering will need to show their driver’s license, I.D. or vehicle registration and are encouraged to leave heavy equipment alone.  Please do not remove the flags on your property. Those are a signal to first responders the area has been cleared for reentry. A “Reentry Supplies and First Aid Station” will be available to assist and support residents in the Black Forest burned areas. The supplies station will open today at 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. in the School in the Woods located at 12002 Vollmer Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado. SUPPLIES AVAILABLE WHILE THEY LAST:Cleanup supplies, such as shovels, gloves, and N95 masks. Basic first aid supplies. Red cross will be available with snacks, bottled water, Gatorade, and cleanup kits. Public health staff will be available for technical advice for residents who are reentering and have concerns with well water and/or septic systems. Updated at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18. All areas east of Vollmer Rd. and north of Burgess Rd. will be allowed back into their homes 11 a.m. today (6-18-13) and downgraded to pre-evacuation status. Residents may access the area through the following roads: Walker Rd  MurphyRd  Hodgen Rd  Latigo Blvd  Vollmer Rd  RaygorRd  Meridian Rd Residents reentering will need to show their driver’s license, I.D. or registration and are encouraged to leave heavy equipment alone. Please do not remove the flags on your property. Those are a signal to first responders the area has been cleared for reentry. A “Reentry Supplies and First Aid Station” will be available to assist and support residents in the Black Forest burned areas. The supplies station will open today at 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. in the School in the Woods located at 12002 Vollmer Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Supplies Available (until supplies last): Cleanup supplies, such as shovels gloves and N95 masks.  Basic first aid supplies.  Red Cross will be available with snacks, bottled water, Gatorade, and cleanup kits.  Public Health staff will be available for technical advice for residents who are reentering and have concerns with well water and/or septic systems. Updated at 10:45 a.m. on Monday, June 17. Most areas north of Hodgen Rd. are now under pre-evacuation, including the following areas:South of Walker Road East of Bar X Rd. and Highlands Estates Rd. North of Hodgen Rd. West of Winchester Rd. North side of Morgan Rd. North side of Hardy Rd. Residents trying to reenter will need to show their driver’s license or registration. Residents are encouraged to leave heavy equipment alone.  Please do not remove the flags on your property. Those are a signal to first responders the area has been cleared for reentry. Residents need to use the following reentry points:From the west - use Hodgen Rd. or Walker Rd. From the east - use Evans Rd. or McCune Rd. From the north - use County Line Rdr. to Black Forest Rd. or Meridian Rd. Meridian Rd. North of Hodgen Rd. is now open. Updated at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 16. 1.  The area between Highland Estates Drive west to Black Forest Rd, from Walker Rd south to Hodgen Rd. is now on Pre Evac. 2. The area west of Vollmer Rd. from Hogden Rd south to just south of Kirk Dr, then west across Wildridge Rd. just south of Basin Dr. across Black Forest Rd, just south of Country Estates Lane, turning north west to connect with the current boundary line. Kirk Dr. is now on Pre Evac Basin Dr. is now on Pre Evac Country Estates Lane is now on Pre Evac Connaught Dr. is still in the Mandatory Evac zone. Areas on the east side of Vollmer Rd are still in the Mandatory Evac zone. 3. The a small area just east of Hwy 83 including Abert Way and Chickaree Lane is now on Pre Evacuation 4. The area between Shoup Rd. south to Burgess Rd., from Howells Rd. east to Vollmer Rd. is now on Pre Evac status. Shoup Road remains closed to all citizens for the safety of emergency personnel and emergency vehicles utilizing the road to continue to fight the fire. Residents with addresses on Shoup Rd., Donavan Lane, Casey Lane, Glenridge Lane and Clear Lane will not be allowed to access their homes off of Shoup Rd. At 8 p.m. Saturday all county areas north of Hodgen Rd. and west of Black Forest Rd. and north of Walker Rd. including High Forest Ranch will open. All county areas west of Hwy 83 are now open.  All County areas east of Meridian Rd to Eastonville Rd are on Pre Evacuation status.  The area from Hwy 83 east to Black Forest Rd and Walker Rd north to County Line Rd. is on Pre Evacuation status. All mandatory evacuations inside Colorado Springs city limits were lifted Friday afternoon. Those areas are now under a voluntary evacuation. Mandatory evacuation boundaries: (Updated 6/16/13 at 11 a.m.) West Boundary is Hwy 83, from Burgess Rd to Walker Rd East Boundary is Meridian Rd, from Burgess Rd north to Walker Rd. Meridian Road is CLOSED to the Public, must have Local ID to access. South Boundary is Burgess Rd, Hwy 83 to Meridian Rd North Boundary is Walker Rd. The Red Cross has established an evacuation shelter at Palmer Ridge High School, 19255 Monument Hill Road, for anyone who has been displaced by the Black Forest Fire. Evacuation shelters at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) and the Elbert County Fairgrounds closed Saturday night.  Black Forest mail is being held at the Briargate post office at 8585 Criterion Drive. 719-265-4409 The Royal Gorge Fire The Royal Gorge Fire is 100% contained as of 6:00 p.m. Sunday. *** Highway 50 is open and all evacuations have been lifted as of 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 13. ***  The Fremont County Sheriff's Office asks that you bring your ID with you when you are reentering your neighborhood. No homes were lost.  The Royal Gorge fire was reported around 1 p.m. Tuesday. The fire is burning near the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, west of Cañon City. The Royal Gorge Fire is estimated at 3,218 acres. It is 100% contained. At least 48 structures have burned in this fire at the Royal Gorge Park. The bridge was slightly damaged. 150 seasonal park employees lost their jobs. The park's 41 full time employees will keep their jobs. They will find out where they report to in a few days and help with the rebuilding process. The seasonal employees who don't fall under regular unemployment assistance could get Disaster Unemployment Assistance.  Cañon City residents are no longer being asked to conserve water. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Ways to help Please donate food and cash to Care and Share. Please donate money to the Red Cross. You can also text DONATE to 41010 to make a $10 donation that will be charged to your phone bill. The money will go to help victims of the Black Forest Fire, Royal Gorge Fire, and the Klikus Fire. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW YOU CAN HELP. Other fires The Klikus fire near La Veta is burning near the Middle Creek area off Huerfano County Road 440. The fire has burned 42 acres. Initially, emergency notification calls went out to 200 residents. Two families were evacuated. No homes have been damaged. The Klikus fire is 100% contained.  Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:30:33 GMT 20515580 2013-06-19T03:30:33Z http://www.krdo.com/news/more-help-coming-for-black-forest-fire-evacuees/-/417220/20624404/-/cwhy78z/-/index.html Authorities on Tuesday said they will do more to provide Black Forest Fire evacuees with more convenient assistance and information. During the daily fire briefing Tuesday, El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa said the most common complaint he receives from evacuees is the county's Disaster Assistance Center on Garden of the Gods Road in west Colorado Springs is too far away from them and should be closer. The center offers a variety of services ranging from grief counseling to free legal advice. "I understand the complaint," said Maketa.  "There's cone zones, there's traffic.  I've met with fire chiefs this morning, and I've spoken to Commissioner Darryl Glenn.  I'll be working very closely with the county as well as the fire chiefs, to see if we can't establish you a satellite office in your community." Maketa said he'll announce the location in a few days. Meanwhile, Black Hills Energy has restored natural gas service to around half of the 3,700 homes affected by the fire.  Spokesman Wes Ashton said service can't be fully restored until homeowners turn their gas meters on.  Homes with a yellow stake in the yards, he said, mean repair crews have checked those homes and are waiting for homeowners to turn their gas meters on. Call 888-890-5554 if you are a homeowner who's ready to have service restored.  For emergencies, the 24-hour number is 800-694-8989. Bill Fortune of the Red Cross said three citizen help centers have been set up at Hodgen Road and Highway 83; Black Forest Square; and the School in the Woods.  He said those centers provide water and a variety of items to help evacuees safely clean up their homes and properties. Finally, there is now a website containing links to all fire-related sites.  Visit http://bffassistance.com. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:17:36 GMT 20624404 2013-06-19T03:17:36Z http://www.krdo.com/news/former-councilmember-announces-plan-to-run-for-sen-morse-seat/-/417220/20624566/-/ia9o4c/-/index.html Former Colorado Springs City Councilmember Bernie Herpin, will run for Colorado Senator John Morse’s seat. The group seeking to recall Sen. Morse -- Durango-based Basic Freedom Defense Fund – has gathered enough valid signatures for the petition.  It sets up the first recall of a state lawmaker in Colorado history.  Morse, a democrat representing Senate District 11, has been criticized for pushing gun control measures.  The measures, requiring background checks and ammunition limits, were signed into Colorado law this spring.  Morse is term-limited and has one year left in the Senate. Herpin was busy making phone calls Tuesday night to republicans who live in the district, asking for support.  He will submit his paperwork to the Secretary of State Wednesday for approval, and then begin collecting signatures from those who live within SD 11. “I never expected I would do this,” Herpin told KRDO Newschannel 13’s Heather Skold Tuesday night. “I was disappointed in the way the [gun] bill was passed without citizen input.  It upset me.  I spent 20 years in the military.  I’m a defender of our constitutional rights.” Morse has promised he would fight the recall.  Herpin was elected to Colorado Springs City Council District 4 in 2009, and unseated by Helen Collins in 2013.  “I am planning to run an issues-based campaign, not one based on mud-slinging,” said Herpin. Because this is the first time in state history a senator is facing recall, it is not clear when the election would be. Herpin is expected to make a formal announcement for his campaign Wednesday.  Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:12:41 GMT 20624566 2013-06-19T03:12:41Z http://www.krdo.com/news/tuesday-marks-one-week-since-black-forest-fire/-/417220/20624066/-/11gqdjm/-/index.html Black Forest Fire evacuees try to balance patience and understanding with anxiety and frustration about taking so long to return to their homes. At Tuesday's daily fire briefing, El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa said he understands how eager evacuees are to return -- even those whose homes were destroyed in the fire. "I'm trying to make that happen as soon as possible," he said.  "But bear in mind that some areas still are not safe, and won't be for awhile." Maketa allowed more evacuees to return Tuesday afternoon and evening.  The Cathedral Pines subdivision reopened at 2 p.m., with the area returning to pre-evacuation status -- a sign that a fire risk remains. Residents along Shoup Road were allowed to temporarily return between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.  Authorities manned several checkpoints, verified identifications and addresses, and gave returning residents red markers to register them as evacuees who belong in the area. Bill Yeager, a Black Forest resident, said he hasn't seen his home since he took a brief visit there Friday to get medicine. "It was still smoldering then," he said.  "I lost my barn.  Until I see it for myself again, I really don't know for sure how my house is.  It's tough and frustrating, but I understand there still are hot spots in there.  We've got to consider that." Earlier on Tuesday, around 11 a.m., a line of vehicles waited at the intersection of Vollmer and Burgess roads to be escorted back to neighborhoods by authorities. Maketa said there have been six burglary cases reported in the fire zone, but the gradual return of evacuees should reduce further break-ins. "I was very impressed by how tight security is," said Rich Harvey, incident commander for the fire.  "We saw a flashlight (beam) moving around in a residence Monday night.  We reported it, and seven cop cars were there in a flash." Harvey said it turns out the light was from a TV set that had been left on. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 02:49:43 GMT 20624066 2013-06-19T02:49:43Z http://www.krdo.com/news/Family-sues-over-Colo-woman-s-death-in-TV-project/-/417220/20610308/-/tg3jnd/-/index.html The survivors of a woman killed during the production of a reality TV show pilot have filed a wrongful death and negligence lawsuit against Discovery Communications Inc. and Anthropic Productions Corp. Terry Flanell's husband, Mel Bernstein also known as the Dragonman and his daughter Melanie filed the lawsuit last week in federal court in Denver. It says the companies were producing a pilot focusing on the family's Colorado Springs business, Dragon Arms Inc. The suit says in June 2012, the opening sequence was to have employees walk through a cloud of smoke, but pyrotechnic devices that were used to create the smoke malfunctioned, and one hit Flanell. The lawsuit alleges no licensed pyrotechnics operator was on scene last year for filming of the "Brothers In Arms" pilot. I emailed the Discovery channel for a comment.  A spokesperson emailed me and said no comment.  I also talked with Mel Bernstein, his daughter Melanie and their attorney who all said no comment.  Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:06:27 GMT 20610308 2013-06-19T01:06:27Z http://www.krdo.com/news/giraffe-dies-at-cheyenne-mountain-zoo/-/417220/20622220/-/wxutr0z/-/index.html One of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's giraffes has passed away. The zoo says "Becky", 32, died of old age. On Tuesday morning, June 18, just after 7 a.m., animal keepers noticed that Becky was having difficulties in her indoor exhibit. After a comprehensive examination, staff veterinarians made the humane decision to euthanize her. Becky was the gentlest giraffe in the zoo’s herd, and also the most recognizable. “Becky was the nearly-white giraffe that many guests asked about right away,” Jason Bredahl, animal care manager said. “She wasn’t white due to aging. She was simply unique. Our guests loved to single her out to feed her giraffe crackers and lettuce. It’s amazing to think about the thousands, and possibly hundreds of thousands of guests who have fond memories of her. ” A favorite to many, Becky the giraffe will be missed by zoo staff and guests. “She was a wonderful ambassador for her species,” Bredahl said. “She was also a calming influence for many giraffes in our herd. When our new African Rift Valley exhibit was built, Becky was one of the first giraffes to enter the outdoor yard – the herd looked to her for support, and without her it would’ve taken a lot longer for them to acclimate to their new surroundings.” Captive reticulated giraffes typically live into their mid to late 20s. Because of her age, animal keepers were monitoring seven key indicators of quality of life, such as healthy appetite, moving normally and showing interest in her surroundings. Becky was born at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on Jan. 9, 1981. In her lifetime, she birthed five male and seven female calves. One of her sons, Mahali, and two of her daughters, Lakeisha and Azmera, are in Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s herd. Her other offspring are animal ambassadors at other AZA accredited zoos across the country. The public is encouraged to celebrate Becky’s life by posting photos and memories of her on Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Facebook page. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:42:23 GMT 20622220 2013-06-18T23:42:23Z http://www.krdo.com/news/tornado-spotted-near-denver-airport-terminal/-/417220/20619950/-/t0dhuxz/-/index.html A tornado warning for Denver International Airport is over and no damage has been reported. Passengers had to take shelter in bathrooms and stairwells for about a half-hour Tuesday after the warning was issued. The National Weather Service said a confirmed tornado was spotted in the area.      Television coverage showed the airport's normally busy concourse was completely empty during the warning period.      As the storm passed, police briefly blocked traffic from Interstate 70 to Pena Boulevard, which connects the interstate to the airport. Dark clouds blanketed parts of the horizon over the plains to the east.      Severe thunderstorms could still produce some strong winds and hail in the area and across Colorado's eastern plains. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:28:50 GMT 20619950 2013-06-18T21:28:50Z http://www.krdo.com/news/recall-effort-against-morse-deemed-sufficient/-/417220/20619042/-/b07onuz/-/index.html A recall petition against Colorado Senate President John Morse has been deemed sufficient, setting up the first potential recall of a state lawmaker in Colorado history.      The Democrat from Colorado Springs was targeted for his support of gun control measures signed into law this spring. The gun rights supporters were especially unhappy with a new law to expand required background checks for gun purchases and to limit the size of ammunition magazines.      Morse has said he will fight the recall. If he resigns, the seat remains in Democratic hands because the party would appoint a senator to the vacancy. Democrats hold a five-seat advantage in the state Senate.      Democratic Sen. Angela Giron of Pueblo is awaiting word from the Secretary of State about a similar petition filed . Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:53:14 GMT 20619042 2013-06-18T20:53:14Z http://www.krdo.com/news/clerk-and-recorders-office-adjusts-policies-to-help-black-forest-fire-victims/-/417220/20616284/-/8l44e3z/-/index.html The El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office is temporarily changing some policies for those who have lost or had to evacuate their home.  “We are waiving fees for those who lost vital documents in the fire.  If you’re worried about replacing your home, you shouldn’t have to worry about paying fees to replace documents like your marriage license and vehicle titles,” Clerk and Recorder Wayne Williams said in a news release.  Victims of the Black Forest Fire will find the following changes in the Clerk and Recorder's Office: Recording DepartmentNo fees will be charged for replacement of copies of marriage licenses, deeds, or any other applicable documents for fire victims. This change will be in effect through Aug. 31, 2013. Motor VehicleNo fees will be charged for replacement copies of driver's licenses, vehicle registration, titles, duplicate tags, or any other applicable documents for fire victims. This change will be in effect through Aug. 31, 2013. If a vehicle's registration lapsed in May, the "grace period" for avoiding the late fee will extend from June 30 to July 15. This change will be in effect for all those in any evacuation zone, regardless of whether their home was damaged or destroyed. If a vehicle registration fee was paid between May 12 and June 12 and the vehicle was destroyed by the fire, the owner can get a full refund of their vehicle registration fee through July 15, 2013. If a vehicle was destroyed by the fire but was registered before May 12, the owner may get the amount paid for their registration credited towards the registration fees of a replacement vehicle. Clerk to the Board/Liquor LicensesLiquor-licensed businesses affected by the fire can call 719-520-6430 for information. Elections Those who experienced a home loss should expect a letter from the Elections Department regarding their voter registration options in advance of the November 2013 Coordinated Election. Fire victims can call 719-520-7322 if they have any questions or concerns they need to relay to the Clerk and Recorder's Office. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:05:23 GMT 20616284 2013-06-18T20:05:23Z http://www.krdo.com/news/fire-restrictions-issued-for-local-blm-lands/-/417220/20615964/-/s2cburz/-/index.html The Bureau of Land Management has imposed fire restrictions on most of the land it manages in Southern Colorado. Stage 1 restrictions took effect June 12, and apply to all BLM-managed lands in the counties of Baca, Bent, Chaffee, Crowley, Custer, El Paso, Fremont, Huerfano, Jefferson, Kiowa, Lake, Las Animas, Otero, Park, Prowers, Pueblo and Teller. Under stage 1 fire restrictions, the following activities are not allowed:Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, any type of charcoal-fueled broiler or open fire of any type; EXCEPT in BLM-developed campgrounds and picnic areas, and only in BLM-provided, manufactured fire grates and grills. Smoking, EXCEPT within an enclosed vehicle or building, in a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. Operating or using any internal combustion engine without a spark- arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order The following is allowed on all BLM lands:Using cooking stoves, lanterns and other appliances fueled by liquid petroleum or bottled fuels that are equipped with an on-off valve for the flame. Additionally, fireworks are not allowed at any time on any public lands managed by the BLM, U.S. Forest Service or the National Park Service. For more information about fire restrictions on other lands in your area, please contact the sheriff's office for the county in which you live. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:29:43 GMT 20615964 2013-06-18T19:29:43Z http://www.krdo.com/news/firefighters-around-us-battle-black-forest-fire/-/417220/20615488/-/th06ip/-/index.html Firefighters from all over the country fought on the Black Forest Fire's front lines Thursday.  States sent in firefighters from Minnesota, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Montana and Oregon. They're here to support local firefighters in their battle with Colorado's worst-ever wildfire. One Idaho-based group jumped into action as soon as the fire exploded a week ago. The group's leader, Justin Figgins, said it's "business as usual." Figgins and his 20-person team work for the U.S. Forest Service. They call Idaho home, but only a few months a year. They fight fires around the U.S. from late spring to late fall. Figgins said the local outreach and support made the team's work in the Black Forest Fire memorable. "I have been doing this for 13 seasons and I've probably seen this level of support maybe once or twice. It's really incredible. It makes it all worthwhile," said Figgins. Raquel Huisman and her three children waved signs and cheered as firefighters changed shifts near Pine Creek High School. Huisman and her family were evacuated from their home in Flying Horse Ranch. Their home is still standing. "They saved our home and they saved our neighborhood and we're so grateful for everything that they're doing," said Huisman. Melinda Gebauer and her two sons applauded and whistled as firefighters drove past. "(I feel) overwhelmed with happiness that they come out during this difficult time," said Gebauer. The Idaho crew left Colorado Springs Tuesday morning for their next wildfire assignment. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:10:21 GMT 20615488 2013-06-18T19:10:21Z http://www.krdo.com/news/colo-gun-accessories-maker-asking-25m-from-wyo/-/417220/20613268/-/tmg07mz/-/index.html A Colorado company that makes gun sights and other firearms accessories is seeking a $2.5 million grant from Wyoming to help it move to Laramie. The Laramie City Council is expected to vote Tuesday night on an agreement that would endorse HiViz Shooting System's grant application to the Wyoming Business Council. The Laramie Boomerang reports the deal would also back HiViz getting a loan of $600,000 or less.      HiViz is now based in Fort Collins, Colo. It announced that it would move to Wyoming in May after Colorado lawmakers passed new gun control laws.      The funding would pay for construction of a new plant on Laramie Economic Development Corp. property. The corporation is donating the land, worth about $760,000, to HiViz.      According to the documents, no other city money will be spent. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:28:19 GMT 20613268 2013-06-18T16:28:19Z http://www.krdo.com/news/gold-for-colorado-capitol-dome-back-from-italy/-/417220/20613150/-/codan8/-/index.html The gold that will be used to replace the gilding on the state Capitol dome is back in Colorado after being transformed into gold leaf in Italy. Gov. John Hickenlooper is set to accept the gold during a ceremony Tuesday morning at the Capitol.      About $120,000 worth of donated gold was mined from the Teller County Mine in Cripple Creek and shipped to Florence, Italy, in March.      Sixty-five ounces will be used to re-gild the Capitol dome. Another 10 ounces will be held in reserve for future touchups.      The gold originally put on the dome over a century ago was also mined in Colorado. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:22:30 GMT 20613150 2013-06-18T16:22:30Z http://www.krdo.com/news/tornado-causes-minor-damage-near-la-junta/-/417220/20610544/-/11sxlrh/-/index.html Another day of severe weather is expected after a tornado caused minor damage when it touched down briefly in Cheraw, about 10 miles north of La Junta on Colorado's southeastern plains. National Weather Service spokeswoman Nezette Rydell said the tornado knocked down power poles on Monday, but no injuries have been reported. The storm caused the roof at the Wallace Oil gas station to collapse. There was also damage to the La Junta airport hangar. Farther to the east, heavy rain flooded streets in Lamar. The area is among those hardest hit by the drought in the West. The conditions in southeast Colorado are rated as exceptional, the most severe in the national rating system. Rydell says people on the Front Range and the eastern plains can expect another round of severe weather on Tuesday. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:13:40 GMT 20610544 2013-06-18T14:13:40Z http://www.krdo.com/news/family-sues-over-colo-womans-death-in-tv-project/-/417220/20610286/-/t80djz/-/index.html The survivors of a woman killed during the production of a reality TV show pilot have filed a wrongful death and negligence lawsuit against Discovery Communications Inc. and Anthropic Productions Corp. Terry Flanell's husband and daughter filed the lawsuit last week in federal court in Denver. It says the companies were producing a pilot focusing on the family's Colorado Springs business, Dragon Arms Inc. The suit says the opening sequence was to have employees walk through a cloud of smoke, but pyrotechnic devices that were used to create the smoke malfunctioned, and one struck Flanell. The lawsuit alleges no licensed pyrotechnics operator was on scene last year for filming of the "Brothers In Arms" pilot. A phone number for Anthropic wasn't listed. A Discovery spokeswoman did not return a phone. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:29:44 GMT 20610286 2013-06-18T13:29:44Z http://www.krdo.com/news/army-faces-roadblocks-on-pinon-canyon-expansion/-/417220/20610276/-/rc6n1yz/-/index.html Congress has approved a plan that would bar the U.S. Army from expanding into the prairielands of Pinon Canyon. The U.S. House also approved a measure that would require the Army to complete an environmental impact study and receive federal money as a backup plan before it could happen. According to the Denver Post, local residents have complained for years that the threat of an Army training expansion has depressed land values and disrupted plans for land improvement. The measure still needs Senate approval.    Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:17:13 GMT 20610276 2013-06-18T13:17:13Z http://www.krdo.com/news/black-forest-well-water-fears/-/417220/20606100/-/6nd5lnz/-/index.html The El Paso County Department of Public Health is asking Black Forest homeowners who are allowed to return to their homes to check their water wells.  Mike McCarthy with the Health Department says if there is some damage to them you should go to the Health Department to get the test kit.  McCarthy says, "We're trying to make sure whatever went into that well is not something that will show up in any other wells in the Black Forest." The test kit and the actual test usually costs 20 dollars.  It's free to Black Forest homeowners whose wells were damaged by the fire.  Health experts say the areas where there was no damage probably means you don't need the test. The test will determine if there are any biological health risks in the water that could range from soot to fire retardant.  The experts believe it could create digestive problems.  We've put a link to the El Paso County Department Of Public Health on our home page under links we mentioned if you have any further questions. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 01:01:56 GMT 20606100 2013-06-18T01:01:56Z