Volunteers at The People's Church in Central Springs gather every Tuesday night to serve home-cooked meals to unhoused community members offering not just food, but a reminder that someone sees them.

For Bella, who has been unhoused for more than 4 years, a meal is not always a guarantee.

"It's not every day though," Bella said.

She says most people don't understand the true difficulty of life without a home.

"If people actually saw what any of us go through on a daily, maybe then they'll understand it's more difficult. It's not as easy as getting a job, getting inside. It's not that easy like people think it is," Bella said.

On Tuesday, the meal from The People's Church was the first Bella had eaten all day a sacrifice she makes without hesitation for her dog.

"This is my first meal actually of the day, yesterday I was more concerned about my dog, my child. My baby eats every day, every day she has food. I don't. I'll starve before I let her," Bella said.

Even when food comes her way, Bella passes it along.

"A lot of us share all of our food. There are days that I've even had food delivered, homemade food brought to me specifically, and I give it to my brother," Bella said, "I give and give."

I joined Michele Reckel and a team of volunteers as they prepped and packaged meals before heading out for distribution. The relationship the church has built with the unhoused community is what keeps the program running.

"They do trust us. They believe in what we do. We have a relationship with them, so if something is not right, they will let us know," Reckel said.

Reckel said the mission goes far deeper than food.

"It's a way to let them know they're loved. It's not just the food they're getting. We'll let them know we do love you. We do see you," Reckel said.

She, and over a dozen other volunteers, get together at 5:00 p.m. to package food and then leave to give it out to unhoused people around the area, like at Monument Valley Park.

"When I go out there, I'll sit and I'll talk to them. Majority either were raped when they're young or abused. It hurts my heart and I wish I could help every single one of them, but I can't, but I will listen to the story. I will remember their name, and I'm not there to judge. I'm just there to love and show them other people do love you. There are kind people out there like our volunteers that take their time to to do what we're doing," said Reckel.

Robert Brown now walks the same trails as a volunteer but there was a time when he was in the same position as Bella.

"During my homelessness I was hungry one day and somebody told me that this church feeds the homeless, so I came for the meal and I ended up liking the people because I felt the sincerity of what they were doing," Brown said.

Now he gives back and introduces people to a program called the Chain Breakers.

"It's for anybody struggling with any type of addiction or any trauma. We also provide a warm meal on that day for the people who come, you know, who are less fortunate," Brown said.

The anonymous group meets at the People's Church, 402 Conejos Street, every Monday at 6:30 pm. The group is always looking for donations to continue making meals and providing resources to those who are unhoused around Colorado Springs.

Disclaimer: This is sponsored content. All opinions and views are of the Urban Egg and Salsa Brava and does not reflect the same of KOAA.

A Pine Creek biomedical science teacher is being celebrated for inspiring students to pursue their passions in medicine and research.

Dr. Rebecca Keith Davie was named the winner of the month through the Teachers First program, recognized by KOAA and Urban Egg.

As the biomedical science instructor, Keith Davie teaches all years of the Project Lead the Way biomedical science program. By the time students complete the program, they have finished an independent study.

Students in the program have gone on to earn internships, work up at Anschutz to create research projects, and partner with athletic teams and programs at Pine Creek.

"She's focused on student learning, and it really shows students that there's more to medicine than being a doctor," Pine Creek High School Principal Korina Bierman said.

For some students, the program has helped shape their future goals.

"Cardiothoracic surgery has always been so special to me because my family has heart issues," a student said. "[It] really helped me find my passion."

Keith Davie credits her own upbringing for her commitment to teaching.

"I was very grateful to grow up in a household of teachers who believed in the importance of investing in our future," Keith Davie said. "I want kids to know that someday they're going to be someone's hope. They're going to be the reason why someone can hold their grandchildren for longer, and if they want to be in the medical field, I tell them that's something that you have to hold tight your whole career."

"It always goes back to hope in people," Keith Davie said.

For her students and colleagues, the recognition is well-deserved.

"Dr. Davie truly deserves the world. She is just this kind, extraordinary person who can influence you to do anything you want to do," a student said.

_____

If you know a teacher in the community, you would like to nominate, there is a link to do so below.

Teachers First Award Qualifications

AWARD

One teacher a month, from September through May will be chosen to receive the award. Teachers First recipients will receive $500 for classroom supplies for the following year. They will receive a $100 gift card that may be used at any Salsa Brava or Urban Egg location.

PURPOSE

To recognize and honor teachers who exemplify excellence in teaching. To encourage and inspire others. To raise the importance of the teaching profession.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must currently teach in a Southern Colorado accredited public or private K-12 school.

NOMINATION PROCESS AND RESTRICTIONS

Nominations will be accepted all year. Applications received in the summer months will be considered the following semester. Please do not submit additional support materials (photos, DVDs, audio cassettes)

Nominations must include:

The Nomination Form Letter of Nomination

CLICK HERE to submit your nomination online. Nominations can also be submitted by mail - DOWNLOAD THE FORM HERE. Nomination materials will not be returned. Only complete nominations will be considered. The winner will be featured on News5. (W

inner, nominee, and school agree to be featured on News5.)

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

Describe specific examples of how this teacher cares. Describe how this teacher provides a positive, stimulating classroom. Explain how this teacher makes a connection with his/her students. Tell what this teacher does that is above and beyond normal duties. Be specific on how the teacher helps develop successful members of the community.

Email nomination and letters of recommendation to - teachersfirst@koaa.com

Use this address for regular mail: Teachers First c/o News5, 2200 7th Ave., Pueblo, Co 81003

_____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

A man was arrested after it was reported that he sexually assaulted a child, Fountain police say.

Jeremiah Gaw, 19, was arrested on Friday and has been charged with sexual assault on a child. Police say at the time of the reported incident, he was a volunteer at Pikes Peak Christian Church on Bradley Road near Alturas Drive.

Gaw was taken to the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center. Details in the case have not yet been released.

Police are asking the public to help them find any other witnesses or victims. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Joe Tirado at 719-382-4264 or email at jtirado@fountainpd.com.

Information can also be shared to the Fountain Police Department anonymous tip line at 719-382-4200 or the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 719-634-STOP-7867 or 1-800-222-8477.

___

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

A new day treatment program in Pueblo is aiming to help students who struggle in traditional classrooms by combining education and mental health services, giving students and families an option closer to home.

For nearly 14 years, Pueblo students who needed specialized education and behavioral health support had to leave their community to get it. Now, after eight years of planning, the new day treatment program is bringing those services back to Pueblo.

See the full story from Pueblo reporter Owen Skornik-Hayes in the video below New day treatment in Pueblo

Shiloh Academy of Pueblo, a branch of the certified 501(c)(3) Shiloh House, will serve students from school districts 60 and 70 who struggle in traditional classroom settings.

The program combines individualized instruction and academic support with therapy, counseling, and social skills development.

Molly Ramirez, deputy CEO of Shiloh House, said the change could make a real difference for students already navigating mental health challenges.

The best way to serve a child and their family is in their own community, she says. Being on a bus for two hours a day to receive necessary and vital support isn't the best way to serve them.

The program is starting small, with two classrooms, but organizers hope to eventually expand services across southern Colorado.

Michael Botello with the Pueblo County Collaborative Management Program said getting here took years of partnerships and persistence.

There were times in the past eight years we didn't think this day would happen.

The goal is to help students succeed academically, address their mental health needs and, when possible, return to a traditional school setting. Organizers say the program could begin serving students in the coming weeks, pending final approvals.

The school is located at 1000 Minnequa Avenue.

___

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

Disclaimer: This is sponsored content. All opinions and views are of Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group and does not reflect the same of KOAA.

Pueblo West junior Ethan Wagner is the definition of a student-athlete. With a 4.71 GPA, Wagner dominates in both the classroom and on the pitch, earning him recognition as News 5's Athlete of the Week.

See the full story in the video below AOTW ETHAN WAGNER

Wagner has seen tremendous growth on the pitch since his freshman year not just in his physical ability, but as a leader. Before being moved to left wing during his sophomore year, he was placed at left back. But the position never mattered to Wagner. He just wanted to go out and help the team.

"I didn't really care where I was on the field as long as I was on the field playing. As long as I had a ball at my foot. I didn't really care where I played. I told my coach wherever you want to put me, put me there. I just want to be on the field," Wagner said.

Wagner scored just one goal that year, and he knew he needed to fully commit if he was going to see improvement as a sophomore.

"It's taken a lot of work. Just training on your own versus just all with the team. Going out and doing it by yourself to get consistent with it," Wagner said.

He scored a team-high 14 goals as a sophomore, and he's up to 15 so far this season to go along with a team high 9 assist.

"Every time the ball hits the back of the net it gets you really excited. Then you run to the corner and find your teammates and everything. You just get really excited when you know you can support your team like that and when you know you can keep racking up the goals like that. It boosts your confidence a lot," Wagner said.

In regard to his future, Wagner has already began thinking about his career path.

"I'm looking at mainly going to schools that have engineering programs while being able to play in college as well. So I want to be able to balance the student athlete life that I'm doing right now, in college," Wagner said.

He takes it one step further. Wagner says he would be willing to turn down an athletic scholarship if that school did not offer an engineering program. He says having that degree for a lifetime is worth far more than risking his future on just soccer.

___

About Athlete of the Week

News5 works to honor the high school Athlete of the Week throughout the school year in our Wednesday evening newscasts. Were looking for that special teen who is working hard and playing right all while making parents and coaches proud.

Nominate your Athlete of the Week today! See our current and past athletes of the week, click here.

What is being billed as the worlds tallest fresh-cut Christmas tree now stands at a Southern California outlet mall.

On Monday, the Citadel Outlets in Commerce, located about 10 minutes outside of Los Angeles, welcomed the 115-foot white fir tree as it kicked off the holiday season.

Mall officials said it took three days to transport the tree from Mount Shasta in Northern California to Commerce. It was installed in the mall's Center Court.

RELATED STORY | Fresh-cut or artificial trees? What experts say is more sustainable

Over the next two weeks, workers will decorate the tree with 18,000 lights and 10,000 ornaments and bows ahead of the malls annual Tree Lighting Concert Celebration on Nov. 7.

The tree is 35 feet taller than New York Citys 80-foot Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and 70 feet taller than the Hollywood Sign, which stands 45 feet tall.

This story was originally published by Jermaine Ong with the

Scripps News Group in San Diego.

Colorado students can apply to college for free this week. The ninth annual Colorado Free Application Days is happening Tuesday through Thursday.

The three-day event allows students to apply to all 31 public colleges and universities as well as many private institutions in the state with waived fees to remove financial barriers for those looking to further their education.

Colorado Free Application Days encourages more students and learners to take the next step towards a successful education and career journey. Last year more than 70,000 Coloradans submitted an application, saving Coloradans $2.4 million in application fees, Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement. I encourage all Coloradans considering college or career training to take advantage of Free Application Days and explore options, submit applications for free, and move closer to achieving their goals.

All Colorado residents can apply to undergraduate programs including associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, certifications and other eligible credentials at participating institutions.

The Colorado Department of Higher Education has fee waiver instructions on its website. Instructions vary by institution.

Community colleges and area technical colleges waive application fees year-round. Several other institutions have permanently removed application fees for Colorado residents.

Pursuing education beyond high school can be a transformative step for learners at every stage of life, CDHE Executive Director JB Holston said in a statement. Whether students are graduating from high school, returning to college, or seeking new skills for todays workforce, this initiative helps more Coloradans explore their options, take the next step, and build a strong foundation for long-term success.

___

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

Todays Forecast:

Tuesday will start off with temperatures in the 40s along the I-25 corridor. Towards the higher terrain, temperatures have been dipping into the 30s. Once the sun rises, temperatures will warm quickly. Any layers that were worn in the morning will be able to be shed by the afternoon. Highs will get into the 60s and 70s.

Colorado Springs forecast: High: 71; Low: 45.

Colorado Springs will have temperatures this morning in the mid-40s. Once we approach 10AM, temperatures will already be in the lower 60s. Afternoon highs will break into the lower 70s. A few clouds will move in during the afternoon, and winds will remain light.

Pueblo forecast: High: 76; Low: 45.

Morning temperatures in Pueblo are in the 40s, and these temperatures will stick around through 9AM. Afterwards temperatures are expected to skyrocket with highs eventually reaching the mid-70s. Mostly clear conditions will last throughout the day and winds will be light between 5-10mph.

Canon City forecast: High: 73; Low: 48.

Canon City is waking up to temperatures in the 50s. There are a few clouds in the area, but there will still be plenty of sunshine throughout the morning. Afternoon highs will break back into the lower 70s. These conditions are expected to stick around over the next several days.

Woodland Park forecast: High: 61; Low: 39.

Woodland Park will have some chilly temperatures this morning in the 30s. By 10AM, temperatures will be in the lower 50s. Mostly clear conditions will last throughout the day and allow for highs to reach the lower 60s.

Tri-Lakes forecast: High: 66; Low: 42.

Monument and the surrounding areas will start the day with temperatures in the 40s. With a cooler morning in store, the afternoon will bring some warmer temperatures. Highs will get into the the mid-60s. Winds will stay light between 5-10mph.

Plains forecast: High: 70s; Low: 40s.

The eastern plains will have some chilly temperatures this morning in the 40s. There will be a little bit of moisture moving into the area this afternoon. A stray shower is possible across Baca county where there is more energy in the atmosphere. Most of the eastern counties will just see more clouds move in. Highs will reach the 70s.

Walsenburg and Trinidad forecast: High: 70/74; Low: 46/45.

The southern I-25 corridor will wake up to temperatures in the 40s and 50s this morning. Temperatures will warm quickly over the next several hours. Highs will top out in the lower-to-mid 70s. Winds will be staying calm during the day between 5-10mph.

Mountains forecast: High: 60s; Low: 30s.

The mountains are chilly this morning and there is some moisture in place. We are tracking a few showers further south and they are making their way across the San Luis Valley. Highs this afternoon will get into the 60s. Isolated showers will also be possible with some lightning.

Extended outlook forecast:

____

Curious about the First Alert 5 Weather Storm Impact Scale? Check out our cheatsheet explainer.

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

A years-long renovation project at Colorado Springs oldest high school is one step closer to completion.

The $100 million renovation project at Palmer High School near downtown started in May of last year. The plan includes tearing down several buildings, updating classrooms, and designing a new athletic field area.

The work is being done in phases. The new academic wing is the first, and once all that is complete work will start on the historic 1939 building.

So weve never taken students off site, Jessica Wise, executive director of engagement for The Colorado Spring Schools District 11, said. We did have a summer where we got to sneak some quick work in, but its been a careful process of allowing students to continue learning in Palmer while were building this.

This new addition to Palmer is expected to open in February of next year. The entire renovation project is expected to be complete in 2028.

___

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

The Pueblo Police Department says it is not taking part in a "Hide and Seek from the Police" event that's been circulating on social media.

The department says it's aware of a flyer that's been advertising the event scheduled for Oct. 31.

"This is NOT an official Pueblo Police Department event. The department is not organizing, sponsoring, endorsing, or participating in this event," the department said in a statement.

They're encouraging the community to verify event information through official city communication channels and to not share unverified information.

___

___

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

A new flu vaccine using messenger RNA technology is available at some King Soopers pharmacies in Colorado, offering adults 50 and older another option for protection as the state sees signs of an early flu season.

Modernas mFlusiva, the first mRNA-based flu vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, received approval in August 2026. The vaccine is indicated for adults 50 and older and has demonstrated a stronger immune response than a traditional flu vaccine in clinical trials, according to Cam Phillips, pharmacy practice coordinator for King Soopers Pharmacys Area One, which covers Colorado Springs and the Alamosa area. Click here from more on Johns Hopkins about a clinical study.

The technology behind the vaccine has been in development for several years, Phillips said, but its arrival on the market was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors.

It has been shown to actually generate a slightly better immune response as compared to a normal flu vaccine for folks that are 50 years and older, Phillips explained.

King Soopers is among a limited number of divisions within parent company Kroger carrying the vaccine this year. Stores received a small initial supply, Phillips said, although most locations still had doses available at the time of the interview.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment cautions that availability may be limited this fall. State health officials recommend that people not delay vaccination while searching for a specific product, emphasizing that receiving an available flu vaccine is the best way to ensure timely protection.

The mRNA technology could offer an additional advantage in future flu seasons because it allows manufacturers to produce and update vaccines more quickly to better match circulating strains of the virus, according to CDPHE. Moderna reported a relative vaccine efficacy rate of 26.6% based on clinical trial data. While the results are promising, additional data will be collected to better understand the vaccines performance, particularly among adults 65 and older and other populations.

Phillips encouraged people considering mFlusiva to speak with a pharmacist about whether it is the right option for them.

Our pharmacists are a great resource for providing that information and for making sure that you feel comfortable with that choice, Phillips said.

Although the vaccine uses newer technology, Phillips said its safety profile is comparable to that of other vaccines already on the market. Insurance coverage is another consideration for people interested in the new product. Phillips said most major insurance plans cover the vaccine in full, though he encouraged patients to confirm coverage with their insurer. The vaccines arrival comes as Colorado health officials warn of rising flu activity early in the season. King Soopers pharmacies have also seen increased demand for vaccinations, Phillips said.

We have had one of our busiest weeks last week just in terms of the number of vaccines we're giving, he said. We're already seeing flu cases out there in the community.

King Soopers and City Market pharmacies are also offering grocery discounts to encourage vaccination, Phillips said. Customers who receive a flu shot can get $5 off groceries, while those who receive a flu shot and an additional vaccine can get $20 off, subject to program terms.

Additional details about the promotion are available through the grocery chains websites by clicking here.

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

News 5 first showed you Michelle Gallegos' property in May after a water main break on Murray Boulevard and Airport Road left mud and debris along her property. Five months later, it happened again.

"Just destroyed my yard again," Gallegos said.

It's not only Gallegos dealing with the aftermath. Her neighbors are also cleaning up the damage themselves.

"Last time they didn't do anything. They told us it wasn't their problem," Jarid Gatchel said.

"They didn't see it as a big problem. They didn't see it as an issue," Ricardo Delgado said.

Utilities records show five breaks within a block of Murray Boulevard and Airport Road since 2013 in 2013, 2014, 2020 and 2026 with corrosion identified as the primary cause.

Colorado Springs Utilities says it has taken steps to address the issue.

"We did proactively replace around 100 ft of the steel water main. We replaced it with PVC pipe, which is a more reliable and durable pipe to try to mitigate this from happening in the future," Cassie Melvin, with CSU public affairs, said.

Utilities has also identified both water mains on Airport Road for replacement within the next three years.

But Gallegos and her neighbors have been asking for one thing: a retaining wall.

"They could put up a retaining wall," Gallegos said.

"I wish they would make it maybe build a retaining wall, help divert this from ever happening again," Gatchel said.

So I reached out to their council member, Kimberly Gold, to see if she would meet with the neighbors and see the damage firsthand. She agreed.

Gold walked the neighborhood with some of the neighbors, looking at the damage.

"I knew very little, honestly. Actually seeing it with your own eyes that that brings a different level of accountability to wanting to see a solution," Gold said.

Gold says she took the neighbors' concerns, including their request for a retaining wall, directly to Colorado Springs Utilities' CEO.

"I do have to be a little vague and what I can share because we don't want to overpromise and underdeliver, right? But the CEO has said that he will make this a priority, and that there are possible solutions that involve multiple partners that can make for a greater long term solution, so I'm going to hang on to hopefulness of that and keep in contact with him so that we can get a truly viable solution for our neighbors," Gold said.

For Gallegos replacing the pipe is a start, but it doesn't answer whether my home will be protected the next time a break happens.

"It's hard to have trust in something when it happens twice in five months," Gallegos said.

"We're hoping that we can build that trust back with them just knowing that we wanna do the right thing," Melvin said.

We Will reach out to Utilities in the coming days to ask for any updates.

Tonight's Forecast:

Overnight lows continue to stay mild in the 40s for most. Not much cloud cover is expected into the overnight while southern Colorado stays dry.

Colorado Springs forecast: Low: 46; High: 70;

Temperatures for the rest of the week will be even warmer than today. Plenty of low 70s are expected with dry time. A light breeze is expected over the coming days. The second-half of the week and weekend will bring in some changes.

Pueblo forecast: Low: 46; High: 75;

Mid-70s are expected as we look into the coming days. Dry conditions stick around throughout the work week too.

Canon City forecast: Low: 49; High: 74;

A similar trend of above average temperatures continue with Tuesday bringing in mid-70s. That dry and warmer than average trend continues through the work week. A stray chance for shower enters the forecast on Thursday.

Woodland Park forecast: Low:38; High: 58;

Temperatures warm into the upper 50s for Tuesday with dry conditions and a light breeze. Not much change is expected throughout the week. There are some shower chances by Thursday though.

Extended outlook forecast:

The rest of the work week stays mostly dry in southern Colorado. In the mountains though, shower chances are expected and by the second-half of the week even some flooding and mudslides are possible. Thursday may bring in a chance for a shower along I-25, but other than that the week stays dry and mild. The weekend will bring in more changes with a big drop in temperatures. More moisture flow is expected by then too.

____

Curious about the First Alert 5 Weather Storm Impact Scale? Check out our cheatsheet explainer.

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

The man charged in connection with a firebombing attack in Boulder that killed one person in June 2025 will change his plea on federal charges, according to court documents.

Mohammed Sabry Soliman is accused of an attack at a demonstration in support of Israeli Hostages in Gaza that injured many and left one woman dead.

In June of 2025, Soliman pleaded not guilty to federal hate crime charges filed against him. In court documents filed on Friday, court documents show a deal has been made in Mohamed Soliman's case, but those details have not been released.

Now he will spend the rest of his life in prison for throwing Molotov cocktails at the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder. He faces 12 federal charges, including nine hate crime charges. Soliman has a court date next week.

Another court filing in the case withdraws his motion to keep his family in the United States.

Hayam El Gamal, the ex-wife of Soliman, and her five children have been the subject of a legal deportation battle that has played out along with the criminal case.

Scripps News received a statement from the El Gamal family's legal team, which said in part:

"The El Gamal familys thoughts are, first and foremost, with the victims of the June 1, 2025 attack in Boulder. The family knows that no legal process can undo the harm Mr. Soliman caused. But to whatever extent possible, they hope the conclusion of his prosecution brings the victims a measure of finality and closure, and gives the Boulder community, and Colorados Jewish community in particular, an opportunity to heal."

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is shared.

___

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and parts been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

___

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

During the peak of the Aspen Acres Fire, News5 viewers generously donated to the Scripps Howard Fund to help people and organizations impacted by the wildfire across Southern Colorado.

One of the organizations receiving support is the Colorado Horse Rescue Network, a nonprofit based in Yoder that says it is the only open-admission horse shelter in Colorado.

For more than a decade, the organization has taken in horses regardless of the circumstances that brought them there.

News5 reporter Meghan Glova has more on the rescue in the video below:

News5 viewer donations help Colorado Horse Rescue Network care for horses impacted by Aspen Acres Fire

The Colorado Horse Rescue Network is an organization that started about 12 years ago with a group of friends that my mom had, Addison Barrett with the Colorado Horse Rescue Network said. They decided that horses needed some better place to be.

The rescue takes in horses through owner surrenders and auctions. It also operates a buyout program intended to keep horses from going to auction.

This year were going to have our 3,000th horse cross our database, Barrett said. Almost every day we are taking in a horse.

When the Aspen Acres Fire forced evacuations, the Colorado Horse Rescue Network stepped in.

We personally took in 21 horses from the Aspen Acres Fire between going to evacuation centers and getting horses that people...they realized they didnt have a place to go back to, Barrett said.

Barrett says the organization also delivered 250 bales of hay and more than 1,000 pounds of hay pellets to help during the fire.

Some horses displaced by the Aspen Acres Fire remain in the organization's care.

For Barrett and her family, helping animals during disasters is not new.

My mom helped with the Waldo Canyon Fire, she helped with the Black Forest Fire, Barrett said. She knows what happens when they dont have somewhere to go.

Now, Barrett says donations made by News5 viewers through the Scripps Howard Fund will help the Colorado Horse Rescue Network with the rehabilitation and care of horses impacted by the Aspen Acres Fire.

It makes my heart happy, Barrett said.

Email Senior Reporter Meghan Glova at

meghan.glova@koaa.com

.Follow

Meghan Glova KOAA

on Facebook.

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

The annual Emma Crawford Coffin Races and Festival is returning to Manitou Springs this weekend.

The event, which takes place on October 24, kicks off at 10 a.m. when the Fan Zone and coffin staging begins.

Previous Coverage: Thousands gather in Manitou Springs for 31st anniversary of the Emma Crawford Coffin Races Thousands gather in Manitou Springs for the 31st anniversary of the Emma Crawford Coffin Races

The parade starts at noon followed by the popular coffin races.

Started in 1995, the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce held the first coffin races in the nation to honor Emma Crawford, a beloved resident who died in 1891.

According to the events website:

In 1929, after years of harsh winters and spring rains, Emma and her coffin came racing down the mountainside. The young children who happened upon her remains found only the casket handles, a nameplate, and a few bones.

Last year marked the 31st anniversary of the famed event.

For details and more information, click here.

___

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

The KOAA News5 family is heartbroken to share the news of Ryan Hazelwoods passing. Ryan Hazelwood was the News Director at KOAA News5 from 2017 to 2024, but he was so much more than that.

Ryan Hazelwood was a loving man of faith. He was a husband, a father, a son, a brother, and a friend to so many. He loved his wife. He loved his daughter. He loved his son. He loved his mother. He loved his father. He loved animals and nature. He loved. That's what anyone who knew Ryan would say. He loved.

He was the man that would shovel your driveway without you needing to ask. He was the man that would change your flat tire. He was the man that would teach you how to drive in the snow. He was that man while never asking for anything in return.

He loved helping and teaching people. And after loving them, those are the things he did best. He was patient, but firm. He knew when to let up, and when to lean in. People loved him for it. The only things that seemingly didn't love him back were his sports teams. Although you can make an argument the St. Louis Cardinals loved him dearly, I never saw the Sooners or Raiders reciprocate a tenth of the love he had for them.

He loved his homes in Amarillo, Texas, and southern Colorado. He loved and built community where he lived, and that love is what made him an incredible journalist. He challenged those in power who needed to be checked. He worked on behalf of the people who might otherwise never have been heard. He fought for what was right.

Ryan held many titles over his career. He was a Photographer, a Professor, a News Director, and more. He began his career in Journalism in 1997 at KFDA in Amarillo, Texas. Ryans career in television news took him from KVII to KVUE and ultimately to KOAA News5. He also worked at a production company, and was a Broadcast Engineer and Instructor at West Texas A&M University. He was inducted into the West Texas A&M University Communication Hall of Fame in 2025. No matter where he was, or whatever industry he was in, he touched the lives of those blessed enough to be around him.

Ryan is survived by his wife Larissa, daughter Alexis, son Gannon, mother Kathy, brother Caleb, and son in law Dylan.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will likely be out for the remainder of the season after doctors discovered multiple blood clots in his lungs.

His agent Nicole Lynn posted a joint statement with the team on Monday, stating Hurts is "clinically stable and has no significant functional limitations," but he will have to be put on blood thinners.

Hurts will not be allowed to participate in "contact activities," such as football, while he undergoes treatment.

"Jalen's prognosis is very good, and we expect a full recovery," the statement said.

RELATED STORY | Jalen Hurts' future in Philadelphia is now a question mark after blood clot discovered

Hurts had been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers because of a superficial blood clot in his left calf, according to the team.

The Eagles had said in a statement last week that Hurts was injured when he took a cleat to his calf area on Oct. 4 against the Los Angeles Rams.

In the statement released by his agent on Monday, she said the blood clot in his calf was discovered by specialists in London when the team was there to play an overseas game against Jacksonville.

RELATED STORY | Descendants of chief who inspired 'Washington Redskins' logo seek return of former name

Hurts' agent said further evaluation and testing diagnosed him with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, but that they "anticipate he will have no long-term effects."

A lawsuit over one of Colorados state ballot issues is headed to court Monday morning.

An Arapahoe County man is suing over Amendment 87, which proposes a graduated income tax.

See the full story in the video below Court hearing questions on Amendment 87 two weeks before Election Day

Michael Andre Hancock, who lawyers confirmed is not the former mayor, filed suit against Secretary of State Jena Griswold and Amendment 87 proponents Chris deGruy Kennedy of the Bell Policy Center and Kiyana Newell of New Era Colorado.

The lawsuit claims those groups in charge of the signature gathering and certification process that got this measure on the ballot was done incorrectly with 9,849 signatures in question. If those signatures are revoked, the Amendment wouldnt have enough signatures to be on the ballot.

In Colorado, a ballot measure needs signatures from 5% of the total number of votes cast in the Secretary of State race in the prior general election.

The coalition behind Amendment 87, Protect Colorados Future, used both paid and volunteer signature gatherers. The lawsuit alleges that 69 of the people listed as paid gatherers werent on the list of registered and trained petition circulators.

It also challenges the secretary of state's review of the signatures.

Amendment 87 tackles Colorados flat income tax rate, instead offering a graduated tax rate. Colorado has a 4.4% flat income tax. A no vote on 87 would keep the rate the same. A yes vote on Amendment 87 would tax income by bracket and remove the flat tax rate from the Taxpayers Bill of Rights or TABOR.

Any revenue made from this change would go to the Colorado Futures Account, a proposed fund that would give money to public education, healthcare and early child care programs.

Amendment 87 is separate from Proposition 136, which is another ballot measure that could cap individual and corporate taxes at 4.4%.

Denver7 reached out to the Secretary of State Office. They wont comment on pending litigation. We also didnt hear back from the firm representing Hancock in filing the lawsuit.

A judge will hear arguments in the lawsuit Monday at 9 a.m. at the Denver City and County building.

Todays Forecast:

We will drop a few more degrees this morning before temperatures start to rise. Lows this morning will be in the 40s and 50s. Highs will still be above average. By that time, temperatures will be in the 60s and 70s. A high-pressure system will keep things calm and clear through Wednesday.

Colorado Springs forecast: High: 67 ; Low: 42.

Colorado Springs will have temperatures this morning in the lower 50s. Temperatures may briefly cool into the upper 40s, but will quickly rise as the sun comes up. Afternoon temperatures will be on the warm side eventually getting into the upper 60s. Winds will be coming out of the southwest between 5-10mph.

Pueblo forecast: High: 70; Low: 43.

Pueblo will have temperatures this morning in the lower 50s. Once the sun rises, temperatures will warm quickly. Afternoon highs will reach the lower 70s. There will be a few more clouds in the afternoon as a shortwave moves through the higher terrain. Rain chances will stay towards the mountains. Winds will also be calm.

Canon City forecast: High: 69; Low: 45.

Canon City will wake up to temperatures this morning in the 40s and 50s. Conditions are nice and clear, and afternoon temperatures will rise into the upper 60s. There will be a few areas in Fremont county that reach the lower 70s. A few more clouds are possible in the afternoon as isolated showers move through the mountains.

Woodland Park forecast: High: 60; Low: 37.

Woodland Park will start the day in the 30s. There will also be mostly clear conditions. With plenty of sunshine, afternoon highs will reach the lower 60s today. A small disturbance will move through the mountains today. A stray shower is possible, but the majority of the activity will stay towards the Continental Divide. Morning lows will be cooler on Tuesday.

Tri-Lakes forecast: High: 60s; Low: 40.

Monument and the surrounding areas will have temperatures in the 40s this morning. The day will start with plenty of sunshine and there will be a few more clouds in the afternoon. Temperatures will reach the 60s. Winds will be light between 5-10mph.

Plains forecast: High: 60s & 70s; Low: 40s.

The eastern plains are starting the day off with some mid-to-upper level clouds. Temperatures this morning are in the 40s and 50s. By the afternoon, these temperatures will be in the 60s and 70s. Winds will be light between 5-15mph.

Walsenburg and Trinidad forecast: High: 65/69; Low: 46.

The southern portion of I-25 will start the day with temperatures in the 40s. Once the sun rises, temperatures will too. By the afternoon, highs will have reached the mid-to-upper 60s. A stray shower or two is possible in the afternoon.

Mountains forecast: High: 60s; Low: 30s.

The mountains will have temperatures this morning in the 30s. A few areas closer to Westcliffe are below freezing. Afternoon highs will eventually reach the 60s. Winds may briefly increase as showers pass through. Most of the showers will be towards the Continental Divide.

Extended outlook forecast:

The next few days will continue to stay nice. This high-pressure system over the region will keep things calm through Wednesday. An incoming low-pressure system will bring some southwesterly flow over Colorado. Moisture will also be dragged into the state. The southwestern mountains will be the target of this moisture will some areas getting close to 2" of rainfall. The mountains will block this moisture from reaching I-25. Shower chances will remain isolated around 20-30% on Thursday.

____

Curious about the First Alert 5 Weather Storm Impact Scale? Check out our cheatsheet explainer.

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.