Woodmen-Roberts Elementary in Academy School District 20 has earned a recognition for teacher collaboration and professional development shared by only three other schools across Colorado during 2026.

The honor comes from Solution Tree, the organization behind Professional Learning Communities (PLC), and is awarded to schools that demonstrate at least three years of student growth and achievement. Woodmen Roberts is only the second school in El Paso County to receive it; the first was in 2018.

For about the past six years, Academy School District 20 has been shifting its educational philosophy to incorporate PLCs as part of its core programming. That means more teacher collaboration, vertical learning integrations, and occasional two-hour delays on Fridays.

The past three years of that focus at Woodmen-Roberts have paid off. Solution Tree provides strategies to help educational districts meet their goals, and at this school that has meant creating additional collaborative space for teachers including 90 minutes each Friday, along with 12 two-hour delayed start days interspersed throughout the school year, where educators come together to discuss strategy.

"We invest in our teachers, and we know our teachers learn best when they have time to collaborate and work together to talk about student achievement. So we're able to gather together, and we're able to align ourselves," said Nate Hansen, principal at Woodmen-Roberts Elementary School.

According to Brittany Graham, a fourth-grade teacher at Woodmen-Roberts, part of the collaborative model involves vertically aligning lesson plans across grade levels, with teachers from different grades working together to identify what students need.

"What do they need more in fifth grade, or what do third graders need to come up to us just understanding a little bit more," Graham said.

The two-hour delayed starts have also made broader, school-wide collaboration possible, rather than individual grade-level teams working separately.

"The two-hour late starts have really made it possible for us to meet as a whole team, not just fourth grade in our little bubble, but the fact that we're able to meet with everybody means we're able to go further with the kids," Graham added.

According to Hansen, the school's state testing scores have improved since implementing PLCs, along with scores in math, science, and English language arts.

"The last five years, as we look at our overall student achievement and growth results, kids are starting the year higher, and they're ending the year higher. So we've seen that progress over time, so we know the work our teachers are doing is really making a difference in student learning," Hansen said.

For additional information regarding PLCs and the recent recognition of Woodmen-Roberts Elementary School, click here.

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

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Road improvements to a stretch of Higby Road in Monument measuring 5,500 feet in length were completed near the end of September by the Triview Metropolitan District. Modifications and reconstructions included everything from new asphalt to lighting, as well as two brand-new roundabouts.

Work on the improvement project, which was slated to start in 2025 and wrap up in November of 2026, started in March of this year and finished in late September. Triview Metro reports that to make up for lost time, extra crews were brought out to speed up the construction.

"It came in at about $12.5 million dollars," stated James McGrady, district manager of Triview Metropolitan District. "And the budget for the project was $12.6 (million), so we were able to complete it in record time and under budget."

The improvement project included a wide range of installations, reconstructions, and safety improvement goals, including the following items listed on the District's website:

<ul><li>Adding two roundabouts to increase traffic flow and provide traffic calming roundabouts reduce fatal and injury crashes by ~80%.</li><li>Creating pedestrian crossings for students and others.</li><li>Adding a 5-foot sidewalk on the north side of Higby and an 8-foot multi-use trail on the south side.</li><li>Providing shared bicycle lanes and center islands to prevent dangerous left turns.</li><li>Providing greater access in the event of a wildland fire.</li></ul>

The improvement project also included the installation of street lighting along the corridor, newly placed asphalt, widened roads, improved utilities, new stormline infrastructure, and the addition of raised medians throughout the project space.

The most noticeable additions are likely the two roundabouts, one of which was added directly adjacent to the main entrance of Lewis-Palmer High School.

"Before, traffic was coming by at 40-45 miles per hour. With the roundabout, it's a much slower speed and much safer," McGrady said.

KOAA reached out to Lewis-Palmer and received the following statement from Principal Jeff Zick.

The completion of the Higby Road construction project has enhanced road safety near our Lewis-Palmer High School campus. From the widening of the road, adding two roundabouts, and new shared bike lanes, the improvements will help ensure the safety of our students. We are grateful for the collaboration with Triview Metropolitan District on the project, and appreciate the patience of our students and families while the work took place.

For additional information regarding the project, click here.

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Bullying prevention starts with recognizing when a child may be struggling before that struggle turns into harmful behavior, according to a U.S. Center for SafeSport expert.

October is Bullying Prevention Month, and SafeSport Vice President for Education & Research Monica Rivera is encouraging parents and coaches to look beyond the traditional image of a bully and pay attention to what may be driving a child's behavior.

Real prevention means asking what can lead to bullying in the first place and then getting kids what they need, Rivera explained.

Rivera said children who engage in bullying behavior may be dealing with trauma, stress, changes in their identity or problems at home or school. Some may also lack other ways to cope with difficult situations.

Oftentimes, kiddos might choose bullying behavior as a way to avoid being bullied, Rivera added.

She said parents should also watch for signs that their child may be experiencing bullying, including suddenly becoming reluctant to attend practice, withdrawing from friends or showing changes in mood. Rivera encouraged parents to get curious when they notice something seems different rather than waiting for their child to come forward.

If a parent suspects that their kid might be the one who's bullying, I would say the first thing is don't panic, Rivera said. It doesn't mean you're a bad parent.

Instead, Rivera said parents should take the behavior seriously while trying to understand what is beneath it and helping their child develop healthier ways to respond. SafeSport also encourages parents to make conversations about bullying and respectful behavior part of everyday life instead of waiting for one major discussion. Parents can ask children about their experiences on sports teams, how they would handle conflict with a teammate or whether they have seen someone being left out, Rivera said. The goal is to create an ongoing dialogue so children feel comfortable speaking up when something happens.

Bullying Prevention Month is a great opportunity for parents to engage directly about the topic of bullying, but they don't really need to wait for one big conversation to do it, Rivera said.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an independent organization focused on preventing sexual, physical and emotional abuse in U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sports. The organization establishes safety policies, investigates and resolves allegations of abuse and misconduct, provides abuse-prevention education and audits national governing bodies for compliance with safety standards.

SafeSport has also released resources for parents and coaches focused on recognizing bullying, responding to bullying behavior and preventing it in sports. Click here for more on changing the cultural narrative around bullying.

Rivera said preventing bullying requires intervention and support before harmful behavior becomes a pattern.

To truly prevent bullying, we need to recognize when a young person may be struggling and respond to those needs before it shows up as harmful behavior, Rivera said in a SafeSport statement.

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DENVER This past winter season was a bust and its been an unusually hot summer here in Colorado, but that isnt stopping skiers and snowboarders from hoping this season will be far more favorable for shredding powder in the high country.

Thankfully, a strong El Nio forecast could mean wetter, snowier conditions for the Centennial State, which bodes well for drought-stricken ski resorts across the state.

Vail Resorts announces target opening dates for 2026-2027 season

Here are the tentative opening dates for Colorado ski resorts for the 2026-2027 season, with at least one of them happening (potentially) later this month:

October

A-Basin: As soon as possible in October

Key Stone: As soon as possible in late October

Winter Park Resort: As soon as possible

November

Loveland Ski Area: No date set, but Nov. 5 on average over the past five years

Breckenridge: Nov. 6, 2026

Copper Mountain: Nov. 6, 2026

Vail Mountain: Nov. 13, 2026

Powderhorn: Nov. 20, 2026

Purgatory Resort: Nov. 20, 2026

Steamboat: Nov. 21, 2026

Beaver Creek: Nov. 25, 2026

Crested Butte: Nov. 25, 2026

Granby Ranch: Nov. 25, 2026

Aspen Mountain: Nov. 26, 2026

Snowmass: Nov. 26, 2026

Telluride: Nov. 26, 2026

December

Monarch Mountain: Early-to-mid December

Ski Cooper: Dec. 9, 2026

Sunlight Mountain Resort: Dec. 11, 2026

Aspen Highlands: Dec. 12, 2026

Buttermilk: Dec. 12, 2026

Silverton Mountain: Dec. 31, 2026

While these are the targeted opening days, it's worth remembering that opening dates are subject to change based on weather and conditions.

Todays Forecast:

There will be a few more mid- to upper level clouds during the day today. With a small disturbance moving through, it will help get a few showers going over the mountains and parts of the Pikes Peak Region. Most of the area will be remaining dry and temperatures will possibly break records today.

Colorado Springs forecast: High: 83; Low: 55.

Colorado Springs will start the day off with temperatures in the 50s. This is a few degrees warmer than yesterday morning. There will be a few more clouds today and a couple of sprinkles are possible on the north side of town. Highs will likely break records getting into the lower 80s.

Pueblo forecast: High: 86; Low: 54.

Pueblo will have temperatures in the 50s this morning, and once the sun rises temperatures will also quickly warm up. Pueblo is likely out of reach from any records being broken today. There will be a few more mid-to-upper level clouds, but the sun will still peak through. Highs will get into the mid-80s.

Canon City forecast: High: 84; Low: 55

Canon City will have temperatures this morning in the mid-50s. Upper level clouds will move in this morning and into the afternoon. Highs will still be on the warmer side eventually breaking into the 80s.

Woodland Park forecast: High: 69; Low: 48.

Woodland Park will have morning temperatures in the 40s, so a light jacket may be needed. There will be some mid-to-upper level clouds pushing into the area later this morning. There will still be some sunshine and temperatures will eventually get into the 60s .

Tri-Lakes forecast: High: 79; Low: 51.

Monument and the surrounding area will have temperatures in the lower 50s. As we go throughout the morning these temperatures will warm quickly. There will be some mid-to-upper level clouds that will move in later this morning. Highs will eventually get into the upper 70s.

Plains forecast: High: 80s; Low: 50s.

The eastern plains will start off with some clear conditions, but as the morning continues there will be some mid-to-upper-level clouds that move in. Temperatures this morning will be in the 50s. By the time the afternoon rolls around, these temperatures will be in the 80s.

Walsenburg and Trinidad forecast: High: 80/83; Low: 51/50.

The southern I-25 corridor will have morning lows in the 50s, but we are still expecting a warm afternoon. Highs will be a few degrees warmer than yesterday eventually getting into the lower 80s.

Mountains forecast: High: 70s & 80s; Low: 30s & 40s.

The mountains will have more clouds and a couple of spotty showers today. Afternoon highs will be breaking into the 70s and 80s.

Extended outlook forecast:

Throughout the rest of the week, temperatures will be staying pretty consistent. Highs will continue to stay above average. Looking ahead to Sunday and Monday of next week, cooler and wetter conditions will arrive. There is some uncertainty with the track of this system which will likely shift around over the next few days.

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Two people accused of falsely reporting suspected explosives to police in Colorado Springs on Monday were arrested.

Police say they received the first call around 9:38 a.m. about a male with suspected explosive items before entering a business near Briargate Boulevard and Lexington Drive. Minutes later, a second caller reported a suspicious male at the same intersection mentioning explosives.

Colorado Springs patrol officers, the Regional Explosives Unit and the Real Time Crime Center drone support unit responded. The did a sweep of the area and businesses and included K-9 Wicket, an expert at detecting explosives.

No explosives, hazards or suspicious people were found in the area and businesses were told to operate as normal.

Investigators tried reaching back out to both callers but could not get a hold of them. A red light camera at the intersection helped detectives find a possible lead. A 30-minute time frame of camera footage was requested based on the information the callers provided during the specific and short timeline, police say.

No person matching the suspect description given was found on camera and police determined that the reports were false.

Detectives found connections between the callers and that they had court-ordered treatment obligations and a business. Police say evidence led them to believe they coordinated the fake emergencies to disrupt or avoid a scheduled appointment.

Police identified the suspects, Kevin Holod, 46, and Tamara Beasley, 45, who were briefly in the Colorado Springs area and connected to a specific vehicle.

Detectives used license plate technology to locate Holod and Beasley. They were found around 4:30 p.m. in a vehicle at a motel on N. Nevada Avenue near Austin Bluffs Parkway. They were detained, interviews and then arrested for false reporting of explosives, which is a felony.

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A plan to revitalize two of Colorado Springs' major waterways is generating both excitement and anxiety among residents who would be most affected by the changes.

See more about the plan here. Feasibility study underway for Monument and Fountain Creeks revitalization plan

Pikes Peak Waterways, the city of Colorado Springs, and Colorado Springs Utilities are partnering on the COS Creek Plan, a long-term effort to revitalize portions of Monument Creek and Fountain Creek. A feasibility study is currently underway to determine how the vision will come to life. President of Pikes Peak Waterways said the study will be complete in 2027.

"We've received some grant money which has helped us to get to this point where we can have these community meetings and begin to get the public input into the plan," said Martin.

The plan aims to connect community members, increase recreation along the waterways, and improve water quality.

Over 1,000 people have already shared comments online about the project. Pikes Peak Waterways says community members identified the top three priorities as water quality improvements, safety and homelessness, and better connections and transit.

Other priorities include:

Nature and Habitat Restoration Flood Resilience Water Quality Trails and Connectivity Parks and Gathering Spaces Recreation and Safe Creek Access Economic Development Neighborhood Revitalization Public Art and Culture

At the end of a 20-year timeline, the hope is that eight new and revitalized parks will be established.

Martin said the plan has the potential to reshape the city.

"As a native, always wondering why we hadn't done anything with our waterways, I think this plan can be transformational for our city," Martin said.

An open house was held at Roswell Community Church Monday, where more than 30 people turned out to weigh in on the future of their neighborhood.

Susan Alexander, a Roswell neighbor, described the mixed feelings many attendees brought with them.

"This comes with excitement but also anxiety because so that gets people out um because we love our neighborhood," Alexander said.

She said she left with some reassurance after learning the project has not yet solidified into a formal plan.

"We have a creek vision, and I was glad to hear that because when I thought it was more of a plan, and it made me nervous because there were aspects of it that I know would negatively impact Roswell," Alexander said.

Homelessness along the creek is among the most pressing concerns for many neighbors. Carl Anderson, a Roswell neighbor, said living near both the creek and Roswell Park has given him a clear view of what happens there day to day.

"I won't let my kids go down by the creek. We use the trail, yes, but we don't go down by the creek because of all the trash, the drug use, the defecation," Anderson said.

Alexander said she got involved in a creek cleanup over the weekend and described a persistent challenge at a well-known encampment in the area.

"We worked for a little over 3 hours and probably 2 of it was spent at one specific campsite because it wasn't occupied on Saturday. We had the opportunity to do a lot of clean up there. Well lo and behold this morning it's already reoccupied," Alexander said.

She said she is worried about enforcing encampment rules.

For many who showed up to the open house, the stakes are deeply personal.

"This is where we live. This is our homes. And yes, we want to see it improved, but we want to see it improved in the right way," Anderson said.

There are two more open houses happening this month. The next one is at the PPLD Penrose Main Library at 20 N. Cascade Avenue on October 12 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. On October 26, an open house will be held at Gaylord Hall in the Worner Center, 902 N. Cascade Avenue, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

But if people cannot make it in person, they can submit online comments here.

Tonight's Forecast:

Overnight lows for Monday will be in the 50s for most. That means temperatures will be five to eight degrees above seasonal averages. Not much cloud cover is expected into the late-night hours either.

Colorado Springs forecast: Low: 54; High: 82;

Tuesday will be at about 82-degrees for afternoon highs. That sets up the Pikes Peak Region to be 12 or 13 degrees above seasonal averages. There will be some more clouds to give a little bit of a break from the heat during the afternoon. The skies stay dry and calm.

Pueblo forecast: Low: 53; High: 86;

Mid-80s are expected for Tuesday with more clouds and dry time. The rest of the week will be slightly cooler, but our high pressure ridge sticks around.

Canon City forecast: Low: 56; High: 84;

Highs for Canon City on Tuesday are similar to Pueblo in the mid-80s, which means things will be 10 to 15 degrees above where they should be. More clouds are expected too. West of Fremont count a few stray showers could be seen Tuesday afternoon.

Woodland Park forecast: Low: 48; High: 69;

Woodland Park will see it's hottest day on Tuesday too with highs in the upper 60s, but it will still be nice and dry for most of the day. I think by the dinnertime hours, a stray shower is possible on Tuesday in Teller county, but if we can squeeze any moisture out, it will be quick moving. Otherwise, clouds are expected.

Extended outlook forecast:

After the hottest day of the week on Tuesday, southern Colorado can expect slightly cooler temperatures through the rest of the week. Highs and lows will still sit about averages, but will drop by three to five degrees. Dry conditions with plenty of sunshine continue outside too. Saturday will see the same conditions. The next hint of changes arrive with a low pressure system likely to move in late on Saturday and into Sunday and Monday. Temperatures are expected to drop by then with likely some more moisture too. That pattern change will be something to watch while the October heat sticks around.

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Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade has released his proposed 2027 budget for the city, and after a year of savings, the proposal for next year is an increase of about $110 million compared to 2026.

The total funds in the proposed 2027 budget is $1,025,130,213 compared to $914,244,032 in 2026. About $465 million of the proposed 2027 is the general fund, which is largely made up of sales tax revenue.

"What we're really focusing on is maintaining the services that we're providing, maintaining our infrastructure, and in a couple of places, adding in," Chief Financial Officer Charae McDaniel told reporters Monday morning.

The budget includes more than $2.5 million that was out of the 2026 budget because of unpaid furlough days taken by city employees. The mayor is also looking for technology upgrades for the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) and the addition of a dedicated pothole crew, which would cost taxpayers about $370,000 for four full time employees.

McDaniel said the budget proposal includes $16.1 million for employee compensation, which includes pay raises for certain employees.

The 2027 budget tells a very different story from the budget process one year ago. At the time the city was figuring out how to solve an anticipated $31 million budget shortfall. It cut one percent of city staff and required employees to take days off without pay. The city says those efforts helped solve the shortfall.

"What we're seeing is better sales tax revenue collections than we had anticipated in 2026. So when we built the 2026 budget, of course, we were at the end of 2025, and we were building that budget based on our sales tax forecast at that time," McDaniel said.

With sales tax revenues better than expected for the city, the city is also proposing to remove the furlough day in November city employees were scheduled to take.

The budget is now in the hands of Colorado Springs City Council, where several hearings will take place before a final version will be passed.

One person is dead, and another is injured following a shooting in the overnight hours of Monday, according to police.

Police responded around 1 a.m. following a ShotSpotter alert along Lynwood Lane on the city's southwest side.

When officers arrived, they found one person suffering from a gunshot wound and began providing medical aid. While treating the victim, more gunshots were heard.

Officers established a perimeter and, following a search, a person was found dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was holding an "AR-style rifle".

The victim and the suspect have not been identified at the time of this article's publication. If you or anyone you know is in crisis, help is out there; begin by calling the National Suicide Helpline at 988.

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Two people were found dead at a crash site south of Boulder Monday morning following an extensive search and rescue operation involving dozens of crews after a plane was last spotted by radar in the Eldorado Springs area Sunday evening.

During a news conference Monday morning, county sheriff officials said they received a report of the possible downed aircraft at 9:42 p.m. on Sunday from the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center.

"At that point in time, rescuers were sent out to try to locate the possible crash site. They've been doing that overnight, and again, they just restarted that effort again just a little while ago," said Boulder County Sheriff's Office spokesman Vinnie Montez earlier in the day.

Boulder County officials will hold a news conference where they'll provide an update at 4 p.m. Watch it in the video below:

The missing plane a private, single-engine fixed-wing aircraft flew out of Longmont Airport, Montez said, though information about where the plane was headed or details about its tail number were not immediately available.

"The area that we're searching right now is everything south of the city of Boulder, west of Highway 93, and all the way west to the Continental Divide," he said, as he urged the public not to fly drones in nearby trailheads.

Montez said a temporary flight restriction would also go into effect for the area as about 30 crews continue their search and rescue operation.

"If anybody does happen to be hiking today, hiking in the back country, the southern part of Boulder County, and the mountain areas, and do come across what looks like the remnants of a flight crash, please let us know by dialing 911 or getting on your satellite phone," Montez said.

At around 10:15 a.m., a MedEvac helicopter and the Civil Air Patrol found the crash site of the missing aircraft north of Eldorado Canyon State Park and south of the Flatirons, deputies said in a news release later Monday. Rescuers reached the crash site at around noon, a spokesperson with the sheriff's office said.

"Two individuals were located deceased, and no survivors were found," deputies said.

Watch Monday's earlier news conference from the Boulder County Sheriff's Office in the video below:

News conference: Boulder County officials searching for possible downed aircraft

The Boulder County Sheriffs Office, in coordination with the National Transportation Safety Board, will be conducting the investigation which will be led by the NTSB, deputies said.

The Boulder County Coroners Office is also conducting an independent investigation to determine the cause and manner of death of the two individuals. Their names will be released following positive identification and notification to family members, deputies said.

Besides the sheriffs office, Boulder County Emergency Services, Rocky Mountain rescue, Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks Rangers, Colorado Search and Rescue association, medevac, and civil air patrol are all included in the search and rescue operation, Montez said.

Voters in El Paso County should have ballots in their mailboxes by next week Monday, election officials say.

The clerk and recorder mailed about 494,500 ballots this week Monday to active registered voters in the county for the Nov. 3 General Election.

Monday morning marks an exciting moment as ballots will be on their way to eligible voters across El Paso County, El Paso County Clerk and Recorder Steve Schleiker said in a statement. Whether this is your first election or your fiftieth, your voice belongs in the conversation about our communitys future. Our team is honored to help every eligible voter take part.

Related: Colorado voter guide to the 2026 midterm election: Everything you need to know before November

The ballot has 14 statewide measure as well as local issues. Voters are encouraged to use the Colorado General Assembly Ballot Information Booklet and the El Paso County TABOR Notice that were mailed this month. Voters can return their ballot by mail, at a drop boxes or in person at a Voter Service and Polling Center.

Voters are encouraged to return their ballots early. Adequate postage on envelopes is needed for those returning ballots through the U.S. Postal Service. The clerk's office recommends to not return ballots by mail after Oct. 26.

All ballots must be returned to the Clerk and Recorder's Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.

A list of the 44, 24-hour drop box locations and Voter Service and Polling Centers can be found online.

If you don't receive a ballot by Monday, Oct. 12, you can contact the Elections Department at 791-575-VOTE (8683). The status of mail ballots can be tracked through BallotTrax.

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A proposed Buc-ee's has caused high tensions in the Tri-Lakes region, but last week, a civility meeting aimed to bring a divided community together.

Alexandra Hudson served as the event's civility expert.

The Soul of Civility

author guided about two dozen people inside the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce through conversations on civil discourse and small group sessions, something she does all around the country.

We are going to disagree," Hudson said. "But we can disagree in a way that brings out the best in us and doesnt need to destroy us.

News5 reporter Meghan Glova has more on what this civility meeting accomplished in the video below:

Tri-Lakes civility meeting aims to heal community divisions fueled by contentious Buc-ees debate

During small group sessions, attendees were given prompts to talk through with fellow neighbors including what they love about their community. For Palmer Lake resident Wesley Trimble, the hope was to learn how to best engage with people in times of controversy.

My wife and I are really interested in building better relationships and better community in Palmer Lake," Trimble said. "We've been around for more than a decade and have seen lots of change in that period."

Buc-ee's has been a contentious topic in the Tri-Lakes region for almost two years now. Shana Ball served on the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, but a vote she made in Buc-ee's favor prompted voters to recall her last year. While attending Tuesday's civility meeting, Ball told News5 "there's got to be a better way."

I still love my community and that division was so hard," Ball said. "Im here to figure out how to heal my community, even though I was recalled.

Monument resident Marilyn Holder says she has friends on both sides of the Buc-ee's issue and acknowledges it has been a divisive year.

"A lot of it really changes relationships and friendships and I don't know if they'll recover," Holder said. "That's the hope with this kind of work, that that doesn't have to be the story."

Holder says "we have more in common than we do not," something many at the event were able to agree on.

Email Senior Reporter Meghan Glova at

meghan.glova@koaa.com

.Follow

Meghan Glova KOAA

on Facebook.

Todays Forecast:

Above average temperatures will continue today with highs eventually reaching the 70s and 80s. A high-pressure system is in place and will keep us feeling nice and calm. An isolated shower or two is possible for the mountains, but most of our area will remain sunny.

Colorado Springs forecast: High: 82; Low: 53.

Colorado Springs will start the day with temperatures in the 50s. We are tracking completely clear conditions today, so this will help temperatures to get into the lower 80s. Highs are about 10 degrees above average for this time of year. Temperatures overnight and into Tuesday morning will be in the 50s.

Pueblo forecast: High: 83; Low: 52.

Pueblo will have nice and calm conditions today which is perfect for getting outside. These conditions will last over the next few days. Afternoon highs will get into the lower 80s.

Canon City forecast: High: 84; Low: 56.

Canon City will start the day with temperatures in the 50s. With plenty of sunshine, these temperatures will warm quickly. By the time we get into the afternoon, those highs will be in the mid-80s.

Woodland Park forecast: High: 74; Low: 47.

Woodland Park will have temperatures in the 40s, but will eventually warm into the mid-70s. We have plenty of sunshine in store for today. Just a few clouds possible towards the afternoon.

Tri-Lakes forecast: High: 70s & 80s; Low: 50s.

Monument and the surrounding area will start the day with lows in the 50s. Once the sun rises, temperatures will warm quickly. Highs will be on the warmer side, eventually getting into the 70s and 80s.

Plains forecast: High: 80s; Low: 50s.

The eastern plains will have temperatures this morning in the 50s. Some of the warmest temperatures will be located along highway 50. These conditions will last over the next several days.

Walsenburg and Trinidad forecast: High: 80/82; Low: 53/51.

The southern I-25 corridor will have temperatures this morning in the lower 50s. We will have plenty of sunshine today and throughout the next several days. Afternoon highs will be in the lower 80s.

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

The mountains will have a few isolated showers and clouds today. Afternoon highs are still on the warmer side making it into the 70s.

Extended outlook forecast:

Looking ahead, there's not much change in our forecast. Afternoon highs will be in the 70s and 80s throughout the week. We are continuing with the above average temperatures.

There is a chance for some cooler temperatures early next week. A trough will be moving in from the Pacific Northwest. Winds may also be a bit gusty around this time.

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SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) Once the San Francisco 49ers got going on offense, Brock Purdy and crew once again couldn't be stopped.

Brock Purdy threw two touchdown passes and Christian McCaffrey ran for a score as the 49ers scored touchdowns on three straight second-half possessions to beat the Denver Broncos 24-14 on Sunday to remain undefeated.

Both offenses struggled to generate offense on a hot day in the Bay Area, but the 49ers (4-0) took advantage of a fumbled punt return by Marvin Mims Jr. to set up a short touchdown drive in the third quarter that gave them the lead for good.

San Francisco had been held to three points on seven possessions before the takeaway that set the stage for three straight touchdowns as the Niners took advantage of injuries that knocked out both of Denver's starting cornerbacks, including two-time All Pro Patrick Surtain II.

We wanted to break through whatever that was and just be ourselves, Purdy said. I'm glad we could get some momentum going in the second half. That's why it's a four-quarter game.

Purdy capped the 28-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Deebo Samuel that made it 10-3 late in the third quarter. He then engineered a 74-yard drive that McCaffrey finished with a 1-yard run to extend the lead to 17-6 midway through the fourth after the Broncos (2-2) had settled for a field goal on fourth-and-2.

Bo Nix, who has thrived in late-game comeback situations, tried to mount another for Denver with his 13-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Waddle cutting the Niners' lead to 17-14 with a 2-point conversion with 4:05 to play.

But the 49ers sealed the win when Kittle took a screen pass behind the line of scrimmage and outraced former teammate Talanoa Hufanga for a 56-yard touchdown with 2:15 to go.

Any time you see green grass, I think I ran the entire time with a smile on my face, said Kittle, who'll turn 33 on Friday. Always outrunning younger, old teammates is always a good time, especially when theyre (27).

Purdy finished 19 of 30 for 218 yards and avoided taking a sack for a fourth straight game and had no turnovers.

Nix struggled to push the ball downfield most of the game with Denver's running game unable to loosen up the defense. He finished 25 of 42 for 214 yards and one touchdown.

We just didnt have enough offense to get a lead and then go beyond that, coach Sean Payton said. We just didnt have enough answers to get past that and get a lead.

The 49ers came in scoring touchdowns on nearly half of their possessions, but struggled to move the ball against Denver's stout defense. They punted on two of their first three possessions with Purdy getting stopped on a fourth-down sneak on the other.

San Francisco got on the board with a 24-yard field goal to tie it late in the first half, but had a chance to take the lead thwarted when a field goal was blocked on the final play of the first half to keep the game tied at 3.

I think we had plays to be made," Nix said. I think as a team there were plays out there for us that needed to be made.

Injuries

Broncos: Surtain (ankle), CB Riley Moss (ribs) and WR Pat Bryant (ankle) all left with injuries and didn't return. Payton had no immediate word on the extent of the injuries.

49ers: FB Kyle Juszczyk left with a sprained knee injury after being hit by Jahdae Barron and didn't return. ... S Marques Sigle (ankle) and CB Upton Stout (shoulder) also left. Shanahan had no immediate word on the extent of the injuries.

Up next

Broncos: Visit the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday.

49ers: Visit Seattle next Sunday.

Before you talk yourself out of applying for a college scholarship, Aliya and Sawyer Newell have a message: "give yourself a chance."

Both students received the Daniels Scholarship, a four-year program that can help cover college expenses and provides support beyond paying the bills. Neither expected to be selected.

With applications open through Oct. 15 at 4 p.m. Mountain Time, here is what students and families need to know.

What is the Daniels Scholarship?

Josh Green, senior vice president of the scholarship program at the Daniels Fund, said the organization aims to select about 200 students each year.

Watch Jaylen Lee's video report below: Daniels Scholarship applications open: Who qualifies and why local students say to apply

The scholarship helps pay for tuition, housing, meals, books and other educational expenses. At partner schools, including UCCS, Colorado College and CSU Pueblo, funding from the Daniels Fund and the institution combines to cover up to the full cost of attendance.

Recipients can attend other accredited colleges and universities in the United States, but funding varies. At non-partner schools outside Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, students can receive up to $25,000 per year. At non-partner schools within those states, the maximum is $7,500 per year.

Green said each scholar also has a scholar success officer who helps them navigate college and connect with opportunities such as internships.

Who can apply?

Applicants must:

Be graduating high school seniors residing in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah or Wyoming. Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0. Have an ACT score of at least 18 in each category, or SAT scores of at least 490 in both math and reading and writing. Meet financial requirements: household adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less on the 2025 tax return claiming the applicant as a dependent, with $10,000 more allowed for each additional dependent. Other assets are also reviewed.

Green said selection goes beyond grades and school activities. Working through high school or caring for a loved one can also help tell an applicant's story.

Every kid has a unique story, Green said.

Why take the chance?

Aliya, now a pre-med student at UCCS, planned to start at community college to keep costs down. She did not apply to a university until she advanced to the scholarship's second round.

My counselor made me do it and I was like, I'm wasting my time, she said. Like I said, small town kids like me don't get big opportunities like that.

Helping care for her father, who is paralyzed from the neck down, inspired her interest in medicine. This summer, the scholarship program connected her with an internship at Craig Hospital, where her father received rehabilitation.

I always wanted to go back there and work and give back, she said.

For Newell, a Colorado College student studying business and competing on the swim team, the scholarship eased the pressure of paying for school.

Before college, I would have had to take out a loan, Newell said.

Instead, he said, he could focus on his education and train for the swim team without the same financial worry.

Give yourself a chance because maybe someone sees something in you that you don't, Newell said.

How to apply

Start with the online application, which asks about your grades, finances and background. Students who advance complete additional steps, including essays and interviews. Green said the new class is typically announced in late March.

He encouraged students to apply early rather than risk technical problems at the deadline.

Review the full requirements and apply through the Daniels Fund website. Applications close Oct. 15 at 4 p.m. Mountain Time.

A town of about 3,000 people doesn't typically get a lot of attention leading up to a midterm election, but when nearly the entire town's government is on the ballot, it's bound to get a good look.

Palmer Lake, a small community in northern El Paso County, is electing a mayor and five of its six trustees. The town has faced numerous challenges between board members recalled, a mayor and other trustees resigning and town employees leaving their jobs.

If there's one thing the 10 candidates who participated in a forum Sunday night agree on, the town needs to get back to civility and listening to the concerns of constituents.

"I think the focus on civility points out the fact that we've been through a rough patch," said Rich Wilcox, who said he's lived in the community for decades. "It's a great small town. I call it a Friday night lights community. Everybody steps up for each other. Everybody's always been neighbors."

A proposed Buc-ees travel center created a lot of division in the small community. The business sought annexation into the town of Palmer Lake. It caused voters to then put a ballot initiative to voters requiring all annexations to go to a vote of the people and two trustees were recalled out of office.

Buc-ees withdrew its annexation application and is now in the process of gaining approval to build in El Paso County.

"I just know it's pitted people against each other who weren't necessarily against each other ever," Wilcox said.

The forum, organized by the Tri Lakes Chamber of Commerce, gave candidates an opportunity to talk about their vision if they're elected to office. They spoke about how the town should handle Buc-ees if it does get approved.

"We need leadership that's willing to make tough decisions," Ed Gonzalez, a voter in Palmer Lake, said. "I was encouraged to hear that so many of the candidates talked about the need to increase revenue."

Candidates spoke about the town's ongoing budget challenges, with concerns the town doesn't have enough money to sustain itself.

"What's critical is businesses that sell things to consumers that will raise sales tax revenue for the town," Paul Olivier, a voter and former Mayor of Palmer Lake, said. "All the other revenue from buildings, houses, things like that, that doesn't bring in the type of revenue that are needed to be able to make improvements."

The full forum will be posted to the Tri Lakes Chamber of Commerce website and social media.

Kent Hutson and Atis Jurka are running for mayor. There are 10 candidates seeking five spots on the board of trustees. The two top vote-getters will serve four year terms and the remaining three will serve two year terms.

Candidates who participated in Sunday's forum included Becky Albright, Bill Bass, Tony Beltran, Eric Alan Burton, Kathy Keeley, Karla Kerstner, Roger Moseley and Dennis Stern.

Beth Harris and John Marble did not attend. Marble said he had a challenge at his business.

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Tonight's Forecast:

After a cooler day today, southern Colorado will see a cooler evening ahead as well with lows expected to be in the lows 50s for many. A breeze sticks around into tonight as well with pretty minimal cloud cover ahead too.

Colorado Springs forecast: Low: 50; High: 81;

The Pikes Peak Region will continue to see minimal cloud cover with lows in the 50s for most. A light breeze continues with gusts between 10 or 15 MPH. Looking into next week, don't expect much change as temperatures rebound and things continue to stay calm with sunshine and dry time.

Pueblo forecast: Low: 50; High: 83;

50s are expected overnight tonight in Pueblo with minimal cloud cover. A high pressure ridge continues to build and will make temperatures rebound to be back above averages. That sets up Pueblo to see upper 70s and 80s for most of the week. Expect plenty of sunshine and dry time.

Canon City forecast: Low: 50; High: 83;

Similar overnight lows in the 50s are expect across the area. Next week will stay calm and won't change much in terms of our forecast. 80s and upper 70s return in the forecast with a light breeze, dry time and sunshine ahead.

Woodland Park forecast: Low: 47; High: 69;

Woodland Park will be slightly cooler than the rest of the forecast area. That's ahead ofa nice, warmer weekend. Temperatures rebound back above seasonal averages in the 60s and lows 70s in Teller County. That high pressure ridge we've been tracking keeps our forecast calm for the week ahead.

Extended outlook forecast: After a cooler Sunday, southern Colorado can expect rebounding temperatures to sit back above seasonal averages in in the upper 70s and 80s for most. The ridge will keep a calm trend with sunshine and mostly dry skies ahead. Tuesday will see a bit more cloud cover and maybe a stray shower possible. Even next weekend will likely stay dry and calm too.

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DENVER (Scripps News Group) A Colorado Springs man was sentenced Friday to 76 years in prison in connection to a March 2025 deadly shooting in Denver.

Augustine Vega, 37, was convicted in March of second-degree murder, aggravated robbery and burglary, among other charges.

Prosecutors say on March 8, 2025, Vega robbed a convenience store on South Colorado Boulevard then shot and killed David Maffet, 35, in the 2900 block of South Vine Street. Denver police said Vega and Maffet were known to each other.

Vega was arrested by Nebraska State Patrol troopers the following day after a high-speed chase near Gothenburg, Nebraska.

A firearm was found inside the vehicle, according to NSP.

FORT COLLINS - The Colorado State Rams lose their third consecutive game in a row on Saturday to Oregon State 56-26. The Rams defense have been one of the worst units in all of College Football.

During the game, CSU head coach Jim Mora relieved defensive coordinator Tyson Summers of his play calling duties. "Tyson was relieved of his play-calling duties. He left the field and is no longer with this program," said Mora

Kenny McClendon was calling plays for CSU in the second half. The Rams gave up 115 points the last two weeks. CSU gave up 50-plus points in back-to-back games for the first time since 1984, a season where the Rams went 3-8. The Rams have allowed 52 points per game over the last three games. The Rams are now 2-3 on the season.

The good news for CSU, is the team has a bye week. The next game for the Rams is October 15th on the road Texas State.