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.

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Residents in Pueblos Bessemer neighborhood are raising concerns about vehicle and property safety after the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) repaired a damaged chain-link fence separating homes from Interstate 25.

The fence was knocked down by what CDOT described as a likely errant driver on the city side of the interstate.

Crews later patched the damaged section after obtaining the necessary materials, but neighbors say the repair does not provide enough protection for the homes just feet from the busy highway.

Marty Harvey, a Bessemer resident who previously expressed concern about a hole in the fence, said she worries a vehicle could leave the roadway and strike nearby homes.

Its like they threw up paper towels or Kleenex. This is not fixing the problem, Harvey said of the repair. This is not going to stop a car. This is not going to stop a semi.

The homes sit close to southbound I-25, along the 2400 block of East Evans Avenue, with a narrow alley separating the residential properties from the interstate. Harvey said the limited space leaves little room for error if a driver loses control.

CDOT needs to come down here for themselves. Stand where Im standing, Harvey said. This alley is probably only 10 ft wide, so youve got less than 20 ft before you hit houses.

Harveys neighbor and friend, Cindy, said she appreciates that CDOT responded to the damaged fence but believes a more substantial safety measure is needed.

Im grateful they did come up and put a temporary solution on it, Cindy said. We need a sound barrier. We need a little bit more cushion for safety reasons, and its just a hazard that needs to be addressed.

When asked whether the agency plans to install a more secure barrier or sound wall along that section of I-25, CDOT said there are currently no plans to do so.

At this time, there are no plans to install a sound wall along this stretch of I-25 in Pueblo, the agency said.

The response has done little to ease residents concerns, particularly as traffic continues moving along the interstate in close proximity to their homes.

Harvey said she does not feel safe living so close to the highway, noting that distracted driving and poor weather conditions can increase the risks.

You never know, she said.

For residents, the repaired fence is a temporary fix to what they see as a larger safety issue. They want transportation officials to evaluate the narrow space between the interstate and their homes and consider additional protection.

An accident is just waiting, Harvey said. Its a matter of when.

For now, the chain-link fence has been repaired, but residents say they remain concerned about whether it would offer meaningful protection if another vehicle leaves the roadway.

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Family, friends, fellow officers, and members of the community gathered Wednesday at Praise Church to honor the life and service of Pueblo Police Corporal Stephen Biggs, a decorated officer remembered for his unwavering dedication, leadership, and commitment to those around him.

Outside the church, large American flags waved in the breeze as mourners arrived to pay their respects. The solemn scene marked a final farewell for Biggs, who died in an off-duty wakeboarding accident at Lake Pueblo.

Just over a week after his death, loved ones reflected on the impact he made both in uniform and in his personal life.

News5 reporter Owen Skornik-Hayes was at the service and has this report:

CPL. STEPHEN BIGGS HONORED

"He was loyal to his core and fiercely protective of the people he loved," said his sister, Candace Blake. "He would do anything for you. He had your back without hesitation, without question, and without fail."

Throughout his law enforcement career, Biggs earned numerous honors, including three Medal of Valor awards, 10 Letters of Commendation, and a Distinguished Service Award. Those who served alongside him said the recognition reflected the kind of officer and person he was.

"When things became chaotic, when everyone else was trying to figure out what to do next, Steve was someone you wanted standing next to you," said Aaron Weiss of the Boulder Police Department. "He was confident, steadfast, and unwavering."

Biggs' partner, Bailey Carter, remembered him as a man whose strength and character left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

"The strong, disciplined man that walked into situations most of us would have run from," Carter said. "He was stoic, he was steady, and unmistakably genuine."

Biggs began his career in local law enforcement in 2010 and spent the next 16 years serving the Pueblo community. Colleagues said he earned a reputation for integrity and reliability in a profession where trust must be earned.

"He earned the respect of people in a profession where respect isn't given easily," said Weiss. "People trusted him."

That trust and respect were evident Wednesday as law enforcement agencies from across Colorado joined family members and community supporters in celebrating Biggs' life and service.

The funeral concluded with the playing of TAPS and a 21-gun salute to the fallen officer, whose legacy of courage, loyalty, and selfless service will continue to be remembered throughout Pueblo and the law enforcement community.

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