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New car dealership and restaurant coming to Colorado Springs off North Gate

A new Subaru car dealership is coming to Colorado Springs, but the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) says it's "not the normal location for car dealerships."

Drivers may have noticed the work taking place along North Gate Boulevard just east of I-25. The dealership is going up near Northgate and Struthers right next to the Starbucks north of the Western Museum of Mining and Industry. The Pikes Peak Regional Building Department is reporting it is a $28.8 million project.

According to planning documents, the Subaru dealership project was approved in late August.

The Pikes Peak Regional Building Department also shared news this week about a restaurant being built not far from the Subaru dealership.

"The Brinkerhoff is now under construction right outside Ford Amphitheater next to the Texas de Brazil," PPRBD posted to social media. "It's popular up in the Castle Rock area and the location will provide some pretty sweet views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range."

The Brinkerhoff is a $3.5 million project, according to PPRBD.

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Colorado leads nation in home price cuts as sellers adjust to changing market

Colorado is leading the nation when it comes to home price reductions, according to data compiled by Colorado REALTOR Cooper Thayer, but the local real estate expert says the trend does not necessarily mean the state has become a buyer's market.

About 32% of Colorado home listings had their prices reduced in August, compared with a national average of about 26%, according to an analysis by Thayer, a Realtor and spokesperson for the Colorado Association of REALTORS. Thayer said the numbers point to a widening gap between what sellers expect their homes to be worth and what buyers are willing or able to pay.

"\Wwe have the biggest discrepancy between seller and buyer expectations ever, Thayer said.

Thayer said sellers are still adjusting to a market that looks very different from the rapid price growth seen during the pandemic.

We've seen a cooldown in the market from 2021 through 2025, and a lot of sellers, especially those who purchased at the top of the market in 2021 or 2022, maybe struggling to realize that they're not going to sell their home for more than they purchased it for, he added.

At the same time, higher mortgage rates continue to limit what many buyers can afford. The average 30-year mortgage rate recently moved above 7%, adding to the monthly cost of buying a home. Thayer said buyers who can afford to enter the market are gaining negotiating power.

The typical home is closing for anywhere from 2 to 5% below the seller's original asking price, he stated.

Thayer also said seller concessions are becoming increasingly common, with buyers negotiating for help with closing costs and mortgage rates.

Many buyers are using their newfound negotiating leverage to ask for rate buydowns, ask for their closing costs to be covered, he said.

Those concessions can be significant, particularly as buyers face both high home prices and elevated borrowing costs. But Thayer said buyers should not interpret the increase in price cuts as proof that Colorado has suddenly become an affordable housing market. The changing market also creates risks for sellers who initially price their homes too high. Thayer calls the consequences the triple whammy.

1. Longer market times can then lead to additional expenses, including mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance and homeowners association fees.

2. Carrying costs.

3. Skewed perception when a home sits on the market for a long time.

Buyers after the first few weeks are going to start asking the question, why hasn't this home sold yet? Thayer said about reason number three. And even if there's nothing wrong with that house, buyers will ask, what is wrong with it?

Thayer's broader analysis of the Denver-area market found that homes that sell quickly tend to perform substantially better than properties that sit on the market and require price reductions. In the first half of 2026, homes selling within seven days received a median of 100% of their original list price, while properties that remained on the market 61 to 90 days received a median of 94.82%.

The analysis also found a significant difference among types of properties. Single-family homes in the Denver metro area sold faster and closer to their original asking prices than townhouses and condominiums during the first half of the year.

Thayer said that distinction is important when looking at Colorado's housing market as a whole.

We're still in the tale of two markets here, he said. The condo, townhouse market is completely different than the single-family market.

Ultimately, Thayer said the market may remain in this adjustment period for some time.

Nobody's expecting interest rates to shoot down anytime in the near future. Nobody's expecting a wave of new construction to be built in Colorado, he said.

The question, he said, is how long it takes sellers to adjust their expectations.

The real question is, how long is it gonna take a majority of sellers to understand and accept the fact that this is really our new baseline, at least for the next one, two, maybe three years, Thayer said.

For sellers, his advice is to price a home based on current market conditions rather than past expectations.

Price it to sell, not just price it to list, Thayer said.

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Stolen vehicle with 13-year-old inside leads to search in southeast Colorado Springs

A stolen vehicle with a 13-year-old inside led to a search on the southeast side of Colorado Springs early Wednesday morning, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD).

Golden Hill Patrol officers were dispatched to Cheyenne Meadows Road and East Meadow Drive just after 1 a.m. for a report of a motor vehicle theft.

CSPD said the officers were told that the parents of a 13-year-old were following a stolen vehicle with their child inside. According to police, the vehicle had been stolen from the 4000 block of Westmeadow Drive but had not yet been reported.

The vehicle was located near South Academy Boulevard and Highway 115, where CSPD said officers saw two juveniles flee into a field bordering Fort Carson.

Officers worked with the Real Time Crime Center, a K-9 unit, and Fort Carson military police to set up a perimeter.

CSPD said that after warnings from a K-9 officer, both children surrendered peacefully.

Officers recovered the stolen vehicle without incident.

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Temperatures Drop by a Few Degrees Today, but We Are Still Above Average

Todays Forecast:

Temperatures this morning will start off in the 40s and 50s. Mostly sunny conditions are sticking around from this high-pressure system parked over the region. Afternoon highs will break back into the upper 70s and lower 80s. These temperatures are a few degrees cooler than yesterday.

Colorado Springs forecast: High: 81; Low: 53.

Colorado Springs will have temperatures this morning in the lower 50s. Once the sun rises, our temperatures will warm quickly. Afternoon highs will get into the lower 80s. We are just tracking a few clouds throughout the day and light winds.

Pueblo forecast: High: 84; Low: 52.

Pueblo will have temperatures this morning in the lower 50s. Still tracking bright and sunny conditions this Wednesday and winds will be remaining light. Heading into the evening those temperatures will cool into the 50s and 60s.

Canon City forecast: High: 82; Low: 54.

Canon City has temperatures this morning in the mid-50s. Across Fremont county, there will be mostly clear conditions and winds are going to remain light. This high-pressure system is still in place and is the main driver for these warmer temperatures.

Woodland Park forecast: High: 68; Low: 46.

Woodland Park will get getting down into the 40s this morning. Temperatures will warm quickly though with afternoon highs eventually getting into the upper 60s. Conditions will stay nice throughout the day with just a few clouds in the afternoon.

Tri-Lakes forecast: High: 70s; Low: 40s/50s.

Monument will start the day today with lows in the 50s. Conditions throughout the day will remain nice and calm. Winds will be coming out of the southeast between 5-10mph. Afternoon highs will make it into the 70s.

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

The eastern plains will have some of the warmest temperatures across the area with afternoon highs getting into the 80s. These temperatures will be a few degrees cooler than what we experienced yesterday. Bright and sunny conditions will last throughout the day.

Walsenburg and Trinidad forecast: High: 78/80; Low: 50/49.

The southern portion of I-25 will have temperatures this morning in the upper 40s and lower 50s. Conditions will stay nice and calm with the help from this high-pressure system over the region. Highs will make it into the upper 70s and lower 80s.

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

The mountains will have a few clouds throughout the afternoon and an isolated shower or two. Winds will remain light and afternoon highs will break into the 70s.

Extended outlook forecast:

The forecast will be remaining calm over the next few days. The potential changes will arrive once we get into the back half of the weekend and into early next week. There are still some details to iron out like the timing, track, and strength of this system. It has the possibility of bringing wetter and windier conditions to southern Colorado.

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Another Colorado sheriff's office ends Flock program

The Custer County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) has ended its contract with Flock Safety, removing the automated license plate reader cameras the agency says played a role in several serious investigations. The announcement Wednesday morning comes a week after the El Paso County Sheriff's Office made a similar announcement.

A Flock contractor removed the remaining cameras from the county this past weekend, according to the Custer County Sheriff's Office.

The agency said it decided to end the program after concerns about privacy and how license plate reader databases have been used by law enforcement agencies across the country.

Here are some of the ways the Sheriff's Office said Flock was used in Custer County:

Triple homicide investigation: In November 2023, deputies issued a nationwide Be On the Lookout alert for a suspect in a Custer County triple homicide. A deputy in a neighboring county used Flock to locate the suspect's vehicle at a Walmart in Salida. The suspect had already left by the time law enforcement arrived. Suspect tracked into New Mexico: The following morning, a Flock camera in Santa Fe, New Mexico, captured the suspect's vehicle. Investigators used that information to estimate when the vehicle would reach Albuquerque. Officers intercepted the vehicle and made a high-risk traffic stop, arresting the suspect without anyone being injured. Armed juvenile carjacking: More recently, CCSO used Flock to locate a vehicle stolen during an armed carjacking in Silver Cliff. The vehicle was found in Caon City, where other agencies began and later ended a pursuit. The suspect later fired at officers and civilians while driving north on Highway 115 and carjacked two additional vehicles before being arrested by Colorado Springs police. Local warrants: The Sheriff's Office also said Flock alerts were used to notify deputies when vehicles connected to local warrants entered Custer County.Why the sheriff ended the program

CCSO said it initially had three Flock cameras. The system originally allowed license plate data to be shared with law enforcement agencies nationwide, with data automatically deleted after 30 days. The Sheriff's Office later restricted access to its data to Colorado law enforcement agencies. Colorado law prohibits law enforcement agencies in the state from sharing license plate reader data with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The law also prohibits sharing data related to reproductive health care services. The Sheriff's Office said reports of law enforcement officers misusing license plate reader databases for searches unrelated to criminal investigations raised concerns for Sheriff Smith.

The agency also said an increasing number of Custer County residents contacted the sheriff with privacy concerns and asked that the cameras be removed.

CCSO notified Flock on March 24 that it wanted to cancel the contract, according to a post on Facebook.

In early August, a vandal used a reciprocating saw to cut down two Flock camera poles on Highway 69 north of Reed Road. The remaining equipment was removed this past weekend.

The Sheriff's Office said it does not currently plan to install license plate reader cameras from another company. It also does not plan to install photo radar cameras that had previously been discussed.

The agency acknowledged that other companies offer similar technology and said those systems could present similar privacy concerns.

The full post from CCSO can be read below:

The Custer County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) has ended its contract with Flock Safety, the company that provides automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. A Flock contractor removed the last cameras this past weekend.A Proven Investigative ToolThe Flock system was important in several serious cases in Custer County.In November 2023, a triple homicide happened in Custer County. While deputies were still working the crime scene, CCSO sent a nationwide Be On the Lookout (BOLO) alert for the suspect. A deputy in a neighboring county used Flock to find the suspect's vehicle at the Walmart in Salida. The Salida Police Department and Chaffee County Sheriff's Office responded and searched the area, but the suspect had already left.The next morning, a Flock camera in Santa Fe, New Mexico, recorded the suspect's vehicle. The U.S. Marshals Task Force, along with state, county, and local officers, used that information to estimate when the suspect would reach Albuquerque. Officers got there in time to spot the vehicle and make a high-risk traffic stop. The suspect was arrested and no one was hurt.More recently, an armed juvenile carjacked a vehicle in Silver Cliff Colorado. CCSO used Flock to find the stolen vehicle in Caon City. Other agencies began and later terminated a pursuit. Later the suspect fired at officers and citizens while driving north on Highway 115. He carjacked two more vehicles before the Colorado Springs Police Department caught him.CCSO also used Flock alerts to learn when vehicles linked to local warrants entered the county.Data Retention and Sharing SafeguardsCCSO started with three Flock cameras. At first, the cameras shared license plate data with any law enforcement agency in the country. The data was deleted automatically after 30 days, which is well under Colorado's one-year storage limit. Later, CCSO allowed only Colorado law enforcement agencies to access its data.Colorado law now bars all Colorado agencies from sharing this data with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It also bars sharing data related to reproductive health care services.Public Concerns and Contract CancellationAcross the country, news reports accused some officers of misusing license plate reader databases for searches that had nothing to do with criminal investigations. Sheriff Smith was troubled that a valuable investigative tool had been misused. A growing number Custer County residents also told the Sheriff they were concerned and asked that the cameras be taken down.On March 24, 2026, CCSO told Flock it wanted to cancel the contract. In early August, a vandal used a reciprocating saw to cut down two Flock camera poles on Highway 69 north of Reed Road. This past weekend, a Flock contractor removed the rest of their equipment from our county and the contract is now over.Looking AheadThe Sheriff's Office knows other companies sell similar license plate reader systems. The other vendors could still pose some privacy issues. At this time, CCSO does not plan to install license plate reader cameras or the photo radar cameras that had been discussed in the past.

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Boo at the Bridge canceled at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in Colorado

A popular Halloween event at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park will not return this year.

Boo at the Bridge, an annual Halloween celebration at the Royal Gorge, has been canceled for 2026, according to the parks Facebook page. The post was shared on Tuesday. The event has featured Halloween-themed activities for families, including trick-or-treating, games and entertainment at the Royal Gorge Bridge. The cancellation comes as Halloween approaches, but the park has not publicly provided a reason why this years event was canceled.

News5 is reaching out to Royal Gorge Bridge & Park for more information and is working to find out what led to the decision.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Some voters in Colorado are seeing Issue 7A about the Front Range Passenger Rail when they shouldn't

Voters across Colorado Counties may be seeing a ballot question not meant for them.

The Scripps News Group confirmed that some voters across parts of Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, and Weld Counties will be seeing Issue 7A on their ballots when they are not supposed to.

Issue 7A surrounds the creation of a tax within the Front Range Passenger Rail District, which seeks to create a passenger rail line along the Front Range, known as CoCo.

Watch Previous Coverage in the Video Player Below

The Front Range Passenger Rail District includes the entirety of the following municipalities: Arvada, Boulder, Bow Mar, Broomfield, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Colorado Springs, Columbine Valley, Denver, Englewood, Federal Heights, Fort Collins, Glendale, Greenwood Village, Lafayette, Lakeside, Lakewood, Littleton, Longmont, Louisville, Loveland, Manitou Springs, Mountain View, Pueblo, Sheridan, Starkville, Superior, Trinidad and Westminster. It also includes Sterling Ranch Colorado Metropolitan Districts Nos. 1 through 7 in Douglas County.

The Colorado Secretary of State's Office is aware of the issue and says it will assist the affected counties to ensure the proper votes are counted, although their office did not provide details on how that would work.

<b>Yes, the Department is aware that Ballot Issue 7A was included on more voters ballots in Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, and Weld Counties than it should have been following the adoption of SB 26-172. The Department will assist affected Counties so that only eligible voters have their vote in this contest counted. I cant say more about what that will look like at this time, but will share as soon as possible.&nbsp;</b> <b>Counties may not begin processing ballots or counting votes in this or any contest until the 19<sup>th</sup>.&nbsp;</b>

The Scripps News Group has reached out to affected counties and the clerks for a response and what their plans will be locally and is awaiting a response.

The Scripps News Group will continue to follow this issue as Election Day approaches.

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Staying hotter than average for the rest of the week in southern Colorado

Tonight's Forecast:

Lows are expected to stay above averages overnight with a few lingering showers for Teller county while the rest of southern Colorado stays dry. Clouds will stick around for some overnight too before they clear into tomorrow.

Colorado Springs forecast: Low: 55; High: 81;

Lows will be at just about 55 degrees for Tuesday evening with a couple of clouds. Colorado Springs will stay dry for the rest of the week too. Highs will sit 10 to 15 degrees above averages through the end of the week as a high pressure ridge builds.

Pueblo forecast: Low: 55; High: 84;

Pueblo will see mid-50s overnight tonight too. Clouds will still stick around before they burn off throughout the late morning hours of Wednesday. The rest of the week will stay hot in the mid-80s in Pueblo with more sunshine and dry time. Saturday stays hot ahead of changes in Sunday and early next week with cooler temperatures and moisture.

Canon City forecast: Low: 56; High: 82;

Lows stay well above averages tonight with clouds lingering. Tomorrow will be just a few degrees cooler than today still with low to mid-80s in the forecast. The rest of the week stays hot and sunny with changes by Sunday and Monday.

Woodland Park forecast: Low: 48; High: 67;

Upper 40s are expected for Tuesday evening with a few stray showers lingering in Teller county. The rest of the week will stay in the upper 60s. By Sunday and into Monday and Tuesday, expect a major cool down with chances for rain with even a few snowflakes... More details to come.

Extended outlook forecast:

The changes we have been looking forward too still haven't arrived, but you can look forward to them by Sunday. Sunday will cool off to be slightly more seasonal across the area. Into Monday and Tuesday more moisture will be in our atmosphere so some showers can be expected for southern Colorado by then. Mountain snow will be likely by then too.

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How to put together a homecoming look on a budget

We're in the thick of homecoming dances in our area, and if your closet still doesnt have the answer, theres shopping to do. But looking good for the night doesnt have to mean spending big.

During a visit to Platos Closet in Colorado Springs, store manager Tess Bray walked News 5 through clothing options and prices, from dresses and heels to shirts and pants.

The challenge: put together a complete look while keeping an eye on the total.

Budget for the whole outfit

Start with what you can spend on everything you need, including shoes and accessories.

Bray showed dresses priced at $12 to $14, along with a $10 black dress. Some heels were priced at $9 or $10, leaving room in the budget for other finishing touches.

For my look, a $10 shirt, $18 pants and $12 shoes brought the total to $40 before tax.

Those were the prices we found during our visit. Available items, sizes and styles can change.

Be flexible with the look

If you cant find the exact outfit you pictured, try putting it together with different pieces.

Bray suggested pairing a corset top with a skirt or pants as an alternative to a dress. The store also had polos, button-ups and sweaters for shoppers considering other styles.

Try it on before checking out

I always recommend trying them on. Thats the best way to figure out if the items gonna work for you or not, Bray said.

Check the fit, buttons and zippers. Bray also suggested having someone take a photo or short video so you can see how the outfit looks and moves.

She said the store allows returns within seven days and advised shoppers to keep their receipt and leave tags attached until they decide to keep an item.

Short on time? Call ahead

Bray said shoppers can call with their size and an idea of what they want. Staff can look for options and set them aside to try on. Items can be held until the end of that day. Before heading to checkout, give the whole look a test run, and make sure it fits both you and your budget.

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Funeral services will be held on Wednesday for the Pueblo Officer who drowned in Lake Pueblo

Funeral services will be held for former Pueblo Police officer Cpl. Stephen Biggs, who died in a boating accident in September of 2026.

In a release Tuesday, the Pueblo Police Department said that family, friends, and fellow officers will be honoring Biggs during a funeral service on Wednesday.

Out of respect for the family's wishes, media will not attend the service. For those members of the public looking to pay their respects, the service will be livestreamed with the help of Praise Assembly at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

You can tune into the stream below.

Biggs died while off duty after he went missing from his boat at Lake Pueblo State Park on Sunday, Sept. 27. He was reported missing, and his body was found in the lake on Monday, Sept. 28.

Biggs was employed with the department since October 2010 and served in a variety of roles. He had 10 letters of commendation, three Medal of Valor awards, and a Distinguished Service award.

Watch Previous Coverage in the Video Player Below

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School districts respond to racist incidents at high school football games

Families from two Colorado Springs high schools say they were subjected to racist comments during football games against Lutheran High School, a private school in Parker, just south of Denver.

Families from both Sand Creek High School in District 49 and Rampart High School in District 20 have been posting about the incidents on social media. The alleged incidents happened at a game Sept. 24 for Sand Creek High School and Oct. 2 and 3 for Rampart High School.

A parent told News5 via email that Black cheerleaders from Sand Creek had racial slurs yelled at them and that another cheerleader was called Harriet Tubman.

District 49 released a statement addressing the situation.

"Leaders at Sand Creek High School are in close communication with Lutheran High School after immediately sharing their concerns with LHS and the Colorado High School Athletic Association," District 49 said.

District 20 also responded to the reports.

"Rampart administrators and athletic staff investigated the reports and shared those findings directly with Lutheran High School. In instances where concerns were reported during an event, our staff also notified Lutheran coaches and administrators at that time," District 20 said.

Lutheran High School's executive director sent me a statement on the allegations.

"We're aware of allegations of student misconduct and they take these allegations seriously and are actively investigating them," Lutheran High School's executive director said.

I also reached out to the Colorado High School Athletic Association (CHSAA), which said it is "aware of this serious situation" and called the initial reports "incredibly alarming, and they deserve our immediate attention and focus. Our office has a responsibility to pull together information from multiple sources, including our member schools. That process is ongoing."

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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New $68M aerospace manufacturing facility planned near southeast Colorado Springs, bringing over 100 jobs

A new aerospace manufacturing facility is coming to southeast Colorado Springs, bringing more than $68 million in investment, 123 new jobs and average annual wages of more than $90,000 according to Sam Arnold, the city economic development specialist.

Accu-Precision, a Littleton-based company, plans to build a roughly 110,000-square-foot facility near Aerospace Boulevard, Drennan Road and Marksheffel Road. Company representatives, local elected officials and members of the Colorado Springs Chamber and Economic Development Corporation gathered downtown Tuesday for the official announcement.

WATCH: New $68M aerospace manufacturing facility planned near southeast Colorado Springs, bringing over 100 jobs

New $68M aerospace manufacturing facility planned near southeast Colorado Springs, bringing over 100 jobs

"We want companies to know that El Paso County is a place where they can invest, grow, and build for the future," Senior Economic Development Analyst Sara Lobato said.

The company manufactures precision parts and assemblies for aerospace and industrial customers. Jobs will include manufacturing technicians, operators, engineers and supervisors.

"For us it means taking raw billets of steel and material and turning them into parts and assemblies that will be used for our customers," Michael McCue, president of Accu-Precision, said.

Company leaders said the location puts them close to the airport, Peterson Space Force Base and Fort Carson, which could help them recruit veterans and other workers.

"A lot of our positions need folks who are disciplined, will follow procedures, and will follow processes," McCue said.

For people who work and live nearby, it was the first time they had heard about the project.

"They're going to pay more and so we get better-paying jobs here. People can afford more housing. They can spend more money in the community and right, that's what it's all about," Sylvia Dorn said.

The state approved up to $1.7 million in performance-based tax credits, tied to the company meeting its job and salary commitments. Accu-Precision's expansion is also expected to qualify for El Paso County's 1.23% manufacturing sales and use tax exemption on capitalized manufacturing machinery.

Councilmember David Leinweber supports the project.

"As we bring more high paying jobs into our community, it's going to be distributed through our local economy through mom-and-pop retailers and other organizations," Leinweber said.

The company said it expects to begin hiring as early as next summer, with the facility expected to be operational in spring 2028.

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Denver woman files federal lawsuit claiming Flock cameras were misused to falsely charge her with theft

A Denver woman is filing a federal civil rights lawsuit after she says police misused Flock Safety cameras to falsely charge her with stealing a $25 package from a porch in the town of Bow Mar.

Chrisanna Elser is suing Flock Safety, the towns of Columbine Valley and Bow Mar, and two police officers. She says police tracked her movements for nearly a month and tried to tie it to the missing package.

Columbine Valley Police Sergeant Jamie Milliman issued a criminal summons to Elser at her home in Denver last September, accusing her of stealing a $25 package from a porch in Bow Mar just a few blocks away.

Watch the Full Story in the Video Player Below

"We have cameras everywhere in that town. You can't get a breath of fresh air in or out without us knowing," Milliman told Elser in bodycam footage obtained by Denver7.

The Columbine Valley Police Department said Flock Safety cameras had recorded Elser driving through Bow Mar 20 times that month.

"It's 100% no doubt, a lock. She did this. I'm I'm sorry, but it's true," Milliman told Elser in the video.

Elser says it took two weeks of calls and emails to get the summons voided, using dashcam footage from her Rivian to prove her innocence.

"It's very nerve-wracking going through there and knowing that there's probably a bell going off that says 'hey she's coming through, watch her extra carefully'. or 'watch people that don't have an address in here'. That's very concerning," she said.

Civil rights attorney Andy McNulty has now filed a federal lawsuit on Elsers behalf, questioning the legality of those actions.

"Someone is tracking your movements when you're not suspected of a crime, convicted of a crime. There's no warrant out for you for your arrest," McNulty said. "That is a search under the Constitution. It's an illegal search.

McNulty said the lawsuit could have broader implications across the country.

"We're looking to get Flock an injunction, stopping Flock from doing this across the country and here in Colorado as well," McNulty said.

Both Bow Mar and Columbine Valley declined to comment.

A spokesperson for Flock Safety sent a statement to Denver7 regarding the lawsuit:

Flock is an investigative tool used alongside other evidence to help law enforcement solve crimes. As noted in the complaint, the Flock system accurately identified the location of Ms. Elsers vehicle, while law enforcement retained responsibility for interpreting and weighing that information as part of the broader investigation. Flock stands by the accuracy and integrity of its technology and intends to vigorously defend itself in this litigation.

Elser says she was nearly placed on administrative leave because of the incident and now worries about where else she is being tracked.

"I just hope that they just do more due diligence with their information, and that looking at a tool like this is just scary," Elser said.

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Pueblo woman found guilty of first-degree murder, child abuse in death of 3-year-old son

A Pueblo woman has been found guilty of first-degree murder and child abuse in a case which left one child dead and another injured.

Samantha Kimberly, 40, was convicted Tuesday of one count of murder in the first degree, two counts of child abuse, and accessory to a crime, according to the Pueblo County District Attorney. Kimberly was convicted based on evidence presented by multiple expert witnesses, including an expert in child abuse.

Prosecutors said that her children who were 14 and 3 years old at the time of her arrest endured months of physical abuse. The abuse they said she inflicted on her 3-year-old resulted in his death from a severe brain injury, prosecutors said. The injuries the 14-year-old sustained required treatment at a Colorado Springs hospital.

We appreciate the jurys verdict in this tragic and difficult case. We extend our gratitude to the Pueblo County Sheriffs Office for their investigation and support during the prosecution to achieve justice for the victims. Any homicide case is difficult, but those challenges are amplified when the victims are children. We remain committed to protecting victims of crime and pursuing justice with the utmost care and determination, said Pueblo County District Attorney Kala Beauvais.

Kimberly was originally arrested on June 8, 2024, after Pueblo County Sheriffs Office deputies were sent to investigate a report that a 3-year-old was unconscious and not breathing normally. When they arrived, medical personnel were treating a child with visible injuries on his body.

The 14-year-old also sustained visible injuries and was treated at a local hospital before being placed with the Department of Human Services.

Kimberly will be sentenced on Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. in Division 503.

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Woodmen-Roberts Elementary recognized for teacher collaboration, professional development

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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Higby Road improvement project completed in Monument

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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SafeSport expert urges parents to look beyond bullying behavior

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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Here’s when Colorado ski resorts could open for 2026-2027 season

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.

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A few areas across southern Colorado have the potential to break record highs

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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Man and woman arrested after alleged false reporting of suspected explosives

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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