The Colorado Army National Guard has helped rescue or extract at least 50 people and 20 pets as crews continue working around the clock to help communities impacted by flooding in southwestern Colorado.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joshua Holm, a pilot with the Colorado Army National Guard's Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 140th Aviation Regiment, said the Guard's aviation task force had completed 14 missions as of 11 a.m. Tuesday, accumulating 23.3 hours of flight time. The National Guard's response covers 12 counties under disaster declarations, with operations based out of Pagosa Springs in coordination with the Archuleta County Sheriff's Office and emergency management officials.

Holm said the Guard began mobilizing last Friday. Crews conducted aerial surveys to assess damage, identify people in need and determine where rescue operations were necessary. CLICK HERE TO HEAR FROM A COUPLE RESCUED.

"What I saw from the air is, you know, that community is definitely impacted and it looks like a long-term impact just from the level of devastation," Holm explained.

But he also witnessed neighbors helping one another as the flooding unfolded.

"That community also... what I saw is them coming together. There were a lot of neighbors helping neighbors," he added.

During one mission, crews were sent to check on an elderly resident to make sure she had enough supplies to last one to two weeks. While the helicopter was on the ground, nearby residents flagged down the crew, saying they were out of water and needed to be evacuated. The mission quickly turned into an extraction of an entire family and their animals from a home near County Road 500, southwest of Pagosa Springs.

The Guard was operating two helicopters out of the Pagosa Springs Airport: a UH-60 Black Hawk and a UH-72 Bravo Lakota. Both aircraft are equipped with hoisting capabilities, allowing crews to reach people in areas inaccessible to ground vehicles or larger aircraft. Holm said the Black Hawk can carry more patients while still performing hoist rescues. The smaller Lakota is particularly useful in tighter spaces and higher elevations, with visibility that makes it effective for search operations. Depending on the circumstances, crews can conduct extractions close to the ground or use hoists reaching as high as 275 feet.

"We train hoist operations and confined aerial operations frequently. It's part and parcel with our daily activities," Holm said.

For Holm, the missions are especially meaningful because they allow him to use skills he has spent much of his career developing. He joined the National Guard at 17 and grew up in a military family. Originally from Nebraska, he transferred to the Colorado National Guard in 2017 and eventually became a pilot after beginning his career in aviation maintenance.

"This is very, very fulfilling for me to be able to use, you know, a skill set that I've always desired to develop, and I can return those skills back to the community by utilizing these helicopters to do exactly what they're designed to do," he said.

The demanding operations have required crews to work long days, sometimes beginning before 6 a.m. and continuing into the evening as the Guard works to maintain nearly round-the-clock operations.

Holm said crews regularly check on one another during high-risk missions to ensure both soldiers and rescue operations remain safe.

"At the end of the day, that's who we are as Colorado guardsmen. We're your neighbors. We're here to help and we have the expertise to do that," he said.

One particularly memorable moment came after Holm and his crew rescued a family stranded in the backcountry. After safely transporting the family to Pagosa Springs, the crew later encountered them again while shopping at a local grocery store. Holm said it's uncommon for rescue crews to reconnect with the people they help after an extraction.

"So when that happens, that is pretty rewarding cause it's unique. Oftentimes we don't get to make contact with the people that we're helping," he stated.

Holm also urged the public to stay clear of restricted flight areas and avoid flying drones near rescue operations.

He said drones have become an increasingly common concern for aviation crews, but temporary flight restrictions established in coordination with the Archuleta County Sheriff's Office and emergency management officials are helping protect rescue operations. His message to the public: respect those restricted areas to protect rescue crews, aircraft and the people being transported.

Holm said the Guard's response will continue as long as necessary, with weather experts monitoring the potential for additional rain and snow heading into the weekend. He said the timeline for the mission remains dependent on changing conditions and the needs of affected communities.

"We're gonna be down there as long as necessary to get the community safe and the help that they need," Holm said.

And while the work can be demanding, Holm said Guard members are proud to be able to help their fellow Coloradans.

"At the end of the day, we are your neighbors too. This is what we train to do every day, and I know each and every one of my brothers and sisters in arms are happy to use our skill sets to help the very people that we live next to."

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A Colorado couple and their pets spent about 11 hours trapped inside their RV after floodwaters swept it down a river in Archuleta County, prompting a rescue operation involving sheriffs deputies, search and rescue personnel, and the Colorado Army National Guard.

Hank and Stacey Wills said they believed they could survive another flood at their property after experiencing high water the previous year. But as heavy rain continued last Friday, the water rose faster than they expected, eventually sweeping their RV into the river in an area southeast of Pagosa Springs along County Road 339.

We kind of knew this flood was coming, Hank Wills explained during a Teams call this week. We had the warnings that it was supposed to be raining pretty heavily and everything was saturated."

The couple had spent the previous day preparing their property, adding sandbags and tarps to protect their home and trying to move their animals to safety. They also received an evacuation warning from a sheriffs deputy. But as the water began overtopping their sandbag wall, the couple decided to leave in their RV with their pets. They initially believed they had enough time to escape after monitoring water levels at an upstream diversion dam. However, additional rain between the gauge and their property caused the water to rise faster than anticipated.

We were maybe a little braver than we should have been, obviously, Wills added.

The couples RV stalled while crossing the flooded roadway at about 10:30 p.m. Thursday after water entered the engines air intake. They called for a tow truck, but the driver could not reach them because bridges had been closed. Archuleta County sheriffs Deputy Craig Tamburelli arrived at the scene at about 2:15 a.m. Friday and found the RV submerged over its hood in fast-moving water.

Torelli threw a rope to Wills and instructed him to secure it to something sturdy inside the vehicle. The deputy then secured the line on the shore and began looking for ways to reach the stranded couple. About 20 minutes later, the water began undermining the RV, causing it to tilt toward the river.

Then the RV lifted and lurched, Wills said.

The movement ripped a table from its mounting inside the vehicle, and the RV was swept into the river. The couple said it briefly tipped onto its side before moving downstream, with water pouring inside. Wills watched through a window as the vehicle traveled down the river while Stacey Wills tried to keep their three dogs calm and safe.

I just kept praying, you know, Heavenly Father, please just let us catch something, land us somewhere, he said.

The RV eventually struck an obstruction in the river, tearing off its front axle and pushing it out of the main channel. It slid across the ground before crashing into the couples own fence, about 75 yards from their home.

The couple and their pets survived, but the RV remained on its side, leaving them stranded as water and rain continued to threaten their shelter. Wills climbed out a window to signal passing vehicles on a nearby highway, hoping someone would see them. Deputies and search and rescue personnel continued looking for a safe way to reach the RV. But the rushing water and washed-out roads prevented rescuers from approaching from either side.

Archuleta County sheriffs Deputy Director Stanley Okazaki said he arrived around 6 a.m. Friday with a drone equipped with thermal imaging, a microphone and a light. The drone allowed rescuers to communicate instructions to Wills and monitor the couple while they waited for a helicopter rescue. Because crews could not safely reach the couple by land, officials coordinated with the Colorado Army National Guard and Rocky Mountain Rescue Team to bring in a Black Hawk helicopter equipped with a hoist. Rescuers monitored Stacey Wills condition as the operation continued. She was cold but remained stable, Ozaki said.

The helicopter arrived Friday morning, and the couple and their pets were transported to Stevens Field Airport in Pagosa Springs. The rescue took about 45 minutes once the helicopter arrived, according to Ozaki.

The couple said they spent about 11 hours trapped inside the RV, trying to stay warm and keep their animals out of the rising water. At one point, they feared one of their cats had escaped through a window. They eventually discovered the cat trapped inside a drawer. Despite the frightening ordeal, the couple said their dogs and cats remained relatively calm.

Hank and Stacey Wills expressed gratitude to the deputies, search and rescue personnel and National Guard members who helped bring them to safety.

I can't thank them enough for the hard work that they put in, Hank Wills said. Putting their lives on the line for other people is... you guys are pretty incredible.

Looking back, the couple said the experience reinforced the importance of taking evacuation warnings seriously, even when conditions initially appear manageable.

When they say go, just go, Hank Wills said.

The couple is staying with family while assessing damage to their property. They said floodwaters did not enter their home, although outbuildings were damaged and mud and debris remain around the property. They also said animals they had feared were lost in the flooding survived. For now, they are focused on recovery and hoping future storms do not bring another round of dangerous flooding.

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Police were called to a reported burglary north of downtown Colorado Springs on Tuesday, leading to a large law enforcement response.

Very few details were available the last time this article was updated at about 10:10 a.m. Police tell News5 they received a call for service at about 9:15 in the morning for a home in the 1300 block of N. Weber Street. The neighborhood is near E. San Miguel Street and N. Nevada Avenue. There were concerns that someone may have been armed, but that has not been confirmed.

A suspect was barricaded in the garage of a home in the area, according to police.

At about 11:20 a.m., a shelter-in-place alert was issued for the neighborhood.

"The Colorado Springs Police Department has issued a SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER for E San Miguel St to E Caramillo St, and N Nevada east to N Wahsatch Ave due to LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY near 1300 N Weber St," a post on Peak Alerts read. "SECURE your home/business and STAY AWAY from doors and windows. SHELTER in a safe place until further notice. You will receive an alert when the order is lifted."

Click here for a map of the impacted area.

This is a developing story, and as more information becomes available, this article will be updated.

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A recall effort is underway against Colorado Springs City Councilmember Brandy Williams, with petition organizers accusing the District 3 representative of failing to respond to constituents, missing meetings, and opposing a voter-approved development authority in Old Colorado City.

Williams, who took office in April 2025, disputes the allegations, saying a serious illness limited her ability to attend meetings in person and that she continued participating virtually. She also argues that the recall effort could further disrupt a district that has experienced multiple changes in representation in recent years. The recall petition was filed with the Colorado Springs City Clerks Office by three District 3 electors: Peter Hernandez, Ali Lange and Zoe Woodruff.

In the petition, the organizers allege Williams has consistently failed to respond to emails, letters, and other forms of communication from her constituents regarding matters of concern. They also cite what they describe as a history of absences from City Council meetings and a lack of engagement during meetings she attended, including the Project Taurus appeal hearing.

The petition further alleges Williams failed to attend Meadows Park Community Center meetings despite multiple requests before its closure. Organizers also object to her role in initiating a proposal to dissolve the Old Colorado City Downtown Development Authority, which they say was widely supported by families and small-business owners in District 3.

District 3 residents who care about their community deserve a representative who responds to constituents, listens, engages, and acts in the best interest of our community by respecting public input, and demonstrating dedication to serving the community, the petition states.

Williams said she was not surprised by the recall effort, noting that rumors of a potential recall had circulated previously. However, she questioned whether a recall was the best approach for the city.

I don't think it's the best governance option for the city of Colorado Springs, Williams explained in an interview with News5.

Williams said she was hospitalized for a week in July 2025 with a kidney infection and later experienced a relapse that required another hospital stay. Her primary care physician subsequently instructed her to remain on bed rest, she said. Williams said her health prevented her from attending some council meetings in person, but she continued participating virtually.

The reason that it says that I wasn't attending council meetings is because I wasn't allowed to physically be here in person, but I did attend those meetings virtually, Williams added. So given the options that I had as a council member, I definitely exercised those.

Regarding the Meadows Park Community Center meetings, Williams said she was still recovering from her illness during the initial meeting and that other council members helped represent her. She said she later worked with city staff and the administration on the center's future. Williams also rejected the claim that she has been disengaged, pointing to her involvement in city projects and public works issues. She said she has worked to address infrastructure needs throughout the district and cited more than $40 million spent on construction in District 3 during her time in office. Williams said she understands that some residents may have difficulty receiving responses from council members, particularly when issues involve quasi-judicial proceedings that require elected officials to maintain neutrality. She said those restrictions can make it difficult to engage directly with constituents on certain matters.

On the Old Colorado City Downtown Development Authority, Williams said she believes the area needs an appropriate tool to support its future, but she does not believe a downtown development authority is necessarily the best option.

I don't believe a downtown development authority is the best option, but I would like to have the right tool for, you know, the needs of Old Colorado City, Williams said.

Williams also urged residents to consider the district's recent turnover in representation before supporting the recall. Richard Skorman, Stephanie Fortune and Michelle Tallerico held the District 3 seat before Williams, following a series of transitions that included a resignation and a completed term. Williams said another change could complicate long-term planning and development in the district.

Please don't sign the petition simply for the stability of the district, Williams said.

Williams said she plans to continue working on issues affecting District 3 and is preparing for another community town hall, which she expects to hold between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Asked whether she would resign or seek a recall election if organizers gather enough valid signatures, Williams said she has not yet decided.

The petition asks the city to initiate the recall process under Article XII of the Colorado Springs City Charter. The filing of the petition does not itself remove Williams from office. The next steps depend on the applicable city recall process and whether the effort meets the required signature threshold. The petition was filed Oct. 9, giving the petitioners until Dec. 8 to turn in about 4,300 valid signatures.

Peter Hernandez did not want to comment on camera, saying the petition speaks for itself. He referred News5 to https://www.recallbrandywilliams.com/ for updates on the signature gathering process.

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The Colorado National Guard shared a video of a rescue operation tied to the dangerous flooding in southwestern Colorado.

The video posted to social media on Sunday can be viewed at the top of this article.

"When a couple became trapped by floodwaters overtaking their recreational vehicle in southwest Colorado, the Colorado Army National Guard was there to help hoist rescue them with a UH-60 Black Hawk," a post by the Colorado National Guard reads. "In total two people, three dogs, and two cats were saved in this operation."

As of Sunday, about 100 Colorado National Guard Members were helping assist with flooding.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared a state of emergency on Oct. 22 and authorized the Colorado National Guard (CONG) to mobilize in support of flood response.

We are rapidly mobilizing to help our neighbors respond to this emergency, said Director of Joint Staff U.S. Army Brig. Gen. William DiProfio, according to a news release. The Colorado National Guard has the capability to save lives, reduce suffering, and protect property.

The CONG last supported flood response in Beulah, Colorado, during 2017.

News5 has a request to CONG for more details on the rescue operation.

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As Colorado Springs grapples with housing affordability, rising costs and the need for good-paying jobs, the regions economic future will take center stage at the 30th annual UCCS Economic Forum on Oct. 28.

The event, hosted by the University of Colorado Colorado Springs College of Business, will bring together business, government and industry leaders to discuss economic development, the defense industry, tourism and the regional economic outlook. Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, president and CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber and Economic Development Corp., will be a panelist at the forum and said it offers residents an opportunity to better understand the economic forces affecting their daily lives.

I think it's important for us to all remember that Colorado Springs is open for business, Reeder Kleymeyer said. Good paying jobs lead to a strong economy in our community and lead to an economy that affects the individuals.

The forum is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. at the Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS on Oct. 28. A welcome reception is planned from noon to 1 p.m., followed by a happy hour from 4 to 5 p.m. The program will include a plenary session on economic development in the Pikes Peak region, panel discussions on the defense economy and tourism, and an update on the regions economic outlook, according to the university.

Since its beginnings as the Southern Colorado Business Economic Outlook Forum in 1997, the annual event has served as a resource for residents, business leaders and policymakers seeking data and analysis about the regional economy. Reeder Kleymeyer said the region has diversified its economy over the years, with aerospace and defense remaining its largest primary industry alongside cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing. But she acknowledged that local families and businesses continue to face economic challenges.

We see headwinds just like in most of the country, she said. You know, families are struggling, so jobs are important to a strong economy and a strong tax base.

Business growth and local budgets

Among the challenges facing the region are local government budget deficits and the rising costs of infrastructure and public services, including roads, transportation, utilities, parks, fire protection and law enforcement.

Reeder Kleymeyer said one way to address those needs without relying on higher taxes is to expand the local business base.

Rather than charging more taxes, we should grow the pie and you can do that by adding businesses to our economy, she explained.

According to Reeder Kleymeyer, the Chamber and EDC, working with city and county partners, has announced 44 companies since 2022. Those announcements represent 6,700 new jobs and more than $2 billion in capital investment. She pointed to the ripple effects of business investment, including construction employment and increased spending at local restaurants, shops and other businesses.

Those are construction jobs, she added. Those are people going to the doctor. Those are people using education services. This is how we keep a strong economy.

Reeder Kleymeyer highlighted two companies as examples of the regions economic development efforts.

Accu-Precision recently announced plans for a new facility in the area, representing 127 jobs and $65 million in investment, she said. She also cited BlueStaq, a Colorado Springs-headquartered cybersecurity company that has grown from fewer than two dozen employees five years ago to hundreds of employees, with its Colorado workforce expected to exceed 500.

Reeder Kleymeyer said a diverse mix of employers helps the region weather economic changes because different industries may perform differently during periods of inflation, offshoring or other disruptions.

Every employer would tell you it is about the employees that work for them, she said. They're here because we have strong talent in our region, we need to continue to find opportunities for that talent to stay right here in Colorado.

Housing affordability remains a concern

Housing affordability is another issue expected to figure prominently in discussions about the regions economic outlook.

Reeder Kleymeyer said the area has added multifamily housing, helping increase supply and give renters more options. However, she said additional options are needed for people seeking to purchase single-family homes at affordable prices.

The first thing to remember is a home is where a job lives, so that's a person, she said. And we want to be sure that homeownership can be realized for all people in the Colorado Springs metro area.

She also called for a closer look at the costs and regulations involved in building new homes.

Reeder Kleymeyer said some requirements can add more than $30,000 in costs before construction begins, citing measures such as making homes ready for electric vehicle charging or solar panels. She questioned whether all such requirements are appropriate for homes intended for lower-income buyers. The Chamber and EDC plans to advocate for what Reeder Kleymeyer described as responsible regulation and a balance between safety requirements and affordability. As state lawmakers prepare for the next legislative session in January, she said the business community will emphasize increasing housing supply, shortening permitting times and reviewing requirements that add costs without compromising safety.

The way to be able to lower home prices is to increase supply, she stated.

Reeder Kleymeyer also pushed back on perceptions that the region is growing too quickly, saying residents should examine the data and consider the employment opportunities growth can provide.

If we want our children to be able to stay here, if we want opportunities for those of us that are either exiting the military and want to stay employed in our region or those that want to make changes in their job status or want to move up in what their employment opportunities are, we have to have a thriving economy, she said.

She added that the region needs smart growth to pay for infrastructure and maintain public services without continually asking existing residents to shoulder higher taxes.

Defense, data centers and the future

The forum also comes as Colorado Springs continues to assess its position as a major defense and national security hub.

Reeder Kleymeyer recently traveled to Huntsville, Alabama, with a delegation of 90 people to examine the citys economic development strategies and build relationships between the two communities. Both cities have strong workforces and significant defense-related assets, she said, arguing that their economic success should not be treated as a competition.

Huntsville doesn't have to fail for Colorado Springs to win, and Colorado Springs doesn't have to fail for Huntsville to win, Reeder Kleymeyer said.

She said both communities must plan for future opportunities and remain competitive for new military missions while supporting the military families and civilian employees who serve the country. Other potential discussion topics include inflation, fuel prices, industrial site readiness and data centers. Reeder Kleymeyer said data centers raise questions about how communities can accommodate the infrastructure needed for digital services while addressing residents concerns about whether such facilities are the right fit for their neighborhoods.

I think these are all topics that are important to discuss, she added.

The university describes the Economic Forum as a community resource that tracks key economic indicators, analyzes local and national data and provides expert commentary to help citizens, businesses and civic leaders make informed decisions. For Reeder Kleymeyer, that emphasis on data and open discussion is particularly important at a time when public debates can become polarized.

Finding good data, learning good information, sitting down and having discussion and debate and learning maybe a different opinion or a fact that you didn't know only helps us be a more well informed community, she said.

She encouraged residents to attend the forum, hear from economists and other professionals, and use that information to form their own conclusions about the regions economic future.

Come and hear from the experts, she said. Come and hear the data that's being shared from economists at UCCS and other professionals, and then make your own informed decisions.

Registration information and additional details about the 30th annual UCCS Economic Forum are available at business.uccs.edu/economic-forum.

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Throwing away a store receipt in a trash can outside a business could give thieves the information they need to steal merchandise and resell it online, Colorado Springs police warn.

The Colorado Springs Police Department's Metro Retail Pawn and Metal detectives issued the warning after two people were arrested in an Oct. 14 investigation involving suspected shoplifting, counterfeit receipts and merchandise allegedly sold on Facebook Marketplace and other online marketplaces.

According to a police blotter entry, detectives responded around 11 a.m. to a retail store in the 7100 block of North Academy Boulevard on Oct. 14 after an asset protection employee reported tracking two suspected prolific shoplifters. About 30 minutes later, the suspects allegedly attempted to steal merchandise after passing all points of sale. The asset protection employee stopped the suspects, who left a cart of merchandise behind and exited the store. Detectives located their vehicle in the parking lot and searched it, finding a machine used to make fake receipts, counterfeit receipts, a large amount of new, boxed merchandise suspected to be stolen and suspected illegal drugs, according to police.

Investigators also recovered receipts believed to have been taken from trash cans outside retail stores. During a police interview, one suspect admitted to stealing merchandise and selling it on Facebook Marketplace, the blotter said.

Derek Wilson, a public information officer with the Colorado Springs Police Department, said discarded receipts can provide thieves with a way to make stolen merchandise appear legitimate.

When you throw your receipt away in the trash outside of a local retailer, there are criminal elements that are watching and or coming back after the fact, Wilson explained.

Thieves can retrieve receipts from the trash and use them to attempt returns for merchandise they never purchased or claim items as their own when leaving a store, Wilson added. They can then resell the merchandise for profit. Police recommend shoppers hold on to their receipts and throw them away at home rather than in trash cans outside retail businesses. Wilson said retail theft can have consequences beyond the businesses directly affected.

Those retailers have to pass along the lost cost to the law-abiding consumer, so it comes back around no matter what, Wilson said.

Red flags when shopping on Facebook Marketplace

Police also are warning consumers to be cautious when buying new, unopened merchandise through online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and OfferUp.

A low price does not automatically mean an item is stolen, but Wilson said shoppers should be wary of deals that seem unusually good.

If you see a deal that sounds too good to be true, as the old adage says, it probably is, he said.

Wilson recommends asking sellers questions about the merchandise, including when they purchased it and whether they have the original receipt or other proof of purchase. Other warning signs include pressure to complete a purchase immediately, prices significantly below retail and seller profiles with little history or ratings that are all recent.

Another thing that some individuals will tell us is that they felt pressure to kind of buy now, that this won't last long, that you've got to take advantage of the offer, Wilson stated. If something feels suspicious, seems suspicious, if you feel that pressure, take a pause, do some research, ask questions, and if need be, contact local law enforcement.

Consumers should also review seller ratings and verify that the account has an established history, Wilson said. If a transaction appears suspicious, shoppers can report their concerns to the online platform and local law enforcement. Wilson recommends preserving messages, emails and text conversations with the seller, along with any available identifying information and details about the transaction. For in-person exchanges, police recommend meeting in a public place. Wilson said shoppers can also consider meeting in a police station or substation parking lot, where security cameras may provide additional protection.

Suspects face charges

According to the CSPD blotter, detectives recovered 30 grams of suspected powdered fentanyl, 81 grams of suspected psilocybin and 131 grams of suspected marijuana during the Oct. 14 investigation. Police recovered $851 in merchandise and returned it to the retailer. Investigators also found a truckload of additional merchandise they planned to return to other local retailers as the businesses were identified.

Nicole Buttery, 47, and Jarrod Davis, 37, were charged with money laundering, forgery and theft, according to police. Detectives anticipated additional drug charges following laboratory testing. Wilson said police are working to address retail theft through enforcement and public education.

We want to educate the community. That's part of why we're having this conversation, and we will enforce when necessary, he said.

His advice to consumers is straightforward: pay attention to warning signs, ask questions and trust their instincts before completing a purchase.

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A serious crash shut down a roadway east of Colorado Springs Wednesday morning.

News5 first learned of the crash just before 4 a.m. At 4:15 a.m. the Colorado State Patrol posted to social media that westbound Terminal Avenue at Conrad Street was closed due to the crash. The area is east of Powers Boulevard and north of Platte Avenue in the Cimarron Hills area.

"Preliminary reports indicate that a motorcycle rider was traveling westbound on Terminal Avenue, west of Conrad Street," part of a news release from Colorado State Patrol reads. "The rider came up to a hard right-hand turn and went through the end of the lane and collided with a large concrete barrier and the motorcycle rider was ejected."

The motorcyclist was only identified as a 24-year-old man. The roadway was back open at about 7 a.m.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Fire crews responded to multiple vehicles on fire near N. Academy Boulevard Monday morning in Colorado Springs, according to fire department.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department was called to 155 N. Academy Boulevard on the east side of the city. Engine 8, Engine 7, and Engine 11 responded to extinguish the fire.

The fire has been put out. Three vehicles are a complete loss, the fire department says.

Roads were shut down in the area at about 5 a.m., but have since reopened.

The cause of the fire and any reports of injuries were not immediately available.

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A military service member died after falling during a rappelling demonstration before a University of Texas at San Antonio football game, Nellis Air Force Base officials said.

The service member, who was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, was injured Saturday at the Alamodome and taken to a local hospital, where the service member later died, according to Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs.

The incident occurred before UTSAs annual Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans game against the U.S. Naval Academy. An investigation was underway to determine what led to the fall.

The service member was identified as U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson from Fort Stewart, Georgia.

The game continued after a brief delay. UTSA and university officials expressed condolences following the incident.

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The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has confirmed with News5 the first reported pediatric influenza-associated death of the 2026-27 respiratory virus season in an elementary-aged child from outside the Denver metro area.

State health officials said Friday there is no record that the child received the 2026-27 flu vaccine. The department did not release additional information about the child. The death comes as flu activity increases across Colorado, with hospitals reporting more positive flu tests and flu-related hospitalizations, according to CDPHE.

The state is coming off its most severe pediatric flu season on record. During the 2025-26 season, Colorado recorded 5,931 flu-related hospitalizations, the highest annual total since the state began tracking the data in 2004. Of those hospitalizations, 1,169 involved children, and eight children died from the flu.

Last years record hospitalizations were a sobering reminder of how serious the flu can be, especially for young children, said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, Colorados state epidemiologist and deputy chief medical officer.

Herlihy urged parents to get their children vaccinated before flu transmission increases further.

CDPHE recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. Officials say it takes about two weeks after vaccination for full protection to develop. Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies, doctors offices, community health centers and local public health agencies. Most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus, cover the cost of vaccination. Free or low-cost vaccines for children without insurance are available at nearly 600 locations statewide.

More information about flu activity and vaccination resources is available through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

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Colorado diesel prices have climbed to a record $6.31 per gallon on average, as refinery maintenance and global supply disruptions push fuel costs higher, according to GasBuddy.

On Tuesday, News5 saw several stations with diesel prices more than $6.50 in the Colorado Springs area, including one priced at $6.79.

Patrick De Haan, GasBuddys head of petroleum analysis, said the states average diesel price has surpassed previous records, including a high of $5.66 set earlier this year and $5.53 in 2022. The latest spike comes as diesel supplies remain tight both in the United States and overseas. De Haan said seasonal refinery maintenance following the summer driving season is contributing to price volatility in Colorado, where the market is particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions.

Colorado has only one oil refinery, meaning maintenance or other disruptions can have an outsized impact on the states fuel supply and prices.

It's just all about refineries right now and not enough diesel supply, De Haan explained.

Global conflicts are adding to the pressure. Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries have affected diesel supplies, while disruptions involving the Strait of Hormuz and reduced exports from Chinese refineries have further constrained the global market, De Haan said.

Although President Donald Trump recently announced a potential deal involving Russian fuel supplies, De Haan said it is unclear whether Russia can provide additional diesel. He noted that Russia has restricted diesel exports since July amid supply challenges.

The United States already exports about 1.5 million barrels of excess diesel per day, according to De Haan, raising questions about whether a potential deal with Russia would significantly increase the amount of fuel available globally.

Colorado's efforts to ease prices

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis recently signed an executive order intended to provide relief from high fuel prices by allowing certain changes involving dyed diesel and transportation requirements. Dyed diesel is typically reserved for off-road uses, such as farming and construction, where it receives different tax treatment. Allowing its use on public roads under specified conditions could offer some tax-related relief, De Haan said, but it would not increase the overall supply of diesel. He also cautioned that truckers traveling across state lines could face complications if neighboring states have different rules governing dyed diesel.

The biggest problem here is none of these levers are meaningfully adding diesel supply to the global market, De Haan added.

More price increases possible

De Haan said he does not expect meaningful short-term relief unless global supply conditions improve.

Diesel is also used as heating oil, particularly in parts of the northeastern United States where natural gas is not available. As temperatures drop, increased demand for heating oil could put additional pressure on diesel supplies. If winter weather is especially cold, De Haan said diesel prices could approach $7 per gallon in some areas. He said the outlook will depend largely on refinery operations, global fuel supplies and geopolitical tensions involving Russia, Ukraine and Iran.

Click here for more on fuel rewards programs in Colorado to save at the pump.

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The Colorado Heart Gallery is using the power of photography and storytelling to help children and teens in foster care find permanent, adoptive families.

Founded in 2005 as a collaboration between the Colorado Department of Human Services, nonprofit partners and volunteer photographers, the Colorado Heart Gallery features professional portraits, videos and personal narratives of youth awaiting adoption.

The images are displayed online and in traveling exhibits across the state, giving prospective parents a chance to connect with children on a more personal level.

One of the youth looking for a forever family is Troy.

Troy's bio from the Colorado Heart Gallery is below:

Calm, caring, and considerate are just a few words that describe Troy. When a subject catches his attention, he dives in with laser-like focus. Troy is passionate about gaming and loves interacting with horses and other animals. Among his animal friends, pit bulls and reptiles hold a special place in his heart, and forming attachments to them comes effortlessly to him. He finds solace in drawing and enjoys the thrill of sports and video games. Fruits, especially watermelon and mango, are his favorite snacks; he often enjoys them while listening to music. Troy has an appreciation for nature and enjoys going for walks and hikes. If he could choose superpowers, he would pick invisibility and X-ray vision. His favorite colors are red and black. Troy aspires to hit the open road as a truck driver when he grows up.This tenth grader's most liked subject is math.Troy would like to live in a home with pets, where he can have his own room and be the only child; however, his caseworker will consider all family types. He has significant connections to maintain following placement. Financial assistance may be available for adoption-related services.

Families interested in learning more about Charlie or other children available for adoption and fostering can contact the Colorado Heart Gallery. You can also call (303)755-4756 for more information.

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At least one person is dead after a vehicle crashed into a concrete pylon and caught fire early Monday morning in Colorado Springs, according to police.

The Colorado Springs Police Department received a call just before 3 a.m. Monday about a vehicle fire in the 5300 block of Mark Dabling Boulevard, according to the duty lieutenant.

A person riding a bicycle spotted the burning vehicle after it had struck a concrete pylon beneath the roadway, police said. Officers and Colorado Springs Fire Department crews responded to the scene. The vehicle was fully engulfed in flames, and at least one person was inside.

Both directions of Mark Dabling Boulevard were closed between Rockrimmon Boulevard and Enterprise Road, just north of Garden of the Gods Road. Local traffic will be allowed through to reach homes in the area. The closure was still in place as of 4 a.m.

The road closure is expected to last for several hours.

As more information becomes available, this article will be updated.

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Two Pueblo officers were injured in a shooting late Saturday night after responding to a reported home invasion, according to police. The suspect died at the scene.

Police received a call about a home invasion at about 11:09 p.m. in the 1600 block of Gaylord Avenue. The neighborhood is northwest of Lake Minnequa. While officers were responding, they learned the suspect had fled in a Dodge Ram, according to a department news release.

Officers located the vehicle near Jones and Brimmer avenues and began pursuing it. The suspect abandoned the vehicle along Regency Boulevard on the west side of the city near Lehigh Park and ran into a nearby apartment complex.

Officers followed the suspect to an upstairs apartment and knocked on the door while identifying themselves as police, according to the release. The suspect opened the door, and an exchange of gunfire followed.

Two officers were injured. One was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life threatening. The other officer's condition was not immediately available.

The suspect received medical treatment but was pronounced dead at the scene. The Pueblo County Coroner's Office identified the person who died as 36-year-old Luis Antonio Morales.

The 10th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team has been activated to investigate the shooting. The officers involved and dispatchers have been placed on administrative leave, in accordance with department policy.

The investigation remains active. Police said no additional information would be released at this time.

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For Lynne Bartole, retirement didn't mean closing the book on her career. Instead, it meant finding a whole new way to use the ones she already had. Bartole, a former English teacher and avid reader, started Deja Vu Decor in 2020 after finding herself with a collection of books and few options for recycling them. Her solution was to transform those books into handmade works of art.

I was looking for some place to put my books, and a lot of places don't recycle and a lot of them won't take used books, Bartole explained. And so I thought, well, you know, I need to find a way to repurpose.

That idea has grown into a creative business featuring intricate book sculptures, decorative Christmas trees, bookmarks and other book-inspired creations. Some designs follow patterns that help Bartole determine where to cut and fold each page. Others come from a little experimentation and imagination.

I just take books, and I transform them into something that is different from what we are normally used to saying with a book, giving them longer life, Bartole added.

Her husband, Bill, has become an essential part of the operation, handling the cutting that requires power tools, transporting their creations to markets and helping prepare for shows. But don't assume a machine is doing all the work.

The pages are all individually hand-done, Bill Bartole said as he showed of work done on "Sycamore Row" by John Grisham. They're measured and marked, and then those marks get cut and folded into a tab that expands the book so you can see the actual design.

The process takes time and patience, turning each book into a one-of-a-kind piece.

I am a former English teacher. I am an avid reader. I will not destroy books, she said. I'm repurposing them.

Bartole points to an estimated 640,000 tons of hardcover books that end up in landfills, in part because their bindings can make recycling difficult. For her, book art offers a way to give some of those materials a second life. The couple has spent the past six years bringing their creations to local markets, building a following of customers who return to see what's new. Bartole said she introduces new designs each year, including new Christmas trees for this season.

They typically attend four shows a year, giving customers a chance to see the artwork up close and hear the story behind it. That personal connection is part of the appeal, especially in a world where online shopping offers seemingly endless options. For the Bartoles, selling their work in person also means connecting with the community, and spending time together in retirement.

It's been a journey, and we're going to continue the journey, Bill Bartole said.

Lynn said her husband is more than just the person hauling boxes and working in the garage. He's also her biggest supporter and most honest critic.

He keeps me, he's my, he's my best critic, and he's my best fan, she said.

The couple will bring their handmade creations to the Front Range Maker's Market, where shoppers can browse their work and find gifts that are a little more personal than something pulled from a shelf.

For Deja Vu Decor, the goal is simple: take something familiar, give it a new purpose and turn a well-loved book into something worth looking at for years to come.

FRONT RANGE MAKER'S MARKET DETAILS:

What: Front Range Maker's Market When: Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Lewis-Palmer High School, 1300 Higby Road, Monument Admission: $5 per person at the door; children 12 and younger get in free Parking: Free parking is available in the school's parking lots.

The market accepts cash and cards for admission and purchases. Visitors who leave and plan to return must have their hands stamped for re-entry.

CLICK HERE for a list of vendors.

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