El Paso County

First responders in El Paso County held a memorial workout on Friday to honor Deputy Andrew Peery's memory. He was killed in the line of duty four years ago during an officer-involved shooting. This incident occurred on Ponderosa Drive in Security-Widefield.

The Monument Town Council unanimously supported a letter urging El Paso County Commissioners to uphold an administrative decision rejecting a proposed Buc-ee's. The letter, dated August 3, references a July 1 determination that denied the company's land use request.

The Town of Monument is urging El Paso County to deny Buc-ee’s proposed classification as a convenience store, arguing its operations differ significantly from traditional C-1 district uses. A company linked to Buc-ee’s seeks approval to build near I-25 and County Line Road, but the Planning and Community Development Director could not determine the appropriate classification.

Colorado State Patrol reports that distracted driving is the leading cause of school bus crashes in the state, with El Paso County among the top three affected counties. The CSP highlights the risk to students traveling to school via various means.

A recent Colorado Health Foundation poll shows 83% of El Paso County residents and over 85% statewide consider cost of living and housing as serious problems. Younger generations, including 90% of Gen Z and 94% of Millennials, report high housing cost concerns, with 76% of Coloradans worried about continuing to live in the state. The Pikes Peak Housing Network advocates for higher-density housing to address affordability challenges.

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) is seeking information on a suspect who allegedly rode a bike into a car and shot the driver in the head with a pepper ball during a road rage incident on August 2. The incident occurred shortly before 10 a.m. in El Paso County, Colorado.

El Paso County held an annual remembrance ceremony on Aug. 2 to honor the 23 victims of the Aug. 3, 2019 Walmart shooting in El Paso, Texas. The event featured a solemn reading of the victims' names at a 'Healing Garden' dedicated to the tragedy.

Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center is expanding its outreach in Westcliffe and Custer County by reestablishing a 'boots on the ground' presence. The organization has been providing services in El Paso, Teller, Pueblo, Las Animas, Alamosa, and Custer counties for years.

ACCO Engineered Systems will expand its operations in El Paso County, Colorado, creating 135 jobs with an average annual wage of $87,037. The $36 million fabrication facility at Falcon Commerce Center includes $1.49 million in economic incentives from state and local entities.

El Paso County Commissioners advanced a proposition to extend the county's 0.23% public safety sales tax from 2029 to 2037. The tax generates $40 million annually to fund the sheriff's office, including deputies, jail operations, emergency response, and wildland firefighting. The final vote on the proposition is scheduled for August 4, with a potential November ballot appearance if approved.

Southern and eastern Colorado experienced record-breaking heat, with Pueblo and Colorado Springs setting new high temperature records. Heat advisories remain in effect for multiple regions today, while scattered thunderstorms are expected in the mountains and plains.

Heat advisories are in effect for southern Colorado from 11 am to 9 pm on Saturday, affecting areas including eastern Fremont County, El Paso County, and Pueblo County. Temperatures are expected to reach highs of 95-102°F with low chances of afternoon thunderstorms and gusty winds.

A suspect is facing multiple charges after being arrested twice for burglaries, including one at a storage facility in El Paso County. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office began its investigation on Dec. 28, 2025, following the initial incident.

Law enforcement in El Paso County conducted 132 traffic stops, issued over 150 citations, and made seven arrests during a one-day enforcement surge on July 22. The operation was organized by the Colorado State Patrol in honor of the American Association of [...]

A 13-year-old girl named Mikenzi is reported missing after running away from her home in El Paso County southeast of Colorado Springs. Authorities state she left with a backpack and daily medications, and they are seeking the public's help to locate her.

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) is launching a program to help incarcerated individuals reenter society through industry-recognized construction flagging certification. The initiative aims to reduce reentry barriers by promoting employment and financial independence.

Monument's Town Council approved a six-month moratorium on data center applications, making it the first community in El Paso County to do so. Councilman Steve King expressed doubts about data centers' benefits, as the town proactively sets boundaries despite no current applications. Nearby, the Project Taurus Data Center remains under debate.

A man was arrested after allegedly throwing a television at a victim during multiple chases on July 14, as reported by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.

Heat advisories are in effect for parts of Southern Colorado on Monday, with temperatures reaching into the triple digits in areas like El Paso County, Monument, Black Forest, and the eastern plains. The heat is expected to subside by Tuesday as monsoonal moisture arrives, though high UV indexes and record-breaking highs are anticipated for the day.

A man has been charged with impersonating a peace officer in unincorporated El Paso County, Colorado, following an investigation by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO). The individual, who had previously been arrested and posted bond, was arrested again.

El Paso County Judge Ronald Mullins expressed frustration over repeated changes in the retrial decision for Deborah Nicholls, who was convicted of killing her three children over two decades ago. The judge has set boundaries to ensure the case moves forward.

A 9-year-old girl was honored as a 911 Hero for her calm and collected handling of an emergency when her mother went unconscious. Zoe Thomas, 9, was recognized by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office on July 15 with a medal for her actions.

Drought conditions in Park County, Colorado, have led to severe water depletion, affecting wells and ranching operations. Officials and community members, including Park County Commissioner Jason Gemmer and rancher Daniele Garner, highlighted dropping water tables, dry ditches, and the need for emergency solutions as the situation worsens.

A portion of I-25 between Baptist Road and Northgate Boulevard in El Paso County is closed due to a fire, causing traffic delays. The Colorado Springs Fire Department reported crews responding to the incident on July 13.

Goldie, a firefighter-supervising goat, assisted fire crews during the Rock Creek Fire in El Paso County, Colorado, which was fully contained on July 11. Goldie is described as ensuring firefighters' safety by maintaining a watchful presence.

A grand jury in El Paso County has indicted six individuals linked to an alleged drug trafficking organization. The investigation, conducted by the DA's Office, focused on activities between July 1, 2025, and November 14, 2025.

The Rock Creek Canyon Fire, located southwest of Cheyenne Mountain State Park, was confirmed 100% contained by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) on Saturday morning, July 11. Crews hiked to the fire line to verify the containment status.

A 51-year-old man, Garrett, was taken into custody after swinging a hunting rifle at deputies during an incident on July 4 in El Paso County, according to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. The event occurred around 7:30 p.m. and involved law enforcement responding to a report about the suspect.

Firefighters in El Paso County battling the Rock Creek Canyon fire received unexpected help from a determined goat that led them toward the fire and assisted with mitigation efforts, as reported by the Colorado Springs Fire Department.

Buc-ee's has filed an appeal after its land use request was denied by El Paso County. The request was submitted in June to the county's Planning and Community Development Director.

A pre-evacuation warning has been issued for a new wildfire burning in El Paso County, located southwest of Cheyenne Mountain State Park. The fire is currently affecting the area just southwest of the state park.

A pre-evacuation warning has been issued for a wildfire burning in El Paso County, Colorado, near Cheyenne Mountain State Park and Rock Creek Canyon Road. A media briefing by the sheriff's office will be livestreamed by FOX21 News.

A pre-evacuation notice was issued for a fire burning southeast of Cheyenne Mountain near Rock Creek Canyon Road. The fire, estimated at 5 acres, prompted warnings from El Paso County Sheriff's Office and coordination with Colorado Springs Fire Department. No evacuation orders were issued for the City of Colorado Springs.

The developer of a proposed Buc-ee's in northern El Paso County is appealing a decision by the county's Planning and Community Development Director, who could not determine if the project meets the definition of a convenience store under the Land Development Code. The appeal seeks clarification on whether the store is an allowed use in the C-1 Commercial Zoning District, with the Board of County Commissioners to consider it at an unscheduled future meeting.

El Paso County requested an official determination on whether the proposed Buc-ee's qualifies as a 'convenience store' under its Land Development Code. The county's Planning and Community Development Director could not make the determination after reviewing materials, and it remains unclear if the proposed use meets the code's definition. An appeal can be filed within 30 days of the determination.

Winds will shift overnight, providing temporary smoke relief in parts of El Paso County and pushing smoke toward the San Luis Valley. Critical fire conditions persist in mountainous regions, with isolated showers and gusty outflow winds expected to affect fire risks. Temperatures will remain high, with afternoon highs in the 80s to 90s across the forecasted areas.

El Paso County denied Buc-ee's land use request for a convenience store, as the property is zoned for commercial use (C-1) which allows convenience stores but not gas stations or truck stops.

Colorado voters have until 7 p.m. to return primary election ballots, with drop-off locations including secure ballot boxes and in-person vote centers. El Paso County leads the state in ballot returns, but southeast Colorado Springs has historically lower turnout. Voters must ensure ballots are correctly filled out and submitted by the deadline.

Southeast Colorado Springs voters are being urged to cast ballots ahead of the Primary Election as turnout in the area remains significantly lower than other parts of El Paso County. County Clerk Steve Schleiker highlights the influence of local races, citing a historically close House District 16 election, while voter Taegan Steinfort emphasizes the importance of participation and correct ballot completion.

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) launched the Fugitive Impact Team to reduce crime and strengthen investigations by proactively pursuing disruptive criminals. EPSO Sheriff Joseph Roybal announced the team on June 29.