Royal Gorge Region News

10/12/2025

Intense flooding in Pagosa Springs has caused evacuations overnight. For more information, visit:

News Release Date 10-11-2025 Back to News The San Juan River has surged beyond its banks and is currently flooding areas of downtown. The river is flowing at an estimated 7,200 cubic feet per second (CFS), with water levels expected to crest around 11:00 p.m. tonight. US Highway 160 is CLOSED throug...

10/10/2025

Michael Alan McCallister

Michael Alan McCallister, a beacon of joy and resilience, passed away on September 27, 2025, in Aurora, Colorado, after a life marked by courage and kindness. Born on December 29, 1984, in Cañon City, Colorado, Michael’s journey was one of challenges met with unwavering positivity and love.
Michael’s early years were filled with the loving support of his parents, Debra and Bruce, along with the companionship of his siblings, Charles, Kevin and Jeanne. Growing up, he learned the value of kinship and laughter, qualities that would define his approach to life’s trials and triumphs. His numerous cousins and a wide circle of friends further enriched his life, creating a community that would stand by him through thick and thin. He enjoyed his time with the Pizza Madness crew that he worked with, and the Mercy Church in Cañon City.
After graduating high school, Michael entered the job corps, demonstrating an early commitment to service and community. He later found his calling as a custodian, a role in which he took great pride and joy. In addition to his work, Michael was an active member of the Florence Elks Club, where his voice became a familiar and welcome sound as he called Bingo, much to the delight of all who played.
Despite facing significant health challenges from a young age, Michael's spirit remained unbreakable. At eight years old, he underwent treatment for cancer, which led to a heart condition requiring a pacemaker. In 2022, he received a heart transplant, a testament to his enduring strength and will to live. Through it all, his demeanor never waned; he remained a happy, upbeat individual who faced adversity with a loving heart.
Michael’s interests were a reflection of his buoyant personality. He had a penchant for pranks, often lightening the mood for nurses during his hospital stays with his playful antics. His sense of humor and capacity for joy were infectious, touching the lives of everyone he met.
The community’s support for Michael was unwavering. Penrose Elementary’s walk-a-thon and the USAF Academy Boxing Team’s generous assistance with medical bills when he was a child are just two examples of the collective effort to support him in his time of need. These acts of kindness were not forgotten by Michael or his family, who remain deeply grateful for the love shown to them.
Michael will be remembered as a loving and gentle soul, whose presence was a gift to those who knew him. His ability to remain positive, even in the face of daunting challenges, serves as an enduring inspiration. Michael’s legacy is one of love, resilience and the power of community. As we celebrate his life, we are reminded of the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many.
Michael’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by his beloved parents, Debra and Bruce; his brothers, Charles and Kevin; his sister, Jeanne; and the countless cousins, friends and community members whose lives he touched. His journey on earth may have ended, but the echoes of his laughter and the warmth of his spirit will continue to resonate with all who had the privilege to know him. Michael Alan McCallister’s story is not one of sorrow, but a beautiful testament to the human spirit's capacity for love and joy even in the darkest of times.
A celebration of life will be held at the Florence Elks Lodge from 2-4 p.m. Saturday November 1, 2025. Arrangements entrusted to Harwood Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.harwoodfunerals.com.

10/10/2025

Overnight temporary full closures of South Academy Boulevard east of I-25 for striping and traffic signal work

There will be an overnight temporary full closure of northbound South Academy Boulevard between Interstate 25 and Bradley Road from 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, for traffic signal work. Detours will be in place:
Northbound South Academy Boulevard traffic will enter southbound I-25 and travel to Mesa Ridge Parkway (exit 132A), travel east to the CanAm Highway and turn north, turn northeast onto Main Street, turn west onto Bradley Road, and turn north onto South Academy Boulevard.
North- and southbound I-25 traffic intending to enter northbound South Academy Boulevard will be diverted to the southbound I-25 on-ramp and travel south to Mesa Ridge Parkway (exit 132A), travel east to the CanAm Highway and turn north, turn northeast onto Main Street, turn west onto Bradley Road, and turn north onto South Academy Boulevard.
CanAm Highway traffic will turn northeast onto Main Street, turn west onto Bradley Road, and turn north onto South Academy Boulevard.
There will be an overnight temporary full closure of southbound South Academy Boulevard between Milton Proby Parkway and the CanAm Highway from 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 17, for lane striping operations. Detours will be in place:
Southbound South Academy Boulevard traffic will exit onto Milton Proby Parkway, travel east to Hancock Expressway, continue south on Main Street, turn northwest onto CanAm Highway (Colo. 85/87) and enter South Academy Boulevard.
Bradley Road traffic will travel east and turn south onto Main Street, turn northwest onto CanAm Highway (Colo. 85/87) and enter South Academy Boulevard.
There will also be various alternating north- and southbound South Academy Boulevard lane closures between Venetucci Boulevard and Milton Proby Parkway, and brief intermittent I-25 ramp closures at South Academy Boulevard, overnight from 7 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14 through Thursday, Oct. 16, for lane striping operations. Please follow posted detour signage and plan for delays.
There are ongoing lane reductions on southbound South Academy Boulevard between I-25 and Coventry Drive starting at 7 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6 for additional traffic signal and island installations. This alignment is planned to remain in place through Oct. 12.
There will be a southbound South Academy Boulevard left lane closure under I-25, with two thru lanes remaining open in this area.
The northbound South Academy Boulevard left turn lane to enter the northbound I-25 on-ramp will be closed west of the southbound I-25 on-ramps.
Delays should be expected, particularly during peak travel times. Drivers should allow extra time, maintain safe following distances, and merge early and safely when approaching the work zone. Drivers planning to access I-25 southbound will need to move to the center lane well in advance.
A shift of east- and westbound South Academy Boulevard between I-25 and Fountain Creek towards the center is ongoing to allow crews to work on the outside lanes. This alignment is anticipated to remain in place until November 2025.
Motorists should use caution as lanes will be narrowed across the northbound bridge over Colo. 85/87 so crews can continue bridge work.
These closures are weather-dependent and subject to change.

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

Chance of showers and thunderstorms today.

Showers and thunderstorms will spread across the mountains starting today. Locally heavy rainfall could lead to some flooding concerns, particularly over and near the eastern San Juan Mountains. Meanwhile, dry and slightly cooler across the plains.

10/10/2025

North 9th Street from Candlewood Drive to Washington Street will be closed to thru traffic starting at 7:00 AM tomorrow Friday, October 10, 2025 for water service line replacement. Closure is projected to last approx. 8 hours.

10/10/2025

Prevention works by strengthening protective factors and reducing risk factors ― in individuals, families, schools, communities, society.

Visit: www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/substance-use-prevention-month

10/10/2025

Husky National had two champions to celebrate! Congratulations!

10/10/2025

Man arrested for brandishing weapons in local restaurant

A Cañon City man was taken into custody Monday afternoon after allegedly brandishing a firearm at patrons of a local restaurant. Cañon City police responded to the scene and were able to safely de-escalate the situation upon making contact with those involved. No injuries were reported.
Patrick Feeney (64), of Cañon City, was arrested on the following charges on Monday:
C.R.S. 18-12-106 (1)(A) – Prohibited use of weapons (M1)
C.R.S. 18-12-106 (1)(D) – Prohibited use of weapons (M1)
C.R.S. 18-12-105 (1)(b) – Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon (M1)
C.R.S. 18-3-303 (1)(2)(a)(I) - False imprisonment (2 counts) (F5)
C.R.S. 18-3-208 – Reckless endangerment (6 counts) (M2)
C.R.S. 18-8-104 (1)(a) – Obstructing a peace officer (M2)
C.R.S. 18-3-206 – Felony menacing (4 counts) (F5)
C.R.S. 18-4-302 (1)(a) – Aggravated robbery (2 counts) (F3)
C.R.S. 18-6-401 (1) – Child abuse (2counts) (M2)
On October 6, 2025, at approximately 4:11 p.m., officers were dispatched to 1028 Main St. (El Caporal Restaurant), for a person with a weapon. Officers interviewed many witnesses to this incident and determined that Mr. Feeney allegedly brandished a weapon, disarmed a patron of that patron’s firearm, took the purse of a woman, and further created a scene within the restaurant by verbally confronting others, including two children before officers arrived on scene. After investigating the incident, officers arrested Mr. Feeney who then became uncooperative with them. Despite this, Mr. Feeney was booked into the Fremont County jail and held on a $50,000 cash-only bond.
Chief Schick commended the swift and effective actions of the responding officers and expressed his gratitude to the restaurant staff for promptly calling for help as the incident unfolded. He emphasized that the timely response from the staff, combined with the officers' professionalism, played a crucial role in preventing the situation from becoming something far more tragic.

10/09/2025

Safety Town scheduled

The dates for this year’s Safety Town will be from 9 a.m. until noon and 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. April 14-15.
April 16th from 9 a.m. until noon. (Lunch provided noon to 1 each day for the community volunteers.)
The opening ceremony and ribbon cutting will begin at 8:15 a.m. April 14, 2026, with ribbon cutting at 8:30 a.m.
Looking forward to another week instructing the children the importance about safety.
Staff appreciates the public’s past years participation and look forward to seeing everyone in April.

10/09/2025

DARE Print & Sign Co. selected to publish 2026–2027 Royal Gorge
Region Visitors Guide

The Fremont County Tourism Council has officially selected DARE Print & Sign Co. as the publisher of the upcoming 2026–2027 Royal Gorge Region Visitors Guide. This partnership marks an exciting new chapter in showcasing the Royal Gorge Region’s attractions, events and local businesses to visitors from around the world.
The Royal Gorge Region Visitors Guide is the area’s official tourism publication, reaching tens of thousands of travelers each year. With 40,000 full-color copies distributed across Colorado welcome centers, hotels, attractions and businesses—as well as through direct mail and digital downloads—the guide serves as the primary resource for visitors planning where to eat, play and stay in Fremont County.
“We’re thrilled to bring this project home to a local publisher,” said Adam Arnold, Chairperson of the Fremont County Tourism Council. “DARE Print & Sign Co. understands our community and is deeply committed to promoting the Royal Gorge Region as a top Colorado destination.”
The new guide will feature vibrant photography, engaging editorial content and seamless integration of advertorial storytelling to highlight the best of the region—from outdoor adventures to local dining, lodging, arts, and culture.
Businesses interested in advertising in the 2026–2027 Visitors Guide can now reserve space by visiting www.royalgorgeguide.com.
For personalized assistance, contact:
Kristina Post Account Manager – Royal Gorge Visitors Guide Phone: (719) 435-5334 Email: [email protected]
The advertising deadline for artwork, payment, and agreements is November 1, 2025.
About DARE Print & Sign Co. Located in historic downtown Cañon City, DARE Print & Sign Co. provides high-quality print, sign, and custom apparel services for businesses and organizations across Southern Colorado. Their mission is to help local brands stand out through creative design, premium production, and community-driven marketing.