Royal Gorge Region News

08/15/2025

08/15/2025

Florence Elks Lodge No. 611 celebrates its 125th anniversary

By Charlotte Burrous

For 125 years, the Florence Elks Lodge No. 611 has been around to support veterans, children, as well as many other charitable organizations.
On Aug. 2, the members celebrated its anniversary with a picnic, music, raffles and much more.
“We had (more than) people come,” said Exalted Ruler Debbie Channel. “People were pleased. (One member) told me it felt like a celebration. Everybody enjoyed it. There was plenty of food, lots of laughter (and a) One Man Band.”
Established in 1900, Channel noted many Florence Elks members were excited to celebrate the Lodge’s birthday.
“It felt like coming home,” Channel said. “People were so happy to be here. It was the music and the food, and the comradery. It was just amazing so many people were here.”
The former Fremont Hotel was built at its current site for the busy railroad that ran through town. It’s been said many famous people have stayed in the hotel on their way through the area. After standing dormant for several years, the Florence Elks purchased the former hotel in 1914 for $5,000. The members spent $10,000 to remodel it, which took two years.
“They moved into it in 1915,” Channel said. “They had to take out that portion of the third floor for the Lodge.”
She said she is looking forward to the rest of her year as Exalted Ruler and has two goals to complete before her term ends. One is to get the roof replaced on the building and the second one is to bring the members home.
‘I’d (also) like to see younger people in here,” Channel said. “We’re buying $1,000 worth of school supplies for the (students). We want to see more children apply for our scholarships. We want to see more children engaged in our Hoop Shoot.”
The Elks have already hosted a Christmas in July for area nursing home residents, a co****le tournament, a casino night and numerous other activities this year. But there is more to come. The Elks plan to provide Thanksgiving takeout meals for the community on Thanksgiving and a Children’s Christmas Stocking Party. In addition, the members support CASA and many other charitable organizations.
The Lodge also plans to add more activities for the members to enjoy, as well as offer at least one activity a month for the public.
For more information, call the Lodge at (719) 784-3892.

08/15/2025

Florence Elks Lodge No. 611 celebrates its 125th anniversary

By Charlotte Burrous

For 125 years, the Florence Elks Lodge No. 611 has been around to support veterans and children, as well as many other charitable organizations.
On Aug. 2, the members celebrated its anniversary with a picnic, music, raffles and much more.
“We had (more than) people come,” said Exalted Ruler Debbie Channel. “People were pleased. (One member) told me it felt like a celebration. Everybody enjoyed it. There was plenty of food, lots of laughter (and a) One Man Band.”
Established in 1900, Channel noted many Florence Elks members were excited to celebrate the Lodge’s birthday.
“It felt like coming home,” Channel said. “People were so happy to be here. It was the music and the food, and the comradery. It was just amazing so many people were here.”
The former Fremont Hotel was built at its current site for the busy railroad that ran through town. It’s been said many famous people have stayed in the hotel on their way through the area. After standing dormant for several years, the Florence Elks purchased the former hotel in 1914 for $5,000. The members spent $10,000 to remodel it, which took two years.
“They moved into it in 1915,” Channel said. “They had to take out that portion of the third floor for the Lodge.”
She said she is looking forward to the rest of her year as Exalted Ruler and has two goals to complete before her term ends. One is to get the roof replaced on the building and the second one is to bring the members home.
‘I’d (also) like to see younger people in here,” Channel said. “We’re buying $1,000 worth of school supplies for the (students). We want to see more children apply for our scholarships. We want to see more children engaged in our Hoop Shoot.”
The Elks have already hosted a Christmas in July for area nursing home residents, a co****le tournament, a casino night and numerous other activities this year. But there is more to come. The Elks plan to provide Thanksgiving takeout meals for the community on Thanksgiving and a Children’s Christmas Stocking Party. In addition, the members support CASA and many other charitable organizations.
The Lodge also plans to add more activities for the members to enjoy, as well as offer at least one activity a month for the public.
For more information, call the Lodge at (719) 784-3892.

08/15/2025

Florence celebrates Pioneer Day

08/14/2025

July marks deadliest month for impaired driving so far this year

Heightened DUI enforcement begins Friday

July was the deadliest month so far this year for impaired driving-related crashes in Colorado, claiming 26 lives. In 2025 so far, 124 people have died in traffic crashes involving a suspected impaired driver. With the end of summer approaching and Labor Day weekend ahead, the Colorado Department of Transportation will support the Colorado State Patrol and 56 local law enforcement agencies for The Heat Is On Labor Day Crackdown DUI enforcement period from Aug. 15 to Sept. 3.
Labor Day marks the end of the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer — the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day that historically sees a spike in fatal crashes. CDOT is urging drivers to make safe choices this holiday weekend by planning ahead and choosing a sober ride home.
“July historically has some of the highest numbers of impaired-related crash fatalities when compared to other months. Impaired driving-related crashes, injuries and fatalities are tragic and completely avoidable,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Don’t make excuses or exceptions. If you’ve been drinking, put down the keys and call a sober friend. You’ll be glad you did.”
Over the past five years, July has repeatedly ranked among the top months for impairment-related fatalities on Colorado roads. During the 20-day Labor Day enforcement period, motorists may see saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and additional law enforcement officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers and saving lives.
“No celebration or convenience is worth a life,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “Whether you use a ride-sharing service, taxi or public transportation, it’s always better to find a safe ride home than risk a DUI, crash or worse.”
Beyond the serious safety risks posed by impaired driving, DUIs carry numerous consequences including jail time, license suspension, ignition interlock requirements and even job loss. The average cost of a DUI in Colorado is $13,530 when considering fines, legal fees, increased insurance costs and lost work time. A DUI can also jeopardize careers that rely on a clean driving record, such as trucking, law enforcement or other transportation-related roles, according to Colorado State Patrol.
This spring, CDOT launched a campaign to educate the public on the consequences of refusing a DUI blood or breath test. Under Colorado’s Expressed Consent Law, by driving a vehicle in the state you automatically consent to a toxicology test following a DUI arrest. Colorado has seen an increase in drivers who refuse a toxicology test in recent years. Refusing a test is illegal, and it hinders efforts to keep Colorado roads safe from impaired drivers. Learn more about the law and the consequences of refusing to test at codot.gov/choosetotest.
Following the Labor Day Crackdown, the next DUI enforcement period will be Fall Festivals from Sept. 11 to Oct. 22.

08/14/2025

Fremont County pedals

The Florence Pioneer Museum and Research Center is puttin’ the pedal to the metal and getting ready for the famous Tour de Coal Towns Bike ride, Saturday, Sept. 13. A leisurely 10-mile round-trip bike ride through the coal towns west of Florence, Williamsburg, Rockvale, Coal Creek and back to Pioneer Park in Florence for a hot dog/hamburger lunch sponsored by Amrize.
Registration is $25 per person. Participants can register at the museum at 100 E. Front St. in Florence or pull off registration papers from the museum’s website at www.florencepioneermuseum.org. During the ride, playing cards will be handed out for a Poker Run. At the lunch, riders should have five cards for a poker hand. Cash prizes for the best hands.
Riders may register day-of-tour at 8 a.m. in front of the museum. Tour starts off at 9 a.m. with a police es**rt out of town.
This fundraiser helps pay for the museum’s building insurance for the year. With the addition of its two new lots to the south of the museum’s ditch, the insurance has gone up. (Anybody else notice insurance going up?)
Join the group for a great day and a great ride. For more information, go to www.florencepioneermuseum.org.

08/14/2025

Cañon City Police Department

Reported incidents for Aug. 7-13, 2025

25-00014962 1900 blk. of Fremont Dr., Christopher Yarbrough (33) of Florence, was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant.
25-00016653 2800 blk. of Central Ave., Erickson Fleming (30) of Cañon City, was issued an arrest summons on a charge of second-degree criminal trespass.
25-00016668 900 blk. of Mulberry Ave., Jacob Feezor (42) of Cañon City, was arrested on charges of resisting arrest, obstructing a peace officer, failure to leave premises and on an outstanding arrest warrant.
25-00016683 600 blk. of Royal Gorge Blvd., Brian Abbott (42) of Cañon City, was arrested on a charge of driving motor vehicle while under influence.
25-00016693 1000 blk. of Royal Gorge Blvd., William Jonas (23) of Penrose, was issued an arrest summons on charges of red light violation and failure to present evidence of insurance upon request.
25-00016695 North Orchard and Royal Gorge Blvd., Melissah Gonzales (20) of Penrose, was arrested on charges of driving motor vehicle while under influence and reckless driving.
25-00016734 800 blk. of South Seventh St., Michael O’ Donnell (46) of Cañon City, was arrested on charges of harassment, third-degree assault and domestic violence.
25-00016748 South St. and North 15th St., Alexis Evangelista (26) of Cañon City, was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant.
25-00016748 South St. and North 15th St., Joshua Evans (29) of Cañon City, was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant.
25-00016769 South Fourth St. and Griffin Ave., Marybella Hernandez (32) of Cañon City, was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant.
25-00016795 1400 blk. of Main St., Andrew Christian-Bode (35) of Cotopaxi, was arrested on charges of theft, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
25-00016841 100 blk. of Latigo Ln., Jamie Pearsall (46) of Cañon City, was arrested on a charge of third-degree criminal trespass.
25-00016863 100 blk. of Justice Center Rd., William Donald (51) of Cañon City, was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant.
25-00016896 1300 blk. of Phay Ave., Hailey Wahl (22) of Cañon City, was issued an arrest summons on charges of obstructed view, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
25-00016928 1700 blk. of Fremont Dr., Kailee Fernandez (33) of Florence, was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant.
25-00016941 North Fourth St. and Pike Ave., Austin Sizemore (19) of Cañon City, was arrested on charges of first-degree criminal trespass, obstruction of a peace officer, criminal attempt to commit a petty offense and theft.
25-00016945 2300 blk. of North Fifth St., Dustin Martinez (19) of Cañon City, was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant.
25-00016950 3100 blk. of East Main St., Amy Ewers (47) of Cañon City, was issued an arrest summons on a charge of third-degree criminal trespass.
25-00016958 South Ninth St. and Sells Ave., Sonya Ashcraft (40) of Cañon City, was arrested on charges of third-degree criminal trespass, littering and possession of drug paraphernalia.
25-00016964 200 blk. of Royal Gorge Blvd., Nicholas Seward (44) of Cañon City, was arrested on charges of obstructing a peace officer and disorderly conduct.
25-00017033 2700 blk. of East Main St., Holly Bragg (39) of Cañon City, was issued an arrest summons on charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
25-00017033 2700 blk. of East Main St., David Garnhart (42) of Cañon City, was arrested on charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
25-00017043 3100 blk. of U.S. 50, Molly Bennett (35) of Florence, was issued an arrest summons on a charge of theft.
25-00017053 900 blk. of Royal Gorge Blvd., Zebulon Stevens (43) of Cañon City, was arrested on charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of a protection order andon an outstanding arrest warrant.
25-00017085 1700 blk. of Fremont Dr., Charles Smith (38) of Cañon City, was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant.
25-00017087 1700 blk. of Fremont Dr., Paige Micklich (36) of Penrose, was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant.
25-00017104 2300 blk. of Fremont Dr., Rainor Ramirez (20) of Cañon City, was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, illegal possession or consumption of alcohol by a minor, illegal possession of ma*****na paraphernalia by an underage person and possession of drug paraphernalia.
25-00017119 300 blk. of North 16th St., Jon Malterer (71) of Cañon City, was arrested on a charge of violation of a protection order.

08/13/2025

Fremont County Board of County Commissioners approves Rural Jump Start Program resolution

By Charlotte Burrous
During the Aug. 11 meeting, the Fremont County Board of County Commissioners (FCBOCC) approved Resolution 15-2025, authorizing participation in the Rural Jump Start Program.
“I am wanting to speak to you about having an opportunity to renew our Rural Jump Start Zone participation,” said Diana Armstrong, of Fremont Economic Development Corporation (FEDC). “That Rural Jump Start Zone is through the State Office of Economic Development internationally trait and is an incentive for new businesses to either relocate or build their businesses in Fremont County or business startups. The way they do that is through tax relief and a grant project.”
New businesses that are interested in Fremont County as a Rural Jump Start county are eligible for state tax relief so it’s state income tax, property taxes, as well as the sales and use tax for the businesses, she added. Also it allows the employees of those businesses to not have state tax consequences for up to eight years.
“There’s also a grant opportunity that is allowed through this Rural Jump Start for $15,000,” Armstrong added. “It’s for operating expenses for those businesses and if they apply and get approved for that, they have a three to one match so the business pays $45,000 in operating expenses and then the state will match $15,000 to offer that additional assistance to the program. Because this is a tax incentive or tax relief, the state didn’t want that to compete with our existing businesses that are here so they have some safeguards put into place and that is a non-competition clause so the businesses that come in cannot compete with existing businesses or with an existing business in our adjacent counties that are participating in the Rural Jump Start.”
They also have to have a commitment to hire three employees at the average Fremont County wage within three years of the program, she continued. Those employees who are approved to not have to pay the state tax fees have to work for that business at least six months.
“It’s quite a nice incentive for Fremont County, for Fremont Economic Development; we are the sponsoring entity and Fremont County government and FEDC went together in 2019 and put together a resolution, requesting from the state we be approved with the Rural Jump Start,” Armstrong said. “We were approved in 2020. Now that has expired and we would like to request that be renewed.”
After a few minutes of discussion, FCBOCC approved the resolution, extending the Rural Jump Start program to Dec. 31, 2030.
In other business, the commissioners also approved Resolution 16, opting out an electric motor vehicle charging system permitting process, established by HB24-1173.
“HB24-1173, by its title calls itself an act concerning streamlining the process for permitting an electric motor vehicle charging systems,” said City Attorney Eric Bellas. “What it in fact does is it encourages counties to adopt an EV charging permitting model code to be developed by the Colorado Energy office. Now in it and of itself House Bill 24-1173 is fairly innocuous in that it really doesn’t require the county to do anything too far outside of the box. The Colorado Energy Code which it serves is in fact insidious in some of its requirements. In that, it essentially encourages the electrification of everything, not only to be built, but everything currently existing may need to be updated, modified and it imposes requirements for quote, unquote efficiency, which increase the cost of construction, not only for new construction, but also for remodeling existing construction.”
Bellas noted that it limits consumer choice for people who would like to have gas fire heat because it’s “actually warm.” What is more difficult, it drives everyone to rely on an electric grid, which is at this point probably not adequate to support the demand that it contemplates to be created. Not only that, it anticipates that demand to be met by green new renewable energy, such as solar and wind.
“Green is somewhat of a misnomer,” Bellas added. “Clean green means all of those misnomers are clean. They’re not being put in because the technology is not yet mature enough for it to make sense for folks to come to a place like Fremont County to put the charging stations in. This just opts out of step one of that process that leads us down the slippery slope of Colorado energy code.”
Commissioner Kevin Grantham noted the county is not banning such things, but it doesn’t have the regulations in place to make it more difficult to put these things in.
“Why would we,” he asked. “Why would we put in their convoluted system of doing so?”
Commissioner Debbie Bell stated advancement is a great thing.
“I don’t want those advancements to be forced upon me, my family or my community,” she said. “When we choose those advancements and that’s our choice and that’s what America is all about. We are free to choose our own methods.”
Commissioner Dwayne McFall said he didn’t agree with it either.
“They’ve spent the last few years trying to cram this down our throat to put it quite bluntly. They’re trying to make it a revolution instead of an evolution. There’s probably nothing against the technology once it’s able to do it, but as mentioned this infrastructure is not anywhere it needs to be,” he said. “This is another stab at our freedoms in trying to also change our building code the same way where we have to add all these things to a house, which increases the price just to reach their green non-standards, making it electric.”
After discussing it for several minutes, the commissioners approved Resolution 16, opting out of the electric vehicle charging systems permitting process, established by HB24-1173.

08/13/2025

Bocce At The Museum – A Celebration of Italian Fremont County Heritage Commission

The Order of Sons & Daughters of Italy in America – Royal Gorge Lodge #2866 invites the public to a special Bocce demonstration on the museum lawn from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 at 612 Royal Gorge Blvd. in Cañon City.
This free public event is a wonderful opportunity to experience bocce, the classic Italian backyard game. Spectators may watch skilled players in action, learn the rules, and even try their hand at rolling for the win.
Guests are invited to explore the Royal Gorge Regional Museum & Local History Center’s engaging exhibit on local Italian heritage, “From Miners to Merchants,” celebrating the stories, traditions and contributions of our local Italian community.
The Museum & History Center, located in the City of Cañon City’s former Municipal Building, is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
For more information, call (719) 269-9036 or email [email protected].
Come for the bocce, stay for the history—Staff looks forward to seeing everyone there.

08/11/2025

Royal Gorge Tea Party schedules meeting

The next Tea Party Meeting will be Wednesday, Aug. 13 at the Harvest Connection facility at 3365 E. U.S. 50 at the old Enxx building. Meet and greet will commence at 6 p.m. and the meeting starts precisely at 6:30 p.m. with John Clements moderating. This month is the annual RGTP picnic, which will be held indoors in the Harvest Connection building.
The RGTP is providing chicken, so please bring your favorite side dish or dessert for the occasion. In addition, members will have some discussion on the following topics:
1. RGTP Wisdom
2. Update on the legacy project
3. Open mic and current events, time permitting
Please come join us to help fight for our very Freedom. If not me then who? Remember freedom is not free, it must be protected and fought for by each generation from the evil people that want to control your every move.
Keep the faith.

08/11/2025

Hours’ long standoff ends with suspect in custody

A suspected barricaded gunman was arrested following an hours’ long standoff on Aug. 7 when Cañon City SWAT team members were able to force the man from the home. Jacob Feezor (42), of Cañon City, was held without bond at the Fremont County Jail until he is able to be advised. Feezor was arrested on the following charges:
18-9-119(2) – Failure to leave premises M2; 18-8-103(1)(b) – Resisting Arrest M2; 18-8-104(1)(a) – Obstructing a Peace Officer M2.
Feezor was also arrested and held on the below arrest warrants:
16-19-103 – Fugitive of Justice – 2nd Degree Assault (Cause injury w/ a deadly weapon) – No bond; 16-19-103 – Fugitive of Justice – 1st Degree Criminal Trespass (Inhabited dwelling) - $2,000 cash only bond; 16-19-103 – Failure to Comply – Harassment (Strike/Shove/Kick) - $1,000 cash/surety bond; 16-19-103 – Failure to Comply – Violation of Civil Protection Order - $1,000 cash/surety bond; 16-19-103 – Failure to Appear – Violation of Criminal Protection Order - $500 cash/surety bond.
On Aug, 7, 2025 at approximately 4:37 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block Mulberry Ave. on reports of a verbal disturbance. When officers arrived on scene, they spoke with neighbors who reported statements being made by Feezor that were concerning threats Feezor was making to unknown persons. Officers were able to determine that Feezor had multiple warrants for violent offenses involving weapons and attempted to make contact with him to investigate the threats that were heard.
Officers were able to determine Feezor was in one of the dwellings on the property at 910 Mulberry Ave. and tried unsuccessfully to talk Feezor into coming out of the home.
While doing this, officers were able to see Feezor in the home, who appeared to be carrying an object that looked like a handgun, which caused officers to create a safe perimeter and start getting bystanders out of the immediate area out of an abundance of caution.
Additional resources were called in, including the Cañon City SWAT team and Crisis Negotiations unit to assist in bringing this incident to a successful conclusion. Negotiators from the Cañon City Police Department, in partnership with negotiators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, tried, unsuccessfully, to get Feezor to surrender peacefully to officers on scene. These negotiations spanned the course of almost three hours and involved attempts to contact family members, clergy and others to help resolve the situation peacefully.
After these attempts proved fruitless and Feezor ceased communication, the decision was made to escalate force to take Feezor into custody on the warrants. Elements of the Cañon City SWAT team used sound tactical planning and less-lethal munitions to bring this situation under control and took Feezor safely into custody within minutes once the tactical plan was put into action. No officers or civilians were injured.