Thursday, April 17, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1917, the town of Estes Park was incorporated. Today, the town is one of Colorado's premier resort spots, acting as a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and a basecamp for visitors exploring the Rockies.

The recent stretch of nice weather might have you thinking it's time to start gardening, but don't grab the trowel just yet. It's still a bit early, and another April snowstorm is set to roll in this weekend. Read about the timing and impact of the latest springtime cold front in our Top Stories.

Big Announcement: The Flyover Podcast is launching on April 28, and we need your help!

Before we make episodes available to the public, we're inviting our readers to join our focus group. You'll get an exclusive first look (and listen) at episodes on YouTube starting this Monday, April 21.

You'll have the chance to help shape the podcast by giving feedback to our hosts Ayla and Amy regarding content, format, delivery, and new ideas. Your voice will be essential in helping shape the future of The Flyover Podcast. To help, just click here and click the subscribe button on the Flyover YouTube page (bottom left-hand corner.)

We'll email you a private episode link starting Monday, April 21. Thanks for your help!

We're sponsored today by RYSE, offering an opportunity in new smart home technology.

Space Command Site Remains Contentious

The Department of Defense Inspector General has released a report evaluating the 2023 decision to keep the U.S. Space Command headquartered in Colorado Springs, reigniting the years long debate over its proposed relocation.

In 2021, during the final days of President Trump's term, the Air Force selected Huntsville, Alabama, as the preferred site—a move later reversed by the Biden administration.

Though the report was inconclusive, lawmakers on both sides of the issue tout its findings, claiming the review confirms their state is the base's rightful home.

In Colorado, Democrats joined Republicans in defending the base's current location, arguing that a relocation would "cost years of valuable time and resources" and jeopardize national security.

Drunk Driver Case Dismissal Contested

A drunk driver accused of killing two people in Jefferson County in 2021 could walk free after being found incompetent to stand trial.

Guillermo Ramirez was allegedly drunk, high, and speeding when he ran a red light and slammed into an SUV, badly injuring three occupants—one of whom later died as a result—and killing his passenger.

Though Ramirez faces 12 charges, including vehicular homicide, a 2024 court evaluation deemed him incompetent and not restorable, which, under a recently amended mental health statute, would require the judge to dismiss his case.

Prosecutors argue the evaluation is incorrect, citing Ramirez's run-ins with police as proof of competency. A hearing today is expected to decide whether he'll stand trial.

Snow Returns for Easter Weekend

A strong cold front is expected to arrive in Colorado later tonight, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures and setting the stage for mixed rain and snow through the weekend.

Highs will plummet into the 30s on Friday. The Denver metro could receive 2 to 4 inches of slushy snow, while the high country could see up to 10 inches of snow through Saturday.

Though heavier snow could impact mountain travel, much of it will melt on contact thanks to the April sun. Roads will stay mostly wet.

The storm will move out by Easter Sunday, bringing clearer skies and warmer temperatures, with highs in the 60s for the holiday.

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Denver: Michael Sang Correa, a Gambian man accused of torturing prisoners as part of a paramilitary unit under the former Gambian dictator, was found guilty in Denver District Court on Tuesday. (See Details)

Aurora: Police are seeking information that could help them identify skeletal remains found under an overpass earlier this month. (More)

Fort Carson: A former Fort Carson soldier is facing deportation after being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement since his release from prison in January. (See Details)

Larimer County: Investigators determined a 21-acre wildfire that destroyed a home west of Berthoud last month was caused by an "old battery in an outdoor lighting element." (More)

Manitou Springs: A 64-year-old hiker died while attempting to climb the Manitou Incline on Tuesday. (More)

Statewide: Lawmakers are at odds over a bill that would set aside $4 million to help the Governor's Office challenge federal actions under the Trump administration. (More)

➤ The Colorado Avalanche have announced Devon Toews as their nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, which the NHL describes as being awarded to "the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community." (More)

➤ Colorado Rockies outfielder Kris Bryant was placed on the 10-day injured list Monday with a lower back injury. (More)

➤ Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders has reportedly scheduled a private workout with the New York Giants, who currently hold the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. (More)

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➤ Frank the Pizza King, an Englewood pizzeria in business for 64 years, faces an uncertain future after being asked to move out of its longtime location. (See Details)

➤ Trader Joe's plans to open its ninth Colorado store in Westminster's City Center Marketplace. (More)

➤ Tivoli Brewing Company has closed its historic Auraria Campus tap house for the second time since it was first established in 1859, and its brewery building was constructed in 1870. (See Details)

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➤ A local nursery in Jefferson County is growing 2,000 trees to help reforest areas impacted by the 2024 Quarry Fire. (See Details)

➤ Colorado is the second loneliest state in the country, according to a new study based on the user volumes of dating apps. (See List)

➤ A group of veterans and other volunteers for nonprofit The Mission Continues pitched in over the weekend to pack food boxes for Coloradans in need. (More)

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