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El Paso County

All articles tagged with #el paso county

Former Palmer Ridge Wrestling Coach Arrested on Child Sexual Assault Charges
crime-and-justice14 days ago

Former Palmer Ridge Wrestling Coach Arrested on Child Sexual Assault Charges

Michael Vassar, 37, former head wrestling coach at Palmer Ridge High School, was arrested on September 24, 2026, and charged with sexual assault of a child by one in a position of trust. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) began its investigation on May 20 after receiving a tip. Vassar, who coached from December 2025 to May 2026, is currently held in jail on a no-bond hold. Authorities believe there may be additional victims, as Vassar also offered personal training services at local gyms and private clubs. Lewis-Palmer School District 38 confirmed the allegations were reported after his resignation and stated they followed standard hiring procedures.

Colorado suspends Monument dentist’s license over infection-control lapses and out-of-scope med spa services
health-and-safety14 days ago

Colorado suspends Monument dentist’s license over infection-control lapses and out-of-scope med spa services

The Colorado Dental Board suspended Dr. Scott Hirsbrunner’s license on Sept. 11 after finding he violated infection-control standards and performed medical spa procedures outside his dental scope. An unannounced inspection of his Monument practice revealed nine deficiencies, including a lack of spore testing and sterile gloves. Hirsbrunner acknowledged some issues but disputed others, claiming documentation gaps rather than safety failures. He is barred from practicing or employing dental staff until further proceedings.

El Paso County clears Buc-ee’s zoning hurdle, enabling administrative approvals
local-government1 month ago

El Paso County clears Buc-ee’s zoning hurdle, enabling administrative approvals

El Paso County commissioners voted 4-1 to approve Buc-ee’s zoning appeal, allowing the Texas travel center to be considered an allowed use in the C-1 commercial district at the County Line Road and Interstate 25 site. With the zoning hurdle cleared, all remaining approvals will be handled administratively, including traffic, lighting, landscaping, parking, and roadway plans, after Buc-ee’s submitted its site development plan; the hearing drew hundreds of speakers, with most opposition, and Commissioner Bill Wysong casting the lone vote against.

El Paso County approves Buc-ee’s zoning appeal, clearing path for admin approvals
local-government1 month ago

El Paso County approves Buc-ee’s zoning appeal, clearing path for admin approvals

El Paso County commissioners voted 4-1 to approve Buc-ee’s as an allowed use in the C-1 commercial district at the County Line Road and I-25 site. The decision, which followed a daylong, highly publicized hearing with opposition to Buc-ee’s, means the project can move forward with administrative approvals for site development, including traffic, lighting, landscaping and parking requirements, rather than further public votes.

Legal Battles Erupt as Texas Implements Controversial Migrant Arrest Law
immigration2 years ago

Legal Battles Erupt as Texas Implements Controversial Migrant Arrest Law

El Paso County and two immigrant rights groups have filed a federal lawsuit against Texas officials to challenge a new law that allows state and local police to arrest migrants crossing from Mexico. The county argues that the law violates the Constitution and invites racial profiling, while the state claims it is necessary due to the federal government's failure to enforce immigration laws. The lawsuit seeks to have the law struck down in its entirety, asserting that immigration matters fall under the exclusive authority of the federal government.

Fire Contained, Evacuation Orders Lifted in El Paso County
natural-disasters3 years ago

Fire Contained, Evacuation Orders Lifted in El Paso County

The mandatory evacuation order for residents living near 13000 Trail Boss Ct in El Paso County has been lifted after heavy rains helped contain the wildfire. Emergency response officials are urging residents to sign up for Peak Alerts, the local emergency notification system, to stay informed about potential dangers. The system sends alerts about natural disasters, hazardous materials incidents, law enforcement activity, and evacuation notices.

"El Paso County Reports Two Fatalities from West Nile Virus in 2023"
health3 years ago

"El Paso County Reports Two Fatalities from West Nile Virus in 2023"

Two people have died from the West Nile virus in El Paso County, Colorado, marking the first deaths linked to the virus in the county in 20 years. The number of confirmed human infections has doubled compared to the previous 10 years, with 18 cases reported in 2023. State health officials attribute the increase in cases to the high rainfall, which has led to a surge in mosquito populations. Most people infected with West Nile virus do not exhibit symptoms, but for some, it can cause serious illness or death. Health experts recommend using insect repellent, limiting outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water to prevent mosquito breeding.

"Severe Weather Strikes Colorado Springs Area with Tornado Warnings and Funnel Cloud Sightings"
weather3 years ago

"Severe Weather Strikes Colorado Springs Area with Tornado Warnings and Funnel Cloud Sightings"

A tornado warning was issued in northern El Paso County, Colorado, impacting areas from Monument to Black Forest and Falcon to Ellicott. Residents were advised to seek shelter in basements or interior rooms away from windows, while those outside were urged to find sturdy buildings or low-lying areas. The warning expired at various times throughout the afternoon.

Tornado Warning: Funnel Cloud Spotted in North El Paso County
weather3 years ago

Tornado Warning: Funnel Cloud Spotted in North El Paso County

The National Weather Service has issued an emergency alert following reports of a tornado in north El Paso County. Residents are advised to take shelter in a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, or move to the closest shelter if outdoors, in a mobile home, or vehicle. Tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for Black Forest, Monument, and Palmer Lake.