News

November 18, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

County Commission votes to close Pine Creek Road for winter

The Pine County Commission voted 3-2 Tuesday to close Pine Creek Road beyond mile marker 14 through April. Residents of the upper valley will be asked to use the Ridgeline detour, which adds about 25 minutes to the trip into White Pine. Commissioner Alvarez, who voted against the closure, said the county had not consulted upper valley residents. Snow removal costs and rockfall near the old workings were cited as reasons for the decision.

November 16, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

First real snow of the season closes Ridgeline Pass overnight

Up to 14 inches of snow fell above 9,000 feet Tuesday night, and Ridgeline Pass was closed for about six hours while plows cleared the road. Drivers are reminded that chains or traction tires are required on the pass through April 30. KWPS Weather expects clearing skies by Friday.

November 11, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

Search continues for missing hiker near Whitetail Ridge

Sheriff's deputies and volunteers resumed the search Friday for a 34-year-old hiker last seen October 12. His vehicle was found at the Whitetail trailhead. Snow is expected above 9,000 feet this weekend, and search leaders say time is running short. Anyone with information is asked to call the Pine County Sheriff.

November 10, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

Grand Colorado Hotel to close permanently

The Grand Colorado Hotel, the luxury resort perched high in the mountains above White Pine, will close its doors for good at the end of the month. The hotel's current owners announced the decision Thursday, ending months of uncertainty about the property's future. The closure comes after the killings at the hotel and years of difficulty that followed. Since the death of its longtime managers, who had run the hotel for decades, the property has changed hands several times, and no new owner has been able to make it succeed. Owners say bookings have never recovered and that the hotel's reputation made it impossible to continue. About 40 employees will lose their jobs. No buyer has come forward, and the owners say the building will be secured for the winter. The county has asked that no one enter the property.

November 9, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

School board approves budget, keeps all bus routes

The White Pine School District board voted 4-1 Tuesday night to approve next year's budget. Superintendent Marjorie Lund said the district will keep all bus routes, including the upper valley run, but will delay the purchase of new textbooks for one year.

November 4, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

White Pine High Wildcats advance to state semifinals

The Wildcats defeated Fairplay 21-14 to reach the 2A semifinal for the first time since 1987. The team travels Saturday. Coach Bill Stanton praised the defense, which held Fairplay scoreless in the second half.

November 2, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

Main Street merchants plan holiday lighting event

Downtown business owners announced plans for a tree lighting on the first Saturday of December, followed by a craft fair. Organizers are asking for volunteers to hang lights on the courthouse lawn beginning November 26.

October 28, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

Owner of KWPS announces sale of broadcast license

Mountain West Media Holdings announced Thursday it will not renew local operations. Staff were told the station will cease broadcasting at year's end. The company did not say who bought the license. KWPS has served White Pine and the surrounding valley since 1974.

October 21, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

Creek bridge on Miller Road reopens after repairs

The Miller Road bridge over Pine Creek reopened Friday afternoon, nine days ahead of schedule. County crews replaced two support beams damaged during the spring runoff. The bridge is rated for vehicles up to 20 tons.

October 14, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

Hiker reported overdue near Whitetail Ridge

Pine County Search and Rescue was called Wednesday evening after a hiker failed to return from a day trip. Rescuers searched through the night. The search area includes several abandoned mine shafts, which the Sheriff's office warns are unsafe.

October 7, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

Elk season opens with strong turnout

Hunters filled the parking lots at the Kessler Peak access Saturday as the rifle season opened. Colorado Division of Wildlife officers checked more than 200 licenses. Officers remind hunters that the closed area near the old Pine Creek workings remains off limits.

September 23, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

Town council approves new fire truck

The White Pine Town Council voted unanimously to purchase a new engine for the volunteer fire department. Chief Ray Delaney said the current truck is 27 years old and has failed inspection twice. Delivery is expected in the spring.

September 9, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

Golden leaves arrive early in the high country

Aspens above 10,000 feet are already turning, about a week ahead of normal. Forest Service officials say the best viewing along Ridgeline Pass should come in about two weeks. Visitors are asked to stay on marked trails.

August 30, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

State inspectors examine Pine Creek workings

State mine safety inspectors visited the closed Pine Creek Mine Monday following reports of noise and vibration from the old workings. The inspection results are expected in the fall. The mine has been closed since 1981.

August 12, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

Brush fire near Kessler Peak contained

Firefighters from three departments contained a brush fire that burned about 40 acres near the base of Kessler Peak. No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported. The cause is under investigation. Fire danger remains high across the county.

July 15, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

Water restrictions begin as creek flows drop

White Pine residents are asked to water lawns only on alternate days after Pine Creek dropped to its lowest July level in 12 years. Town officials say the restrictions will remain in place through Labor Day.

July 4, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

Thousands attend Fourth of July parade

An estimated 3,000 people lined Main Street for the annual parade, the largest crowd in years. The White Pine High marching band led the procession, followed by the fire department's antique engine.

June 21, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

Mayor Hollis holds town hall on water rates

About 80 residents attended a town hall meeting Monday night at the White Pine Community Center. Mayor Hollis said rates will rise 6 percent in January to pay for repairs to the treatment plant.

June 3, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

White Pine High graduates its class of 2005

Fifty-two seniors received diplomas Friday evening in the school gymnasium. Valedictorian Sarah Beckett urged her classmates to remember where they came from. The Wildcats' senior class raised more than $4,000 for the scholarship fund.

May 20, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

Grand Colorado Hotel facing possible closure after 30 years of struggle

The Grand Colorado Hotel, perched high above White Pine, is once again in financial trouble, thirty years after the last in a series of killings at the property in 1975. Hotel representatives say the property is now at risk of closing for good. Over the years, new owners have repeatedly attempted to update the hotel to fit the style of each era, hoping to move past its troubled history. Management says none of these efforts have fully restored the hotel's reputation or its finances. No timeline for a possible closure has been announced.

April 8, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

Spring runoff raises Pine Creek to near flood stage

Warm weather this week is melting the heavy snowpack, and Pine Creek is running at its highest level since 1997. County officials have placed sandbags along Miller Road and urge residents near the creek to be prepared.

March 4, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

Avalanche closes Ridgeline Pass, no injuries reported

An avalanche buried about 200 feet of Ridgeline Pass on Wednesday. Highway crews used explosives to clear the road. No vehicles were involved. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center rates the danger as considerable above treeline.

February 12, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

Winter Carnival draws record crowd

Sunny skies brought a record turnout to the 31st White Pine Winter Carnival. The ice sculpture contest was won by a team from the fire department, and the snowshoe race drew 86 runners.

February 10, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

Station to discontinue some online services amid budget cuts

Station management announced Thursday that, due to ongoing financial difficulties, KWPS-TV will be discontinuing certain online services, including the website's weather page. The station apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The online weather service will end February 11, 2005. Forecasts will continue to be available on the KWPS News at Six broadcast.

January 14, 2005 — 6:00 PM broadcast

Cold snap sends temperatures to 22 below

White Pine recorded an overnight low of 22 degrees below zero Thursday, the coldest reading in five years. Several school buses were delayed. Officials remind residents to check on elderly neighbors and protect exposed pipes.