Good morning southern Colorado and here's what you need to know on your Monday morning.
If you'd like to read the full story, be sure to click on the story headline.
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Thorpe Fire burns in Park County, estimated at 150 acres
A wildfire that started Sunday afternoon in Park County has prompted evacuations and threatened nearby structures, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The "Thorpe Fire," first reported sometime after 1 p.m., is burning in the South Park Ranger District, off Forest Service Road 230 and Park County Road 31. It's west of Lake George and about two miles southwest of Tarryall. As of 8 p.m. Sunday, Forest Service officials said the fire is estimated to be 150 acres with 0% containment.
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El Paso County announces Stage II restrictions in effect at noon
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office announced Monday morning it is raising fire restrictions from Stage I to Stage II that will be in effect starting at noon. The sheriff's office said this elevated status came after a meeting with the Colorado Springs Fire Department, Colorado Springs Utilities, Pikes Peak Fire Chiefs, Division of Fire Prevention and Control, and the North East Teller County Fire Protection District. Click the headline above to read more on the restrictions.
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Hot & smoky with scattered mountain thunderstorms
We're going to be hot and smoky across the region again today. Highs will soar into the 90s and lower 100s. Smoke is still going to be very thick today, especially in and around the mountains. We'll see scattered storms develop this afternoon, most of which will stay west of I-25. Towns right near the mountains like Colorado Springs, Canon City, and Walsenburg could see an isolated late day storm, but dry air will make it tough for rain to fall.
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Pueblo Police seek public's help in locating missing woman
The Pueblo Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a missing woman. According to Pueblo PD, 64-year-old Joyce Johnston was last seen on Aug. 21 in the 2000 block of Hudson Ave. Her family said she left without her purse, phone, or necessary medication. Johnston is described as a being 5'8" tall and weighing 170 pounds.
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D70 school to be closed Monday due to positive COVID-19 test
Pueblo School District 70 announced Sunday that an individual at North Mesa Elementary School has tested positive for COVID-19. The district said that the school will now be closed Monday, Aug. 24 for deep cleaning. Remote learning will begin Monday as scheduled, but with staff working remotely as well. The district anticipates that the school will reopen Tuesday after the district's COVID Response Team concludes its investigation.
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