Good morning southern Colorado and here's what you need to know on your New Year's Day!
If you'd like to read the full story, be sure to click on the story headline.
_____
Get outside on New Year's Day with First Day Hikes
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is hoping you will make it a point to go outside and enjoy the parks on New Year's Day as part of First Day Hikes. The program was created to encourage people to visit a state park and spend some quality time with friends and family. This year, there are more than 30 First Day Hikes taking place across the state.
_____
New laws going into effect today
The 2019 legislative session was one for the books. When it ended in May, lawmakers walked away from a tense and controversial four months with some of the laws passed going into effect today. Among those laws include the Red Flag Law, Out of Network Health Care Cost Requirements, Transgender Birth Certificates, and Local Minimum Wage.
_____
Warm and breezy weather on first day of 2020
We're starting off with a cold morning on the first day of 2020, but with down slope winds and dry ground, we'll get nice and warm through the afternoon. The winds will be pretty strong at times today, gusting out of the west between 20 to 30 mph across the interstate.
_____
El Paso County Sheriff's Office expanding mental health unit
It's an issue that's growing in southern Colorado: the mental health crisis. But with a new year about to begin, local law enforcement is stepping up efforts to help. The goal is to get to someone in their time of crisis before it turns criminal and they end up in jail.
_____
Pueblo PD helping homeless get back home
The Pueblo Police Department is receiving more money to help homeless people return to their homes. The Pueblo City Council is giving the department $25,000 for the program. If you know someone who could use this program, all you have to do is contact the department.
