The city of Pueblo is set to receive another round of wildfire mitigation thanks to a Strategic Wildfire Action Program Workforce Development grant overseen by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.
In Pueblo, the grant comes in the form of in-kind work provided by the Colorado Department of Corrections’ State Wildland Inmate Fire Teams. The inmate crews, overseen by DOC staff, have been conducting mitigation work along Fountain Creek since 2022.
Work has been done along north Fountain Creek as well as in multiple areas of the Arkansas River through the city of Pueblo. Inmate crews are clearing areas along the rivers of underbrush, trees and other plants to make the area more accessible when there is a fire, as well as decreasing the possibility of fire spread by creating fire breaks and ground clearing, Pueblo Deputy Fire Chief Kieth Novak said in a press release.
The inmate work crews have performed an estimated value of $205,000 worth of mitigation work, said Haley Sue Robinson, director of public affairs for the city of Pueblo. The work also gives the inmates experience and career exposure so they can pursue wildfire mitigation and forestry careers when they are released from prison.
The program “has had a significant positive effect on the spread of fire in those areas. The City of Pueblo cannot express how much we appreciate being awarded this grant for three years in a row and continuing into 2025,” Novak said, pointing out the work ultimately helps protect residents who live near the treated areas and their homes.
Hawk Eye Storage named U-Haul neighborhood dealer
Hawk Eye Storage, 1288 Santa Fe Drive, has been selected as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer, offering essential services like U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, moving supplies and in-store pickup for boxes.
U-Haul has teamed with independent dealers to offer rental equipment to do-it-yourself movers since 1945. During these challenging times for small businesses, more than 21,000 dealers across the U.S. and Canada are generating supplemental income through their U-Haul affiliation.
Find out more at hawkeyeselfstorage.com, email admin@hawkeyeselfstorage.com, or call 719-208-3567.
Steel City Music Showcase set for April 11-12 in downtown Pueblo
The second annual Steel City Music Showcase is set to bring more than 40 artists to five stages in downtown Pueblo April 11-12.
This year’s event will feature an even stronger mix of artists. Headlining the event will be Pueblo West’s own country music sensation Cody Cozz. Other performers will be Marfa, 2MX2, Beasts of No Nation, DOGTAGS, Graham Good & The Painters, Horse Bitch, Inaiah Lujan, Just a Feeling, Rootbeer Richie & The Reveille, Thirteen Plagues, Diskount Vodka, Kellen Goode, Angela Perry, Darcy Nelson, Arrari, E J R M, Broth, Ipecac, Last Reel Hero, Mallorie Cordova, Mariachi Diamante, Merch, Mineral Palace, Morgan Cox, Music, Mr. Knobs, Panpsychism, Rhythm & Reverie, Sonic Vomit, Steve Dey, Tensas & The Mourners, The Canary Initiative, The Stilts and more.
Tickets are on sale for $25 a day or $25 for a weekend pass. Get tickets and more details at steelcitymusicshowcase.org.
Applications open for UCHealth Parkview scholarships
The UCHealth Parkview Foundation is accepting applications for its 2025-26 health care scholarship program.
Scholarships are awarded to students in the community pursuing degrees in nursing, medical assistant, and health science (direct patient care) programs. Applicants must be accepted into a health care program at Colorado State University Pueblo, Intellitec College Pueblo, Pueblo Community College, or Otero College.
Visit the UCHealth Parkview Foundation website for an application. The deadline is May 1.
Completed applications must be emailed to Deanna.Cowan@uchealth.org. Call 719-584-4526 for details.