News

• Sheriff Bill Masters announces retirement
• Local businesses show support for the immigrant community
• West End Roundup with San Miguel Basin Forum

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Sheriff Bill Masters announces retirement

Sheriff Bill Masters has been serving San Miguel County for 45 years. On Thursday, he announced that he is retiring and stepping down from the position.

Masters will remain in the position until June 2, 2025. The San Miguel Board of County Commissioners will appoint a new sheriff to serve the remainder of the term. The position is up for election in 2026.

KOTO’s Julia Caulfield spoke with Masters about his time serving as sheriff, his decision to retire, and what’s next for him.

Story begins at 0:30.

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Local businesses show support for the immigrant community

The streets of Telluride were quiet on Monday as several businesses and restaurants closed for “A Day Without Immigrants” to show solidarity and support for the immigrant community.

Benjamin Waddell, an associate professor at Fort Lewis College in Durango and an expert on immigration issues, says the conversation surrounding immigration is largely an economic one.

“Removing labor in a space where the labor force is hard to come by would lead to higher prices for all of us,” Waddell said.

Waddell has also worked as a legal advocate for regional immigrant rights groups. He spoke on KOTO during an “Off the Record” program this week.

As immigration policy shifts under the new administration, Waddell emphasized the importance of local business owners staying informed on current immigration laws. He noted that if immigration officers come to a business, they must present valid, specific warrants signed by a judge.

“If they’re looking for Jose Fernandez and they have a warrant that says ‘Chente,’ you can say ‘they don’t work here,’” Waddell said. “You have a right to stay silent. You don’t need to incriminate yourself or your employees.”

Anne Brown, a San Miguel County commissioner, said employers can create safe spaces for their employees.

“ICE is allowed into any public space, but not private ones,” Brown said. “Employers can mark rooms as ‘employee only’ or ‘private’ to indicate that it’s a private space. Employers can also ask ICE to leave, just as we can ask them to leave our homes.”

Waddell added that the immigration conversation also revolves around the identity of the community.

“It would change the culture of our community, the diversity of our community. It would change the way in which we think it means to live in southwest Colorado,” he said.

To hear the full “Off the Record” conversation, visit koto.org and search under the news tab.

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West End Roundup with San Miguel Basin Forum

Today on the West End Roundup with the San Miguel Basin Forum, KOTO’s news team chats with editor Regan Tuttle about:

• Cell towers in Redvale and Nucla.
• A new principal in Nucla.
• Fresh food for school lunches.

Story begins at 6:41.

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Butch Cassidy Race this weekend

The annual Butch Cassidy Cross Country Ski Race will take place on Saturday, February 8th. Racers of all ages and abilities are welcome to join the Telluride Nordic Association at Priest Lake. Race distances include a 15-kilometer classic and skate, a 5k, and a 1k kids race. There will be races and divisions for the whole family, along with prizes, food, and a raffle after racing. Pre-registration is required at telluridenordic.com.

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Ouray hosts 2025 Ice Climbing Youth World Championships

The International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) is hosting the 2025 Ice Climbing Youth World Championships this weekend in Ouray. Just a weekend after the Ouray Ice Festival, this competition brings youth ice climbers from around the world to compete in the Ouray Ice Park. The event, organized by the American Alpine Club, takes place from Friday, February 7th through the weekend. Disciplines range from lead to speed ice climbing throughout the weekend. Attendance is free at the Ouray Ice Park, with most events beginning around 9 a.m. and running until 5 p.m.

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USGS assesses American household water

The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that 15 percent of Americans get their household water from private wells, which are not regulated by federal or state laws. Rocky Mountain Community Radio’s Caroline Llanes has more.

Story begins at 14:07.

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Coloradans protest Trump administration

Thousands of people gathered at the state Capitol yesterday to protest the policies of the new Trump administration, particularly its promised crackdown on undocumented immigrants. KUNC’s Chas Sisk was there.

Story begins at 15:25.

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Writers on the Range talks public lands

The Supreme Court recently dismissed an attempt by Utah to take over public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This failed case marks the end of a 10-year effort by Utah, which spent nearly $6 million on public-land seizure attempts. Aaron Weiss shares his thoughts on this as part of the Writers on the Range series, shared with us through Rocky Mountain Community Radio.

Story begins at 16:07.