Colorado's Attorney General promised to take legal action if the city passed the proposal.

PUEBLO, Colo. — Pueblo City Council on Tuesday night narrowly rejected an ordinance that could have restricted abortions in the city.

The ordinance directly challenged state law, and if it had passed through the council, it could have set up a court battle as anti-abortion groups cited a federal law from 1873. The council rejected the ordinance in a 4-3 vote.

Pueblo councilwoman Regina Maestri has introduced a similar ordinance before. In 2022, she failed to pass an ordinance that would've banned abortion clinics and provided an opportunity to sue providers.

Two years later, she tried again to restrict abortion access in the city.

"State legislatures have imposed laws and put them in place to basically almost dissipate morality in our community," she said at a city council meeting on Sept. 24.

Colorado voters will decide in November whether or not to put abortion rights in the state constitution. Amendment 79 would also remove the state's current ban against public funding for abortions.

RELATED: Colorado voters to decide whether to put abortion rights in the state constitution

Maestri's proposal used the federal Comstock Act from 1873 to ban the mailing and receiving of "obscene" materials, including equipment used for abortion.

"It's a way to make sure that we are adhering to federal law through the Comstock Act to make sure that women can be safe from these dangerous procedures," said Marcie Little, executive director of Colorado For Life.

Little hoped the Comstock Act could be used to restrict abortions even in states with broad access like Colorado.

"If it goes well for the city of Pueblo and does hold up, I think it would likely encourage other cities in the state to do it," Little said prior to the vote.

Attorney General Phil Weiser sent a letter to the Pueblo City Council on Sept. 23 to let the city know he would take them to court if this ordinance passed because it would "conflict with state laws guaranteeing the right to make one's own reproductive health care decisions."

"This really is a bigger move to ban abortion across the country, but by doing that, we are also harming all reproductive health care," said Kiera Hatton, organizing and political director for Cobalt.

She feels comfortable for now that Colorado law will protect abortion access. She's worried about impacts nationwide.

"This is a ploy by the proponents of this measure to really run this up to the Supreme Court and have abortion outlawed across the country," Hatton said.

Conservative Christian group Forging Pueblo said it worked on this ordinance with Maestri. Quin Friberg, director of Forging Pueblo, wants to see federal law supersede state law to eliminate elective abortions in his city. He believed they had a good chance to win in court if the ordinance passed and Weiser decided to file a lawsuit.

"I think Pueblo has the opportunity to pursue this in order to see how it plays out in court," Friberg said. "Obviously, this is going to court if it passes. Nobody doubts that and I think it would be good to get a solid answer on if the Comstock laws, if these federal regulations are applicable to local municipalities, and if they are, I would hope that other cities would implement this."

Lawyers for the city did not recommend approving this proposal because they said it violated state law.

Thomas More Society, a Catholic law firm and interest group, had promised to defend Pueblo for free if they passed the abortion ban.

A groundbreaking ceremony for Pueblo's new Whataburger restaurant, 2850 W. Pueblo Blvd., is set to take place Thursday, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m.

Whataburger, a San Antonio-based chain, was founded in 1950 by entrepreneurs Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton. The chain has a presence in 16 states with more than 740 of its 1,000-plus locations in Texas. Since opening a Colorado Springs store in February 2022, Whataburger has grown to include seven locations in the Centennial State.

Representatives from the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce will be present at the Oct. 3 groundbreaking in Pueblo. Whataburger Operating Partner Joe Lopez and BurgerWorks Colorado Owner William Tamminga also will be in attendance.

"We're just very excited about coming to the community," said Shannan Anderson, marketing director of BurgerWorks Colorado. "We've already started partnering with the school districts and are looking to really become part of the community and be more ingrained. It's honestly just really exciting."

Members of the public are invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony and will have a chance to win giveaway items. Those looking to attend are asked to RSVP by contacting Anderson at co.anderson@burgerworks.net.

What's on the menu at Whataburger?

The original Whataburger consists of a large beef patty, tomato, lettuce, pickles, diced onions and mustard. Several variations are available, including the Double Meat Whataburger, Triple Meat Whataburger, Jalepeño & Cheese Whataburger, Bacon & Cheese Whataburger, Whataburger Jr. and Double Meat Whataburger Jr.

Other lunch options include the Whatachick'n Sandwich, Whatachick'n Strips and more, and available sides include French fries, apple slices and onion rings.

From 11 p.m. to 11 a.m., Whataburger restaurants serve breakfast sandwiches, biscuits, pancakes, platters and bowls.

Salads, desserts, shakes, coffee, soda, and other drinks also are available at Whataburger. A full list of menu items can be found online at whataburger.com/locations/1358/menu.

When is Whataburger opening in Pueblo?

Pueblo's Whataburger store is scheduled to finish construction in early 2025. Danny Saenz, director of membership and business development for the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, told the Chieftain that about 170 employees are estimated to be employed at the Pueblo Whataburger store.

"Especially early on, it might be more than that because just like Culver's and other restaurants of this caliber that come into a community... They're expecting a lot of interest and a lot of people wanting to get those burgers so early on. I think here, for the next three to four months, they are going to be slammed," Saenz said.

Most Whataburger restaurants are open 24 hours and close only on Christmas Day, according to Whataburger's online press kit.

City Park Bath House:Historic Pueblo bathhouse set to be demolished after council fails to override mayor's veto

Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

Get ready for one of the most electrifying high school football matchups in the nation as the Pueblo Centennial Bulldogs face off against the Pueblo Central Wildcats in the storied “Bell Game” at Dutch Clark Stadium on September 27, 2024 in the “Steel City” of Pueblo, Colorado. This clash, part of the 21st season of the Great American Rivalry Series, boasts a history dating back to Thanksgiving Day in 1892. With over 12,000 fans expected in their 124th meeting, the Wildcats, who lead the all-time series 61-53-9, aim to replicate last year’s dominant 52-0 victory.

Last season, Central jumped out to a huge early lead and dominated from the get-go. They shut out the Centennial Bulldogs 52-0 en route to their 5th straight victory in the series. Going back home, the Bulldogs are hoping to swing the series back in their favor.

As the oldest, and most cherished annual football rivalries west of the Mississippi River, the intensity is palpable with triumph and glory.

We Know Friday Nights

MVP

Genaro Pino

Pueblo Central

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Luis Vazquez-Cruz

Luis is a Senior Tight End and Defensive End with a 4.17 GPA. He enjoys weightlifting at Centennial with Coach Perez and AP Stats with Mr. Ah-Yo. Luis was born in Colorado Springs but has lived here in Pueblo his whole life. He would like to further his education after high school to study finance.

Genaro Pino

Genaro is a 6x academic letter recipient, a member of the National Honor Society, and a recipient of the Junior Excellence Award. He is also a 2024 State Wrestling Champion! After high school Genaro plans to pursue the Airforce Academy to wrestle and major in criminology.

GAME SUMMARY

The 2024 edition of Pueblo Centennial and Pueblo Central’s “Bell Game” started off with a bang. Centennial attempted an onside kick, but did not recover it. This led to a score in 13 seconds by Central, and they never looked back. Central took a 43 point lead by half time, thanks to the efforts of Quarterback Genaro Pino. He dominated the Bulldog defense and looked nearly unstoppable. Rushing for two touchdowns and throwing for two he was undeniably the MVP of the oldest high school football rivalry west of the Mississippi River. The Wildcat defense also looked incredible as they forced 4 turnovers and did not allow a single point. The 2024 “Bell Game” ended 56-0 and was a masterclass from Pueblo Central on all sides of the ball.

PUEBLO — The 30th annual Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival is right around the corner! Here's everything you need to know about the event that's keeping Colorado culture alive.

The Chile Fest was created to promote Pueblo's rich agriculture and to encourage the community to buy local fresh products.

When is the Chile Fest?

The Chile Fest will be from Friday, September 20 through Sunday, September 22. Below are the times you can check out the festivities:

Where is the Chile Fest?

The event will be held on South Union Avenue in Historic Downtown Pueblo.

How much are tickets?

Children 12 and under, as well as military members with a valid ID are free. Below are the ticket prices:

To purchase tickets, visit the Pueblo Chile Festival's website.

Is there a shuttle?

During the festival each day, there will be a free shuttle available in the parking lot of the Midtown Shopping Center, which is located on West 6th Street.

When is the Balloon Fest?

To celebrate the 30th Chile Fest, 30 big hot air balloons will soar across Pueblo! The free event is happening the at Langoni Sports Complex, which is located at West 24th Street and High Street.

The liftoff is Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 6:45 a.m.

The balloons will inflate and glow Friday and Saturday nights starting at 7:30 p.m. The balloon glow will be held on the grassy knolls, which are located at South Main Street and Alan Hamel Avenue.

All balloon flights will happen as long as weather permits.

When is the Chihuahua & Friends Parade?

The Chihuahua & Friends Parade will happen Sunday at 11 a.m. There is a $7 online registration fee, and it is $10 at the event. Day of registration starts at 10 a.m.

The parade will be held on the lawn of the El Pueblo History Museum. Costumes are encouraged, and owners are responsible for dog cleanup and water for their furry friend. Click here for more information.

When is the Jalapeno Eating Contest?

The Jalapeno Eating Contest is happening Sunday at 3:30 p.m. on the corner of South Main Street and Alan Hamel Avenue.

What else can I expect?

The event will feature the following and much more:

Here are the performances you can expect at the Entertainment Tent: Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

The Disgo's Wild West Magic Show will happen on Saturday and Sunday. Below are the times for all of the shows:

There will also be performances at the RMSER Kids Corner on Saturday and Sunday. Below is a list of the performances: Saturday:

Sunday:

Are there any events before the Chile Fest?

There is a Chili & Salsa Showdown happening on Thursday at the Pueblo Convention Center. Entry fee is $5 for non-commercial entries and $25 for commercial entries. Commercial judging starts at 9 a.m. and non-commercial judging starts at 1 p.m. Click here for more information.

There is also a Kick Off Party on Thursday, September 19 at the Pueblo Convention Center & Expo Hall. The event will have a VIP cocktail hour from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the event will run until 10 p.m.

There will be live music from The Homeboys and Bits & Pieces. VIP tickets are $35 and VIP tables are $350. Click here to learn more about the kickoff party and to buy tickets.

For more information, visit the Pueblo Chile Festival's website.

The southern front range offers its share of Colorado gems, and Pueblo makes a great base camp for exploring it all. A simple two-hour drive south of the capital city on I-25 lands you in the “Steel City”, surrounded by ample camping opportunities.

More than 111,000 people call Pueblo home, combined with its sister town of Pueblo-West and you add an extra 31,000+ residents. So setting up a basecamp nearby will put in quick proximity to city life. The biggest attraction in town, home to hundreds of campsites, is Lake Pueblo State Park. It’s located in Pueblo-West but only 10 minutes from downtown Pueblo too.

There are numerous campgrounds suitable for every kind of camper within an hour of Pueblo. Due to the city’s plains location, you’ll find mostly high desert campgrounds in town and a bit more nature and lakeside camping around Pueblo Reservoir. We limited the campgrounds below to the ones closest to Pueblo, all within a 30-minute drive.

List of campgrounds near Pueblo and Pueblo Reservoir, CO, in order of proximity:

Campgrounds at Lake Pueblo

The gem of most Colorado cities is their proximity to nature. While Pueblo is situated a little further east from the front range mountains than say, Colorado Springs, the massive Lake Pueblo lies in its western backyard. It’s only 10 10-minute drive from downtown for year-round recreation, including camping. This sprawling state park is centered around the 4,600 surface acre, boat-friendly reservoir fed by the Arkansas River. That’s 60 miles of shoreline to enjoy, fish from, and relax on. There are 3 campgrounds featuring 400 campsites, suitable for tents and bigger RVs. Recreation includes biking, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing and boating and water recreation on Lake Pueblo, swimming at Rock Canyon Swim Beach.

Arkansas Point is the easiest campground to access in Lake Pueblo State Park and it fills up quickly each summer, so it’s important to put your reservation in as soon as possible. If you are looking for quick access to the nearby swim beach or any of the water recreation that this state park has to offer, Arkansas Point Campground is a great starting point for your next camping trip.

For a more intimate experience in the elements, Juniper Breaks Campground can’t be beaten. This small campground offers limited amenities but makes up for it with incredible views of the rocky landscape. Be sure to bring something to block the wind, as the gusts can get intense across this plain.

Includes: Yucca Flats, Kettle Creek, Prairie Ridge, and Eagle View Campgrounds

The Northern Plains Campground Complex is a sprawling array of different campgrounds, all situated together at the northern edge of scenic Lake Pueblo. If you want to be close to the water with a large choice in camping options, the Northern Plains Complex is perfect for your next outdoor adventure. Bring your boat or jet ski along too–this campground is situated close to the northern boat ramp to allow easy access to the lake.

Campgrounds in Pueblo

For those looking to camp outside of nature in the more developed town, there are numerous RV parks close by. From only a few miles drive to downtown Pueblo, to as far south as Colorado City, we’ve rounded up the top campgrounds for both travel trailers and tent campers. Even though RV may be in the name of the place, they often have a few treasured spots for tents.

Centrally located in the city of Pueblo, Fort’s RV Park is a great place to stop for a night of rest as well as a good starting point for your visiting Pueblo’s expansive outdoor recreation. This campground is ideal for RVs and pull-through campers but offers premium campsites for tent camping as well.

If you’re looking for a campground that will make you feel like you’re truly in the Old West, the Pueblo West Campground and Horse Arena will surely satisfy you. This 46-acre campground features wide-open fields for camping, as well as amenities to make it feel a bit more like home.

KOAs are some of the most common campgrounds and RV parks you will find across America, and Pueblo is no exception. This spacious park offers electrical hookups for RVs as well as premium tent camping sites in a location that is easy to access from both Pueblo and Colorado Springs. Go for a dip in the pool and the hot tub while you enjoy a night beneath the Colorado stars.

Looking for that homey feeling, even while camping out under the stars? Haggard’s RV Campground, located 15 mi from Pueblo and 15 mi from Canon City, is the perfect place to start your southern Colorado vacation. The camp host has a reputation for taking good care of her guests, and your family will be no exception.

Roughly 20 miles south of Pueblo, the Pueblo KOA South/Colorado City is a wonderful spot for families to camp where they can explore nature in peace. One bonus of this KOA location? A dog park for your furry friends.

Consider Westcliffe or Cañon City

Consider checking out the campgrounds closest to Westcliffe or the campgrounds closest to Cañon City. They all make an efficient base for exploring all three Colorado towns: Pueblo, Cañon City and Westcliffe. If you’re looking for a true Rocky Mountain camping experience, go camping near Westcliffe, which is an hour southwest of town. You’ll find a lot of USFS campgrounds spread through the San Isabel National Forest. Some are less than 45 minutes to downtown Pueblo and even closer to the lake.

Another great option is heading around 40 minutes west to Cañon City or a tad further to the Royal Gorge. Due to the world renown of the Royal Gorge Bridge and recreation around it, there are oodles of campgrounds by Cañon City, which put you a touch closer to the mountains than camping in Pueblo. So give all three articles a read before settling on your site.

That’s a roundup of the best campgrounds near Pueblo, Colorado. Perhaps give the campsites near Colorado Springs a look next. Remember to leave no trace.