Phillips County Colorado Office of Emergency Management

04/08/2026

We will be conducting tornado siren testing on Wednesday, April 8th at the following times:

• Holyoke – 10:00 AM
• Paoli – 10:15 AM
• Haxtun – 10:30 AM

These are scheduled tests only. There is no cause for alarm.

03/15/2026

03/13/2026

03/13/2026

***** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *****

On March 12, 2026, at approximately 3:00 p.m., the Holyoke Police Department responded to a reported threat directed at Holyoke JR/SR High School. School officials received a phone call from an unknown individual claiming to be armed with a rifle and a bomb stating he was heading to the school.

Officers arrived within minutes, secured the campus, and restricted access to the area. Additional assistance was requested from the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office, the Haxtun Police Department, and the Phillips County Office of Emergency Management. Holyoke JR/SR High School was immediately placed in Secure status while officers conducted a systematic sweep of the building. Due to its proximity, Holyoke Elementary School was also placed in Secure status as a precaution, and additional officers were dispatched to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Throughout the response, Chief JR Myers remained in direct communication with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and coordinated efforts with federal partners. After a thorough search of the school and surrounding perimeter, officers determined that no active threat was present at either school. Given the seriousness of the reported threat, a controlled and orderly release of students from both schools was conducted as a precautionary measure.

The investigation has been turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Holyoke Police Department and the Holyoke School District are fully cooperating with federal authorities as the investigation continues.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the staff of the Holyoke School District for their unwavering commitment to student safety. Their professionalism, quick action, and dedication exemplify the standards we strive for in our schools. We also thank the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office, the Haxtun Police Department, Phillips County Emergency Management, and the FBI for their partnership and support throughout this incident.

Finally, we thank all parents and guardians for their patience and cooperation. We understand the fear and uncertainty that situations like this create. Protecting the children of our community is our highest mission, and every decision made today was guided by that responsibility. If you have information related to this incident or have additional questions, please contact the Holyoke Police Department.

03/12/2026

The I-25 corridor and plains of northeast Colorado are under a Red Flag Warning late Thursday morning through Thursday evening. Well above normal temperatures, low relative humidity, and gusty winds will lead to critical fire weather conditions. Follow local fire restrictions and avoid activities that could cause a spark!

02/17/2026

A Red Flag Warning is in effect from late Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening. Mild and dry conditions, combined with very strong winds will lead to widespread critical fire weather conditions from the I-25 corridor east into the plains. Stay safe! Avoid any outdoor activities that could cause a spark.

02/17/2026

A High Wind Warning is in effect Tuesday morning through late Tuesday afternoon for the northern and eastern plains. Strong winds up to 65 mph may cause power outages and make driving difficult for high profile vehicles. Make sure to secure lose objects

02/16/2026

This is Tuesday's (Feb 17th) Fire Weather Outlook from the NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
For northeastern Colorado we will have an extreme risk for fire weather on Tuesday with other parts of eastern Colorado having a critical & elevated risk. This means do NOT do any outdoor burning or any activity that may produce a spark & start a wildfire. This winter has been extremely dry & unfortunately this will likely be a common thing for us here on the high plains this year. I'll post the hazards map here in a bit.

-Abraham LD5

02/13/2026

A prolonged period of elevated to critical fire weather conditions is expected Sunday through mid-week. The biggest fire weather concerns will be Monday and Tuesday afternoons. Please stay tuned to the forecast as we get closer for more details!

01/29/2026

Attention Yuma County Residents: Think Twice Before You Tap: A Guide to Avoiding Scams

Digital scammers are getting smarter, but you can stay ahead of them. Whether it’s an urgent text, an unexpected email, or a high-pressure phone call, your best defense is a healthy dose of skepticism.

The Golden Rules of Digital Safety

Don't Click the Bait: Never click on links or download attachments from unknown or unsolicited senders. These can install malware or steal your login credentials.

The "Official" Red Flag: Government agencies (like the IRS, Social Security, or local courts) will never call, text, or email you to demand immediate payment.

No Weird Payments: If someone asks you to pay a fine, "settle" a ticket, or verify your identity using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers, it is 100% a scam.

If You Get a Suspicious Message:

Stop and Breathe: Scammers rely on creating a sense of "false urgency" to make you panic.

Verify the Source: If a message claims to be from a specific agency, do not use the contact info provided in that message.

Go Straight to the Source: Find the agency’s official phone number on a verified government website (.gov) and call them directly to see if there is an actual issue.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, hang up or delete. A legitimate agency will always provide a secure, formal way for you to handle official business.