OGDEN PLEADS NOT GUILTY IN BABY’S DEATH
Glenwood Springs—The Parachute man accused of murdering his month-old daughter last June says he’s not guilty. 29 year old Matthew Ogden entered his plea Monday in Garfield County District Court. According to statements from Ogden’s wife, Phyllis Wyatt, she was awakened that night by pounding noises in the next room where she witnessed Ogden violently shaking their daughter. The baby suffered multiple injuries including a fractured skull. Wyatt pled guilty in December to child abuse resulting in death and is serving an 8-year prison sentence. Ogden will go on trial for murder in September.
OIL AND GAS COMPANIES OWED MILLIONS IN TAXES BY COLORADO
Undated—Garfield County and other communities that receive severance tax revenue from oil and gas drilling will see a lot less money in the next couple of years as the state scrambles to repay millions of dollars in tax refunds to oil and gas companies. The refunds are unavoidable after last month’s Colorado Supreme Court ruling that the state miscalculated deductions to severance taxes paid by the industry to the tune of 115 million dollars. A bill is being considered by the state legislature in the final hours of the session to figure out how to pay the tab.
GLENWOOD SPRINGS HIRES NEW MANAGER
Glenwood Springs—Glenwood Springs’ new City Manager is Debra Figueroa. The Carlisle, Pennsylvania Borough Manager was the city council’s top choice based on her experience in city administration and community development. Figueroa will replace former longtime City Manager Jeff Hecksel, who was let go in December as well as Interim City Manager Drew Gorgey. Figueroa signed a two year contract that begins June 13th.