RIFLE CITY COUNCIL/BALLOT DEBATES
Rifle—The seven candidates running for four open seats on the Rifle city council
discussed the economy, job creation and the sales tax for the new recreation center
during last night’s election forum. The hot button issue in the September 10th election
is Ballot Question ‘D’ asking voters to pass a 3/4 cent sales tax increase to help
pay for the new rec center.
INTERNET SALES RULED LEGAL
Denver—The Colorado tax on internet sales is legal according to a federal appeals court
ruling. Last year, a lower court tossed out the internet sales tax requiring large, online
retailers to collect millions of dollars in state taxes. The decision was appealed in federal
court and the 10th circuit lifted the permanent injunction on the tax. The 2.9 percent internet sales tax was passed by lawmakers three years ago to offset the loss of revenue from online purchases.
WESTERN SLOPE PEACH CROP IN TROUBLE
Palisade—Those juicy Palisade peaches won’t be as plentiful this year. Growers say due to the late spring freeze in April, they’re only harvesting 20 to 40 percent of their normal crops. The smaller crop will mean higher prices at the cash register
this year. Growers on the Western Slope say 2013 has been the worst weather year for peaches since the early 90’s.
STEAMBOAT ADDING NIGHT SKIING
Steamboat Springs—Let there be light. Skiing under the lights appeals to the city of Steamboat Springs. Last night, the city council unanimously approved a
plan by the ski area to add night skiing this winter. The resort is going to add over a thousand vertical feet of terrain on the lower mountain for skiing
after sundown. Initially, the hours will be 6:30 to 8:30 Thursday, Friday and Saturday and later in the spring. Some residents are worried about noise and bright lights but supporters of night skiing say it will revitalize the base area.
