OVERDUE HIKERS FOUND IN PITCO
ASPEN (AP) — Six hikers missing on the Lost Man Loop trail near Aspen have been found safe. The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office was called Tuesday after the hikers were reported overdue. They were found about midnight after they wandered off the trail. The sheriff’s office said in a statement Wednesday that roads in drainages leading to the river are often mistaken for the official trail route.
WEST NILE RETURNING TO COLORADO
DENVER (AP) — Colorado health officials say the West Nile virus is spreading in Colorado. Longmont will soon begin citywide spraying and Boulder County Public Health plans to have its own contractor. The town of Erie is also expanding its efforts.The state health department said the first case of a person becoming ill with the mosquito-borne disease this year was reported earlier this month in Delta County. Human infections can occur without symptoms or can cause mild or severe illness, fever and aches. Infections can also lead to chronic disability and even death. Last year Colorado reported 131 cases of West Nile, with five deaths. Colorado’s peak year for the mosquito-borne disease was in 2003, when 2,847 cases and 63 deaths were reported.
COLORADO RIVER BASIN DRYING UP
DURANGO, Colo. (AP) — Government officials are urging Congress to find solutions to deal with possible water shortages in the Colorado River basin. Colorado Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Udall told the Water and Power Subcommittee on Tuesday strategies include reducing demand through innovation, conservation and better management of the water supplies. A two-year study by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation found the river will not be able to provide enough water for its nearby communities in 50 years. The Colorado River basin and its tributaries supply water to nearly 40 million people in seven states, including Colorado.
IMMIGRATION REFORM DISCUSSED BY WESTERN LEADERS
DENVER (AP) — Immigration and education dominated the first meeting of delegates from the western hemisphere in Denver. Lleaders at the Biennial of the Americas kickoff panel discussion Tuesday said immigration reform is vital to the region’s prosperity and education is failing to provide opportunities for jobs. The Biennial is a five-day international event that provides a platform for leaders in business, government and the arts to examine the issues affecting life in the Americas.
