OBAMA VETO THREAT OF WATER BILL ANGERS TIPTON
Washington, D.C.—-Western Slope Congressman Scott Tipton is incensed that one of the most important bills he’s ever sponsored could go up in flames. The Cortez Republican has been crafting and building support for the “Water Rights Protection Act.” Late Thursday, the House passed the bill thanks to votes coming from both sides of aisle. Tipton fears it may be moot with President Obama’s threat of a veto. He’s counting on the Senate’s support with the help of Colorado Democrats Mark Udall and Michael Bennet.
LOCAL SPRING RUNOFF PREDICTIONS
Glenwood Springs—Rafters and farmers will be happy to know the local spring runoff should be plentiful. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is predicting local rivers will flow between 110 and 149 percent of average this spring and summer. The current snowpack measurements of the Roaring Fork Watershed stands at 127 percent of normal with the Crystal River headwaters holding the most snow. Officials with the Roaring Fork Conservancy say this year’s snowpack still isn’t quite up to the levels of 2011.
ASPEN JOURNALISTS MAY BE CALLED TO TESTIFY IN SEX ASSAULT TRIAL
Aspen—Three Aspen journalists may have to set aside their pens and notebooks and take the witness stand in an upcoming sex assault trial. Aspen Times Editor Rick Carroll, Aspen Daily News Editor Carolyn Sakariason and Daily News Reporter Chad Abraham could be subpoenaed to testify next month in the trial of 51 year old Peter Nardi. Nardi is accused of sexually assaulting, smothering and threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend. In interviews with both papers last May, Nardi proclaimed is innocence and said he wouldn’t accept a plea deal. True to his word, Nardi pled not guilty last October and will go on trial April 8th.