MAJOR LOCAL DRUG RING BUSTED BY TRIDENT
Glenwood Springs—Eight Garfield County residents including five from Glenwood Springs have been busted for dealing deadly, psychedelic drugs. The bust came this week after a five month investigation that included undercover drug buys and investigative work by the Two Rivers Drug Enforcement Team. Officials with TRIDENT say the investigation began at a house across the street from Glenwood Springs High School in early January. Officers say the suspects were manufacturing and selling the synthetic drug known by it’s street name, “Smiles.” LSD, ecstasy and cocaine were also sold and distributed all over the valley. The five suspects from Glenwood Springs include, 21 year old Eric Kneipper, 29 year old Marc Merchant, 19 year old Christopher Dardynski, 22 year old Bradley Rice and 19 year old Katelin Wirth. The other suspected dealers are from down valley; 39 year old Joshua Tello of New Castle, 39 year old Jesse Tello of Rifle and 51 year old Mike Casto of Rifle. Officials with TRIDENT say more arrests could be forthcoming.
GLENWOOD CITY COUNCIL ENDORSES BLM THOMPSON DIVIDE APPEAL
Glenwood Springs—The City of Glenwood Springs is joining forces with Carbondale and Pitkin County to protest the Bureau of Land Management’s decision to suspend the oil and gas leases in the Thompson Divide rather than allowing them to expire. The city council voted unanimously to endorse the letter of protest to the BLM written by assistant Pitkin County Attorney Chris Sedlin.
STATE BILL PROTECTING PREGNANT WOMEN PASSED
DENVER (AP) – A bill creating new penalties for crimes against pregnant women in Colorado received final approval from lawmakers and now heads to the governor for a decision. The measure would create new felony charges for unlawful termination of a pregnancy. Most states have laws specifically dealing with how to punish people who harm pregnant women, resulting in the loss of a baby.
COLORADO ELECTIONS ABOUT TO CHANGE
DENVER (AP) – A bill by Democrats redefining Colorado elections rules to include same-day voter registration and ballots by mail to all voters is on its way to the governor’s desk after House approval today. In addition to same-day registration and ballots by mail, the proposal establishes voting centers for people to cast ballots at any location, as opposed to having to go to a designated precinct. Precinct polling places would be eliminated. All Republican lawmakers opposed the bill, arguing that same-day registration makes it easier to commit fraud.
