GW COUNCIL DISCUSSES AESTHETICS FOR NEW BRIDGES
Glenwood Springs–Glenwood Springs is getting two new bridges; one for vehicles and one for pedestrians. The Glenwood Springs City Council held a workshop with local C-DOT engineers to talk about materials that should be used and designs to make both bridges as attractive and pedestrian friendly as possible. C-DOT will be holding another public open house January 9th.
GARCO BUDGET HEARINGS
Glenwood Springs–Budget hearings continue for the Garfield County Board of Commissioners. Despite a healthy surplus of funds, the board is taking the fine-tooth-comb approach to the 2013 budget. The final hearing is scheduled for Monday, November 26th.
RIO GRANDE TRAIL SECTION MAY BE TOO PRICEY FOR PITCO
Aspen–A small section of the popular Rio Grande Trail between Glenwood Springs and Aspen may have to go unpaved for the time being. Some members of the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails board are reluctant to cough up over a million dollars to smooth over the gravel section above Woody Creek. While the board has about 7 million dollars to spend on the trail improvement project some members question the financial wisdom of such and expenditure. Board member Anne Rickenbaugh says some residents have told her merely considering the project is irresponsible.
SKI INDUSTRY/FOREST SERVICE AWAIT JUDGE’S WATER RULING
Denver–The U.S. Forest Service is trampling on the ski industry’s water rights according to the National Ski Areas Association. The NSAA filed suit against the Forest Service back in January over a rule that requires ski resorts to transfer a portion of their water rights or risk giving up their permits to use public land. The association says the clause allows the government to take over property that ski areas already acquired legally through the state water courts.
The Forest Service argues that the water should stay connected to the land, rather than the resort. A federal judge in Denver heard arguments yesterday and is expected to issue a ruling soon.
GIRL SCOUT LEADER STEALS FROM COOKIE FUND
Grand Junction–She was caught dipping into the cookie fund jar of her Girl Scout troop and now she’s in the Mesa County jail. Former troop leader Carmen Wysong is accused of stealing close to six thousand dollars of girl scout cookie proceeds to put money down on a home, make a truck payment, buy food and pay bills. Wysong was arrested this week for felony theft and false reporting.
