HOME BURGLARIES ON THE RISE IN WEST GARCO
Rifle–There’s been a sudden spike in home burglaries and break-ins in the past couple of weeks in Silt, New Castle, Peach Valley and Grass Mesa. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is warning people to keep their doors and windows locked when they leave. In many cases, the thieves have been brash enough to simply back a vehicle up to an unlocked house and help themselves. If you see anything suspicious in your neighborhood, call 9-1-1 or 625-8095.
SKICO FEEDING BROKE, HUNGRY EMPLOYEES
Aspen–Despite the lack of snow, employees with the Aspen Skiing Company won’t go hungry. Skico is offering to feed workers who are feeling the economic pinch of this dry, early season. Nearly 90 employees who’ve been losing hours and money, showed up the other night to have dinner at the Buttermilk restaurant on the company. Skico Vice President Jim Laing most of the struggling employees are here for the season and are scraping by. He says there are no plans to lay anyone off.
DON’T MESS WITH THE ELK NEAR ASPEN
Snowmass Village–The eye in the sky will nab you if you mess with the elk and deer on Skyline Ridge Trail near Snowmass Village. A couple of motion-activated cameras have been installed in the area because an increasing number of hikers, bikers and people on horseback have been disturbing the animals in their winter habitat. If you’re caught and identified on camera, you can expect a visit from a ranger with the White River National Forest.
BRECK SKI AREA EXPANSION MOVING FORWARD
Breckenridge–Vail Resorts’ plans to expand ski terrain on Peak 6 in Breckenridge are moving forward. The White River National Forest rejected two appeals of project’s approval. Opponents criticized the expansion, saying cutting down trees will hurt Canada Lynx. Others say the expansion will add more traffic in town. The plan is to add over 500 acres of skiable terrain, two lifts, new restrooms and a warming hut. The Peak 6 project will be open for business next season.