Ballot ID Simmers, Boils Over
In Chaffee County, the issue of ballot secrecy simmered in the spring and early summer and then finally exploded in mid-August. A Buena Vista man said he cracked the code to identify ballots cast by specific voters in the June primary. County officials had long denied ballots could be traced by barcode, and refused to comply with a subpoena to provide records used to print ballots and record them. Upon learning the barcode cracking news, Secretary of State officials issued an emergency ruling preventing counties from printing ballots with unique numbers and barcodes that could be used to link voters to their ballot. Watermarks may be used instead. This all goes back to an election activist group called Citizen Center and their belief that by using barcodes, six counties have not protected voter secrecy. The group filed a suit in U.S. District Court, which is working its way through the system, although a settlement could be in the works.
Over the River Update
Citing ongoing legal challenges to his project, artist Christo said July 31 he will delay Over the River until things get smoothed out on the legal front. Christo’s team was to begin ordering supplies and materials for the project later this fall, which was supposed to begin construction in 2013 and open to the public in 2014.
There are two lawsuits brought on by Rags Over the Arkansas River and other opponents. Those cases are hung up, waiting on the outcome of an administrative appeal to the project which BLM gave in November 2011. On Aug. 14, a U.S. District Court Judge ruled the BLM can’t issue a “Notice to Proceed” for at least 60 days after the appeal is complete. Opponents had asked for 180 days and a ruling is expect in a few months.
New Developments at Ski Areas
Crested Butte officials are close to submitting a new five-year master plan to the U.S. Forest Service. It comes three years after agency officials said they wouldn’t allow expansion into the Snodgrass area. Next step is the environmental review process. Monarch Mountain is rushing to finish a massive expansion of its base lodge which was earlier approved as part of a master plan. Much needed upgrades are going into food service, retail and administration areas.
Finally, at Wolf Creek the forest service came out Aug. 17 in favor of a land swap with land owner and developer Red McCombs. It’s all part of McCombs’ instance to build a maximum of 1,711 units and 220, 000 square-feet of commercial space adjacent to the ski area. The ski area owners oppose the development and the land trade gives McCombs better suited land to build upon. There was a two-year study of the land trade and public comment is open. Three public hearings have been set.
Taller Tower Requested
Salida officials are considering a request to build a 65-foot tower atop Tenderfoot Mountain to support higher-speed broadband. Microwave equipment on the tower is needed to facilitate the broadband expansion but there are complicated ownership, regulatory, electrical and financial issues for the existing tower.
Improved broadband has been a major effort in recent months for Chaffee County Economic Development Corporation.
Land Management Campuses
Gunnison leaders are urging the construction of a “land management” campus to serve as headquarters for several natural resource agencies. It’s a renewed effort since the U.S. Forest Service is attempting to finalize funding for a $1.4 million renovation of its current location. Over in Salida, construction has begun on a similarly-themed campus east of town on property owned by the city. The Forest Service is first to construct facilities at the Salida Natural Resource Center, although officials have said several other agencies are contemplating joining the campus.
Tragedies in Western Fremont
Law enforcement and emergency responders in Western Fremont County were especially busy mid-month. A fatal traffic accident occurred Aug. 16 west of Howard on U.S. 50. Killed was Cotopaxi resident Heather Dunn, 41. A driver from Iowa was cited for vehicular homicide, reports The Mountain Mail. On Aug. 19 a man was killed by his brother at the family home in Howard. An alcohol-fueled domestic argument and fight ensued after which Joshua McBride, 32, is accused of shooting his 34-year old brother Daniel with a shotgun, The Mail reported. Filing of specific charges hadn’t happened by press time although Joshua McBride had been released on a $30,000 bond.
Climax Open House
Nearly 500 people attended the Aug. 8 open house at the Climax Mine near Leadville. Molybdenum at the annual rate of 20 million pounds is expected to come from the mine, which is owned by Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold. According to the Herald Democrat, company CEO Richard Adkerson told a story about purchasing a ranch between Leadville and Buena Vista around 2005, before Freeport and Dodge Phelps merged. Little did he know, a few years after buying the ranch, his company would be commencing a restart of the mine and now full production.
Shorts
• The BLM is taking comments on a new Environmental Assessment for the popular Hartman Rocks recreation area near Gunnison. It’s all part of an update to the area’s management plan.
• The new Salida High School is open, although not all construction is done at the site. Crews were still landscaping and working on the main athletic field rushing to be ready for the first home football game on Sept. 8. This fall, voters in the school district will be asked to approve $9.5 million in bonds for a new elementary school.
• Buena Vista Trustees unanimously supported wilderness protection for the Browns Canyon area. The move came in a late July meeting.
• A BLM preliminary environmental assessment analyzing proposed sale of oil and gas leases in 10 counties is completed. Six of the parcels are in the South Park area and were deferred from the November 2011 oil and gas lease sale. The remaining parcels are in Eastern Colorado and the Cañon City BLM office is handling the sale.
• Close to 2,000 racers participated in the Leadville Trail 100 mountain bike race while about 800 competed in the 100-mile foot race. All 758 runners started at 4 a.m. and the first person across the line was a Frenchman in 16 hours. Only 358 people finished the foot race.
• August 1 marked the official date for the new Western State Colorado University name change. The long-time Gunnison intuition of higher learning is busy updating logos, signs, athletic uniforms and things officials may “haven’t even thought about” the Gunnison Country Times, reports.
“Notable Quotes”
“Bears remember where they got their last peanut butter and jelly sandwich and will go back there.” – Randy Barnes, Gunnison County undersheriff, speaking about the need for residents to recognize we all live in bear habitat.
“We don’t tolerate bedbugs in those places. We will investigate. It’s illegal and there’s a big fine.” – Victor Crocco, Chaffee County Environmental Health Manager responding to complaints of bedbugs in southern Buena Vista and Johnson Village. – The Chaffee County Times, Aug. 23, 2012
