Trio Caught after Camping Out
WESTCLIFFE – Three siblings from Florida who were subjects of a national manhunt were apprehended after a high-speed chase on I-25 near Colorado City but not before spending a final night of freedom camping at the St. Charles trailhead in the San Isabel National Forest.
Ryan, Dylan and Lee Grace Dougherty had been on the lam since Aug. 2 after being accused of an armed bank robbery in Georgia and the attempted murder of a Florida police officer.
The trio had been spotted purchasing camping gear in Colorado Springs and attempting to buy ammunition at the Cañon City Walmart. A tip led authorities to the campground but they had already decamped. Soon after they were spotted on the interstate where a high-speed chase ensued and the fugitives crashed their car and were apprehended. There are currently 76 charges against the trio pending in Colorado.
Final EIS Released for Over the River
CANON CITY – The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Royal Gorge Field Office released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) on artist Christo’s Over the River project on July 28.
The FEIS also included a preferred alternative which includes eight panel segments for a total of 5.9 miles within the 42-mile stretch of the Arkansas River between Cañon City and Salida.
In the fall of 2011, after a public comment period, the BLM will issue a Record of Decision which will contain the agency’s final decision as well as conditions and mitigation measures.
A traffic study just released by the agency also gave a green light to the project. The study, by Architecture Engineer Consulting Operations and Management Technology Corp. of Los Angeles, estimated that travel time is expected to increase by 17.6 minutes in the westbound lane and 12 minutes eastbound during the peak viewing time while the project is on display.
The FEIS can be found online at www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/rgfo/planning/otr/otr_final_eis.html
Pride Ordinance Approved
SILVER CLIFF – A new ‘pride’ ordinance has been established in the town of Silver Cliff in an attempt to improve the town’s appearance.
The ordinance was unanimously adopted by the board of trustees on Aug. 8, according to The Wet Mountain Tribune. Under the ordinance, properties must be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition. Junk cars and other unlicensed vehicles are not allowed except for restoration or for parts. Accumulation of junk and garbage is also forbidden. Asked his position on the new ordinance, Silver Cliff Mayor Larry Weber said, “I like it.”
Mill Awaits Approval
LEADVILLE – Mill owners in Leadville are awaiting approval of a conditional land permit that would allow them to reopen.
The permit was recommended by Lake County planning and zoning board officials on Aug. 22 and is awaiting approval from commissioners according to The Leadville Herald-Democrat.
Mills have not been operational in Leadville since the 1950s and mill owners hope that approval will be an incentive for small mines to open in the area. The Leadville Mill is also awaiting a permit from the Colorado Department of Reclamation, Mining and Safety.
Health Center Seeks Funds
COTOPAXI – A health center in Cotopaxi is nearly halfway to its goal of raising $400,000 to purchase a two-story building at the corner of U.S. Hwy. 50 and County Road 1A in Cotopaxi.
Pleasant Valley Health Center hopes to expand into a full-service healthcare facility to serve the medical needs of area residents. Money raised so far has come from grants, private donors and fundraisers. Anyone interested in helping should contact the Center at (719) 942-4202.
Notable Quotes:
“One of the amendments they’re attempting to block requires the disclosure of fracking chemicals. They act like they’re protecting the recipe for a Hershey’s chocolate bar. They aren’t.” – Robin Smith of Citizens for a Healthy Community in Delta County, on proposed amendments to state oil and gas regulations. – The Gunnison Country Times, Aug. 4, 2011.
“I’m of the opinion we are the only remaining city in the Rockies of Colorado that has not sold its soul for a buck.” – Salida Mayor Chuck Rose in his City News column, talking about the city’s handling of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. – The Mountain Mail, Aug. 26, 2011.
“We don’t all have to agree, but you tend to make it seem like we are all idiots when we don’t agree with you. That’s offensive.” – Westcliffe Mayor Christy Veltrie, responding to town trustee Joe Cascarelli who resigned from the town board on July 5 then withdrew his resignation on Aug. 2. – Wet Mountain Tribune, Aug. 4, 2011.
“Where’s Lance Armstrong?” – Comment regarding the USA Pro Cycling Challenge by Camille Besse, retired Gunnison school administrator. – The Gunnison Country Times, Aug. 25, 2011.
“We don’t have to eliminate all the deer, but we should limit them – it’s unnatural.” – Salida resident Mike Sugaski, commenting at a Salida City Council meeting on the issue of the increasing deer population within city limits. No conclusions were reached during the two-hour meeting. – The Mountain Mail, Aug. 4, 2011.
