Sec. of State readies PitCo for Election Day

by Andrew Travers, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer
Colorado Secretary of State Mike Coffman checked in on the Pitkin County Clerk and Recorder’s Office on Friday in anticipation of the Nov. 4 election, when voters will tackle one of the longest and most complicated ballots in state history.

In addition to 18 state ballot measures and the presidential election, 12 local questions are expected to be posed to Pitkin County voters.

Skiers dismantle Rangely 48-6 in home opener

Aspen Daily News Staff Report, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer
Once again it was the Beau show for the Aspen High School football team.

In front of a capacity crowd, Aspen senior running back/linebacker Beau Seguin scored three touchdowns and recorded a team-high five tackles as the Skiers pounded a visiting Rangely team 48-6 in their home opener.

Brush fire on Fryingpan Road in Basalt

Aspen Daily News Staff Report, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer
A brush fire fed by strong gusts of wind charred four acres of land adjacent to Fryingpan Road just upvalley from downtown Basalt yesterday afternoon.

The fire was called in around 2:30 p.m. and valley firefighters had contained it by 6 p.m., although hot spots remain and firefighters will return today to mop them up.

Indy Pass bathrooms stalled by transport issues

by Brent Gardner-Smith, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer

If you’re waiting for new toilets to be installed at the top of Independence Pass, you might have to wait until the end of the month, and perhaps until next spring.

The two concrete buildings from CXT Concrete Buildings Forest Service officials expected to arrive Friday have been delayed due to the complicated logistics and extra cost associated with hauling them up Highway 82 from Twin Lakes on the east side of the pass.

Post-Olympics Political Fever

by Beth Brandon, Aspen Daily News Columnist
I like to write about my current obsessions. So it should come as no surprise that I want to share with you my latest hankering: politics. 

I’m watching speeches on the Internet. I’m wearing T-shirts in support of a particular candidate, and am feeling more impassioned about politics and the fate of our nation than I ever have before.

Loving this campaign

by Ellen Goodman, Aspen Daily News Columnist
You gotta love this campaign.

No sooner does the curtain come crashing down on one climactic moment than up it goes on another. The Democrats choose NoDrama Obama and the channel switches to Soap Opera McCain. You want change? I’ll show you change: Introducing Sarah Palin, a running mate as unfamiliar as the tundra.

Don’t miss Vieux Farka Toure

Aspen Daily News Staff Report, Aspen Daily News Columnist
Editor:

An alert to all lovers of African music, especially Malian music: Belly Up is bringing Vieux Farka Toure, the new guitar sensation and son of the outstanding legend from Mali, Aly Farka Toure. 

Do the right thing

Aspen Daily News Staff Report, Aspen Daily News Columnist
Editor:

There is a big difference [between] knowing the right thing and DOING the right thing. So, for the sake of discussion I’ll assume that the city of Aspen and the merchants in town didn’t know any better.

Who’s next?

Aspen Daily News Staff Report, Aspen Daily News Columnist
Editor:

Who’s next to undergo the treatment that so many citizens of Aspen and the valley have suffered?

Krabloonik dogs: addressing the critical issues

Aspen Daily News Staff Report, Aspen Daily News Columnist
In support of the Krabloonik sled dogs in need, and in response to the letter printed in yesterday’s (Sept. 4) paper: Whether a dog is working or a companion pet, she or he deserves food, water, proper shelter and medical attention.

The examples cited in James Breasted’s letter are tangential and do not address the goals of the Committee to Give Krabloonik Dogs a Voice. Can anyone really say that another person is ignorant for wanting these 260+ dogs (or any dog for that matter) to have basic needs met, and not to have open sores and wounds go untreated, especially with the knowledge that infractions have been cited against Krabloonik?

How about doing unto others?

Aspen Daily News Staff Report, Aspen Daily News Columnist
Editor: