New tenant for old bar

by Troy Hooper, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer

Move over Cooper Street. Hello Bad Billy’s.

The haunt formally known as Cooper Street Pier will soon transform into a new bar and restaurant operated by Bill Rieger, Scott Brasington and the other owners of Kenichi, a popular Asian eatery on Hopkins Avenue.

Basalt ponders historic downtown’s future

by David Frey, Aspen Daily News Correspondent

BASALT — The old two-story shops that line Midland Avenue today don’t look so different from the way they look in black-and-white photographs from 60 years ago. The old train station is a bank now. Boutiques have replaced the grocery stores and liquor stores. But the quaint architecture and small-scale main street remain, and many residents say, in the face of redevelopment projects that could change the face of the town, they want it to stay that way.

“I like the fact that it’s maintained a small-town feeling to it,” said Bennett Bramson. An Old Snowmass resident who works in Basalt, Bramson was among about 40 residents, business owners and employees who turned out Thursday night for a community forum on the future of Basalt’s historic downtown.

Student allegedly pulls knife at Basalt Middle School

by Andrew Travers, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer

A 13-year-old Basalt Middle School student was suspended Thursday for allegedly brandishing a knife at another student. The incident came just two days after a 17-year-old girl’s throat was slashed in the hallway of Montrose High School by a 14-year-old non-student.

Police said the Basalt episode was not sparked by a fight or an altercation at the time the student allegedly pulled the weapon. The alleged target, also a 13-year-old boy, was not injured.

Bucksbaum gift secure despite company troubles

by Brent Gardner-Smith, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer

A $25 million donation to the Aspen Music Festival and School from Matthew Bucksbaum is not in jeopardy despite the reality that General Growth Properties, the company he founded, warned this week it may seek bankruptcy protection.

“The donation is secure, is not tied to General Growth stock, and, while we’re making very careful plans, they are also excellent plans, and we have not seen a direct negative effect in this cycle — 2008 was extremely successful by every measure,” said Alan Fletcher, the president and CEO of the Music Festival.

The economy puts squeeze on lemons

by Beth Brandon
Remember those days when you would fantasize about not having a job? I had this great fantasy that when my boss would retire it would be the perfect time to travel and then I’d come back and be paid to write for numerous publications and travel to perform. Now most of us are just grateful to be employed and if you aren’t, you should be.

Long gone are my non-work fantasies. Here for now are the real life adult stressors of an economy in recession. Gray hairs, proving yourself at work, buying 10-pound bags of lentils, what’s next?

Let Palin keep her clothes

by Ellen Goodman
Have you ever seen a transformation this fast? In barely two months, the Barracuda became the Scapegoat. Think of it as evolution on steroids.

In September, Sarah Palin, the little-known governor of Alaska, was hailed as the great female hope of the Republican Party. Double the maverick, double the fun. John McCain called her “the most marvelous running mate in the history of this nation.” Pro-life conservatives were “ecstatic,” and she was a “hottie” to boot.

You mean so much

by Lynn Putnoy
Editor:

On Nov. 9 a benefit was held on my behalf. I would like to say that I’m so appreciative of all the love and support I have received from so many. Without their very generous donations I would not have been able to receive the multiple medical procedures I am in need of. You don’t know what this has meant to me. Thank you all so very much.

Thanks to AVH

by Karma Borgquist
Editor:

I recently spent two weeks in Aspen Valley Hospital. I want to thank the staff for their great care. They really help me get through a challenging situation and I want to acknowledge them for that.

Thanks from Brenner

by Ken Brenner
Editor:

I have just finished one of the most interesting years of my life, because I had a chance to meet more than 10,000 people after knocking on 26,000 doors as part of my campaign for state Senate.