Wednesday June 24, 2009
A bomb scare on Tuesday forced the evacuation of the Garfield County Court house—it’s annex across the street—and the Garfield county sheriff’s department next door——but after a two hour search for explosives—–none were found. A male caller ranted first at a clerk—then specified a time that the bomb would explode—and, since all threats are considered seriously, everyone had to leave. By the time the all clear was given at 5 p.m. yesterday—-business for the day had been ruined but there was no bomb.
Garfield county sheriff Lou Vallario says there are no leads as to who the caller is—-but that investigators are checking out the case more now—another bomb threat was made this year of February 12th——again—no explosives, but Vallario says when this happens the only prudent and safe thing to do is “evacuate”.
Bernie Madoff’s lawyer says life in prison for the 72 year old financier, who ripped of thousands of investors, including more than one hundred Aspen investors, of billions, is too much and is making an appeal that Madoff’s sentence be reduced to just 12 years—-from the designated 150 years behind bars.
Several victims of Madoff’s Ponzi scheme who were wiped out—wrote letters to the court, asking that no such consideration be given.
Financially devastated Candace Newlove of Nederland Colorado said that if Madoff were hung by his toes for a dozen years then she might consider the reduced sentence.
Frontier Airlines –which serves Aspen’s airport—-might be able to find a way out of bankruptcy court if—Republic Airways Holdings….as that company works to make frontier its wholly owned subsidiary. It’s not certain what affect that might have on ticket prices—but Republic also names United Express and Delta Connection in its group—-Frontier created some competition for United in particular last year when it launched flights to and from Aspen —-good for the traveler—but with consolidation—it could be we’ll see higher prices to fly in and out of Sardy Field as a result.
Be sure and check out local news on KSNO the sound, and KUUR radio broadcast from the TV Aspen News Center. TV Aspen, Comcast Cable Channel 19, Resort Sports Network.