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News in Brief

Aspen Times staff report
Aspen, CO Colorado

BASALT – Emergency responders are warning boaters of a large “strainer,” likely a fallen cottonwood tree, that is blocking the Roaring Fork River below Basalt.

The fallen tree is located near the Basalt Sanitation Plant and can be seen from Two Rivers Road, according to police. It is unlikely, given the high level of the river this week, that the strainer can be safely removed anytime soon.

Commercial rafting companies are not yet running this stretch of river, authorities said, but already two private parties have collided with the tree. The parties escaped without serious injury, but swift-water rescue teams were forced to respond in one case.



Boaters are advised to visually inspect any stretch of river before putting in.

ASPEN – A number of items from the now-defunct Bentley’s at the Wheeler tavern in Aspen will be auctioned off starting at 9:30 a.m. Friday.




Conducted by the city of Aspen, the auction will be held in the alley behind the Wheeler Opera House. Items will be sold as-is, and must be moved immediately after purchased (cash or check only). Unsold items will be donated to Habitat ReStore in Glenwood Springs.

Items up for grabs include the following: a small refrigerator; large stainless-steel food prep table with two compartment sinks and two drawers; range and hood; two stainless-steel wall shelves; free-standing stainless-steel ice bin; three toilets, bathroom stall dividers, urinal, two electric hand dryers; two behind-the-bar ice bins with wells; behind-the-bar, three-compartment sink with 48- and 24-inch drain racks; stainless-steel, behind-the-bar corner table; antique-style beer tap; seven art lamps and five track lights; and five square tables, one round table, and 19 chairs.

ASPEN – Volunteers are sought for Saturday’s Thrash a Thistle work on the Moore Open Space.

Volunteers will help remove several species of invasive weeds, which are compromising the survival of the native species in the ecosystem. The event is sponsored by the city of Aspen, Pitkin County Open Space and Trails and Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers.

Work begins at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. A free lunch will be served. Tools, gloves and instructions will be provided. For more information go to http://www.rfov.org or call (970) 927-8241.

ASPEN – The Aspen Chamber Resort Association board of directors’ June meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, has been canceled.

The board’s next monthly meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 26.