Top five most-read stories last week

Stories in this list received the most page views on aspentimes.com from March 2-8. 

1. Terminated Forest Service Employees to join Colorado lawmakers at Trump’s Joint address to Congress on Tuesday

President Donald Trump was scheduled to give his first joint address to Congress since taking office in January. 

In addition to lawmakers from both chambers, guests of senators and representatives were in attendance. Colorado Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Rep. Joe Neguse invited three former U.S. Forest Service employees who were among the 3,400 nationwide cuts the Trump administration made to the federal agency in February.

Jamie Werner, who most recently served as a program management specialist with the White River National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Glenwood Springs, joined Bennet, according to a news release sent by the senator’s office on Monday. 

— Staff Report

2. Voters Choose Referendum 2, and say no to Referendum 1 

Aspen voters have decided the fate of two referendums impacting the Entrance to Aspen. Referendum 2 passed with 1,369 votes in favor and 1,276 against, while Referendum 1 failed, with 952 votes in support and 1,652 opposed.

Referendum 1 proposed increasing the voter threshold for changes to city-owned parks and open spaces from a simple majority of 50% plus one to 60%. Supporters argued the amendment would ensure broader community consensus on critical land-use decisions, while opponents saw it as undemocratic, potentially allowing a minority to block changes.

Referendum 2 sought to amend Aspen’s Home Rule Charter, permitting the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to use portions of the Marolt and Thomas properties to realign Colorado Highway 82. The measure aligns with the 1998 Entrance to Aspen Record of Decision’s Preferred Alternative or any new option that could emerge from an updated Environmental Impact Statement.

— Westley Crouch 

3. Skier dies after Highland Bowl accident 

Tragedy struck Aspen Highlands on Wednesday after a crash in the bowl resulted in a fatality. 

Clifford Hastings Johnson III died on Wednesday afternoon in the Aspen Valley Hospital due to blunt force trauma from crashing in the Highland Bowl earlier that day, according to the Pitkin County Coroner’s Office. 

Johnson, 76 from Houston, Texas, had a ski accident in the bowl at approximately 11:53 a.m., according to the coroner’s office. Aspen Highlands Patrol saw the accident and immediately contacted CareFlight of the Rockies, at which point he was transferred to the Aspen Valley Hospital Emergency Department via medevac helicopter, where he was treated by the hospital’s trauma team.

— Skyler Stark-Ragsdale

4. Warnings issued in Colorado mountains as snowstorm expected to bring ‘blizzard conditions’ with heavy snow, high winds

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for much of the Colorado Rocky Mountains as heavy snow is expected to impede travel.

The winter storm warning is in effect from 3 p.m. Monday, March 3, through 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, according to the National Weather Service. Snow and ice covered roads will make travel hazardous and potentially “very difficult,” the warning states.

The winter storm warning is in place for Summit, Grand, Clear Creek and Park counties above 9,000 feet of elevation. It includes the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels on Interstate 70, Berthoud Pass on U.S. Highway 40 and Rabbit Ears Pass on U.S. Highway 40. Snow accumulations between 8-16 inches are expected as well as winds gusting as high as 65 mph.

— Ryan Spencer

5. Everybody loves a bargain’: Aspen Home Consignment Closing after 26 years 

After 26 years in business, Aspen Home Consignment is closing its doors. But for owner Della Pegolotti, it’s not an ending to mourn. Instead, it’s a milestone to celebrate.

Since opening in 1999, the shop at 202 E. Main St. has been a cornerstone of the community, offering a curated selection of high-end furniture, artwork, lighting, and unique accessories from around the world. Known for its estate sales and consigned treasures, the store has been a resource for homeowners, designers, and collectors seeking quality pieces at fair prices.

Pegolotti said the closure comes as the building’s owner moves forward with long-planned renovations.

— Westley Crouch