Canyon Courier 052523

successes, opportunities

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Evergreen High School’s graduation was all about thankfulness and possibilities.

Attendees at the 90th commencement ceremony at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on May 19 listened to graduate and faculty speakers address thankfulness for students’ time at EHS with the support of family and friends, and plans for the future,

Conifer High grads talk about the sunshine, rain as they head to new challenges

noting that being true to themselves and making a di erence were as important as getting a job.

e school lauded valedictorian Olivia Campsie and salutatorian Anne Elliston Barwell among the 245 members of the class of 2023. Graduates were o ered $11 million in grants and scholarships for further education and accepted $3 million.

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Conifer High School’s graduation ceremony was lled with sunshine and rain, successes and dreams, gratitude and recognition. More than 200 graduates received their diplomas as they anticipated their next steps during an outdoor commencement on the Conifer High School football eld that showed o the foothills’ unpredictable weather

— rst sunshine, then rain. “Part of today is realizing that one of the biggest things we are taking with us is the identity,” said graduate Maya Dawson, who was the ceremony’s master of ceremony. “(We are) mountain kids. … Regardless of where you go from here, there will always be a new trail. Remember, you’re a mountain kid, and mountain kids are tough.”

Polis signs three bills into law at ceremony in Morrison

Members of the Evergreen High School class of 2023 traverse the stairs at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on the way to the graduation ceremony on May 19. PHOTOS BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

Conifer graduates Bryce Merrill, Madeline Potter and Grace Hancock sing the class song “Country Roads” by John Denver. PHOTOS BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

SEE EHS GRADS, P21 SEE CHS GRADS, P22

Polis signs 3 wildfire bills into law

Je co, Clear Creek o cials attend the ceremony

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

County and re o cials from Je erson and Clear Creek counties watched Gov. Jared Polis sign three bills into law that will look at di erent facets of preparing for wild re.

Polis stopped by Inter-Canyon Fire’s Station 1 in Morrison on May 12 to sign bills that will:

• Establish a wild re resiliency code board to create rules that governing bodies in the wildland-urban interface — including the Je erson County foothills and Clear Creek County — will adopt to harden homes to reduce wild re risk;

• Increase the number of state re investigators to four, rather than the one investigator it has now; and

• Provide funding to give high school students more information about career opportunities in forestry and wild re mitigation, and to provide community colleges with funding to create programs in wildland re prevention and mitigation.

“ ese bills are the product of a lot of work, and it’s been a pleasure to help shepherd them through the legislature,” state Sen. Lisa Cutter, who represents District 20 that in-

cludes Evergreen, told the group that gathered for the bill signing.

“Any time the state puts more money into re response is a good thing,” Inter-Canyon Fire Chief Skip Shirlaw added.

For Dan Gibbs, executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, anything the state can do to avert wild re is important.

“We are one lightning strike, one drought season and one unattended re away from a catastrophic wildre,” he noted.

Hardening homes to reduce wildfire risk Clear Creek Commissioner Randy Wheelock said while Clear Creek County already has e ective reresiliency codes for structures, it was important for all jurisdictions to have strong codes.

“Wild res don’t stop at the border of Clear Creek County,” Wheelock said. “ at means the quality with which homes are built will help not only save homes but help stop the spread of con agrations. is is a big deal.”

Cutter added that a uniform code for structures would help protect the state in the long run, addressing wild re threats that are increasing daily.

Increasing state fire investigators Having more state re investiga-

tors is important, especially for small re districts, North Fork Fire Chief Curt Rogers said, noting that some re departments don’t have investigators, so they rely on the state investigator.

e new law ensures the state has more capacity and resources to do the investigations, added Rep. Tammy Story, who represents District 25 including Evergreen and Conifer. More re investigators statewide who can help gure out why res occur will provide more data, so the

state can do whatever it can to stop them, Cutter said.

Education and recruitment

Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, who represents District 17 in eastern Boulder County, said she wanted to support the next generation to do forestry and wild re mitigation work.

Cutter added: “If we don’t have people to do the work, we are all in trouble. Everyone tells us they need more people on the ground, and these programs will help with that.”

Sen. Lisa Cutter, who co-sponsored all three bills to help the state combat wildfires, speaks to the crowd at the bill-signing ceremony. Gov. Jared Polis signed the bills into law as Elk Creek Fire Chief Jacob Ware, North Fork Fire Chief Curt Rogers, Inter-Canyon Fire Chief Skip Shirlaw, Rep. Tammy Story and Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis watch.

PHOTO BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

Man sentenced to life in prison for murder of Conifer woman

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A Conifer man has been found guilty in the murder of his ex-girlfriend and was sentenced to life in prison plus 16.5 years.

After a ve-day jury trial, the jury deliberated for just over three hours before nding Wayne Richard Lotz, 59, guilty of rst-degree murder after deliberation, tampering with a deceased human body, aggravated motor vehicle theft, tampering with physical evidence, criminal possession of a nancial device and two crime-of-violence counts. He was sentenced on May 15.

e body of his ex-girlfriend, Michele Scott, 55, of Conifer, was found on Feb. 15, 2022, near Pleasant Park Road and South Ridge Road.

Prosecutors asked the judge to sentence Lotz to the maximum possible sentence on each count, according to a release from the Jefferson County District Attorney’s O ce.

“It is appropriate in this case for this defendant because he is a multi-state, multi-victim, domestic-

2024

Seasons of Our Mountains

violence o ender,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Tyra Forbes said.

“He nished serving out a sentence on a protection order where Michele was the protected party a mere 10 days before he killed her.”

Scott had reported domestic-violence incidents and protection-order violations by Lotz beginning in 2020.

On Feb. 1, 2022, Lotz pled guilty to attempted violation of a civil protection order, a class three misdemeanor. Less than two weeks later, Scott was murdered, the release said.

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Dozens of family members and friends lled the courtroom to address the court and express the immeasurable loss caused by domestic violence, the release said. Scott was remembered as a dedicated mother, sister and friend, and someone who had a profound impact on the lives of those around her.

According to the DA’s o ce: On the evening of Feb. 13, 2022, a neighbor called the Je erson County Sheri ’s O ce to report that her neighbor, Scott, hadn’t been seen since Feb. 10, and she was concerned for her safety. ere was no answer at the door, and Scott was not answering her cell phone, so deputies left Scott’s residence without successfully contacting her that night.

e following morning, Scott’s friends did not nd her or her vehicle in the house, so they again called JCSO. is time, deputies observed what appeared to be smeared blood on a truck parked in the driveway, in the garage and other places in the home. Deputies discovered that Scott’s four dogs had not been cared for and her cell phone was at the house.

Later that day, Lotz was contacted while driving Scott’s Toyota Highlander and taken into custody for questioning. Lotz told police that Scott was on vacation, and he had permission to use her vehicle and

credit card while he cared for her dogs and horses.

Lotz was booked into the county jail on charges of domestic violence. Deputies later located blood evidence in the rear hatch area and on the inside of the hatch door of Scott’s Highlander.

Deputies continued to look for Scott, and on Feb. 15, 2022, they found a rug and moving blanket near Pleasant Park Road and South Ridge Road. Lotz’s cell account records showed that on Feb. 11, 2022, his cell phone was in that same area. e area was searched by ground and by air with drones, and later that afternoon, about a half mile north of the rug and blanket, Scott’s deceased body was discovered under a pile of stacked rocks. Due to the steep terrain between the roadside and the location of her body, the Inter-Canyon Fire Department was called to conduct a technical recovery.

Scott was found with a brown leather leash looped around her neck, her wrists were bound with braided rope, her arms had been bound by a horse lead, and her legs were bound with a dog leash and bungee cord. An autopsy would later reveal Scott’s cause of death was strangulation and blunt force injuries. Lotz’s DNA was found on the leash around her neck.

© Ron Belak

© Leslee Hampel © Holly Simon

Conifer resident Michele Scott

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE JEFFCO DA’S OFFICE

Michele Scott remembered as dedicated mom, sister, friend

Conifer residents want a free-standing library

Library board asking for input as it looks at library’s future

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e message was clear from residents attending a virtual meeting on the Conifer library: ey want a fullservice free-standing library. ey especially want children’s programming during the day, something lacking at the Conifer library that is in Conifer High School, which is open only when school is not in session. Residents also asked for spaces for teens, study rooms, community gatherings and quiet reading, and a bonus would be outdoor space for kids to play and adults to relax.

About 20 Conifer residents attended the virtual meeting on May 15. e Je erson County Public Library board also conducted an in-person meeting on May 13 as it gathers information about what it calls the Conifer library opportunity.

Donna Walker, the Je erson County Public Library executive director, has said the May community meetings will allow the library district to move to the next level by

getting additional input after stakeholder meetings, so it can develop a program of service for the Conifer area. She said it was too soon to know whether the library district will move toward a free-standing library or some other library con guration.

e library board put $2.5 million in its 2023 budget for the Conifer library, Walker said.

e library board will hear a report at its July 20 meeting about the results of the community meetings and survey, Walker said, and the library board should hear recommendations in August.

Conifer’s library has been in Conifer High School since the school opened in 1996. e 8,900-squarefoot library space is open to the public when school is not in session. With the change in start and end times at Conifer High School beginning in August, the library will be open fewer hours each week. Currently, school ends at CHS at 3 p.m.; next year, school will end at 3:45 p.m.

Walker said the changing school times precipitated the library board to look at other options for Conifer library.

e Conifer Area Council has been advocating for a free-standing library for several years based on feedback from community surveys it conducts.

Walker told those participating on the May 15 call that the library board had not made any conclusions.

“What needs to happen is to get your input, so we make sure we can continue to serve the community,” she said.

Participants called the current library space limited in its o erings, underutilized and unknown because some Conifer residents don’t know the library exists in Conifer High

School.

ey said community spaces in a new library could be used for speakers, classes, author talks, arts and crafts, and more programming for all ages at di erent times throughout the day. Homeschool groups would love to have additional space. ey asked whether there were synergies with a broader-based community center that could bene t the Conifer community.

Residents in Conifer would like the Je erson County Public Library board to authorize moving the library out of Conifer High School. During the school year, the library opens after school ends. In the summer months, library hours are expanded.

Moving Conifer library won’t be easy for CHS

BY MAYA DAWSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

e Je erson County Public Library has shared its resources and space with Conifer High School for almost three decades, but that could soon change.

e Library Board of Trustees will decide whether to move the library out of the high school in the coming months — a plan community members said would expand public access to the library because it is closed to the public during the school day.

For Conifer students, however, removing the public library from the school may have consequences.

“It’s a really big plus to have that resource in our building and to have access not only to this library but to all the other Je co public libraries, so kids can place holds (on books),” Conifer digital teacher/librarian Karen McIntosh said. “ at just really doesn’t happen anywhere else.”

Between 400 and 500 students use the library daily during school hours, according to the gate count the school conducted this school year.

According to Je co Public School, there has not been any conversation about dissolving the partnership Conifer High School has with Je erson

County Public Library.

e Conifer library has never had its own building. When the Conifer branch joined JCPL in 1954, it had a small space inside the Little White Schoolhouse on Barkley Road, according to the Conifer Historical Society. e library moved into the high school when the school opened in 1996.

Every book in the Conifer library belongs to JCPL, in addition to all but two of the library desktop computers. e high school and public librarians regularly collaborate to provide programs for students, such as a “speed dating” project several English classes at the high school participated in earlier this year, where McIntosh worked with public librarians to reserve popular teen books from across the library system, so students could sample a variety of books to nd one they were interested in reading.

Even outside of class, CHS students view the library as an asset.

“I mostly use (the library) when I want to study and also when I have a free period,” CHS senior Ana Tena said. “I nd it as a place to just come and chill and just relax for a little bit.”

After the school day ends and the library opens its doors to the public, some students use the space to wait

WANT TO PARTICIPATE?

The Je erson County Public Library has a survey that residents can answer about what they want in the Conifer library. Access the survey at https://jeffcolibrary.org/conifer-opportunity/.

for sports practice to begin, while others meet with tutors or study groups.

e public library even hosts workshops and classes speci cally for students. Last month, courtesy of student requests, the public library brought in a guest speaker to teach teens about credit scores and nances.

“ e main idea of our programs is to make (the library) more of a social place to interact,” said Kyler Wesner, the teen librarian coordinator for the Evergreen and Conifer libraries.

To make the library more accessible during school hours, JCPL o ers a 24/7 book drop-o container in the front circle of the school, as well as the option to pick up books on hold during the school day at the nearby Mountain Resource Center. is summer the library will also offer expanded hours during the day, but some Conifer students, particularly those with younger siblings,

The Conifer Library in Conifer High School opens to the public at 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 20 minutes after the school day ends. Next year, however, school will end an hour later, further reducing public access to the library.

feel that this isn’t enough.

“I can de nitely see how there would be some frustration for people who want an actual public library,” said CHS senior Nicholas Ditmore.

COURTESY PHOTO

BRIEFLY IN THE FOOTHILLS

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Morrison raises parking fees e price to park in downtown Morrison has increased.

While the rst 30 minutes continue to be free, the second 30 minutes will cost $2. e second hour will cost $2, the third hour $3, the fourth hour $4 and additional hours, $5. Parking fees are enforced from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

Morrison Trustee Katie Gill at the May 2 recent board meeting said the new fee structure moves away from an extreme progression in parking fees.

“We need to strike a balance between turnover and turning people away,” Gill said, noting that the town instituted parking fees because people parked in downtown Morrison, spending the day biking in the area and not necessarily frequenting shops and restaurants.

e Morrison Town Board started a paid-parking program through Interstate Parking in June 2020 in response to businesses’ concerns about the lack of parking in downtown Morrison.

Board member Adam Way wondered whether the town could suspend parking fees during winter months when there were fewer visitors to the town, though other trustees said it would be di cult to reteach visitors to start paying parking fees after there haven’t been any for several months.

e new fee structure went into e ect on May 15.

CDOT performs emergency repair on U.S. 285

Emergency work is underway to stabilize a slope that washed out on May 12 from the recent heavy rains next to a section of northbound U.S. 285 north of Parmalee Gulch.

Colorado Department of Trans-

portation maintenance crews responded to the wash out with temporary measures to prevent further damage, including a closure of the shoulder and right lane on northbound U.S. 285 from Parmalee Gulch to Highway 8.

CDOT has hired GeoStabilization International to create a temporary repair to stabilize the ground below the roadway. at work that started May 18 requires a contractor that can use equipment that sits at the roadway level and reaches down into the damaged area to install reinforcing bars into the slope below the roadway.

CDOT expects the temporary repair will be completed Friday, May 26. e agency is starting the design process for a permanent repair that will take place later in the summer. Speci c timeframes and details are not determined yet.

No Rhubarb Festival

e annual Rhubarb Festival in Pine Grove will not take place this year.

e Pine-Elk Creek Improvement Association, which has sponsored the event since 1988, is taking a break as it looks for more volunteers to spearhead the event, according to the PECIA website.

“For the last several years, the PECIA board has asked for new volunteers including a main coordinator,” the website said. “ e board has reached out through community meetings, newsletters and talking with individuals in town.  e board has been unable to nd a new coordinator and enough new volunteers who are willing” to put on the festival.

e Rhubarb Festival, which traditionally is the second Saturday in June, includes a pancake breakfast with rhubarb syrup, a rhubarb recipe contest, and a parade and duck race. Festival funds have been used to offer a dumpster program to members,

maintain a town garage, provide some road maintenance, refurbish and maintain the 1898 Community Center for public use, contribute to the enrichment of the North Fork National Historic District and create a small public park.

PECIA’s board is looking for other fundraising ideas plus hoping to plan a new and smaller event for 2024.

More time for marijuana shop in Morrison

LivWell, one of the largest cannabis operations in the nation, will have until June 19 to complete its due diligence to determine if it wants to build and operate a marijuana shop in Morrison.

e Morrison trustees on May 2 extended the deadline for another 46 days. is is the second time the board has extended the period after the original 90-day period in the contract the town signed with LivWell in December.

“I hope this is the last extension,” Trustee Katie Gill said. “I understand that they want to get nancing” for the project. “I trust we are more about nding nancing rather than looking at the site itself.”

e Board of Trustees voted on Dec. 20 to allow LivWell to construct a retail store on a one-acre parcel it owns behind the wastewater treatment plant. e property is on the east side of C-470 at Morrison Road, east of the hogback and far away from Morrison businesses and Red Rocks Elementary School, a concern of the board and residents as they discussed allowing retail marijuana for more than a year.

LivWell, which has 21 retail stores in Colorado, expects to provide the town with between $800,000 and $1.3 million each year in sales-tax revenue, plus it will pay the town $15,000 a month to lease the property.

Morrison has increased its downtown parking fees. FILE PHOTO BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

We’d like to know about events or activities of interest to the community. Visit www.canyoncourier.com/calendar/ and post your event online for free. Email dbrobst@coloradocommunitymedia.com to get items in the print version of the paper. Items will appear in print on a space-available basis.

FRIDAY

Puppies and Pizza: Puppies and Pizza will be from 10 a.m.-noon Friday, May 26, at Vertical Skills Academy, 32156 Castle Court, No. 201. e school will work with the Evergreen Animal Protective League to adopt puppies while raising funds for VSA.

MONDAY

Memorial Day activities:  e public is invited to two Memorial Day events on May 29: e rst is at 9 a.m. at the Peace Memorial at Evergreen Memorial Park, 27054 N. Turkey Creek Road, Marshdale. Flags will be placed on veterans’ graves in the park. e second is at the memorial in Buchanan Park at 11 a.m., with the theme Today’s Military. e public is invited to participate in both events.

WEDNESDAY

Enduro Mountain Bike

Event: Team Evergreen will host an Enduro Mountain Bike event on May 31, June 7, 21, 28 and July 5 at Floyd

Hill Open Space. For more information, visit www.teamevergreen.org/ oyduro.

UPCOMING

Adult grief support group: Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice is o ering a seven-week in-person adult grief support group. e next group starts June 1 and runs every ursday through July 20, with no session on July 6. e group will meet from 2-3 p.m. at the Mount Evans o ce, 3081 Bergen Peak Road, Evergreen. Reservations are required. Call 303-674-6400 to sign up.

Free legal clinic: A free legal clinic for people with no attorney will be from 2 to 5 p.m. ursday, June 1. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help ll out forms, and explain the process and procedure for all areas of civil litigation. Preregistration for individual 15-minute appointments is available by calling 303-235-5275.

Evergreen Audubon meeting: Evergreen Audubon will meet at 7 p.m. June 1 at Evergreen Christian Church or via Zoom. e topic is native plants. For more information, including location details and Zoom access to the chapter meeting, visit www.EvergreenAudubon.org.

Native plant sale: Evergreen

Audubon will host a native plant sale from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 3, at the new Evergreen Nature Center in the historic Bancroft House on the Church of the Trans guration’s historical campus, 27640 Highway 74, Evergreen. For more information, visit visit www.EvergreenAudubon. org.

285 TechConnect Radio Club:  e 285 TechConnect Radio Club for ham radio enthusiasts interested in its technical aspects will hold its monthly meeting from 10 a.m. – noon Saturday, June 3, at e Bridge Church at Bear Creek, 3101 S. Kipling St, Lakewood. For more information, visit https://na0tc.org/.

Cars and Co ee: Cars and Coffee, a show for car enthusiasts, will be from 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays from June 3 until Aug. 26 in front of Olde’s Garage on Evergreen Parkway. ere’s no registration fee. Bring your classic car or stop in to check out the vehicles. Free co ee and doughnuts. Donations bene t Mount Evans Hospice.

Defensible space, home hardening presentation: Evergreen Fire/ Rescue will provide a seminar on defensible space and home hardening to prepare for wild re at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 3, at the department’s Administration Building, 1802 Bergen Parkway.

Day of the Arts:  e fourth annual Day of the Arts will be from 2:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 3, at Center for the Arts Evergreen. ere will be kids activities, an artisan makers market, performers and more.

Bergen Peak Half Marathon:  e rst Evergreen Trail Race Series will be the Bergen Peak Half Marathon on June 3. Participants will meet at the Pioneer Trailhead at Buchanan Park Recreation Center. For more information and to register, visit evergreenrecreation.com.

Early People of Where Mountains Meet the Plains: Archaeologist Meg Van Ness will discuss the Early People of Where the Mountains Meet the Plains at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 4, at the Little White Schoolhouse in Conifer. It is a story of change through time, environmental adaptation, technological innovation and people. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.coniferhistoricalsociety.org.

Medlen School Days: Medlen School Days allows elementary school-aged children to experience what a mountain school was like in the 1920s during three-day camps, sponsored by the Evergreen Mountain Area Historical Society. Medlen School is a one-room schoolhouse

Money outshouts the voice of the people

The Senate race in Georgia saw Sen. Warnock spend $180 million to win, while in Pennsylvania John Fetterman outspent Mehmet Oz $74 million to $49 million dollars. And so it goes, in every state. According to the Cook Political report, House races saw an average of $3 to $5 million spent by each candidate while Senate candidates on average spent between $13 and $17 million to get elected.

ese enormous sums of money come from three places. First, there is the old-fashioned way with candidates receiving what is called hard money. ese are funds by individual contributions which are limited to $4,000 per person. Soft money comes from the political parties and is another source of campaign funds based on party loyalty. Candidates who dare to challenge the party may nd they are left out of the will. e third source of campaign nancial support comes from “527 groups” also referred to as dark money groups who are a legal source of campaign support. In theory, these groups are independent organizations that are not permitted to coordinate with candidates, but their contributions do get spent on issues that support a candidate.

Some familiar groups are Ameri-

JIM ROHRER

held, 5-4, that the FEC’s restrictions violated the rst-amendment rights of corporations and unions. e ruling e ectively took away any ability to limit political donations.

So, we have few limits and little transparency on political contributions. We wonder why politicians are not responsive to the wishes of voters.

Columnist

cans for Prosperity, Crossroads GPS, e NRA and Priorities USA. ere are many other dark money groups, all of whom contribute to political causes. e amount of money spent by these groups is nearly impossible to track because they are generally not required to disclose their donors.

e McCain-Feingold Act was signed into law by President Bush in 2002. It was hailed as a bipartisan law that would regulate the nancing of political campaigns, ensuring that they would not be subject to corruption. e bill was a great effort, but its ability to regulate campaign spending was greatly diminished by the emergence of the 527 groups.

A blow to attempts to reign in campaign spending came in 2010 when the Supreme Court decided to hear a case between Citizens United, a conservative non-pro t organization, and the Federal Elections Commission. e question centered around the restrictions the FEC placed on corporations and unions political contributions. e court

A survey done by Professors Martin Gilens (Princeton University) and Benjamin I. Page (Northwestern University) looked at more than 20 years worth of data to answer a simple question: Does Congress represent the people?

eir study took data from nearly 2,000 public opinion surveys and compared it to the policies that ended up becoming law. In other words, they compared what the public wanted to what Congress actually did. What they found was extremely unsettling: e opinions of Americans have essentially little impact on the laws we enact.

It’s hard to know for sure if it’s the money or the pressure to support party positions by party leaders, but it is clearly not the will of voters that in uences what gets passed and what does not.

Contributions by PACs to congressional candidates seeking o ce in the 2021-2022 election cycle totaled

$289.3 million as of June 30, 2022. Do we think candidates are in uenced by these contributions? Who would not be?

e other side of the argument comes down to the issue of individual freedom. You can certainly argue that freedom should reign supreme. Every law that is adopted takes some freedom from someone or some group. We treasure our freedom, but we must balance that loss of freedom with the wisdom to protect all our citizens. We impose speed limits to reduce tra c accidents and deaths. We have a myriad of laws to protect those who need to be protected and to provide some level of fairness.

Our campaign nancing laws are clearly not working. A friend recently suggested that if we are only counting on laws to ensure honesty, we have already lost. Instead, we must rely on leaders of high character who choose right over wrongdoing.

Jim Rohrer of Evergreen is a business consultant and author of the books “Improve Your Bottom Line … Develop MVPs Today” and “Never Lose Your Job … Become a More Valuable Player.” Jim’s belief is that common sense is becoming less common. Contact Jim at jim.rohrer2@ gmail.com.

Are you stuck in a cycle of stress and anxiety?

Iwas talking recently to a business owner at an entrepreneur networking event. He shared that he had been struggling with severe anxiety. I asked him why he hadn’t picked up the phone to call—at least to chat casually over what might be the source of his anxiety. He smiled. “It was pride,” he said. “I was too proud to reach out.”

Our conversation signaled something important. Does seeking mental health help carry a stigma? Do you experience the shame of thinking, if you need help with your mental health you feel weak or be seen as incapable and undependable, something that can damage

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Christine Kahane

I did a little digging — here are some of my nde stigma surrounding mental health and treatment is diminishing.

Societal stigma and the move to hide your desire to seek help is one of the biggest barriers to actually taking action to relieve and shift chronic anxiety and stress.

If you have anxiety or compound-

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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ing stressors, you may feel like the stigma will a ect your ability to get a job, your access to healthcare and insurance coverage for treatment or your acceptance in society as a whole. Here’s some good news — the New York Times recently published these statistics:

In 2021, 42 million people sought mental health care, up 27 million from 2002. Americans now see mental health care as reliable and a signi cant part of cultivating a better life for themselves and their families. More and more it is considered a part of a wholesome life, like having a gym membership or going shing.

Progress is being made in the field of

KRISTEN FIORE West Metro Editor kfiore@coloradocommunitymedia.com

DEB HURLEY BROBST Community Editor dbrobst@coloradocommunitymedia.com

RUTH DANIELS Classified Sales rdaniels@coloradocommunitymedia.com

mental health.

Stress and anxiety operate on a spectrum. When you’re challenged by either or both, it’s often due to a number of contributing factors and conditions not just one source. Your stressors are not going to be exactly the same as your friends’ or family members’. Friendly advice is well-intentioned, but most of the time does not help you work through and resolve the latent sources of your stress and anxiety. is is because what works for your sister or work colleague may have nothing to do with what is at the core of your anxiety.

On top of this, stress and anxiety

SEE KAHANE, P10

Columnists & Guest Commentaries

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We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

Email letters to kfiore@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Deadline Wed. for the following week’s paper.

From an early age Doc loved challenges and adventure. He was drawn to the allure of the mountains, stories from Zane Grey, and thrilling tales over the radio. Smitten by the cowboy way of life, it was no surprise when on a family vacation to Yellowstone, he convinced his parents to stop at a working ranch. Although still in high school, he was hired on the spot and stayed to work while his parents returned to Chicago. After working the summer as a ranch hand, he went back to Chicago in the fall to continue his high school classes.

e cowboy life was everything he’d dreamed it would be. Each summer he returned to Wyoming immersing himself in the wild west: majestic mountains, bucking broncos, herds of cattle, rustic bunkhouses, tales around camp res---and just plain toughin’ and roughin’ it.

After high school, he attended Grinnell College for two years, and then enrolled at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. To pay for his tuition, board, books and supplies, he worked summers as a ranch hand at Snake River and Spur Ranch.

With the US embroiled in the Korean War, he volunteered for active duty and was trained as a sniper. However, his future took a life-changing path when he was assigned to the Medical Corps where he discovered his passion for science, medicine and research.

After active duty, he became a research assistant at Georgetown University School of Medicine, where he worked on a space project partially funded by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. During this time, he co-invented a biological life detection system that would later be utilized on the Mars Lander Viking Mission. Following this venture, he worked at Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio where he was involved with neonatal and adult stress responses, cancer, chemotherapy screening, and transplantation immunity.

With medicine and science as his chosen path, he attended Colorado State University Veterinary School of Medicine in Fort Collins, Colorado where he earned his doctorate. After graduation from CSU, he opened the Tri-State Veterinary Clinic in Cheyenne, Wyoming which served southeast Wyoming, western Nebraska, and northern Colorado.

During his years in Wyoming, he was elected and served in the House of Representatives for the Wyoming Legislature. He was known for his honesty and common sense with a desire to preserve freedom and liberty. But after one term, he did not run again, in order to practice veterinary medicine fulltime. In addition to a full hospital schedule, he was also actively involved with Cheyenne Frontier Days as an on-site veterinarian. Always a strong supporter of law enforcement, he treated many mounted patrol horses and law enforcement canines, lauding their heroic feats.

He stated that he enjoyed veterinary medicine because animals are great teachers. ey never lie, they validate. ey do not let their emotion override a treatment. Either the therapy works, or it doesn’t.

Approximately ten years later, he moved to Colorado and opened Green Valley Ranch Veterinary Hospital in Conifer, and later established Aspen Park Veterinary Hospital. During his time in Colorado, he earned a reputation over a wide area with patients coming to him from all over the U.S. His thirst for discovering treatments to help his patients was never-ending. He was a most unusual veterinarian who believed all systems are interrelated, including the e ect of synergy and the importance of communication. He strongly felt that too much was overlooked or disregarded, and that a diagnosis was often formed too quickly based on early assumptions. His exceptionally

brilliant mind kept him in a constant quest to help his patients. Doc was a giving man, always ready to go beyond. He gave most generously to the community—always concerned for animal

His interest in acupuncture was initiated after reading a book by Felix Mann describing the e ectiveness of acupuncture in treating various conditions. When communication channels opened with China in the 1970’s, knowledge of other eastern treatments became more available. Dr. Gurney adapted them to his practice and became one of the pioneers in the U.S. for practicing acupuncture on animals. He dove into the study of various forms of healing techniques. Not always satis ed with the results after performing spinal surgery, he began utilizing acupuncture and noticed marked improvement in the restoration of function. He expanded his knowledge of alternative therapies, blending them with western medicine to treat a variety of

For Doc, there was no such thing as leisure, all hours were dedicated to helping his patients. When not treating patients, he was always with a book, researching on a computer, or reading medical/scienti c journals, on the cutting edge, far

His research included investigation of subtle energies of cell signaling, information communication, immune system behaviors, signal transduction, cellular responses, molecular components, mitochondria, and environmental interferences. With relentless determination he pursued unraveling the complexities of diseases including: auto-immune, metabolic, central nervous

With a quick wit and dry sense of humor, he entertained clients and loved to educate pet owners. He rmly held that well-educated pet owners made better pet parents. His primary philosophy was pragmatism. He never gave up on a patient.

He traveled nationally and internationally. He has contributed to interdisciplinary groups (human and animal) and provided information through conferences, lectures, research, articles in newspapers, magazines and journals. He published articles, including: A Radioisotope Technique for the Rapid Detection of Coliform Organisms, (Levin, Harrison, Hess and Gurney- American Journal of Public Health, 1956), and A Simple, E ective Technique for Arresting Canine Epileptic Seizures (AHVMA Journal, 2004).

Toward the end of his career, he donated an eight-foot, wood-carved eagle to the grounds of the Cheyenne Veterans A airs Hospital in Wyoming, honoring all who have served our country and those who support them.

At 90 years-of-age he published a book: e One-Eyed Bu alo and Other Adventurous Stories from the Life of Veterinarian, Doc Gurney.

Doc is preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth and Harry Sr., son Steven, and granddaughter Amber. Surviving members of the Gurney family include: wife Jan, sons Bruce and Jonathan, daughter Sarah, granddaughters Lauren and Morgan, grandsons Kellen and Cole, sister Janice Minton, and nieces Cathy Green, Elizabeth Myers, Cynthia Gwilliams, and Christie Hall.

A Celebration of Life TBD.

Doc Gurney: A Trailblazing Genius. One-of-a-Kind. We miss you!

Suggested Memorials:

Wild Animal Sanctuary: wildanimalsanctuary.org

Vested Interest in K9s: vik9s.org

• ResQRanch: resqranch.org

• An Animal Shelter or Rescue of Choice

Let’s talk about appropriations

The expenses that are allocated within a governmental budget are known as appropriations. Appropriations are decided upon by the legislative body that controls expenditures within a political entity. For example, the Arvada City Council controls appropriations for the city of Arvada. e Colorado General Assembly decides what monies shall be appropriated how and where for the state of Colorado. is is correct because the voters of the state of Colorado elected those legislators to make those decisions on their behalf just as the citizens of Arvada elected their City Council. ey act on behalf of the people who may then vote those o ceholders out if they feel it is necessary.

According to the Form 104 booklet issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue, the two largest appropriations in the Colorado State Budget are grouped together as

KAHANE

can be treated in di erent ways at di erent stages in your life. When you commit to your mental wellbeing you have a real opportunity to unlearn the belief systems you have about how much the mental, emotional and physical parts of yourself depend upon each other for your wellbeing and capacity to thrive.

What lies beneath

PINE – At loose ends, Oscar asked Felix if he could bunk in a trailer on Felix’s property. Felix said Oscar could, so long as he “stayed sober.” In the wee hours of April 25, an inebriated Oscar came back

JOE WEBB

education at 35.4% of the state budget and 36.1% grouped as social assistance. Within just those two groups of appropriations are unfunded mandates made by the federal government to our state government.

When conservatives gripe about out-of-control spending it is the unfunded mandates that are fueling the complaints in part. Regardless of the speci cs behind appropriations, I would think that most Coloradoans regardless of their political feelings would agree that the elected representatives of the people are the ones who should decide what monies are appropriated and how.

Columnist

What is an unfunded mandate, you ask? It is the imposition by statute or regulation that a state must perform certain actions without the money to pay for them. In other words, the federal government is telling our state government to spend certain monies for one thing or another. Worse they are not providing appropriation dollars to accomplish these goals. It is a way to mask out-of-control federal spending by shifting the burden onto the states.

There are more opportunities for treatment and support.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, there are more opportunities for treatment and support than ever before. ere are also new treatments available, as well as support groups and other programs designed to help you with challenging anxiety and stress manage your symptoms and recover from trauma in your life — so you are living a more productive and ful lling life. ere is no one-size- ts-all solu-

from somewhere with an equally inebriated trollop in tow. A short time later, Felix was awakened by a ruckus outside, which turned out to be Oscar and his lady friend having a screaming match in the yard and “forcefully throwing full beer cans

It is a little di cult to determine what percentage of the budget of our state budget consists of unfunded mandates. While I have asked the question of others, I have not been able to get a de nite answer. What unfunded mandates accomplish is to crowd out budget dollars for priorities that our elected o cials feel is in the best interest of all Coloradoans. Unfunded mandates help keep the pay for schoolteachers lower. Unfunded mandates keep school districts from hiring more school resource o cers. Regardless

tion for managing these issues, so it’s important to seek out appropriate interventions that work best for you.

UnLearn the pattern

Nothing changes until something changes, and avoiding your pain is like putting a band-aid on a severed limb. Give yourself the gift of owning that you are struggling and take a look at what services are available to you. Make appointments with a few mental health professionals whose approaches t your needs.

at each other.” Satis ed that Oscar had just o cially overstayed his welcome, Felix called JCSO for some help evicting the rambunctious roomer. e rst deputy to arrive found no woman in evidence and Oscar hiding underneath the trailer,

of the percentage, the salient point about unfunded mandates is that they usurp the priorities that Coloradoans have in how our state should be run.

ere are competing priorities in the budget appropriation process and some things are desirable often get cut or eliminated. But those cuts should not happen because of outsider interference.bWhile some programs that are the result of unfunded mandates are well intentioned like Medicaid, I would argue that Colorado and its’ elected leaders could run Medicaid better than any mandate from the federal government. Reasons exist for everything. When conservatives rail against wasteful government spending there is more often than not a reasoned and considered point behind those complaints.

Joe Webb is the former chairman of the Je co Republican party.

Christine Kahane, NBC-HWC, MCHWC – is a Nationally BoardCerti ed Health & Wellness Coach, and owner of KAHANE COACHING (www.kahanecoaching.com), located at 30752 Southview Drive/Suite 110 in Evergreen, CO. For more information about coaching, or to write-in a question for UNlearn it! send your inquiries to christine@kahanecoaching.com.

When and values record ible middle people sors and and we in short-term allowed? ing are renters

pretending hard that the o cer who kept encouraging him by name to crawl out into the open couldn’t really see him. Deputies were eventually forced to extract him physically

SEE SHERIFF’S CALLS, P11

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

When does your property cease to be yours and become property of Je erson County?

At some point, you must say stop! Every year property taxes and house values in Unincorporated Je erson County Colorado are increased at record amounts. We choose to pay these high taxes to live in these incredible mountains, but every year our mountains become more out of reach for middle and lower-income families. Short-Term Rentals become a way for people to share what we take for granted.

Referencing the article in the Canyon Courier dated May 11, 2023, “Assessors predict sticker shock for homeowners,” these mountain residences own and pay taxes! Je erson County is trying to tell homeowners what they can and cannot do with their property while stating if you give us more money we may consider allowing it? Short-term rental owners have a vested interest in maintaining their property, or they will not have returned guests. If having short-term rentals are so bad, why is camping in overcrowded campgrounds allowed? Fires have been started in these campgrounds as well as generating many problems from unregulated visitors. Friends, family and visitors are screened and only stay in the rental for a short period, unlike long-term renters that are almost impossible to evict if they cause havoc and destruc-

SHERIFF’S CALLS

for the long ride down to detox. “I’m cool,” Oscar assured them.

Fire smart

SEDALIA – An observant homeowner called JCSO on the afternoon of April 27 to report a pair of ill-mannered anglers plying their lines in the South Platte who were 1) “videotaping my house” and 2) “throwing cigarette butts into the river.” A deputy quickly located the pesky pole-jockeys, immediately noting that Fisherman One had “a

GoPro camera on his hat.” Fisherman One admitted shooting “about 45 minutes” of dramatic riparian action but assured the o cer that any inclusion of the complainant’s house was purely incidental. Since lming yourself shing is not illegal, the ofcer turned his attention to Fisherman Two, who admitted throwing cigarette butts into the river, saying he thought that method of disposal would be better than tossing stillsmoldering smokes “into the brush.” e deputy told Fisherman Two that there exist for the smoker myriad alternatives to pollution and arson, and the certainty of a king-sized littering ticket if he keeps casting his Camels in the creek. Fisherman One

tion, and long-term residents use more resources. As for using water for a hot tub, really? Je erson County residents cannot have a hot tub or showers, what’s next? Will Je erson County require tax-paying residents to clear-cut their trees, install sprinkler systems, add expensive septic systems, radon mitigation, the list goes on. At some point, we as homeowners need to stand up and say enough.

e reason why only 28 residents out of 900 have received permits is the length and cost of acquiring a permit; after months of paperwork and paying fees, Je erson County may then give its blessing; which is never guaranteed, it’s not what you know but it’s who you know. e cost of this application process and county’s Board of Adjustment hearing is never set, and is subject to increases yearly, like your property taxes. Retired xed income residences in Je erson County rely on income from long- and short-term rentals, additional cost hurt, and most people cannot a ord a lengthy time without revenue during the con rming process. Take examples from other Colorado Counties and leave Unincorporated Je erson Short Term property owners alone, don’t feel you must have a “mechanism to enforce.”

Susan Woods, Conifer

promised to be mindful of homeowner’s privacy, and Fisherman Two promised to dispose of his roaches responsibly.

BOLO for Laila Ali

EL RANCHO – Drunk and disheveled, young Penrod staggered into the gas-and-go complaining that somebody “stole my car keys” and a girl “punched me in the face.” Responding deputies traced Penrod’s allegations a nearby residence where a small all-male party was underway. According to the youthful attendees, Penrod had gotten “pretty (funked) up” and lost his car keys all by himself. As to getting punched in the face, they said there’d been a girl

present earlier in the evening, but whether she’d fed Penrod a knuckle sandwich or not they couldn’t say. O cers saw Penrod home safely and closed the case.

Her lucky day

EVERGREEN – e sun was high when deputies came upon a woman walking along the side of the road and weeping bitterly. Naturally, they stopped to o er comfort and assistance. It was terrible, she sobbed. ere she was, just riding along in her boyfriend’s car, getting all excited about her big job interview, when her boyfriend got mad about

SEE SHERIFF’S CALLS, P16

BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Spring is in full swing, bringing many folks around Colorado out of the doldrums of winter with the promise of outdoor recreation.

For folks who aren’t fans of “traditional sports” — think baseball, basketball, football, soccer — there are plenty of unique, exciting alternatives throughout the Centennial State. From roller skating to parkour, there is no shortage of variety in Colorado’s recreation options.

Roller skating, roller hockey and roller derby

Roller sports are alive and well in Colorado. Folks have quite a few options for activities revolving around wheeled feet; from roller skating to roller hockey to roller derby, there is no shortage of options.

Roller skating lovers have a plethora of skate

parks in the metro area and can get all of their gear — and some lessons — from the newlyopened Denver Skates Shop in Arvada. e store provides ttings and skating lessons for folks ranging from novices to experienced park skaters.

Brina Wyss, a sales associate and coach at Denver Skates Shop, said that roller sports experienced a surge in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic that’s since died down, but has nonetheless roughly doubled the community’s size.

“I think there was a big surge in interest in wheels and skating during the pandemic, but it was a trend” Wyss said. “I people had a lot of spare time and were looking for something active to do. e community has de nitely grown at least twice as much during the pandemic.”

Wyss participates in roller derby, which is played at the professional and recreational level

TOP PHOTO: Park lessons by Denver Skates Shop at Trailwinds Skate Park in Thornton.

PHOTO BY RICH VOSSLER

‘A lot of people do (skating) for joy and exercise. I do it as a way to escape, and it’s also a great way of community meeting.’

Brina Wyss, a sales associate and coach at Denver Skates Shop SEE UNIQUE, P13

in Colorado. Wyss said the competitive nature and team atmosphere of roller derby came to be a replacement for volleyball, which she played competitively growing up.

“A lot of people do (skating) for joy and exercise,” Wyss said. “I do it as a way to escape, and it’s also a great way of community meeting.”

Denver Roller Derby operates a large number of recreational and traveling teams and has opportunities for new players.

Folks looking for a non-contact alternative to ice hockey might nd roller hockey appealing — Skate City operates rinks in Arvada, Westminster and Littleton that o er roller skating and hockey, while Rocky Mountain Roller Hockey operates youth and adult leagues out of the Foothills Fieldhouse in Lakewood, and the Parker Fieldhouse also hosts youth and adult roller hockey.

Ultimate frisbee/ disc golf

Frisbee sports have come into favor in Colorado recently — a semiprofessional ultimate frisbee team kicked o their inaugural season in Golden this month — with two main ways to play.

Ultimate frisbee resembles American football in that teams

must complete passes in an end zone to score points. As the name suggests, disc golf resembles “traditional” golf, but is played with a disk instead of a ball.

e Denver Summer Ultimate League is the oldest ultimate frisbee competition in the state, and just nished registration for its 2023 season.

Disc golf fans may nd more frequent playing options. In Arvada, the Johnny Roberts Disc Golf

Course and Birds Nest Disc Golf Course both operate at city parks.

Colorado Christian University operates a disc golf course in Lakewood, and Foothills Parks and Recreation operates the Fehringer Ranch Disc Golf Course in Morrison. For those looking for a more secluded experience, the Wondervu Disc Golf Course in Golden is considered to be one of the most scenic — and challenging — courses around.

Parkour

According to gym owner Lorin Ball, the de nition of parkour is simple: “Using environment to get from point A to point B in the most e cient way possible.”

Ball is the owner of Flow Vault, a parkour and ninja warrior — yes, American Ninja Warrior — training gym in ornton. Flow Vault opened in 2008 and o ers classes to people ages 5 and up. His gym has even graduated some ninja warriors to the popular NBC show.

“It’s a full curriculum, similar to that of gymnastics, where you have di erent levels of progressions,” Ball said. “We’re training people to be more intentional with their movement and apply that to other sports or physical activities that they do.”

Other parkour gyms in the area include APEX Denver, Path Movement in Littleton and Ninja Intensity in Parker.

Aerial Adventures

Finally, Colorado has no shortage of arial adventure options. Ropes courses and adventure parks are plentiful in the Centennial State and are often and family-friendly way to recreate uniquely.

e Colorado Adventure Center is based in Idaho Springs,   e EDGE Ziplines and Adventures is in Castle Rock, and the Treehouse Adventure Park is based in Bailey.

A parkour class at Flow Vault in Thornton. COURTESY OF FLOW VAULT

A roller hockey team at Rocky Mountain Roller Hockey in Lakewood. PHOTO BY RYLEE DUNN

EVERGREEN AREA Chamber Of Commerce

The Stone House • 1524 Belford Court • Evergreen, CO (303)674-3412 | EvergreenChamber.org

HAPPENINGS

FROM PAGE 7

built in 1886 on South Turkey Creek Road o U.S. 285. Camps are available on June 6-8 and June 13-15, and cost $30. Download an application at emahs.org to register. Contact Jo Ann Dunn at 303-503-5978 for more information.

and Aug. 19. For more information, visit wildaware.org.

Camp Comfort Weekend

California Closets

Jena Brenneman 2950 E. Second Ave. Denver, CO 80206 http://californiaclosets.com

Design Build & Co, LLC

Joel Oatten 1019 8th St, #308 Golden, CO 80401 https://www.designbuildandco.com/

Evergreen Christian Academy

Lauren Anderson 28253 Meadow Drive Evergreen, CO 80439 laurenanderson.ea@gmail.com

Guided Goat Hikes

Tara Singapuri

12479 S Foxton Rd Conifer, CO 80433 http://Guidedgoathikes.com

Girls on the Fly

Kelli Jackson 13412 Douglass Ranch Dr Pine, CO 80470 http://www.girlsonthe y.org

Burke Dermatology

Sean Burke 2942 Evergreen Parkway, Suite 100 Evergreen, CO 80439 http://www.burkederm.com

Welcome New Members! Congratulations to our new inductees

The Chamber congratulates Maren Schreiber, longtime Supervisor of the Inspire Program at EPRD, and Barbara Sternberg (posthumously) who was a founding member of the Evergreen Chapter of PFLAG – Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians and Gays for their inductions into the Chamber’s Mountain Area Women in Business Hall of Fame. We appreciate the many years of service they each have provided to our community and recognize that we owe a debt of gratitude to them and their families.

The Chamber added a second category this year called Women on the Rise. We recognize that a Hall of Fame can take many years to achieve, so we want to recognize the positive impact other women are having on our community sooner in their careers. This year, the Women on the Rise recognized Megan Mitchell, co-owner of Cactus Jack’s and Lisa Nierenberg, Executive Director at CAE. Congratulations and thank you all.

We support living locally — Shop Local, Live Local, Evergreen! EvergreenChamber.org

Nancy Judge, President/CEO, Evergreen Chamber of Commerce

EARC meeting:  e Evergreen Area Republican Club (EARC) will meet at 6 p.m. June 7 in the Evergreen Fire/Rescue Administration Building, 1802 Bergen Parkway. Speaker will be Erik Aadland, former District 8 candidate. Independents and una liated welcome. Pizza available. Check evergreenarearepublicanclub.org for additional information.

Evergreen chamber monthly member breakfast:  e Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly member breakfast at 7:30 a.m. June 7 at Troutdale Tavern. For more information and to register, visit evergreenchamber.org.

Evergreen Craw sh Boil:  e Evergreen Craw sh Boil will be June 10 at the Wild Game. Doors open at 2 p.m., with the rst craw sh pour at 3 p.m. Advance tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for kids 8-17. Kids 7 and under are free. Proceeds bene t Resilience1200. Get tickets are www. evergreencraw shboil.com.

Rotary Peace Park dedication:  e Rotary of Conifer Peace Park dedication will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 11, at the Aspen Park Community Center on Sutton Road. is celebration will feature re ections on peacebuilding and music of peace. Current and incoming Rotary Governors for District 5450 will speak, along with others whose work and life have been dedicated to peacebuilding.

Evergreen chamber breakfast and bene ts:  e Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly breakfast and bene ts via Zoom at 10 a.m. June 16. For more information and to register, visit evergreenchamber.org.

Barbed wire removal: Wild Aware is sponsoring volunteer barbed wire removal days at DeDisse Park from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on June 17, July 22

Camps: Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice’s Camp Comfort for children 6-12 who have lost a loved one will be June 16-18 and July 7-9 at the Rocky Mountain Village Easter Seals Camp, 2644 Alvarado Road, Empire. Cost is free for all children thanks to donors, but a $25 deposit is required per child to hold their spot. Visit campcomfort.org for more information and to register.

Crow Hill Insurance Shred-athon: Crow Hill Insurance will host its 12th annual community ShredA- on from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 17, at 460 County Road 43, Bailey. Dispose of documents that contain sensitive information. e event is free, though donations to the Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity are accepted. Habitat’s delivery truck will be on site to accept select reusable/resalable furniture and housewares.

Evergreen rodeo and parade: e 57th annual Evergreen Rodeo Parade and Rodeo will be Father’s Day weekend with a theme “She’s Back in the Saddle, Again.” e rodeo parade starts at 10 a.m. June 17 in downtown Evergreen. e rodeo will be at 5 p.m. June 17 and 2 p.m. June 18 at the Evergreen Rodeo grounds. Cowboy church will be at 7:30 a.m. June 18.

Evergreen chamber mixer:  e Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce monthly mixer will start at 6 p.m. June 20 at Blue Quill Angler. For more information and to register, visit evergreenchamber.org.

Summer Memorial: Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice will host a Summer Memorial on the evening of the Summer Solstice so people can gather in remembrance of those they have lost as leaders read their names and honor their lives. e event will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, in the Mount Evans large conference room, 3081 Bergen Peak Road, Evergreen.

Bailey Day: Bailey Day will be from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 24 in downtown Bailey. Bands, food, vendor booths, kids activities and more highlight the street festival.

SEE HAPPENINGS, P16

Call 1-844-823-0293

tat.org for

Spring Clean Recycle Day: Evergreen Sustainability Alliance’s Spring Clean Recycle Day will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 24 at Evergreen Lutheran Church, 5980 Highway 73. It is collecting all types of electronics and small appliances, block Styrofoam, paint, glass, batteries, old pens/markers, toothpaste tubes and toothbrushes, Christmas tins, TV dishes with cables and clothes. Recommended donation for a collection of recyclables is $20. If you have a carload, ESA would appreciate a larger donation to cover its costs. TVs are an additional $25 fee each and will be collected at time of dropo .

EPRD summer concert series:  e Evergreen Park & Recreation district will host four concerts this summer: June 28: Kyle O’Brien & Friends at Evergreen Lake; July 12: Blood Brothers at the Buchanan Park elds; July 26: May Be Fern at Evergreen Lake; and Aug. 9: Cass Clayton Band at Buchanan Park elds.

ONGOING

Blue Spruce Habitat volunteers needed: Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers. A variety of opportunities and exible schedules are available on new construction sites as well as for exterior minor home repairs. No previous construction experience needed. Contact  volunteer@bluesprucehabi-

EChO needs volunteers:  e Evergreen Christian Outreach ReSale Store and food pantry need volunteers. Proceeds from the EChO ReSale Store support the food pantry and programs and services provided by EChO. ere are many volunteer options from which to choose. For more information, call Mary at 720673-4369 or email mary@evergreenchristianoutreach.org.

LGBTQ+ teen book club: Resilience1220 is o ering a LGBTQ+ teen book club that meets from 4-6 p.m. the fourth Monday at the Resilience1220 o ce next to the Buchanan Park Recreation Center. e group’s rst book is “Hell Followed With Us.” For more information and to register, visit R1220.org.

Hiwan Museum summer hours: Hiwan Museum is open for tours from noon-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from noon-4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Outdoor self-guided tours are available at any time. Large groups are encouraged to call 720-497-7653 to make arrangements.

Community Bible Study: Several community Bible study groups are available — women (in person and

OBITUARIES

Dr. Daniel Lamar Morgan, 42, passed away on May 16, 2023 in Jacksonville Beach, FL . Daniel was born July 27, 1980 in Pensacola, Florida to Dr. Arthur Lamar Morgan and Martha Fernald Morgan.

Daniel was of the Episcopal faith and was a member of St. James Episcopal Church. Daniel was a 1998 graduate of Taylor County High School, where he played football as the tight end for our only State Championship team. He received his Bachelor’s degree in physiology from Florida State University in 2002. He then received a Master’s Degree in health sciences from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale in 2003, later receiving his Doctorate of Dental Medicine Degree from Nova Southeastern School of Dentistry in 2007. He then came back to Perry to practice with his father and later his brother, Dr. Benjamin Morgan, with Morgan Family Dentistry until 2017, before leaving for Colorado to continue his practice there. Daniel had two mission trips to Jamaica, to deliver dental care to those who otherwise wouldn’t have access to dental care. He was an avid Florida State booster and avid fan of all FSU sports, and was a past member of the Perry Elks Lodge. In his spare time he enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and shing

and playing golf. He loved his family and cherished family vacations, spending time with his girls, and will always be a ectionately known as Daddy D. Daniel was preceded in death by his brother Dr. Benjamin Morgan, his paternal grandparents Ruben and Maude Morgan and maternal grandparents Louis and Helen Fernald.

Daniel is survived by his wife of 13 years, Iona Lynn Morgan; his daughters Kaitlynn Rose, Gracelynn Mae Morgan, and Amanda Kay Johnson; his parents Dr. Lamar and Martha Morgan; his sisters Helen “Holly” West and Amanda Morgan; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many many lifelong friends.

A Celebration of Daniel’s life will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 3:00 PM at St. James Episcopal Church with Fr. Kenneth ompson o ciating. e family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service. In lieu of owers the family has requested donation to be made to St. James Episcopal Church or to the Florida Sheri ’s Boy’s Ranch in Live Oak. All arrangements are under the direction of Burns Funeral Home of Perry.

Friends may sign the online guest book at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com

online), co-ed young adults, school age, preschool & babies. is year’s study covers six books of the Bible: Philemon 1, 2, 3, John, Jude and Revelation. In-person classes are ursday morning at Rockland Community Church in Genesee, Tuesday night at Bergen Park Church in Evergreen and Wednesday morning at Conifer Community Church in Conifer. More information is available at cbsclass. org/evergreengolden.

ESA EverGREEN Re ll Station: EverGREEN Re ll Station (re ll your laundry detergent, lotions, soaps and more. We have many sustainable products available).  e Re ll Station is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month in the Habitat Restore in Bergen Park, 1232 Bergen Parkway.

Caregiver support group: Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice o ers a monthly group to provide emotional support services for caregivers helping ill, disabled or elderly loved ones. An in-person support group meets every third Monday from 4-6 p.m. at 3081 Bergen Peak Road, Evergreen. For more information, visit mtevans.org/services/ emotional-support/.

Parkinson’s disease support group: A Parkinson’s disease support group meets the rst Friday of the month from 1-3 p.m. at Evergreen Christian Church, 27772 Iris Drive, Evergreen. For more information, email esears@parkinsonrockies.org.

Support After Suicide Loss: Heartbeat andResilience1220 o er Support After Suicide Loss from 5:30-7 p.m. the fourth ursday of the month for ages 14 and older. Join in-person or online. Suggest donation is $15. For location, visit R1220.org.

Sensitive Collection: Resilience1220 o ers a monthly workshop for highly sensitive people to help them live healthy and empowered lives from 3:30-4:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month via Zoom. Visit R1220.org for more information.

SHERIFF’S CALLS

FROM PAGE 11

something, stopped the car, declared “I don’t want to live anymore!” and started running around in tra c. She’d leapt out and begged him to get back in the car, which he did, immediately driving o without her. She told o cers that her boyfriend wasn’t really suicidal, “just emotional.” Contacted by phone, the boyfriend told deputies he had no

Mountain Foothills Rotary meetings: Mountain Foothills Rotary meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays both in person at Mount Vernon Canyon Club at 24933 Club House Circle, Genesee, and via Zoom. Join the Zoom meeting at https://us02web. zoom.us/j/81389224272, meeting ID 813 8922 4272, phone 346-248-7799.

Beyond the Rainbow: Resilience1220 o ers Beyond the Rainbow, which is two support groups that meet from 7-8:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month. One is a safe group for those 12-20 and the other is group for parents and caregivers wanting support for raising an LGBTQ child. To RSVP, contact Lior Alon at lior@wisetreewellness.com.

intention of killing himself, but had every intention of dumping all of his girlfriend’s belongings at her house, and then dumping her. For his girlfriend’s sake, o cers did not try to dissuade him from that plan.

Sheri ’s Calls is intended as a humorous take on some of the incident call records of the Je erson County Sheri ’s O ce for the mountain communities. Names and identifying details have been changed. All individuals are innocent until proven guilty.

Memorial Day Service

The public is invited to a Memorial Day service at 10 a.m., Monday, May 29th, honoring all veterans at The Barn at Evergreen Memorial Park, 27054 N. Turkey Creek Road. Local Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion will participate. There will be a presentation of the veterans to be honored who have passed away this year and are buried at Evergreen Memorial Park. Flags will be placed on all Veterans’ graves in the Park. Should one inadvertently be left off the grave of a veteran, please stop by the park office to receive a flag to place on a Veteran’s grave. For information, call 303.674.7750. “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them” John F. Kennedy.

MORGAN

Dr. Daniel Lamar Morgan

July 27, 1980 - May 16, 2023

Canine on the Creek event a barking success

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e 2023 Canine on the Creek was a win-win-win.

Gone to the dogs

Families participated in a 5K or 1-mile walk together along Clear Creek on a beautiful May morning in Dumont. Dogs happily joined their owners for the run or walk along Clear Creek.

e top win goes to Friends of Charlie’s Place — the animal shelter for Clear Creek and Gilpin counties

Celebrating our long-term members

The Conifer Area Chamber of Commerce was founded on December 11, 1975, by a group of local business people and has been bringing the community together ever since. Our members recognize the value of being a part of something bigger, an organization to help them connect with the community, increase their visibility, and advocate for their business. Though it takes time and investment, becoming a Conifer Chamber member is a great opportunity to increase your connection within the community. We are proud to acknowledge the 2023 membership milestones!

45+ YEARS

Evergreen Memorial Park

30+ YEARS

Image Marketing

20 YEARS

Mountain Resource Center

Mountain Resource Center Resale Thrift Store

Mountain Hearth & Patio

Intermountain Humane Society

Cornerstone Autoglass, Inc.

Je erson County Public Library

Evergreen Commercial Group/Foothills Real Estate

— and the Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District’s youth programming. Both received the event’s proceeds.

Canines of all shapes and sizes got their exercise on May 20 during the 11th annual event and competed in costume contests. Plus there were vendors, an agility course, food and

camaraderie galore.

Some of the dogs participating in the run/walk had been rescued from Charlie’s Place.

For more information about Charlie’s Place, including details about how to volunteer, adopt or donate, visit https://charliesplaceshelter. weebly.com.

Group

Rising Graphics & Printing

Luna’s Mandala Gifts & Boutique

Conifer Historical Society and Little White Schoolhouse Museum

Morse Evergreen Auto Body

Mount Evans Home Health & Hospice

10 YEARS

Denver Zipline Tours, LLC and Denver Adventures

Girl Scouts of Colorado – Tomahawk Ranch

5 YEARS

Lifebridge, Inc.

Red Rocks To ee Company

Blizzard Mountain Pinball

AAA Garage Door LLC

Kings Valley Wine & Spirits

Valor Roof and Solar Inc.

Aspen Creek Veterinary Hospital

June McKenzie, RE/MAX Alliance

A Happy Place Travel LLC

A Pest Control Co, Inc.

• New o ce location 12424 Big Timber Drive, Unit 5, Conifer, CO 80433

Take advantage of the many opportunities and business services the Chamber o ers. If you have any membership questions, or would like to find out more about becoming a member, do not hesitate to contact me at (303) 838-5711

director@goconifer.com

Thank you for your continued support and thank you for shopping local!

Beth Schneider, Executive Director

People and their dogs take o on the 11th annual Canine on the Creek 5K on May 20. Proceeds benefit Friends of Charlie’s Place and the Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District’s youth programs.

PHOTO BY SARA HERTWIG

Chalee and Ryan Domingos check out their prize for winning best dog and owner costumes at Canine on the Creek on May 20. The two humans and two pups dressed up in celebration of dog Bronx’s birthday.

Green Mountain, Evergreen fall short in 4A girls lacrosse semifinals

BY DENNIS PLEUSS JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ENGLEWOOD — It was all about late-night dramatic victories May 17 at Englewood High School’s Randy Penn Stadium. No. 1-seeded Castle View and No. 2 Mead both scored 1-goal win over the last two Class 4A girls lacrosse state champions — Evergreen and Green Mountain — to punch their tickets to the title game.

Castle View scored its game-winning goal with 17 seconds against defending state champion and No. 5 Green Mountain to grab a 10-9 victory in the rst semi nal. Mead put in its game-winning goal with 5 seconds remaining versus the 2021 state champion and No. 3 Evergreen in a game that ended at 10:50 p.m. due to a more than an hour and a half lightning delay.

(2) Mead 13, (3) Evergreen 12

Mead mid elder Allie Hartman literally dropped the ball before putting in the game-winning goal into the back of the net against Evergreen.

With the semi nal tied 12-12, the Mavericks (15-2) held for nearly two

minutes after winning a key faceo . Mead coaches call ‘Raptor” for the nal play, a play for Hartman — senior at Silver Creek High School who’s mascot is the Raptors — to drive and score.

Hartman started her drive with about 10 seconds to play. She dropped the ball for a split second before regaining it and getting past Evergreen senior Averi Gardner for an open look.

“We got the look that we wanted. I take pride in my drives,” said Hartman, who scored four of the Maverick’s six second-half goals. “It worked out.”

Hartman and junior Sierra Ryan carried the load o ensive for Mead in its 12th straight victory.

“We have so many sets,” Mead coach Katie Coleman said. “We always say that if we call out something that they don’t feel comfortable with that’s OK. We like to have options for them.”

e Mavericks used the right options after trailing by as many as three goals in the rst half against the Cougars (11-7). Evergreen held

Allie Westfall Conifer High School

team, called Keep Conifer Green, as well as my National Honors Society for Dance Arts chapter at my dance studio. I am also working at Rocky Mountain Wraps in Conifer and as a dance teacher of aerial fabrics. Next year I will be attending UCLA for environmental science and hope to continue to be involved in sustainable living there.

What is the most enduring memory from your high school career?

Talk about your role in society going forward. What issues do feel drawn to address post-graduation and how do you plan to do that?

involved with other jobs and clubs in my area. I am president of Conifer high school’s green

One of my most enduring memories from being in high school was of one of my nal days in AP chemistry during my junior year. With my teacher, Mr. Bunnell, we tie-dyed shirts and made soap bubbles that could be lit on re. Mr. Bunnell, as well as many of my other teachers at Conifer, have created amazing memories to take with me onto the next chapter of my life and I don’t think I could have made it through high school without them.

I have always been drawn towards the environment and feel that it is necessary for me, and my generation as a whole, to address the climate crisis and the vast a ects it will have on everyone. Going into environmental science, I hope to nd my niche in helping the planet whether that’s in renewable energy, reforestation, environmental policy, or any other helpful topic.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

In 20 years I see myself working for a company helping to raise awareness of climate change as well as help society to transition to a carbonnegative way of living. No matter where I am living I want to in uence those around me to be better, more climate conscience people.

Evergreen senior Averi Gardner (12) takes a check from Mead junior Sierra Ryan during the Class 4A girls lacrosse state semifinal game May 17 at Randy Penn Stadium on the Englewood High School campus. Gardner finished up her stellar prep career with five goals against Mead, but it wasn’t enough as Evergreen lost 13-12.

PHOTO BY DENNIS PLEUSS/JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Congratulations to our 2023 Seniors

Veronica Buseck

Henry Heaney

William Lewis

Joseph Rossino

Mya Sproul

Skylar Bower

Craig Abrahamson

Evan Brandt Bode Baker

Benjamin Buseck

Lucas Goscinski

Olivia Harbeck

Britton Cash

Millicent Gothman

Taryn Harbeck A on Dhyne Jayson Ham

Campbell Hargitt

Skylah Inman

Connor Kennedy

Isaiah Herrygers

Savanna Jara

omas Kish

Cameron Horton

Edward Je ers

Kayli Lenz

Jane Luken

Joshua Moore

Mason Loesch

Kylie Lynch Aydin Lowe

Joseph Monseu

Camden Rabito

Jordan Rogers

Zackery Myers

Samantha Salinas Castillo

Parker Scott Jacob Royer

Gavin Sandblom

Landon Sherman

Jeremy Ryan

Nicholas Schmalz

Tristan Snook

Tucker Versailles

Owen Yeatts

Je rey Stimens

Atticus Weaver

Trent Young omas Vasquez

Arianna White Samantha Zebroski

a 6-5 lead with 7:37 remaining in the rst half when the game went into a lightning delay.

It took nearly two hours for the lightning and driving rain to clear, but Mead made the most of its time in the locker room.

“With the postseason you never know how much time you have left,” Coleman said. “ is group loves

each other so much. It was just bonus time for them to hang out with each other.”

Mead is in its rst year with a girls lacrosse program.

It was the second meeting this season between the Cougars and Mavericks. Mead took a 13-8 win two weeks ago on May 4. Hartman led the way for the Mavericks in the rst meeting with a game-high ve goals.

“We knew we would have to face (Evergreen) again,” Coleman said.

“I’m really good friends with Rachel

Sanford (Evergreen coach). She has been a part of my lacrosse journey and coached me. She is a phenomenal coach and it’s hard to beat a great team twice.”

It was the nal high school game for Evergreen seniors Averi Gardner and Bella Reece, who both will be heading to Boulder to play for the Bu aloes next season. Gardner and Reece were both key parts of the Cougars’ 2021 state championship team.

Evergreen won CHSAA’s rst-ever 4A girls lacrosse state title in 2021 dominating the rest of the eld with double-digit wins in all three state tournament victories.

Gardner nished with over 200 goals and 100 assists in three seasons. Reece missed the majority of games this season due to injury and gutted out playing during the postseason.

e championship game Friday will be a rematch from the seasonopener for both Castle View and Mead on March 9. e Sabercats edged the Mavericks 7-6.

“Friday isn’t going to be easy, but we’ll be better prepared for it,” Coleman said of rebounding after falling behind early against Evergreen and going through the long delay.

(1) Castle View 10,

(5) Green Mountain 9

Castle View senior Evie Tanella set the Sabercats back to the Class 4A girls lacrosse championship game

with a game-winning goal.

Tanella scored the eventual game-winning goal with 17 seconds to play in the rst state seminal. Top-seeded Castle View came away with a 10-9 victory over Green Mountain — 4A defending state champions.

“It was really stressful,” Tanella said about Green Mountain tying the game 9-9 with 61 seconds left in regulation-time. “On the next draw I just knew that had to be our ball. e draw is all that mattered to me.”

Tanella was able to win the draw against Green Mountain sophomore Avery Freedman. Tanella eventually got the ball back and ri ed a shot past Green Mountain senior goalie Gretchen Ho man with 17 seconds left to give Castle View a 10-9 lead.

Green Mountain (12-6 record) had one last chance to tie the game after getting control on the next face-o , but the Rams couldn’t get a shot on net before time expired.

“It’s hard to be back at the same eld you were at last year and we didn’t make it happen,” Castle View coach Samantha Silverman said about the semi nal loss to ompson Valley a year ago. “We held it together this year which was awesome. We’ve been working a lot of the situations we might see here. We were able to hang onto the ball

Celebrating 41Years

MEET OLYMPIA!

Olympia is approximately 3yo Amer Sta mix. She is great with older kids—her excitement to get close to people and her strength could make her a bit “too much” for toddlers. She loves going for walks and climbing up on snowbanks for a better view of the world. She lives with cats at her foster home. She loves attention, giving kisses, and snuggling with her people, especially up on the couch.

SEE LAX, P24

EHS GRADS

“It doesn’t get any better than this,” said Jameson Mott, student body co-president. “Our di erences … have united us with a bond that is so special it must be cherished.”

She urged her classmates to think for themselves.

“Your opinion has power, your voice has power … to help create a more just and equitable world,” she said.

She ended her speech quoting the movie “Friday Night Lights:” “Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can’t lose.”

Grayson Richmond, student body co-president, told graduates that after four years of high school, they have become young adults with identities unique to themselves, and valedictorian Campsie added that the graduates have endured, learned, adapted and grown to be the people they are today.

Salutatorian Barwell said that being open to new perspectives was important as the graduates go out into the world, while Campsie said it was time for the graduates to create an impact and leave a legacy.

Chemistry teacher omas Fuller said he has watched the class of 2023 closely to learn what it meant to be an Evergreen Cougar.

He noted that freshman year ended abruptly with the pandemic, sophomore year was lled with virtual classes and disinfectant, junior year began to get back to normal, and senior year was the full high school experience.

“You showed appreciation to those who helped you,” Fuller said. “I saw your con dence grow throughout the year. You were always willing to learn and willing to grow. You have proven to me and everyone else who knows you that we are in good hands with you as the future. My point is that … whatever your pursuit, don’t lose your humanity, your empathy and compassion.”

After getting everyone in the audi-

ence and the graduates to do “the wave,” he added: “When you leave here to start something new, don’t forget to be the start of that wave.”

Principal Skyler Artes reminded the graduates that she became an assistant principal at EHS the year they were freshmen at the school.

“For this reason and a million more, you are special to me,” she said. “ ank you for each and every step in this wonderful journey.”

She said the world was waiting for the graduates, while the Evergreen Cougar community would remain their champions and supporters.

“Always remember,” she said, “you have a full Cougar community behind you.”

Evergreen High School graduate Quinn Varnell plays Franz Liszt’s “Hungarian Rhapsody No. 16” at graduation.

PHOTOS BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

Valedictorian Olivia Campsie addresses the graduates, sta and family gathered at the Evergreen High School graduation ceremony.

CHS GRADS

e school honored valedictorian Madeline Potter and salutatorian Zachary McCarthy, plus those going into the military, completing the 200 Club Community Service, completing an associate’s degree along with graduating, di erent national honor society members, getting the Seal of Biliteracy, a STEM diploma and more.

Conifer graduates Bryce Merrill, Madeline Potter and Grace Hancock sang the class song “Country Roads” by John Denver. Others said mem-

bers of the class of 2023 would burst out singing that song at random times during school.

Principal Greg Manier told the graduates they challenged him, inspired him and impressed him with their character and resilience, particularly as the graduates had to shake o the pandemic.

“You pushed back against the wave of isolation to become one of the closest and innovative classes that Conifer has ever seen,” he told the graduates.

History teacher Jackalyn Barnes, who gave the keynote address, reminded the graduates of how unique each one was with di erent strengths and weakness, which will

send them in di erent directions after graduation.

“You reminded me that showing up is 90 percent of the battle,” Barnes said. “If you show up to school, work, events, relationships and friendships, your life will be happy from all the little moments. Showing up … means a lot to others. Go forward and show up.”

Senior speaker Mia Constantino encouraged her fellow graduates to keep a sense of wonder as they went out in the world, also quoting the movie “High School Musical” that members of the class were “all in this together.”

Salutatorian McCarthy added that the future was de ned by expecta-

tions set in the present of the careers they will nd and the people they become, while Valedictorian Potter emphasized the importance of thanking those who have stood behind them — parents, family members, friends, teachers and other adults.

Community Superintendent Wes Paxton, CHS’ former principal, told the graduates he remembered the day they entered the school as graduates, and their experiences over four years help mold them into the young adults they are today.

“Over the past four years,” Paxton said, “you have learned the true meaning of what it takes to become a Lobo.”

Conifer graduate Allie Westfall talks with Je co Community Superintendent Wes Paxton before commencement.

PHOTOS BY DEB HURLEY BROBST Conifer graduate Joelle Wageman walks down the stage after receiving her diploma.

Evergreen players celebrate a goal coming out of the nearly 2-hour lightning delay during the Class 4A girls lacrosse state semifinal game against Mead on May 17 in Englewood. The Cougars had their season come to an end with a 13-12 loss.

LAX

FROM

for three minutes. e last two years helped us be prepared for this.”

Castle View jumped out to an earlier 5-1 lead in the rst 15 minutes of the opening half. e Sabercats (171) never trailed, but the Rams rallied pouring in three goals in the nal 10 minutes.

Freedman, who nished with four goals on the night, put one into the

back of the net with 1:01 left to tie the game at 9-9.

“ ey put everything on the eld today,” Green Mountain coach Gia Lombardi said. “I’m so proud of them. Especially how we started this season. Making to semi nals with a 16-player team. I’m so proud of them.”

e Rams had their Cinderella story run to the 4A state title last year, also as the No. 5 seed. Green Mountain defeated the No. 4, No. 1 and No. 2 on its way to its rst girls lacrosse state title.

Castle View also has some rich state history. e Sabercats were the state runner-up in 2021 as the No. 10 seed and advanced to the semi nals last season.

“We have been talking about that all season,” Silverman said of the Sabercats’ run to the title game in 2021. “It is very di erent being that No. 1 seed. We have kind of let that go and just played our game.”

Tanella had a team-high four goals and junior Tessa Boehm added a trio of goals for the Sabercats. Senior Riley Schultz had a pair of goals and

senior goalie Gabby Goodwin made a huge save with 13:30 left in the second half that kept Castle View in the lead.

“We are such a better team now and it is really just mental,” Tanella said. “Last year we were so far in our heads and almost against each other. is year we are all a team. We work well together and we are a family. is is a true team.”

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

ASCENT CHURCH

“Real people pursuing a real God”

All are Welcome Sundays at 10am

In-person or Online www.ascentchurch.co

29823 Troutdale Scenic Drive, Evergreen

BERGEN PARK CHURCH

Bergen Park Church is a group of regular people who strive to improve ourselves and our community by studying the Bible and sharing our lives with each other.

On Sunday mornings you can expect contemporary live music, Children’s Ministry that seeks to love and care for your kids, teaching from the Bible, and a community of real people who are imperfect, but seek to honor God in their lives. We hope to welcome you soon to either our 9:30AM or 11:00AM Sunday service.

Search Bergen Park Church on YouTube for Livestream service at 9:30am 31919 Rocky Village Dr. 303-674-5484 info@bergenparkchurch.org / www.BergenParkChurch.org

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH SERVICES

28244 Harebell Lane

Sunday Service & Sunday School 10am

Wednesday Evening 7:30pm, Zoom options available Contact: clerk@christianscienceevergreen.com for ZOOM link

Reading Room 4602 Pletner Lane, Unit 2E, Evergreen

OPEN TUE-SAT 12PM - 3PM

CHURCH OF THE CROSS

Please join us for Sunday worship at 28253 Meadow Drive, Evergreen or visit www.churchotc.com

8:30am Traditional Service

10:30am Contemporary Service

Communion is served every Sunday at both services. All are welcome! Visit our website at www.churchotc.com for info on church activities. 28253 Meadow Drive, Evergreen • 303-674-4130 • o ce@churchotc.com

CHURCH OF THE HILLS PRESBYTERIAN (USA)

Serving the mountain community from the heart of Evergreen Worship 10:00 a.m.

Reverend Richard Aylor

O ce Hours: Tu-Thur 9:00 - 4:00; Fri 9:00 - noon Bu alo Park Road and Hwy 73 www.churchofthehills.com

CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION EPISCOPAL

In-Church: Sunday Communion Quiet Service 8:00 am & with Music 10:15 am 10:15 am only Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86017266569

In-Meadow: 2nd Sunday of the month at 9:30 a.m.

--June through September—

27640 Highway 74 – ¼ mile east of downtown Evergreen at the Historic Bell Tower www.transfigurationevergreen.org

CONGREGATION BETH EVERGREEN (SYNAGOGUE)

Reconstructionist Synagogue

Rabbi Jamie Arnold

www.BethEvergreen.org / (303) 670-4294

2981 Bergen Peak Drive (behind Life Care)

CONIFER CHURCH OF CHRIST

“Doing Bible Things in Bible Ways”

11825 U.S. Hwy. 285, Conifer, CO 80433

Sun: 9:00a.m. Bible Study-10:00a.m. Worship; Wed: Bible Study 7:00p.m.

EVERGREEN CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)

27772 Iris Drive, Evergreen - 303-674-3413

www.EvergreenChristianChurch.org - eccdoc01@gmail.com

Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m., with communion every Sunday

We are an inclusive faith community and welcome you to join us in our new ministry journey.

DEER PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Pastor Joyce Snapp, Sunday Worship 10 AM

Located one mile west of Pine Junction just o Rt. 285 966 Rim Rock Road, Bailey (303) 838-6759

All are welcome to our open/inclusive congregation!

EVERGREEN LUTHERAN CHURCH

5980 Highway 73 + 303-674-4654

Rev. Terry Schjang

Join us for Virtual Worship on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/EvergreenLutheranChurch

Sunday Worship uploaded by 10am.

www.evergreenlutheran.org + All Are Welcome!

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY CHURCH – EPC

1036 El Rancho Rd, Evergreen – (303) 526-9287

www.lomcc.org – o ce@lomcc.org

Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m., with communion every Sunday

“Real Church In An UnReal World”

A community empowered by the Holy Spirit which seeks authentic relationships with God and others to share the good news of Jesus with Evergreen, the Front Range and the world. Come as you are, all are welcome!

MOUNTAIN REVIVAL CHURCH

“Baptizing the Mountains in Jesus Name”

Sundays 11:00 am & Wednesdays 7:00 pm

Location: Aspen Park Community Center 26215 Sutton Road, Conifer, CO 80433

(Additional parking at the Park & Ride next to Big O Tires) 720-770-0380 Call, Text, or Just Drop In www.mountainrevival.org

PLATTE CANYON COMMUNITY CHURCH

Located: 4954 County Road 64 in Bailey. O ce hours MWF 8am-1pm 303-838-4409, Worship & Children’s Church at 10am

Small group studies for all ages at 9am

Transitional Pastor: Mark Chadwick Youth Pastor: Jay Vonesh

Other activities: Youth groups, Men’s/Women’s ministries, Bible studies, VBS, MOPS, Cub/Boy Scouts.

ROCKLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH

“Connecting all generations to Jesus”

Please check our website, www.Rockland.church, for updated service times ¼ mile north of I-70 at exit 254 17 S Mt. Vernon Country Club Rd., Golden, CO 80401 303-526-0668

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF EVERGREEN

Rev. Sarah Clark • 303.674.4810 • www.evergreenumc.org 3757 Ponderosa Dr. across Hwy 74 from Safeway in Evergreen

Join us in person every Sunday at 10:00am for worship “Open Hearts, Open Doors, Open Minds”

PHOTOS BY DENNIS PLEUSS/JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Green Mountain sophomore Avery Freedman (3) is fouled by Castle View senior Abby Mays during the first half of the Class 4A girls lacrosse state semifinal May 17 at Randy Penn Stadium. The Rams — 2022 4A state championships — su ered a 10-9 loss.

1. TELEVISION: What is the name of the high school in “Bu y the Vampire Slayer”?

2. MOVIES: Who voiced the character Woody in “Toy Story”?

3. LITERATURE: Who are the tragic lovers in the novel “Wuthering Heights”?

4. AD SLOGANS: Which product invites consumers to “taste the rainbow”?

5. FOOD & DRINK: Which root vegetable is known as Japanese horseradish?

6. ANATOMY: What substance gives skin its color?

7. GEOGRAPHY: Where are the Great Pyramids of Giza located?

8. HISTORY: Who was the rst female prime minister of Great Britain?

9. SCIENCE: What is the hollow, woody tissue that carries water and nutrients from a plant’s roots to the entire plant?

10. U.S. STATES: Which is the only state that doesn’t have a mandatory seat belt law for adults?

Answers

1. Sunnydale High.

2. Tom Hanks.

3. Heathcli and Catherine.

4. Skittles.

5. Wasabi.

6. Melanin.

7. Egypt.

8. Margaret atcher.

9. Xylem.

10. New Hampshire.

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

NOW HERE’S A TIP

* Use a mesh bag to hold owers in place in a vase. Just roll or wad it up and put it down in the bottom of the vase. When you are done with the owers, you can use a stick to swish the bag around and loosen any gunk inside the vase when cleaning. Launder the mesh or just toss.

* When freezing leftovers, especially soup or stew, consider using zipper-closing bags. ey can be lled and frozen at, then stacked nicely. ey take up much less room than standard containers.

* “To make a waterproof mattress protector in a pinch, slit a large garbage bag down the side and bottom, lay it at over the mattress and cover with a beach towel. en put the sheet over that. e garbage bag protects the mattress; the towel makes it comfortable. “ -- U.D. in Tennessee

* “Keep extra liner bags in the bottom of the garbage

can. ey are handy, so you will be more likely to reline the can as soon as you take the garbage out.” -- K.P. in Massachusetts

* Keep a box of baking soda in the fridge. When it’s time to replace it, dump it down the drain and follow with a small bottle of vinegar and a hot water ush. Keep your kitchen smelling nice and use less chemicals to do it.

* “Here’s a fun invitation to make and receive: Blow up a balloon and pinch (don’t tie). Write the details of the party on the balloon in permanent marker. Let it dry fully before you de ate it. en send it!” -- R.A. in Washington Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Career Opportunites

Now hiring for Summer 2023!

Idaho Springs, CO -Canon City, CO

We pride ourselves in having excellent employees, providing good working conditions, compensating well and in having a friendly atmosphere for our staff. Call us today for more information. Positions open May-August, 2023

OFFICE STAFF

Be a vital component of our organization. You will: answer phones, provide information, take reservations, greet guests, take money, sell and stock merchandise and do misc. paperwork. You must be: enthusiastic, organized, multi task orientated, have an interest in outdoor recreation and possess basic computer skills and good communication skills. We will train applicants who demonstrate an aptitude forfast-paced, high-energy work.

RIVERGUIDES

Looking for experienced guides with positive attitudes! Please be prepared to provide a river log.

BUS DRIVERS

We need experienced bus drivers with a Class B P2 Endorsement.

Questions? Call 303-567-1000 or email work@clearcreekrafting.com

Market Place

Classifieds

Lost and Found

Lost dog, gray toy Chihuahua “Chica”. Don’t chase, open car door and try squeaky toy. Lost at Dollar General on 5/14 in Bailey.

Reward, $200. Call Laura 720-5894747.

Garage and Estate Sales

Garage Sales

MULTI FAMILY June 1-3 9 a - 4 p 7063 Silverhorn Dr, Evergreen Lrg Variety! Camping, Fishing, Bikes, Tools, HomeDIY, Office, Antiques, Cooking, & Furniture. The famed MOUNTAIN CLUB Memorial Day Weekend Flea Market returns Sat 5/27 and Sun 5/28, 8-5. Be there for the fun and “hidden treasures”, 12795 US Highway 285, Conifer. 720-326-8307

Career Opportunites

Merchandise

Lawn & Garden FREE MULCH LAM TREE SERVICE 30476 Bryant Drive 303.674.8733

Health & Beauty

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Espanol

DENTAL INSURANCEPhysicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurancenot a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www.dental50plus.com/58 #6258.

Medical

Attention oxygen therapy users!

Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587

Miscellaneous

Caring for an aging loved one? Wondering about options like seniorliving communities and in-home care? Caring.com’s Family Advisors help take the guesswork out of senior care for your family. Free, noobligation consult: 1-855-759-1407

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author`s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

HughesNet– Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/mo! Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499-0141

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405

Miscellaneous

Inflation is at 40 year highs Interest rates are way up. Credit Cards. Medical Bills. Car Loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief to find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: 1-877-592-3616

Free high speed internet if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/one-time $20 copay. Free shipping. Call Maxsip Telecom! 1-833-758-3892

MobileHelp, America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! 1-888489-3936

Switch & save up to $250/yr on talk, text & data. No contract or hidden fees. Unlimited talk & text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based service. Call 1-855-903-3048

Miscellaneous

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months!

Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service.

Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time!

Financing available. 1-855-417-1306

DISH TV $64.99 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR included, Free Voice remote. Some Restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/31/24. 1-866-479-1516.

The Generac PWRcell solar plus battery storage system. Save money, reduce reliance on grid, prepare for outages & power your home. Full installation services. $0 down financing option. Request free no obligation quote. 1-877-539-0299

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debrisblocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-6101936

Miscellaneous

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176

!!OLD GUITARS WANTED!!

GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. TOP DOLLAR PAID.

CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-433-8277

Are you a pet owner? Do you want to get up to 100% back on vet bills? Physicians Mutual Insurance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1-844-774-0206 to get a free quote or visit insurebarkmeow. com/ads

Pets Dogs

Public Notices

Public Notice

Public Notices

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Jefferson County, Colorado or on or before September 18, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred. COLORADO

By: Karen Kelley, Vice President/

Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

Public notice is given on May 16, 2023, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an Adult has been filed with the Jefferson County Court. The Petition requests that the name of Fallon Caitlin Sites be changed to Fallon Caitlin Noone Case No.: 23C568

May 18, 2023 Last Publication: June 1, 2023

/s/ Mary Ramsey Clerk of Court / Deputy Clerk Legal Notice No. CC 1266

Publication: May 25, 2023

EChO’s New Mobile Food Pantry

As a recipient of their Legacy Project award, Evergreen Christian Outreach is so grateful to Rotary Club of Evergreen for their generous provision of this refrigerated truck. It is truly a gamechanger for EChO’s mission.

Not only does it increase our capacity to pick up food, but it allows us to safely procure and transport perishable goods from a broader range of producers and suppliers that in the past we could not access on hot summer days. Fresh produce and frozen meats are now more available to help our neighbors, which greatly bene ts the needs of our rural mountain community.

We currently distribute 40,000 pounds of food each month through our food pantry; the majority of which is hauled in this truck. It also enables EChO to meet some long-term goals to distribute

food to other smaller food pantries in our region that may not have adequate resources and provide us the opportunity to set up mobile food sites in more remote areas.

From all of us at EChO, thank you Rotary Club of Evergreen for being a true partner that helps build a stronger community.

Sponsor Spotlight

Our club has more than 100 members from all walks of life. We like to have fun and we organize social functions throughout the year.

• We meet once a week at Evergreen Country Day school; Fridays at 7.00 a.m. for breakfast. There is no meeting commitment – attend as many or as few as you like.

• Our meetings, events and speaker schedules can be found at EvergreenRotary.org, along with details about our local and international committees and projects.

• Dues are $38 monthly.

Questions? Email us at info@EvergreenRotary. org and we’ll get back to you.

Our agency understands how to properly insure mountain homes in high re risk areas. We are a full-service agency that advocates for clients when it comes to claims and keeping premiums a ordable. We are local and support the Evergreen Area Chamber and local businesses. 303-674-2724

EChO’s Mobile Food Pantry – now on the road

The refrigerated truck – a gift from Evergreen Rotary Club

40,000 pounds of food each month is hauled in this truck

“Powered by the Rotary Club of Evergreen”