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November 4, 2021
ADAMS & JEFFERSON COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
WestminsterWindow.com
VOLUME 77 | ISSUE 2
THROW UNDER PRESSURE
DIA chief: ‘Holiday season will be tough’ Security lines long amid passenger surge, labor shortage BY MATT BLOOM DENVERITE
Lizzie Johnson describes her most recent trip through Denver International Airport as “stressful, to say the least.” She’s flown in and out of the airport for decades, but this time was different. When the Denver resident arrived at DIA on Oct. 15 with her husband and two kids, the Transportation Security Administration security line wrapped all the way through the baggage claim area and beyond, she said. At one point, she and her husband got separated in the crowd and had to call each other to link back up. “There were lines and confused people everywhere,” Johnson said. “I’ve never seen it that packed.” Passenger traffic has bounced back sharply at DIA since the pandemic began, leading to record long security wait times and parking bottlenecks at the airport. The airport is currently seeing the fastest recovery of any U.S. hub, according to DIA leadership. Flight records show more than 24 million passengers passed through the airport between January and June. The numbers remain high and are projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels by early next year. SEE AIRPORT, P4
Legacy quarterback Jadon Carter attempts a swing pass to receiver Braelon Tate, during first quarter action against Fossil Ridge Oct. 29 at Five Star North Stadium. In a close game throughout, Legacy lost in overtime 33-27. See Sports, beginning on page 24. PHOTO BY STEFAN BRODSKY
Frederick teacher, coach returns to African homeland BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUITYMEDIA.COM
Though he was born in Denver, Frederick High School physical education teacher and boys basketball coach Enoch Miller had one thing he particularly wanted to do. Return to his family’s native Africa. Miller joined an entourage from Rocky Mountain Christian Church in Frederick and Mission of Hope International to spend a week doing missionary work in the Mathare
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 14 | LIFE: PAGE 16 | CALENDAR: PAGE 19 | SPORTS: PAGE 24
Valley, part of the Mathare slum in Kenya and a short distance from Nairobi. The population is about a half-million people who take up about half a square mile. “It’s one of the poorest slums,” Miller said. “There are a million people in an area that extends from Frederick High School to state Highway 52, maybe Colorado Boulevard. It’s unbelievable. You have to see it to believe it.” But for Miller, the week-long trip was more personal. “I am a product of missionary
work through the Pillar of Fire Church,” Miller said. “My father is from Liberia. He lived there until he was 21. That’s where he met my mom. The church didn’t like it. He was black. She was white.” The couple eventually moved to the Denver area, where Miller was born. “It’s always been near and dear to my heart,” he said. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for his missionary work.” SEE AFRICA, P6
ON TARGET, INDOORS Local archers taking aim at indoor ranges
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