www.HighTimberTimes.com
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Year In Review
year in review From Page 1
Meyer Ranch fire
The ever-present threat of wildfire in the mountain communities hit a little too close to home when a fire on the historic Meyer Ranch homestead erupted on April 21. The fire charred 40 acres and came within 50 feet of Norm Meyer’s home on U.S. 285 just east of Aspen Park. The fire produced large plumes of smoke and flames, and sparked an evacuation of four subdivisions. Residents were reminded it’s important to have documents and keepsakes ready to go in case of a wildfire emergency. Several area fire agencies contained the blaze within 48 hours, aided by an air drop of fire retardant. Today, there’s no evidence of the fire that came so close to destroying an important landmark. The fire’s origin remains a mystery.
Marshdale Elementary Despereaux
One gray February day seemed a little warmer when Despereaux, the mouse character from the book of the same name, visited Marshdale Elementary School. The Despereaux character, played by principal Christie Frost,
A wildfire on Norm Meyer’s ranch in Conifer in April burned approximately 40 acres. A helicopter from the Jeffco Sheriff’s Office dropped water from a nearby lake on the blaze. Also, a slurry bomber dropped fire retardant on the trees near a home in danger from the flames. Firefighters from area districts fought the blaze for two days.
Carucci sentencing
Throughout her trial for careless driving resulting in death, Indian Hills resident Vera Carucci, now 99, maintained her innocence in the death of Bailey resident and motorcyclist Joe Bixler. During a two-day trial, Carucci took the stand to deny her guilt in the accident, but an exhaustive investigation by the Colorado State Patrol alleged that Carucci pulled out in front of Bixler, a Navy SEAL and professionally trained driver. According to the State Patrol, in August 2010 Carucci, driving a rental car she had just picked up, pulled out onto U.S. 285 from Goddard Ranch Court and into
Area spelling bee
Wyatt Guernsey, who was a seventh-grader at West Jefferson Middle School last spring, won the area spelling bee by correctly spelling “alphanumerical” and “celestial.” In all, 17 students from West Jeff Middle and Marshdale, West Jeff and Elk Creek elementary schools participated in the event, with Guernsey given the honor of representing the 285 Corridor in the Scripps National Spelling Bee for the state championship. The 10th round was the makeor-break round as seventh-graders Jake Carter and Wyatt tried to outspell each other. Jake faltered on “heifer.” Wyatt’s parents, Jeanne and Karl Guernsey, were proud of their
HEALTH ��llnes� � File photo by Matthew Jonas | The Times
was dressed in a gray tunic, a hat with big mouse ears and a black tail made out of a huge pipe cleaner, and she carried a huge needle and thread in place of a sword. Her presence on Feb. 8 delighted students and faculty as she visited classrooms to thank students for reading at home with their families. The children were just as delighted to see the large container of cheese balls, and each student was treated to a cheesy morning snack. Her visit culminated a monthlong project called One School, One Book in which all Marshdale families were given a copy of the book so they could read it together. More than half of the 265 Marshdale families returned a form saying that they read the book together. Hence, Frost’s costume. “We’re shameless in terms of promoting literacy,” Frost said.
the path of Bixler, a husband and father of two. Bixler died at the scene. The courtroom was packed with supporters for both Carucci and Bixler’s widow, Katy. At Carucci’s trial, Joe Bixler was remembered as a hero, a father, a warrior for faith and a friend. Carucci was praised by friends for her volunteerism. Carucci was sentenced to two years probation, community service and revocation of her license for two years. Until her sentencing in August 2011, Carucci continued to drive.
Please see year in review, Page 8
2011
September with proponents saying they wanted to stop the turmoil that has plagued the department for years. They cited allegations from interim fire chief Pete Igel that Biglen used intimidation tactics, a stalemate among board members to fill a vacant board position and allegations of fraud by Dolan as reasons for the recall. Biglen resigned in November rather than face the recall election. Dolan was accused of fraud in May by the FPPA, which produced a 13-page letter of determination listing reasons why it believed he had been serving as an active firefighter despite applying for and getting disability payments for an injury he received while working at North Metro Fire Rescue. The first portion of Dolan’s fraud hearing was in late December, when the FPPA presented its case to a hearing officer. Dolan will present his case in early January. Elk Creek board meetings over the summer were filled with turmoil, with firefighters accusing board members of mismanaging the district. To that end, Jody Wagner, the district’s public information officer at the time, was removed from her volunteer position at the end of August. No reasons were given for her removal; however, at the August board meeting, Wagner, who said she was acting as a concerned citizen, not the PIO, was outspoken about her concerns about the department, staffing, and the actions of the current board and Igel. She read aloud a four-page, single-spaced letter to the board and said after the meeting that she wanted to put some issues on the record.
Kids 2 College Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Courtney College and the ladies wish you a truly blessed holiday season, meanwhile we are working away at finishing our new office in Evergreen! Located in the Diamond Building in Bergen Park, the practice continues to see kids from infancy through adolescence, recognizing what a privilege it is to participate in childrenʼs development, to follow their growth through the years and to know them as young adults. Dr. College remains a Delta Premier, Medicaid and CHP+ provider, with Spanish-speaking staff for those who require those services. The new office will be open Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with 24/7 weekend and after-hours emergency call. As a lifelong Evergreen resident and Evergreen High School graduate (class of ʻ87), Courtney loves practicing dentistry and living in her hometown. The new location sits on the old Buchanan Ranch -- when you come in for a visit you can learn a little something about Evergreenʼs history! Come check us out - we look forward to serving you in 2012!
5
Millions Smile
everyday, be the one
that stands out.
MATTHEW A. BUNCHMAN, DMD 32156 Castle Ct., Ste. 108 Evergreen, CO 80439
Call Today: 303-679-6400 • www.PremierDentalofEvergreen.com