Canyon Courier June 6, 2024

Je erson County Sheri Reggie Marinelli addresses the crowd and panelists at Evergreen Fire/Rescue’s May 22 wildfire forum. PHOTO BY JANE REUTER

Preparation and personal responsibility keys to easing evacuations and minimizing wildfire’s impacts, speakers say

BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Decades of re suppression and higher temperatures have made Colorado’s foothills and many parts of the western U.S. ripe for wild re. With that risk in mind, Evergreen Fire/Rescue hosted a wild re forum at Evergreen High School on May 22, focusing on the topic of evacuations. A panel of speakers from area re agencies, the Clear Creek and Jefferson sheri ’s departments, and Je erson County’s emergency services spoke during the evening. And while representatives spoke of plans made, processes in place and procedures outlined, they repeatedly em-

forum focuses on evacuation

phasized personal responsibility.

“We got here because we suppressed re for 120 years and our forests are sick,” said EFR wildland project coordinator Jess Moore. “On top of that, we built homes in the middle of it. Fire is natural here, and our homes are fuel.

“We all made the choice to move here and build our homes in this. We need to build out our home environment to withstand re, just like you would build it to withstand hurricanes if you lived in Florida,” Moore continued.

Moore added that higher temperatures are exacerbating those conditions.

“ e reality is the climate is changing and it is changing the types of re we are seeing,” she said. “Fire moves di erently. e red ag warnings have increased annually. e Marshall re happened on a day that wasn’t even a red ag day.”

A red ag warning is a National Weather Service noti cation warning that conditions are ideal for wildland re combustion, and rapid spread.

Thursday, July 4 @ 8 am

Come celebrate the America 250 Marker Dedication at 1pm on Flag Day, June 14th at the Veterans Commemorative Walk memorial in Buchanan Park.

Je erson County ranks No. 1 in Colorado for high and extreme wildre risk areas, and Evergreen and Conifer rank among the highest risk areas, according to the Verisk/ISO Stateline Report. And that means property owners must be prepared, the speakers said.

e sheri ’s o ce is charged with evacuations, and Je erson County Sheri Reggie Marinelli said individual preparation is critical.

“Wild res happen without advance notice,” she said. “It’s not like when a hurricane or tornado is coming, where you can know hours and sometimes days in advance. Every wild re is also unique in where it’s located, how fast it’s moving. e sheri ’s o ce cannot fully anticipate or plan for every situation.

“We have processes in place to ensure the best coordinated response to protect the life and property of the citizens of Je erson County. We’re asking you to do your part and also plan ahead,” she continued. ose steps include mitigating re risks around a home and property, signing up for emergency noti cations throughLookout Alert — which provides those notices to residents in Je erson, Clear Creek and Broom-

An audience member asks a question during the May 22 wildfire forum at Evergreen High School. PHOTO BY JANE REUTER

Sponsored by Evergreen Rotary, American Legion Post 2001 and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Here Are Some Simple Steps to Take So You Have No Unpleasant Surprises After Closing

The Division of Real Estate’s HOA Information & Resource Center issued some useful advice last week which got me to thinking. It was advice on doing “due diligence” about a neighborhood’s HOA so you’re not blindsided after closing.

With over two decades of representing buyers in the purchase of homes, both with and without a homeowner’s association, I have lots more to suggest than was in that release.

I advise all buyers to look for neighbors who are outdoors, perhaps mowing their lawn, getting their mail, or washing their car in the driveway. Introduce yourself in a friendly manner, explain that your looking at that neighbor’s house which is for sale and would like to know how they like living in this neighborhood. Follow-up questions could include, “Are the homes built well? How’s the HOA? Are the neighbors friendly? Any complaints? Are the schools good? Is there much crime? By the way, do you know why the owners are selling that home?”

Don’t interrogate the poor fellow, but use your judgment in being as warm and conversational as possible. You’ll learn a lot that will serve you well if you end up buying that home. This is one task I want you to do yourself instead of me doing it for you as your agent.

Among the advice from the HOA Information & Resource Center was to request the covenants (or “CC&Rs”) from the county clerk and recorder. That

document is something I can get for you more easily (and free) from my contacts at any title company. I can also ask the listing agent for the covenants and other HOA documents, but keep in mind that one of the earliest deadlines in any contract to buy and sell a home is the “Record Title” deadline and the “Association Documents” deadline, along with an opportunity for you to object or terminate if you don’t like what you read.

The covenants are recorded, so they will come to you with the title documents. Just as important as the covenants, however, is how they are enforced by the HOA board and the management company hired by the board.

The most useful HOA documents are the minutes of the last six months’ board meeting and the most recent annual meeting. These minutes will let you know what issues may be bothering the members. (Hopefully, you learned many of those from interviewing neighbors, as suggested above.)

Those minutes will also give you a sense of the financial health of the HOA and whether a dues increase or special assessment might be under discussion.

Other documents for you to study are the financial statements, the budget for the coming year, and the most recent reserve study, which lets you know whether they have the financial reserves to deal with future repairs such as replacing the boundary fences, or fixing

How to Do Advanced Listing Searches on the MLS

Unless you’re a licensed broker with access to the MLS, the number of criteria on which you can search is very limited. Typically, consumer-facing websites only allow you to search for price range, city or county, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, and a few other criteria.

But virtually every MLS field is searchable if you ask an MLS member such as myself to do the search.

Schools are very important to parents, and I can define a search area by naming a particular elementary, middle school or high school.

North-facing driveways are a no-no for some buyers. I can specify “Not North” in that field.

Main-floor living is important to many seniors, and I can specify one-story homes or, my favorite, specify main -floor primary bedroom (or non-primary bedroom), thereby allowing for 2-story homes which have main-floor bedrooms.

Is having the laundry on the same floor as the primary bedroom or simply not in

the basement important to you? That can be specified too and it’s required that listings indicate which floor the laundry, bedrooms and bathrooms are on.

Do you want to see only those homes which aren’t in an HOA? Or maybe you want an HOA that includes exterior maintenance of the home. No problem.

I can also search for key words within the listing’s public remarks. I mentioned last week that I did a search for the phrase “outdoor kitchen” and found 67 such listings within 20 miles of downtown Denver. I can search for any word or phrase.

Searching by map is useful, and I can draw a line around a particular neighborhood or multiple non-contiguous neighborhoods in the same search.

I can search for homes with property taxes under a particular amount, or simply homes that do not have a Metropolitan Tax District with an additional tax levy.

The age of the home, 220V wiring in the garage, solar panels, type of heating and cooling all these and more can be searched, but only by an MLS member.

the common area amenities such as parks, playgrounds and trails.

In some cases, the listing agent may have obtained those HOA documents in advance. As your agent, even before submitting your offer, I can ask for them, first looking to see if they’re already posted as “supplements” on the MLS.

Sometimes the “Sellers Property Disclosure” is also posted on the MLS, but if not, I can request that document for you, then ask follow-up questions about items disclosed on it.

Every HOA in the state must be registered with the HOA Information & Resource Center. If they are not registered, they are unable to enforce the covenants or file a lien against a member who is delinquent on dues or fines.

The state legislature has not empowered the Center to license or otherwise regulate HOAs, including to receive and act on member complaints. It’s really quiet a sad situation. Even sadder is the condition of its registry of HOAs. I downloaded the Excel file and was shocked at the amount of duplication and errors in the data entry. See for yourself at the posting of this article at http://RealEstateToday.substack.com.

The link provided for finding a registered HOA takes you to the same form that is used for finding brokers and brokerages, so you enter the name (or part thereof) for the HOA you’re looking for, but it is very hit or miss when I tested it. Entering the ZIP code of the HOA in addition was useful. It also shows if the HOA’s license is expired, which was the case for one I looked up. The phone number was for the clubhouse and a random HOA member picked up. I had to find an HOA document in order to get the number for the contact person. Ugh!

I Just Had a Terrible Thought…

ChatGPT has leveled the playing field for real estate agents. As in most professions, 90% of us aren’t good writers or even spellers! Ask ChatGPT to rewrite a property description or newsletter, and it will do so in flawless English with flawless spelling and flawless grammar, which got me thinking about scammers. Scam texts and emails can often be identified by their poor English and spelling, but if the scammer uses ChatGPT, that red flag will no longer be present.

Every year we have to be more and more alert for possible scams.

Just Listed: 2-BR, 1280-SF

This wonderful condo at 693 Wapiti Drive #A16 features a moss rock fireplace and a skylight in the living room. Off the living room is a deck with marvelous views of Byers Peak. The kitchen has granite counters, hickory cabinets, and double sink with mountain views. A laundry room/pantry is off the kitchen. The primary bedroom has new windows, double closet, a full ensuite bathroom with tile floor and tiled bath area.

Fraser Condo

$697,000

The 2nd bedroom has carpeting, double closet and new windows. The oversized garage has plenty of room to store firewood, and at the rear of the garage is a huge locked storage space. Reasonable HOA dues pay for water, sewer, snow removal, trash, and internet. Unit comes tastefully furnished. It’s a short walk from downtown Fraser with its many shops, bars, and entertainment. Experience the great outdoors just outside your door. Hike or bike along the Fraser River trail that leads to Winter Park. It’s also on the free bus route to Winter Park. To see it, call David Dlugasch at 303-908-4835. Take a video tour at www.WinterParkCondo.info.

Jim Smith

Broker/Owner, 303-525-1851

Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com 1214 Washington Ave., Golden 80401

Broker Associates: JIM SWANSON, 303-929-2727

CHUCK BROWN, 303-

Nationwide coverage wherever Colorado businesses grow

Photo by Michael Pintar Photography

BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Rotary Wild re Ready is seeking volunteers to help thin vegetation along a portion of Highway 73 near the Evergreen/Conifer boundary, an area marked as a wild re evacuation route. Rotary Wild re Ready, part of Evergreen Rotary, is a community-based program designed to help residents prepare for wild re.    e thinning project is planned from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 8 and 29 on Highway 73 between Blue Creek Road and Surrey Drive.

tention to the need for thinning on the side of the road, we are asking the community to help us,” she continued.

Asplundh, a company that does vegetation management and utility infrastructure services, is donating crew time to fell trees. Volunteers will help remove the branches and slash from the site.

Volunteers can donate as little as an hour of time each day. ey are needed to haul branches to trailers, and Rotary Wild re Ready needs additional trailers to haul slash to a drop-o site. Additional volunteers are needed to help park cars and direct other volunteers.

“If you are terri c with a chainsaw, let us know and bring it along, as well as ear protection,” Imse said.

“No one wants to be stuck in a tra c jam with ames on the side of the road,” said volunteer coordinator Ann Imse. “Highway 73 is our most dangerous wild re evacuation route. Everyone on the west side of Highway 73 and many people on the east side can leave the mountains only on this road.

“To get started on this necessary community project, and bring at-

Volunteers are asked to wear bright orange or lime green colors, hiking boots, long pants, long sleeves, sunglasses or safety glasses, work gloves and hats, and bring water. A limited number of orange or green safety vests and gloves will be on site for volunteers to borrow.

Imse asks that volunteers carpool if possible. Check-in will be near the corner of Surrey Drive and Highway 73.

To volunteer, email Imse at research31@gmail.com.

Evergreen Fire/Rescue Board censures fellow director

Suzanne Campagna allegedly violated a recently adopted district censorship policy

BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e Evergreen Fire/Rescue board censured one of its own directors May 21 for stepping outside the group’s bylaws. e board voted to censure Suzanne Campagna for her attendance and alleged conduct at a May 1 all-hands EFR personnel meeting.

Board members said Campagna’s actions at the May 1 meeting violated their censorship policy, a decision they reached after re ghters said her participation made them uncomfortable.

e board also agreed to write a letter explaining the decision and o ering Campagna the opportunity to address the issue at the June 18 board meeting.

In late 2023, the board voted to revise its bylaws to avoid just such situations, adding rules of communication among the board, sta and volunteers.

Chief Mike Weege read two letters about Campagna to the board during its May 21 meeting, one from the Evergreen Volunteer Fire Protection

Board and a second that he wrote.

Campagna, who joined the board in 2023 after an uncontested election, was not at the meeting when the letters were read and did not participate in the censure vote. She has yet to respond to requests for comment from the Canyon Courier.

Weege said the May 1 all-hands was designed to be an open discussion about planned operational changes, including hiring six paid re ghters to support the agency’s volunteers.

“Director Campagna’s presence confused members and the few comments she made were perceived as accusatory,” he said, reading from a letter written by the volunteer board. “Her demeanor was in direct con ict to the other respectful and constructive questions the general membership were asking … Director Campagna’s attendance and comments served as a disruption to the functionality and intent of the meeting.”

e letter concluded by asking the board to “renew its commitment” to requiring district board approval for a board member to attend such meetings.

Weege’s letter had a similar message.

“What was a sincere and transparent meeting to present and discuss an operational decision was interrupted by an attempt to in uence or sway the group to a single board members’ line of thought,” he said.

“I am asking the directors to please follow their bylaws and allow the management of Evergreen Fire/Rescue the opportunity to work with all of our members unimpeded by a district board member’s individual in uence.”

Weege said that’s especially important as the district rolls out initiatives outlined in its recently adopted master plan, which he said, “will impact all of EFR, (and) most importantly the community we serve.”

Director Julie Ann Courim led the motion to censure, saying she was embarrassed by Campagna’s actions.

“One of the things we keep trying to get people to understand is we are a board of ve, we are not a board of one,” she said. “We can have di erences of opinion, but when we vote on something, we are all under that decision whether we want to be or not. It is detrimental to have any of us doing something on the sidelines.

“It was loud and clear that you ( re ghters) were uncomfortable; you were put in a position when you didn’t feel you could speak freely,” she continued.“ is is deeply concerning. I’m not willing to let it go.”

“I tend to agree with you,” said Director Evan Je ries, who called Campagna’s behavior “troubling.” “We have to do something with it for the bene t of everybody to at least know where we stand as well.”

EFR Board President Stacey Ballinger said Campagna’s attendance

alone wasn’t what drove the board’s decision to censure, but how reghters said it impacted the meeting.

“If we as directors would like to attend a function, we let the other directors know to see if they believe there’s any con ict,” she said. “ e concern is the fact that it rose to the level that the volunteer board addressed it with the district board. Had we not taken action, it would have diminished the level of responsibility we’re asking everybody else to display.

“I wish she had been there to be able to say something to the people who felt the concern,” she continued. “Hopefully, she will still do so, but that will be up to her.” e communication rules adopted in late 2023 include a censorship policy that prohibits board members from interacting with any sta but Chief Mike Weege outside board meetings and district functions and require board approval for any single board member to attend district functions.

Campagna declined to sign the censorship policy, saying it worked against EFR’s vision statement of creating “a positive work environment through e ective internal communication, relationships, and leadership.” Nevertheless, she said during the December 2023 meeting that because a majority of the board had approved it, she would adhere to the policy.

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Evergreen Fire/Rescue plans for six paid firefighters

New sta will enhance agency’s long-standing volunteer model

BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Evergreen Fire/Rescue plans to hire its rst paid re ghters. e move represents a dramatic change for the EFR, which now relies almost entirely on volunteer re ghters.

EFR has nearly 70 volunteers. Its only paid re ghters are Chief Mike Weege and Chief of Operations Kristian Kazian.

“ is is driven by our community, the people we serve,” said Fire Chief Mike Weege. “Our call volume has grown. We have a growing and aging population and a complex district with 26,000plus people.

“We’ve just reached a point with our community where it’s time we sta stations and get apparatus out the door much quicker,” Weege continued.

e EFR board agreed with Weege’s request to create job descriptions and wages for the six positions during its May 21 meeting.

EFR will pay the initial cost to bring on the paid sta with $806,000 in property tax reimbursements from the state.

at will cover salaries through late 2024 and 2025, after which EFR will use

bination of paid sta and volunteer re ghters, an idea ranked at the top among the plan’s 11 goals. e six additional sta will support EFR’s current volunteer force, and increase response times to calls. Weege hopes to have them on board late this summer.

e paid re ghters will be based at Station 2 on Bergen Parkway, where EFR’s administration, training and maintenance dispatch center are located. at site is in the midst of the district’s densest population and generates the highest call volume of EFR’s eight stations. With re ghters on site, a crew can quickly jump into re trucks and get to calls, eliminating the response delay of volunteers who typically report from their homes.

“ e volunteer neighborhood response system is still incredibly valuable and will be moving forward,” Weege said. “What’s missing with that model is getting apparatus out the door in a timely fashion.”

Hiring some paid re ghters who can get vehicles to a scene more quickly lls a gap in the volunteer neighborhood response model EFR’s been using since 1948, said risk reduction coordinator Einar Jensen.

“Getting out within three minutes as opposed to 10 minutes is going to make a di erence to re ghter and civilian safety whether it’s a cardiac arrest, a

building re or even a car crash,” he said. “Our priorities when responding to incidents are life safety, incident stabilization and property conservation. All three of those are enhanced by getting apparatus on the road quicker, and then the rest of the cavalry (volunteers) shows up afterward.

“Evergreen Fire/Rescue needs a volunteer system to function because of the size of the district,” he continued. “Adding paid re ghters just enhances that model.”

Weege will ask the board for a formal vote to approve the paid posts during its June 18 meeting.

He plans to initially o er the positions to existing volunteers.

“We’re excited to open it up internally rst,” he said, adding the volunteers appear to be equally excited. “I held an all-hands meeting last week and there a lot of questions. ere’s a positive buzz within the organization about it.”

While Weege said the organization will always rely heavily on its volunteers, more paid re ghters are in its future.

EFR plans to start building a new Station 1 at the former Evergreen Mountain Market site in 2025, replacing its outdated building near the dam in downtown Evergreen.

“When station 1 is completed, hopefully, we’re in a nancial position where we can sta that one as well,” he said.EFR expects that building will be operational by 2027.

EFR Wildland Captain James Estle talks with west metro area firefighters about shutting water and pumping during a May 11 training.

PHOTO BY JANE REUTER

BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Elk Creek Fire board member says failed

Elk Creek Fire board member

Chuck Newby says the failed 2023 e ort to consolidate three foothills area re agencies — an issue he campaigned against — cost the area’s taxpayers $343,000. He asked his fellow board members May 23 to publish those ndings on the Elk Creek Fire website, a request that went ungranted even as one member attempted to poke holes in his report.

“If we do not put it on the site, we are doing a disservice to our citizens,” Newby said. “Our constituents ask us about how much we spent during consolidation. Many of the questions they’ve asked me are in this report.”

Board member Sharon Woods said the report is Newby’s opinion and contains misleading information, including costs incurred by the InterCanyon and North Fork re districts.

“I’m not sure why a report you want to put on the Elk Creek Fire Protec-

tion website includes information on other districts,” she said. “It’s not appropriate. e only reason I can think why is just shock.

“I’m going to remind you, the other two re districts approved the consolidation. Obviously, they spent money. erefore, any monies included in this report about the other two re districts is moot because they approved the consolidation.”

Newby submitted 26 open records requests across the three re districts to gather the information in his report. It includes costs tied to a 2021 feasibility study, money paid to consultants for a community survey and other services, and direct costs of hosting the election. It also includes costs for re district personnel to participate in the study and campaign.

Woods said those costs are irrelevant.

“You have numbers for personnel that answered questions,” she said. “A lot of those people are salary. It doesn’t cost the district an additional

amount.”

Newby also described costs tied to consultant Turn Corps as part of a marketing campaign, a reference to which Woods also objected.

“It was educational,” she said. “It was not a marketing campaign. at is your opinion.”

Newby, who voted against hiring Turn Corps in 2023, disputed her comments.

“I profoundly disagree with your characterization of my report,” he said. “If you want to develop a report of your own and speak against my report, that’s ne. I think that it is appropriate that we address what each re district spent; it goes to the point of how we are together taxing and spending the taxpayers’ money and what we’re doing with it.”

Newby’s motion to publish the report on the district website died for lack of a second.

Voters narrowly turned down the November 2023 consolidation proposal, which was approved by InterCanyon and North Fork re district

voters, but failed by a slim margin among Elk Creek’s electorate.

Newby campaigned against it through a group called Save Elk Creek Fire, which said it would dilute Elk Creek’s emergency response to its constituents and was nancially irresponsible. Newby also said most of the consolidation decisions had been done in secret.

It’s not the rst time Newby has gotten pushback from fellow board members.

e board voted 4-1 Dec. 14 to censure Newby for conduct related to the failed consolidation e ort, stating his action violated three sections of the bylaws. Among other things, their resolution stated Newby’s campaign against consolidation was “contrary to the previous majority votes of the board, put the district at risk of allegations of campaignnance violation and were against the best interests of the district.”

Newby said the censure resolution consisted “entirely of false allegations of improper conduct.”

As a kid, one of my most enjoyable holidays was Memorial Day. I had some idea that the holiday was about honoring those who died, particularly those who died serving our country. But as a youngster the holiday meant the end of the cold season and the beginning of summer, baseball and swimming pools. ose were the happy things that came with summer. I remember that all the kids who were Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts marched across town from the high school to the cemetery, about a ve-mile hike. It was fun and we felt important marching along with the high school band and many who rode on horseback or atop a re engine. When I was older, my Dad talked to me about the Second World War. He reminded me that Uncle Earl never came back. I’m sure there was a lot about the war that I didn’t understand, but one thing that he got through to me was that when our country needs us, we have to drop

IVOICES

A Memorial Day postscript

JIM ROHRER

n the captivating world of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, our team of intrepid eld biologists is rewriting the narrative of wildlife management. Contrary to the traditional image of scientists in sterile lab coats, our dedicated terrestrial and aquatic biologists venture into the wild, focusing on an eclectic array of species – from majestic deer and elk to elusive trout, warm-water sport sh, and amphibians. ese eld biologists are the unsung heroes working tirelessly to conserve and understand nature’s intricate dance. In the vast tapestry of CPW, researchers delve into singular species management, species interactions, habitat utilization, and the ever-complex human dimension. Meanwhile, our district wildlife managers, also known as wildlife o cers, equipped with both biological expertise and law enforcement

what we’re doing and go defend our country. He didn’t just tell me about this, I understood that he backed up the idea with action. I was just two weeks old when he enlisted in the army as a response to the attack at Pearl Harbor. My mother told me that he never hesitated, explaining that if the country needs you, you go. “We’ve been viciously attacked, and we must defend our country no matter what.” Of course, I don’t remember my dad leaving, but I’ll never forget the day he came home. My Mom and I were sharing a small apartment with my grandparents. I can remember huddling around a big console radio each evening listening to the war news broadcast nightly by newsman H.V. Kaltenborn. Some nights the news

was good, sometimes not. My father was someone who I only knew about from my mom. One day my mom suggested that I go outside to play and that I keep my eyes open because it was possible that my father would be coming home that day. ere was a bus stop about a block away and I saw a man in a khaki uniform get o the bus. I can honestly tell you that I remember that day. It was probably the furthest back my memory goes. I ran inside screaming, “Mommy, mommy, there’s a soldier coming I think it might be my daddy.” It was. I can still close my eyes and see him returning home.

Many years later my Dad and I were alone in my college dormitory room a few months before I was to graduate. My dad asked me simply, “What are you going to do about the military?” It was the early 60s and the Vietnam War was in full swing. Like every other young man, I had given the military some thought. It wasn’t as if you had much choice.

Either you joined or got drafted. But my Dad’s question prompted and decision then and there. “I believe I should serve,” I said, and I meant it. I was accepted into the Air Force o cer training school and served four years.

Like my dad, I was able to return home after my service. So, for our family, Memorial Day carries no sad memories as it does for millions of American families. We made it through, but we did so after serving. I think that’s why Memorial Day is meaningful for me. I will always be proud of my dad’s service and thankful that President Truman saved my dad’s life.

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.

Balancing badges and biology in the field

FROM THE WILDLIFE OFFICER’S DESK

Jacob Sonberg, Scott Murdoch, Philip Sorensen, Mark Lamb, Matt Martinez & Kara VanHoose

commissions, play multifaceted roles in the eld. It’s this biological foundation that empowers CPW to manage all of Colorado’s wildlife based on the best available science, transcending subjective instincts and political whims.

CPW takes pride in its diverse projects, spanning the monitoring of mountain plovers, sage grouse lek counts, helicopter classi cations, and counts of various wildlife species. From gill net surveys in warm-water lakes to adrenaline-pumping electroshocking surveys in high mountain trout streams, and even quirky toad counts, the breadth of projects reects the agency’s commitment to

understanding and conserving Colorado’s rich biodiversity.

For those immersed in the eld, the biological aspect of the job stands out as particularly spectacular. Memories of ying in helicopters, counting and classifying deer amid breathtaking landscapes, evoke a sense of awe. e work often garners reactions like “ at’s work?” or “How can I get that job?” as we recount experiences of solitary sage grouse lek counts, witnessing the fascinating dance of birds, and encountering wildlife untouched by time.

And then there’s the thrilling shock shing – an activity that might raise eyebrows. Rest assured, it doesn’t harm the sh; instead, it provides crucial data for sheries management. e day unfolds with the excitement of netting and measuring sh as they dart around in a state of temporary confusion. e

collected data in uences shing regulations and guides the strategic placement of nearly 100 million sh stocked by CPW each year. If that’s not enough, gear up for the physically demanding and challenging sheep inventories. Equipping sheep with GPS collars unlocks insights into movement patterns and mortality rates. Data gathered is essential for pinpointing lambing and wintering locations. As summer unfolds, embrace the challenges of hiking, horseback riding, and climbing to track down sheep in high altitudes and rugged terrains. e collected data steers the course for critical habitat projects and shapes the population models. e life of a eld biologist is not one of comfort. It involves long, tedious days, often in adverse weather conditions and challeng-

Columnist

BY STAVROS KORONEOS

Can you hear me now?

CONIFER – Responding to the scene of a reported assault, deputies arrived to nd Roland standing dejectedly on one side of the street and Rowena standing on the opposite side yelling deprecations and accusations at Roland. Gifted with excellent vocal strength and not afraid to use it, Rowena forcefully explained that Roland is her nephew-in-law, here on a visit, and he’d stolen her cell phone. When Roland showed up at the house that day, she’d demanded that he return the stolen phone. When Roland denied stealing the phone, she’d demanded even harder. Sensing his visit was drawing to a close, Roland had escaped outside to his vehicle. Fearing her phone was about to depart without her, Rowena followed him outside and, seeing what appeared to be her phone resting on Roland’s center console, made a grab for it. Roland grabbed rst, and the phone was instantly in hot contention. Roland ultimately retained custody of the disputed device, using it to call 911 before eeing across the street to await reinforcements. For his part, Roland had little to say to o cers, other than that Rowena had scratched his arms and broken his necklace and, yes, he would be pressing charges against his dear auntie. Deputies cited Rowena for third-degree assault and criminal mischief.

bled away up the path, leaving her splayed on the ground with minor abrasions to face, shoulder, hand and knee, and major resentment at the violent and unaccountable interruption. She refused medical attention, but de nitely wanted to le a report. Deputies scoped the area for her assailant, but came up empty.

Filched freezer finds fellow frosted MORRISON – Leaving the house at 10:30 a.m., the homeowner noted with satisfaction the ice machine resting comfortably in his driveway next to the garage. Returning at 2:30 that afternoon, he noted with grave dissatisfaction that it was gone. Home surveillance tapes reveal a blue and white, older-model Chevy pickup truck with wood sideboards rising above the bed stopping on the street at the foot of the driveway at 11:36. A casually-dressed fellow gets out, walks up to the house, knocks on the front door, and then returns to the truck. A cool customer, the man calmly pulls a dolly from the truck bed, loads the ice machine onto the dolly, wheels it down the driveway, loads ice machine and dolly into the truck and drives away. e unhappy homeowner called JCSO for help locating the ice pirate and recovering his cube-creating contraption. e case, for the moment, is ice cold.

Attack-led in broad daylight SOUTH JEFFCO – It was the darnedest thing. She was rolling eastbound along the concrete pedestrian path one sunny afternoon, blue sky overhead and skateboard wheels humming beneath her feet. Up ahead, she noticed a mid-sized 20-something up ahead strolling her way, denim shorts fashionably ragged and earbuds pressed into his head. “I got a weird feeling,” she would later tell JCSO deputies. en she got a weird surprise – as she was passing by, and for no obvious reason, the man lunged, throwing his arms around her in a full-body clutch and hurling to the pavement. “Get o of me!” she yelled. He got o of her calmly, even serenely, and without uttering a single word am-

The crime that quenches EVERGREEN – Startled awake at about midnight by the fearsome clamor of her car-alarm, she’d gone to the bedroom window and peered out upon the vehicle parked immediately below. e car looked OK, but after remotely deactivating the alarm she remained at her lookout, keenly scanning lawn and street for a possible explanation. She didn’t have long to wait before three shadowy gures emerged from the darkness of her yard and itted directly across the street, disappearing inside the house opposite hers. eir crime had been to dump an unknown brand of cola on the hood of her car, and she was dead sure the raiding party’s ringleader was none other than the son of the woman who owned the criminal sanctuary across the street. Even so, she didn’t want

BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

When Jacques Hennig’s Australian shepherd mix Alex collapsed at the park in January 2024, he knew it was time to say goodbye.

“It’s a feeling in your gut; I knew immediately the cancer had come back,” he said.

He also knew how Alex would die: at home, with Hennig and his partner Max Donald by his side. A year earlier, the couple had used in-home euthanasia for their other dog, Oliver.

“It’s a horrible thing to have to deal with,” Hennig said. “You don’t want them to ever go; you want them to be with you forever. But it was important to me they were happy in death as well. I didn’t want their last vision to be the vet with uorescent lighting and lots of noise.”

Veterinarian H Howells, who performed the service for both Alex and Oliver through her company Peace Wings, is among a subset of veterinarians who o er in-home euthanasia. ese mobile veterinarians come to the pet owner’s residence, where they administer medication so the pet can pass in their home, surrounded by their owners and often, other family pets.

In-home euthanasia is a fastgrowing service, with a network of veterinarians that includes local, independent doctors like Howells, Conifer-based Amy Holtschlag and Franktown-based Julie Hasenfratz of Hometown Veterinary Hospice, as well as national companies like Lap of Love that employ a network of doctors.

As in a clinic setting, veterinarians performing in-home euthanasia typically use two medications: one to sedate the pet, and a second that stops the heart. Some vets also

use oxygen to help the pets relax further.

While fees vary, the service costs more than an in-clinic euthanasia service. e personalized nature of the service, time spent with each client and transportation costs are all factors in setting prices, veterinarians said.

e three veterinarians who spoke for this story charge between $350 and $775, their rates varying with the type and size of animal and the services included. Some charge separately for cremation, urns, memorial keepsakes and other items and services, while others include it in a at fee.

‘The last act of love’

Many pet owners say it’s worth it, and the best way they’ve found to close the nal chapter in a beloved pet’s life.

When Commerce City residents John and Jan Leiker adopted their Great Dane Kiara, John Leiker said she was an aggressive, poorly socialized, “out-of-control” rescue.

ey spent two years training and loving her, “to turn her into the wonderful Great Dane that she was. She had a wonderful life.”

Giving her a peaceful ending was their nal act of caring, and Hasenfratz helped them give her that.

“Dr. Hasenfratz took her time and let us know everything she was doing, every step of the way,” Leiker said. “She just sat down with Kiara petting her, letting her sni everything. She gave her the proper drug to just relax.

“You still cry when they go; it’s never easy. But this is so much easier on the people and the animals. It’s the last act of love you can do. I will always do it this way if pos-

sible.”

Hasenfratz also o ered the couple a memorial paw print with Kiara’s name imprinted on it, which the couple treasures.

“When it’s time for our current Dane to go, Julie will be the one we’ll call,” his wife Jan agreed.

Despite the pain of loss that accompanies an in-home euthanasia, owners describe the service as personal, intimate and soothing. And most veterinarians say they work hard to make it that way.

“People have a lot of anxiety around this decision,” Holtschlag said. “And pets are often not relaxed when they come to the vet clinic; there’s that innate panic they have coming through the doors. at fear is not there when they’re home with their people.

From left, Jacques Hennig, Oliver, Alex and Max Donald on the road together. Hennig and Donald chose in-home euthanasia for both dogs. “It was important to me they were happy in death as well,” Hennig said.

PHOTO BY JACQUES HENNIG

ALTERNATIVE

“I want the experience to be as peaceful as it can be for both the pet and the people, and a memory the owners can cherish going forward,” Holtschlag continued.

Holtschlag treats each appointment as its own service.

“I usually do a little information gathering before I get there,” she said. “I have the family tell me if they have any special requests or wishes, and who is going to be there. ere are things we can do at home we’re not able to do in a clinic to make it meaningful for them; they can set up the experience the way they want it to go.

“When I get there, I spend a lot of time going through what will happen, explaining the process so they know what they’re going to see. ey can hold their pet, or be right next to them throughout.”

In December 2023, Holtschlag helped Evergreen residents John and Sue Dunlop say goodbye to their 10-year-old standard poodle Reggie, who’d su ered a series of debilitating seizures. Dunlop described Holtschlag and her assistant as patient, respectful and “very compassionate.”

“While it was heartbreaking, it

was great that he was here in our house, in a place he was comfortable,” John Dunlop said. “It was easier on us, too, because we didn’t have to walk out of the vet’s o ce and leave our (deceased) pet behind.

“We’ve been down this road before, and this was so much more comforting. ere’s no easy way. But in our mind, it was the most compassionate thing we could do.”

After Reggie passed, John Dunlop brought his other standard poodle Cooper into the room to see the body — an act that would have been more challenging at a clinic.

“We hoped it would give him some knowledge of what’s going on,” he said. “Who knows what they think. But for my peace of mind, I’d like to think he understood.”

e Dunlops opted to have Reggie cremated and plan to spread his ashes on their property.

“I would do it again,” John Dunlop said. “We’ve had pets euthanized in a vet’s o ce and they were also compassionate and doing the best they can, but it’s not the same. It’s not like being at home.”

Guidance for end-of-life decisions

Veterinarians who provide the service can also guide pet owners in making end-of-life decisions.

“When a pet has a slow-moving illness or a long decline, the owners have a choice in the matter,” Howells said. “When they call me, a lot of them are struggling with the timing. If I wait too long, I’ve been sel sh. If I do it too soon, I haven’t been patient enough. e big question that’s underlying that is, ‘Am I killing my pet?’

“ e answer is no. Cancer is killing your pet. Kidney disease is killing your pet. eir pets are dying anyway,” Howells continued. “When people can ip that switch, it gives them and me peace. ey’re no longer making a life-and-death decision; biology has already made it. In all reality, at-home euthanasia is a happy ending. In many cases, they’ve lived a long life, and they’re in the home in which they’ve been cherished.”

Hasenfratz also provides such consultations and said she understands the struggle pet owners undergo. She tries to emphasize that

death is not just inevitable, but natural. And while you can’t keep it from happening, you can sometimes control the circumstances that surround it.

“I lost my mom in hospice care, and that’s when I started realizing how important it is to be home — not just for the patient but the family,” she said. “Saying goodbye is a natural part of living. If we can pass away as comfortably as possible, I think that’s what we all would want.

“I feel very good about what I do because I end struggles,” she continued. “I give the pet a peaceful passing, and I give that peace to their human family too.”

Because the service is so personal, the bonds extend beyond owners and pets to the veterinarian as well. Hennig and Donald chose Howells for Alex because she had previously done the same service for their dog Oliver. e moment Howells and Oliver met is still vivid in Hennig’s memory.

“Oliver used to come over at every meal and lean on you with his forehead; we found out years later that’s a way they bond or say thank you,” he said. “When Dr. H came in for his appointment, she was sitting on the oor, getting her supplies out. Oliver could hardly walk, but he went over to her and pressed his forehead into hers. And I thought, ‘ is is OK.’”

Commerce City residents John and Jan Leiker opted for in-home euthanasia for their Great Dane Kiara. “It’s the last act of love you can do,” John Leiker said. PHOTO BY JOHN LEIKER

Jacques Hennig’s dog Alex rests his paw on Hennig’s hand on the day he died through an in-home euthanasia. Hennig has Alex’s head tattoed on his hand.

PHOTO BY JACQUES HENNIG

A 76-year tradition of ‘hauling ass’ continued in Idaho Springs with youngest winner ever

Dating back to 1949, the burro race brought hundreds of spectators and 89 racers to downtown Idaho Springs

BY CHRIS KOEBERL

e intersection of 17th and Miner streets in Idaho Springs was recently transformed into the starting line for the 76th running of the burro race.

e approximately ve mile race on May 26 through the mountains and trails of Idaho Springs experiences a loss-gain of elevation of 1,275 feet, according to the o cial race map.

is year,12-year-old Nicholas Sweeney of San Francisco became the youngest to cross the nish line rst with a recorded time of 45:32 minutes, according to race results.  Sweeney and his donkey Yukon passed the nish line less than a second before his uncle, Bob Sweeney, from Leadville, and his donkey Sugar Ray who took second.

SEE BURRO RACE, P23

Photo finish: 12-year-old Nicholas Sweeney and his donkey Yukon passed the finish line less than a second before his uncle, Bob Sweeney, from Leadville, and his donkey Sugar Ray who took second in Idaho Springs May 26.

PHOTO BY CHRIS KOEBERL

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CONGRATULATIONS!

To the winners of our Cutest Pets Contest

First Place Dog

First Place Cat First Place Other

Round of applause to our winners and a very special thanks to all the cute pets that participated in this years contest. We’ll see you again next year!

HAPPENINGS

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 jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com to get items in the newspaper. Items will appear in print on a space-available basis.

THURSDAY

Evergreen Audubon Weekly Preschool Adventures Program: 9 to 10 a.m. every ursday starting May 16, 27640 Hwy 74, Evergreen. Free & no registration required. Bring your 2-5 year-old to the Nature Center each week for nature exploration. All children must have an adult in attendance. Dress to explore the outdoors. More info at evergreenaudubon.org.

Medlen School Days historical camp: June 6-8 and June 13-15. For elementary age children. Sponsored by the Evergreen Mountain Area Historical Society. Camp is located on South Turkey Creek Road. $40. Email MedlenSchoolDays@ gmail.com for registration form. For information, call JoAnn Dunn at 303-503-5978.

FRIDAY

green. Hosted by McDonough Law Group.

Evergreen Rodeo: e Evergreen Rodeo returns June 15 and 16, featuring a main street Evergreen parade and two rodeos. e parade begins at 10 a.m. and will extend along Highway 74 through downtown Evergreen. Rodeos will be held June 15 at 5 p.m. and June 16 at 2 p.m. Both rodeos are at the El Pinal Rodeo Grounds. 29830 Stagecoach Blvd. in Evergreen. Rodeo tickets are $20 for those above 12, $12 for those aged 6-12 and free for those aged 5 or under. No parking is available on the rodeo grounds. For information on parking, weekend events and tickets, go to evergreenrodeo.com.

Evergreen Audubon Bash & Bene t, 5:30 to 9 p.m. June 7, Evergreen Elks Lodge, 27972 Iris Dr, Evergreen.Appetizers, libations, silent and live auctions, paddle raises, ra es, and activities to support Evergreen Audubon and the Evergreen Nature Center. More info: https://evergreenaudubon.org

SATURDAY

Rotary Wild re Ready Highway 73 volunteer project: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 8 and 29. Volunteers needed to help thin vegetation along this wild re evacuation route. Check- in at the corner of Surrey Drive and Highway 73. To volunteer, email Imse at research31@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY

Seniors4Wellness healthy eating class: 12:30 to 2 p.m., June 12, Bergen Park Church, 31919 Rocky Village Dr, Evergreen.

UPCOMING

Evergreen Chamber Mixer: 5-7 p.m. June 13, Flow eory CoWorks, 3540 Evergreen Pkwy, Ever-

American 250 Market Celebration: 1 p.m. June 14, at the Veterans Commemorative Walk memorial. Buchanan Park, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen. Sponsored by Evergreen American Legion Post 2001 and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Evergreen Elks Lodge 2024 charity golf tournament:  June 19, Hiwan Golf Club, 30671 Clubhouse Ln. Registration 6:30 am, tee time 8:00 am.

Seniors4Wellness Friday Cafe: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 21 atChrist the King Church, 4291 Evergreen Pkwy, Evergreen.

Highway 285 community cleanup: 8 to 10 a.m. June 22, Aspen Park RTD Park and Ride, 26137 Conifer Rd, Conifer. Email karen.heydman@gmail.com

way, Evergreen. Registration not required. Info at mitigation@evergreen rerescue.com

Seniors4Wellness Bingo & Games: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. June 26 at Bergen Park Church, 31919 Rocky Village Dr, Evergreen.

Rotary Wild re Ready Highway 73 volunteer project: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 29. Volunteers needed to help thin vegetation along this wild re evacuation route. Checkin at the corner of Surrey Drive and Highway 73. To volunteer, email Imse at research31@gmail.com.

Foothills 4th: Noon to 8 p.m., July 4, Buchanan ball elds, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen. Games, live music, food trucks. evergreenchamber.org.

ONGOING

Evergreen Sustainability Alliance spring recycling: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 22, Evergreen Lutheran Church, 5980 Highway 73, Evergreen. Bring your hard-to-recycle items like electronics, old paint, block Styrofoam, plastic lm, appliances, glass, toothbrushes/toothpaste tubes, old markers/pens and car batteries to the Evergreen Sustainability Alliance’s Spring Clean recycling event. TVs an additional $50. For more information, info@ sustainevergreen.org.

Evergreen Fire/Rescue evacuation planning workshop: 9 a.m. to noon June 23, 1802 Bergen Park-

“Sweeney Todd, e Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” presented by StageDoor eatre. Runs June 7-30 at 25797 Conifer Road, Conifer. Visit stagedoortheatre.org for more information.

e American Legion Evergreen Post 2001: Meets every fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m., Evergreen Church of the Trans guration, 27640 Highway 74, Evergreen. Serving all military veterans in the foothills communities. Email evergreenpost2001@gmail.com

Evergreen Camera Club: EvergreenCameraClub.com: meets every second Wednesday at 7 pm at Evergreen Fire/Rescue auditorium, 1802 Bergen Pkwy, Evergreen. Club is for people who share a passion for all photography, from beginners to professionals. Attend in person or via ZOOM.

mail MountainAreaDems@gmail. com.

Evergreen Sustainability Alliance is looking for volunteers: Evergreen Sustainability Alliance’s “Let’s Embrace Zero Food Waste” program in local schools and food banks needs volunteers. Volunteers are needed for a couple hours. Call 720-536-0069 or email info@sustainevergreen.org for more information.

Evergreen Nature Center: e Evergreen Nature Center is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays next to Church of the Trans guration. Admission is free. For more information, visit www. EvergreenAudubon.org.

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@ bluesprucehabitat.org for information.

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 720-673-4369 or email mary@evergreenchristianoutreach.org.

Evergreen Area Republican Club: e Evergreen Area Republican Club meets at 6 p.m. the rst Wednesday of the month at the Evergreen Fire/Rescue Administration Building, 1802 Bergen Parkway.

Mountain Area Democrats: Mountain Area Democrats meet at 9 a.m. the fourth Saturday of the month January through April at the United Methodist Church of Evergreen, 3757 Ponderosa Drive, Evergreen. For more information, e-

LGBTQ+ teen book club: Resilience1220 is o ering an 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. For more information and to register, visit R1220.org.

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 and Fridays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month from 1-4 p.m. in the Habitat Restore, 1232 Bergen Parkway.

SHERIFF’S CALLS

deputies to pursue justice in the matter, fearing the young hoodlum might retaliate with an even more refreshing beverage. O cers put the case on ice.

Climb ev’ry mountain CONIFER – While beautiful, the picturesque 8,000-foot summit on her lush and lovely property is an irresistable magnet from small-time mountaineers. On the morning of April 18, she caught 4Runner parked a half-mile beyond one of many No Trespassing signs encircling her estate, fresh from a hike of her personal prominence. Questioned by cops, 4Runner explained that he’s a committed “peak tagger,” a person who “climbs to high points of land.” As to trespassing, he pled ignorance, saying he didn’t see the bugger-o sign and didn’t realize he was on private property. Deputies wondered aloud if maybe the fences surrounding every inch of the neighborhood might not suggest to the reasonable mind that the enclosed acreages are privately owned. “ at does make sense to me,” 4Runner allowed. e

WILDLIFE

ing terrains. While it may not make you rich, the real wealth lies in the satisfaction of dedicating a day to the resources and collecting data for the sake of conservation. As the sun sets and a massive ram silhou-

mountain’s mistress wanted 4Runner charged. Deputies cited him for 2nd degree criminal trespass.

Open and shut

BERGEN PARK – He was feeling more than a little abused. He’d been running errands on the afternoon of Apr. 15, and had backed his truck into a convenient parking space directly in front of, and clearly designated for use only by customers of, a tech repair business. In no hurry, he’d visited the bank, dropped by the co ee shop, and shopped for readables in the book store. Relaxed and ushed with accomplishment, he’d eventually returned to his truck to nd a note under the windshield wiper reminding him that he was parked in a reserved space. e way he later told it to JCSO deputies, he was sitting in his truck puzzling over the note when an employee of the tech repair business wrenched open his door and yelled, point-blank, “Hey, (Aeschylus)! You can’t park here!” and then slammed the door in a manner to “hit my hand and knee. It hurt, you know?” Summoning deputies, the o cers rst ascertained that he bore no visible injury and wasn’t interested in medical consultation. ey next noted that he was no longer parked in front of

ette graces the mountain range, the thought crosses my mind – should I be paying for the privilege of doing what I do?

If you would like to get in touch with your local Wildlife O cer regarding wildlife violations, habitat projects, educational program opportunities, or other wildlife concerns and incidents, please contact CPW’s Northeast Region Service

the tech business, but in a spot clearly designated for use by customers of a di erent business the complainant wasn’t patronizing. Finally, they paid a call on the alleged door slammer. Yes, she told them, she’d put a pre-printed customers-only note under his windshield wiper, and then watched from inside as he sat in his trucck reading the note and then got back out of it for a second round of non-tech business business. Exasperated, she’d put a second preprinted note under his windshield, and when he returned to his truck, read the second note, and then just sat there making no move to move, she’d decided to “talk to him.” She assured deputies he’d opened his own door to her, that she’d behaved “professionally” throughout the enounter, and that she’d shut the door for him with no intent or knowledge of injury. Ultimately, the un-injured party decided not to press assault charges, asking only that the tech business employee receive a “warning.” e tech store employee agreed with deputies that in future she’d be better served by a taking a more circumspect approach to parking space pirates.

Riled about rubbish EVERGREEN – For a long time

Center during normal business hours at 303-291-7227.

If you would like to report a wildlife incident and it is outside of normal business hours, please contact Colorado State Patrol’s Non-Emergency Dispatch at 303-239-4501 or *CSP (*277), and a Wildlife O cer will be in touch.

If you would like to report a wildlife violation, on record or anony-

now, he told deputies on Apr. 17, he and several other neighbors have been plagued by a serial litterbug living amongst them. e miscreant’s modus operandi is to “throw trash out the window of his car in front of our houses.” e complainant believed the littering is purposeful and pointed, payback for having his home-based business “shut down due to noise.” Just in case deputies weren’t getting the big picture, he showed them pictures, including stills of abundant road-side garbage and two videos of trash being tossed from the accused man’s private vehicle. Confronted by deputies at home, the alleged jetsam jockey denied using waste as a weapon. He further said that several of his employees use his car regularly, and the rubbish runner could be one or all of them. Not necessarily sold, but not able to prove guilt, o cers advised him that, either way, the littering has to stop. He said he’d talk to his crew. 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, including the writer’s name, which is a pseudonym. All individuals are innocent until proven guilty.

mously, please contact Colorado Operation Game ief at 1-877-COLO-OGT (1-877-265-6648).

Contributors to this column included Wildlife O cers Jacob Sonberg, Scott Murdoch and Philip Sorensen; Area Wildlife Managers Mark Lamb and Matt Martinez; and CPW NE Region PIO Kara VanHoose.

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BURRO RACE

“My goal was to win,” Nicholas Sweeney said after the race. “I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to do it. I knew it was going to be really hard. I almost went o course a few times and got behind and had to catch up, so some really hard moments.”

An obviously proud uncle and owner of the two burros said the two of them didn’t have much time to train together but they had a common desire.

“Yeah, the goal was to see if he could be the youngest winner of the burro race, so mission accomplished,” Bob Sweeney said.

In her twelfth year of racing, Tracy Loughlin, of Salida, came in a very close third place on her burro Mary Margret.

However, the day before, Loughlin and her burro won the approximately eight-mile Georgetown burro race through Union Pass in Clear Creek County with a time of 1:12:26, according to published race results.

“Everybody thinks the Idaho Springs race is a beginners race because it’s so short in distance, but to me, it’s re-

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 9:00AM or 10:30AM Sunday service.

Search Bergen Park Church on YouTube for Livestream service at 9:00am

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 7:00pm, 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 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

ally treacherous,” Loughlin said. “It’s kinda like an adventure race, there’s a lot of o -road through the woods over logs… there’s a big hill climb at the start. It’s a tough race,” she said laughing.

Originally from Virginia, Meaghan Cyphers and 1 and a half year old Noah Bank, now living in Blackhawk, were two of more than a hundred who turned out to watch the race.

Cyphers said she realized she’s raising a “mountain boy” now and events like this are special.

“I feel like there are always events you can do and meet up with people and feel like you’re part of everything,” she said.

Race co-director Brad Wann of Highlands Ranch said he wasn’t ever really one for traditional sports but, “once I found pack burro racing, it was over for me,” he said. “ is was my sport.”

He’s been working with donkeys for 17 years now and believes these types of events keep the mining history of towns like Idaho Springs alive.

“Right here where we’re standing is where gold was struck for the rst time. So it makes sense that we have a burro race in a town, at the creek where it all began,” Wann said. “On the backs of burros, this state was built.”

Bu alo Park Road and Hwy 73 www.churchofthehills.com

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

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)

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 worship in person or on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/EvergreenLutheranChurch Sunday Worship held at 9am. www.evergreenlutheran.org + All Are Welcome!

FELLOWSHIP AT MORRISON CHAPEL

Historic Morrison Church 111 Market Street, Morrison Non-Denominational- Bible Based Community Church

Featuring Old Time Hymn Singing Live Monthly Bluegrass-Gospel And Cowboy Church 2 Times A Year

Pastors: Kevin Turner And Charles Cummings Sunday Church Services 9:30-11 Am

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!

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

SHEPHERD OF THE ROCKIES LUTHERAN CHURCH

Missouri Synod. 106 Rosalie Road, Bailey, CO 303-838-2161 Pastor Pete Scheele Sunday Worship Service; 9 a.m., Fellowship Time; 10:15 a.m., Sunday School & Bible Class; 10:45 a.m. www.shepherdoftherockies.org

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”

Originally from Virginia, Meaghan Cyphers and 1 and a half year old Noah Bank, now living in Blackhawk, were two of more than a hundred who turned out to watch the burro race in Idaho Springs May 26.

PHOTO BY CHRIS KOEBERL

CAREERS

MARKETPLACE

Espanol

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Miscellaneous

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Miscellaneous

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DOUBLE

EVERGREEN METRO DISTRICTWater, Irrigation, & Sanitation Services 115.00

FIRST RESPONDER COMMUNICATIONSEquipment Maintenance 320.00

FOOTHILLS HYDROSEED Pavement Management Contracts 6,600.00

GOLDEN, CITY OF Water, Irrigation, & Sanitation Services 84.60

GRADY T HALL

MARTIN MARIETTA MATERIALS INCGeneral Supplies (Other) 2,133.05

MEGAN E KREUTZER Mileage 70.22

Mike Sanchez Clothing Supplies 109.00

P&A TREE SERVICE Environmental Services 221,313.69

REPUBLIC

VEGETATION

Public Notices

Legals

Metropolitan Districts

Public Notice

NOTICE OF OPEN MEETING FOR HEARING ON PETITION FOR INCLUSION OF ADDITIONAL REAL PROPERTY WITHIN THE EVERGREEN METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all interested persons that a Petition for Inclusion of additional real property has been filed with the Board of Directors of the Evergreen Metropolitan District. The Board of Directors has fixed Wednesday, the 26th day of June, 2024, at the hour of 9:00 a.m., at 30920 Stagecoach Boulevard, Evergreen, Colorado, as the date, time and place of an open meeting at which such Petition shall be heard.

The name and address of the Petitioner and description of the property to be included are:

PROPERTY OWNER’S NAME AND ADDRESS:

Sharon A. Carlson 15995 North Kenobi Trail Prescott, Arizona 86305

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:

That part of the SW¼ of Section 6 and the NW¼ of Section 7, Township 5 South, Range 71 West of the 6th P.M., as described in Personal Representative Deed dated December 31, 1993, and recorded in the records of the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder on January 13, 1994 at Reception No. 94009232; also known as Jefferson County Parcel No. 51-072-00-004, Schedule No. 300065497, and 33838 Upper Bear Creek Road, Evergreen, Colorado 80439.

All interested parties may appear at such hearing to show cause in writing why such Petition should not be granted.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE EVERGREEN METROPOLITAN DISTRICT.

EVERGREEN METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

By:/s/ James Viellenave, Secretary

Legal Notice No. CAN 1582

First Publication: June 6, 2024

Last Publication: June 6, 2024

Publisher: Canyon Courier

Bids and Settlements

Public Notice

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CLEAR CREEK COUNTY CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, COLORADO RC 24-01 PAVEMENT REHAB FOR UPPER BEAR CREEK ROAD

General Notice

Clear Creek County (Owner) is requesting Bids for the construction of the following Project:

Pavement Rehab for Upper Bear Creek Road RC 24-01

All bids must be received as follows no later than Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 2:00 PM local time: •Upload an electronic copy to the Prospective Bidder’s online submittal folder assigned by the County; Prospective Bidders will receive a link to their submittal folder upon registering via email to scanada@clearcreekcounty.us, subject line: RC 24-01 RFB

The Project includes the following Work:

Major rehabilitation of approximately 1.4 miles of Upper Bear Creek Road consisting of fulldepth reclamation (FDR) of hot mix asphalt (HMA) followed by a 3-inch HMA overlay and placement of recycled asphalt shoulders.

Bids are requested for the following Contract: RC 24-01 Agreement Between Owner and Contractor for Construction Contract (Stipulated Price)

Obtaining the Bidding Documents Information and Bidding Documents for the Project can be found at the following designated website:

https://co-clearcreekcounty2.civicplus.com/ Bids.aspx?CatID=17

Bidding Documents may be downloaded from the designated website. Prospective Bidders are urged to register with the designated website as a plan holder, even if Bidding Documents are obtained from a plan room or source other than the designated website in either electronic or paper format. The designated website will be updated periodically with addenda, lists of registered plan holders, reports, and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project. All official notifications, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered only through the designated website. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the designated website.

Instructions to Bidders.

For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents.

This Advertisement is issued by: George Marlin, Chair Board of County Commissioners

Legal Notice No. CAN1576

First Publication: June 6, 2024

Last Publication: June 6, 2024

Publisher: Canyon Courier

Public Notice

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Clear Creek County, CO Request for Proposals for Road & Bridge Construction Management/ General Contractor Services for Drainage Solution for Soda Creek Road RFP RC 24-02

General Notice

Clear Creek County (County) is seeking proposals through a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Construction Management/General Contractor (CM/CG) Services from highly qualified and experienced firms for a roadway drainage solution on Soda Creek Road. The project is locally funded through the County Road and Bridge Fund.

Clear Creek County Public Works is seeking a CM/CG to provide services for the Drainage Improvements for Soda Creek Road project. Soda Creek Road is experiencing a localized visible point-source of water flowing up through the center of the pavement causing significant pavement distress and continuous saturation of road surface. The project includes excavation of the localized area to investigate and evaluate drainage under the roadway, consultation and collaboration with County staff and design engineer (RockSol Consulting Group, Inc.) for drainage solution development, and construction services to implement the chosen drainage solution.

The CM/GC is to provide constructability, value engineering, and cost estimation in the Preconstruction Phase, followed by a Guaranteed Maximum Price proposal and, if approved, construction and construction management services in the Construction Phase.

Key Dates

Jefferson County Warrants

Advertisement: County website

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Advertisement: Clear Creek Courant

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Advertisement: Canyon Courier

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Request for Clarification Deadline Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Pre-Submittal Meeting - Mandatory Monday, June 24, 2024, at 3:00 PM MST

Submittal Due Tuesday, July 2, 2024, by 3:00 PM MST

Information for Respondents

The complete RFP, including, but not limited to, detailed scope of services and submittal requirements, along with any official notifications or issued addenda is available via: County’s designated website: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/bids.aspx

George Marlin, Chair Board of County Commissioners

Legal Notice No. CAN 1583 First Publication: June 6, 2024 Last Publication: June 6, 2024 Publisher: Canyon

eld counties and the city of Westminster — identifying evacuation routes and packing a go bag.

“We’re all responsible,” said EFR Fire Chief Mike Weege. “It doesn’t fall fully on the re departments or the sheri ’s o ce. Each property owner and business shares responsibility in this di cult topic. We absolutely need community members to do their part by participating in these programs, getting out there and getting the work done.”

EFR o ers free home assessments to help homeowners learn about and prioritize mitigation actions to reduce the risk of wild re.

e National Fire Protection Association recommends clearing a

defensible space of leaves, debris, or other ammable materials up to 200 feet from a structure. It’s a technique that works, Moore said.

“What the science has proven is that if we can change re’s behavior as it moves into a community, we can get people out, reduce the risk to life and property and improve overall safety,” she said. “Creating fuel breaks does that, and helps recreate what our forests should look like if we’d allowed re all these years.”

Once mitigation is done and a personal evacuation plan is set, Moore urged residents to practice for an actual wild re.

“We cannot determine ahead of time how much time we’ll have to evacuate,” she said. “ at’s why the things you do are so utterly important to his equation.

“ ink about how long it takes you to round up your animals, your kids,

Fire/Rescue

Chief

PHOTO BY JANE REUTER

get your go bag, shut everything down and get out. I promise it will always be a lot longer than you think it is,” Moore continued. “So practice.”

If a resident knows a wild re is in the area, several speakers said they should not wait for an emergency noti cation or evacuation notice to

leave.

Speakers also urged residents to use Rotary Wild re Ready, an app and website that o ers wild re resources. It is an arm of the Evergreen Rotary Foundation.

EFR is also hosting an evacuation planning workshop from 9 a.m. to noon June 23 at its Bergen Parkway station. It will delve further into evacuations, with information on what to expect during a wild re, building a wild re plan and available resources. Registration is not required.

Lastly, Moore asked those who attended the forum to spread the word.

“I need your help to get more butts in the seats,” she said. “Quite frankly, your neighbor’s property matters to your property too. We have to get more people on board to do the work that needs to be done.”