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INSIDE Big third inning propels Lobos to victory PAGE 10 Candidate profiles in rec district election PAGE 5
Serving Conifer, Aspen Park, Morrison, Pine, Pine Grove, Pine Junction, Bailey and Buffalo Creek since 1977
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WHAT’S HOT Animal EVAC Volunteers seek new volunteers
Animal EVAC Volunteers is hosting two informational meetings/ orientation sessions from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, at Inter-Canyon Fire Station 1, 7939 S. Turkey Creek Road, and from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 30, at Elk Creek Fire Station 1, 11993 Blackfoot Road in Conifer. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age; however, volunteers are permitted at age 16 when they are under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian. If you have questions about volunteering, or if you plan to attend either session, R.S.V.P. to volunteer@animalevac.org.
Pet Bowl Project
The Intermountain Humane Society will host a bowl-painting party with the proceeds from the sale of the bowls going to the shelter. Groups will meet at Go Paint! in Evergreen from 4 to 8 p.m. on April 28 and May 5. Call the shelter at 303-838-2668 to sign up. The finished bowls will be sold through the IMHS Thrift Store, 67318 U.S. 285 in Pine. Photo by MATTHEW JONAS | The Times
FAIRMOUNT FIRE-RESCUE CAPT. DAMIAN DIFEO looks for hot spots on April 22 near the Norm Meyer homestead east of Aspen Park. The fire burned 40 acres, coming close to the homestead. No one was injured, and no structures burned.
Wildfire chars part of Meyer Ranch 40-acre blaze forces evacuations; cause unknown B B F Staff Writer
A -acre wildfire last week in Conifer’s own front yard reminded residents that fire season has defi nitely come early this year. About p.m. Thursday, Elk Creek firefighters responded to a wildfire at Meyer Ranch on U.S. east of Aspen Park. The flames came within feet of the historic Meyer homestead, but strong winds turned the blaze away from the house and onto a rocky ridge and a meadow on the
property. No injuries were reported, no structures burned, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation. The fire was fully contained by p.m. Friday. Four subdivisions were evacuated starting Thursday for about hours, and residents had only moments to grab what they could. Longtime Conifer resident Norm Meyer went to look at the fire just after it started and was concerned about nearby homes. “I wasn’t too worried about my place, but I knew other people could Please see CONIFER FIRE, Page 24
A young life cut short B C W K For the Times
Troy Phillips looks down from the bleachers, scanning the track, mindfully watching the athletes warm up and get ready for their races. Skies that earlier were clear and sunny are turning gray, and the wind carries a bite. Grief, sorrow and anxiety flash across Phillips’ eyes as he remembers that this is the first track meet of
Family and friends struggle with loss of 15-year-old Adrian Phillips
the season — and his son Adrian isn’t here. Troy is the head track and field coach for Platte Canyon High School and the owner of Phillips and Sons Upholstery — two professions that allowed him to spend time with his children while doing things that he enjoys. He had a dual role in Adrian’s life, as both father and coach. Adrian, who was homeschooled and was at a sophomore credit level, participated in athletics through Platte Canyon
High, running cross country in the fall and track in the spring. “You should have seen him run,” recalls Troy over the sound of the announcer calling runners to the field. “He was so amazing to watch. He just glided over the ground when he was running. … He should have been here today.” Please see PHILLIPS, Page 12
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Community News News
Opinion Sports
Puzzles Classifieds
Wildland fire mitigation workshop
Inter-Canyon Fire/Rescue will host a community wildfire mitigation workshop from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at Inter-Canyon Fire/Rescue Station 3, 8445 S. Highway 285 in Morrison. This workshop will provide residents with an opportunity to identify wildfire risks to their homes and property through the use of photos. Firefighters will review the photos with residents and identify proper mitigation strategies.
Jeffco Schools budget forum
The Jefferson County Board of Education is hosting a public budget forum from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 30, at Evergreen Middle School.
Spring Fling in Conifer
The Conifer Area Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Fling is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. May 1. Tickets are $5 per person and $20 per family. The event will be at Meadow Creek Mountain Lodge, 13438 Berry Hill Lane near Pine Junction. Spring Fling will offer food and beverages from local restaurants and activities for the entire family. Contact the chamber at 303-838-5711 for more information.