When I tell people I report on the news in Evergreen, Conifer and Morrison, I know some suspect it’s an easy job. What could possibly be going on in those little mountain communities, they wonder, and could it even be enough to keep a reporter busy?

Those of you who live there know; your communities are busting at the seams with news of all kinds, so much so that there’s just not enough of me to cover them all.

This week was a particularly good example of the breadth of news that happens regularly, including a story about a mountain lion who killed pets and eventually was also killed, the addition of paid firefighters to downtown Evergreen, a proposed Morrison development, Evergreen’s glitzy annual Chamber awards, a unique new Evergreen restaurant and a creative, guaranteed-to-be-a-good-time fundraiser coming to Conifer.

The good news is, while we could desperately use a second full-time reporter to cover all these stories and more, we have a new freelancer on board. Natalie Strom is an award-winning writer and editor who used to write for the Courier and our sister paper, the Clear Creek Courant. Look to see her byline and to see her at some of our local events.

Why it matters: The lion killed at least two dogs and a goat on a hobby farm in three months before wildlife officials killed it as well. Heartbreaking all around. But the deeper story may be that drought could have driven this animal’s destructive choices. Researchers found clashes between humans and wildlife – especially carnivores – increases after long periods of dry weather.

The increase in human-wildlife is likely because animals search for water and food during dry periods. Less water also means fewer plants for herbivores and, consequently, fewer food sources for carnivores. So, the animals may switch to easier prey.

Does that mean we should expect more stories like this? Time will tell.

Why it matters: Response times at Bergen Park’s Station 2 have decreased consistently since six paid firefighters were added there in late 2024. EFR believes the same will happen at downtown’s Station 1. These three men aren’t just random picks; all have served Evergreen as volunteers for years, so they’re experienced, well-trained and know their way around the district.

What’s next: Station 1’s quarters won’t be as posh as those at Station 2, which is undergoing a renovation now. Plans to build a new station combining existing Stations 1 and 4 are in the works, but years from reality. Lucky for us, firefighters aren’t in it for the plush accommodations; They do it because it’s their passion.

What to know: Cory Vandeer Veen joined the Evergreen Park & Recreation District four years ago. Today, he’s led the community and the agency to a series of dramatic recreation changes that will include a new pool, fieldhouse, and a complete remodel of Buchanan Park with a pavilion, skatepark, accessible playground, trails and other fun amenities, plus a coming remodel of Wulf Rec Center. Not only that, he’s a volunteer Evergreen firefighter who was first on scene when frightened and injured teens fled to Wulf during the EHS shooting. He and his staff offered aid and comfort.

For all those things and more (my editor’s telling me I have a word limit here), and his kind, welcoming demeanor, he won not only Leader of the Year but Ambassador of the Year during last weekend’s Evergreen Chamber-sponsored A Night with Our Stars.

What else: There were many other amazing award-winners that night, including The Wild Game, Chillax OM, Wildflower Cafe, Jacquie Cook of Suz Cookie Jar and Boogie Benefits. Learn more about all of them: evergreenchamber.org/sparkle-shine/

Don’t miss these: Mountain’s Got Talent is from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday night at Conifer High School. Winning acts at this premiere student music competition compete in local summer festivals and events, giving them even more exposure and experience.

Galloping weiner dogs! The Long Dog Derby, a creative fundraiser for All Access Wellness, is on May 2 — Derby Day, at the Aspen Park Community Center in Conifer. Dachshunds and other equally short-legged dogs will race as spectators in their best derby finery cheer them on.

Tickets are $40 and benefit an organization that provides free therapy for those in need.

Owners of the recently opened Hummingbird Club, which features New Orleans-style food and music, plan to make it a place for community, including Evergreen’s students.

Why for Sharon: My Mountain Town’s Sharon Trilk, who’s been volunteering as an Elk Creek Fire Public Information Officer since 2018, just completed basic PIO certification that allows her to start responding to scenes and working as a PIO there — and she gets to wear this very cool uniform. My Mountain Town is also a nominee for the Conifer Chamber’s nonprofit business of the year. Huzzah, Sharon and good luck at next week’s awards!

Why for Lesley: Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper recently had a knee replacement. But she’s scarcely letting it slow her down. While no one would have questioned her need for a night off, the commissioner — with a barely noticeable limp — made her first public appearance since the surgery at the Conifer Area Council, where she is a regular speaker.

Dahlkemper didn’t even mention her knee — though she was definitely among a crowd of outdoor lovers who could empathize or have had the surgery themselves. She spoke with her usual fluidity and precision, letting Conifer residents know how the county can help them through the upcoming high wildfire season and reassuring them that it is there for them. (Of course, her compact speech also might have been because of CAC’s timekeeper Angela Bassano’s strict two-minute limit per speaker; woe be to those who exceed it.) An admiring thank you to Dahlkemper for putting the interests of Conifer residents far above her own personal pain.

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