Canyon Echo
I know the calendar says August and we likely have several more scorching hot days left in 2026 – in spite of this week's current comfortable weather – but summer is over, based on the only metric that really matters:
School's back.
Jeffco students and teachers return to their classrooms this week.
Classes resume Wednesday, Aug. 19, for students at Bergen Elementary and West Jefferson Elementary, the 6th graders at West Jefferson Middle School and Evergreen Middle School and 9th graders at Conifer High and Evergreen High School.
Everybody else returns on Thursday. Of course, charter and private schools have their own schedules.
So, enjoy this weekend. Get some good sleep and be ready to learn!
🔎 Where has the time (capsule) gone? ⛏
Evergreen Mountain Area Historical Society President Stuart Collins shows photos of the time capsule burial in 1976. He is using the photos to extrapolate where the capsule is buried.
A funny thing happened when volunteers went to unearth the time capsule buried at the Hiwan Homestead Museum in 1976: They couldn't find it.
Volunteers from the Evergreen Mountain Area Historical Society had planned to dig up the 1976 capsule on July 31 and bury a new version, full of 2026 keepsakes, on Aug. 1.
While they buried the new version, expected to be unearthed on Aug. 1, 2076, the old one has proven difficult to find.
🗺 Morrison annexation gets a public hearing
Morrison's Town Board is considering annexing 58 acres surrounding The Fort restaurant, with plans for 50 high-end homes, a farm to provide food for the restaurant and the community, a one-mile public trail around the community’s perimeter, and infrastructure and restaurant upgrades.
A public hearing on the matter is scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 18 – next Tuesday – at the town hall, 110 Stone St.
The community reaction to the plan has been mixed, so this should be a pretty lively meeting.
🛑 Highway 74 repair closures begin
Signs around Evergreen say repaving will be conducted between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m., though a CDOT official says the last hour is for cleanup and should not impede commuter and school traffic.
It's probably best to avoid Highway 74 at night between Meadow Drive and Lair O’ the Bear Park for the next month or so.
Paving is scheduled between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. Sunday through Thursday until mid-September. Commuters and parents taking their children to school early should plan to add about 15 minutes to the drive, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Remembering Linda Kirkpatrick
Legendary community philanthropist and leader Linda Kirkpatrick, 78, died Aug. 1 after being diagnosed with an inoperable tumor blocking her windpipe. The family is planning a private memorial service.
But the community honored her with a special celebration of life that she was able to attend on May 31.
EVENTS AROUND TOWN
🇺🇲 Honoring Our Heroes: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Little White Schoolhouse, 26951 Barkley Road, Conifer. Conifer Historical Society presents Major Ben Nichols, who will speak about Colorado's military history, the current military footprint in Colorado, its historical significance and veterans in the community. The event is free. For more information, visit ConiferHistoricalSociety.org.
🥓 Mountain Music Fest: Noon to 9 p.m. Aug. 16, Buchanan Park. Headliner The Bacon Brothers and special guest Neoni. Plus Christie Huff, Michale Morrow & the Culprits, Grady & the Hootin’ Bandits, Alex Hagar (winner of 2026 Mountain’s Got Talent).
🎼 Conifer Chorale’s new season: 7 p.m. Aug. 20 at Conifer Community Church. The Conifer Chorale is beginning its fourth season with a rehearsal. New members are welcome for all sections: soprano, alto, tenor and bass. Auditions or a high level of proficiency are not necessary, just a desire to be a part of our community and perform choral music. For more information, call choir director Nelson Conway at 303-246-7041.
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