1 year ago: Dog dies and Grand County man is injured in vehicle fire in Winter Park

A 37-year-old male resident of Hot Sulphur Springs and his dog were in a 2023 Nissan Rogue when it caught fire on June 29, 2024, on Wander’s Way in Winter Park. The man suffered serious burns to his legs and was transported to a Denver hospital for treatment after Grand County Emergency Medical Services arrived on the scene. The dog was unable to be rescued and perished in the fire. Firefighters from East Grand Fire Protection District No. 4 were able to extinguish the flames, which also cause minor damage to two other vehicles near the fire.

— From the July 3, 2024, edition of Sky-Hi News

5 years ago: Grand Lake mayor meets second lady Karen Pence near Rocky Mountain National Park

When Grand Lake Mayor Steve Kudron found out he was going to meet the second lady of the United States, he compiled a gift basket. He knew that Karen Pence, wife to Vice President Mike Pence, was a watercolor artist. His gifts included a signed painting by Grand Lake artist Marjorie Cranston, watercolor postcards, fudge and a CelebriMoose from his business, the Quacker Gift Shop. Pence paid a visit to the eastern entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park on June 25, 2020, to speak on the mental health benefits of the outdoors and praise the work of national park employees across the country. Rocky was the second national park Pence has visited.

— From the July 1, 2020, edition of Sky-Hi News

10 years ago: Bill Dixson retires as Parshall fire captain after 50 years of service

When Bill Dixson started with the Hot Sulphur Springs/Parshall Fire Protection District in 1965, the Parshall Fire Station had a lone 1954 Dodge water pump truck (which had been previously owned by the U.S. Forest Service) and no protective equipment to speak of. During the next 50 years, Dixson largely oversaw the operation of the fire station by himself for many years at the perennially understaffed station, which eventually acquired protective equipment and two tank trucks to serve the area. He maintained his position of fire captain for most of that time as well, choosing not to go higher up the ranks. While he is officially retired, he will continue to respond to local calls as a volunteer on an as-needed basis, and he and his wife Carolyn would work to establish a new Parshall fire station in a facility they have purchased and donated to the department.

— From the July 3, 2015, edition of Sky-Hi News

90 years ago: Bucket brigade saves building as fire damages kitchen in Fraser cafe

A fire broke out at Charles Clayton’s cafe in Fraser, which wasn’t discovered until after midnight on June 30, 1935. The fire likely broke out after everyone had gone back to the dance after eating supper. The alarm was raised by a young boy, who ran to the dance hall to tall Clayton he’d seen smoke coming from the cafe. All the men at the dance immediately formed a bucket brigade, which proved to be quite effective. After part of the ceiling of the dining room was torn out to reach the flames, the fire was soon under control. Most of the damage was done in the kitchen, where the fire burned through the ceiling. While the whole building was kept from burning, all of the stored food was ruined by smoke and water, and much of the walls and woodwork were badly scorched.

— From the July 4, 1935, edition of Middle Park Times

110 years ago: Several Grand County residents celebrate in combined birthday party

One of the largest birthday parties known in our section of the county was held at Johnston’s resort on Stillwater June 26, 1915. Those present who were celebrating their birthdays were: Adaline Morgan, Gertrude Pettingell, Jake Pettingell Jr., Marjorie Johnston, Rob Johnston and Grady Culbreath. People attended from Hot Sulphur Springs, Granby, Grand Lake and all over Stillwater valley. Dancing was the main enjoyment of the evening. A midnight lunch was served and all guests enjoyed a good moonlight
drive homeward.

— From the July 2, 1915, edition of Middle Park Times

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