Elbert County News

07/24/2024

Schools in Elbert County are trying to fill staff vacancies, and the Elizabeth district is holding a job fair on Aug. 1.

Many see the vital role filled by teachers and school staff, who spend hours each day caring for children — the future of every community. Unfortunately, in rural Elbert County, school districts can struggle to fill positions, especially classified jobs. “I think all of us continue to struggle t...

07/23/2024

Young people from Elbert County are better prepared to be babysitters thanks to a safety class taught by Erin Loeks of the
Elizabeth Fire Protection District.

Babysitters in training had a productive day recently when Elizabeth Fire Protection District Rick Reduction Specialist Erin Loeks led the department’s all-day babysitting class. At the July 12 event, Loeks deftly taught students how to do basic first aid, CPR, the Heimlich maneuver and much more....

07/16/2024

A master plan for open space, parks and trails in the Elizabeth area is in the works with input from the town, park district and school district.

The Town of Elizabeth, in conjunction with the Elizabeth Park and Recreation District (EPR) and the Elizabeth School District (ESD), has recently announced the Greater Elizabeth Parks, Trails, and Open Space Master Plan Project. The project “aims to create a roadmap for the future of our community...

07/15/2024

The morning of July 24 will see a "Touch-a-Truck" event come to Elizabeth Library in connection with the summer reading program.

Families in Elizabeth are in for a treat at the upcoming first-ever Touch-a-Truck event. Hosted by the Pines and Plains Libraries, the event is scheduled for Wednesday, July 24 at 10 a.m. at the Elizabeth Library. As part of the “Elbert County Through The Years” Summer Reading Program, this even...

07/12/2024

Pay hikes that boosted the base salaries of the Elbert County attorney and manager to $220,000 each have spurred controversy.

The Elbert County commissioners recently extended and amended the contracts for the county manager, currently Shawn Fletcher, and county attorney, currently Bart Greer. Salaries for both positions were increased to $220,000 per year. The contracts were previously set to expire in 2025 and were exten...

07/10/2024

Rodeo fans created sellout crowds on both days of Cowboy Up in Kiowa as the beloved event was held for the 29th time.

This was a big year for the Cowboy Up in Kiowa Rodeo, as the 29th annual event sold out its two-day run at the Elbert County Fairgrounds. The June 28-29 rodeo was so packed that people attempting to buy day-of tickets were turned away. Despite a couple scattered showers, the weather held for the wee...

07/09/2024

Jamae Corcoran's dream of serving delicious food to her community came true when the Elizabeth-area resident recently opened her Mother Clucker's Wings food trailer.

The country music of the Walker Williams Band echoed across the parking lot of the Elizabeth O’Reilly Auto Parts store at the June 8 grand opening of Mother Clucker’s Wings food trailer with its menu of wings, fries, chicken tenders and smash burgers. The band, a chicken mascot and a steady stre...

07/02/2024

Patty Ann's Cafe in Kiowa serves up more than rewarding food -- it offers a sense of community in its historic surroundings.

Patty Ann’s Cafe, located off Comanche Street in downtown Kiowa, is renowned for its award-winning breakfasts and inviting atmosphere. Annette Burmaster, proud owner of the cafe, has been a resident of the town for nearly a decade. “My family used to be guests at Patty Ann’s Cafe, which was es...

07/01/2024

Classic-car lovers have plenty to check out when the Parker Cruisers folks bring their stylin' vehicles to the Safeway lot in Elizabeth.

Car enthusiasts gathered at the Elizabeth Safeway parking lot to socialize and ogle cars on the unseasonably hot evening of June 7. As people started to perspire in the setting sun, they walked over to Sonic for ice cream or a cold drink. The Parker Cruisers normally gather every Friday evening in P...

06/28/2024

Looking for something to do Saturday Day???
We are 2 days away from this event and we really would love for you to join us.
Doors open at 11 AM on Saturday June 29th
Be sure to pick up your tickets in person if possible at one of our great vendor locations and get a discounted ticket $10 apiece if you are paying cash, all visit today tomorrow or Friday from from 11 AM to 6 PM at 257 Fillmore St. unit 101 Denver, CO 80206. Or get something amazing to wear on Saturday and visit today tomorrow or Friday from 11 AM to 7 PM at 2501 Dallas St., Aurora, CO aka . Swing by for a drink at today tomorrow or Friday from 3 PM to 9 PM at 900 W. 1st Ave. Suite 130 Denver, CO 80223. And if your commute takes you past downtown Denver, you can always pop in. today tomorrow or Friday from 11 AM to 9 PM at 900 Auraria Parkway, #240, Denver, CO 80204.
If you need to get your tickets online visit Eventbrite and use discount code “localNEWS” for $5.00 off. See you Saturday 🤠

06/26/2024

Local children's author Carmen Swick's new book, "Lattie's Unexpected Friend," is historical fiction set in the Elbert County crossroads of Fondis. Swick's son inspired her to start writing books years ago.

Local children’s author Carmen Swick lives in Elbert County on five rolling acres with her husband, dogs and a small brood of chickens. Swick has lived in Colorado since she was a child and in Elbert County for nine years. Swick is warm, personable and generous with her time. It’s clear she love...

06/26/2024

UPDATED: Early GOP primary election returns show Mike Buck leading in the race for Elbert County commissioner in District 1 and Byron McDaniel receiving well over 90% of the vote in District 3.

UPDATED at 8:43 p.m. June 25: Elbert County Republicans Mike Buck and Byron McDaniel could be on their way to unopposed victories in the November elections for the Board of County Commissioners after leading in their districts in the June 25 GOP primaries. No Democrats filed to run for the seats. In...

06/25/2024

The Town of Kiowa is suing its water provider, alleging that developer Tim Craft illegally holds a seat on the provider's board. Craft declined to comment to the Elbert County News at this stage.

The Town of Kiowa in Elbert County has filed a lawsuit against its water provider, arguing a well-known developer is illegally on its board.

06/24/2024

The Elizabeth High School Cardinal Club and the Elizabeth Park and Recreation District are joining forces to bring back the Independence Day 5K back on July 4, complete with a free pancake breakfast from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Elizabeth High School Cardinal Club is partnering with the Elizabeth Park and Recreation District for their Cardinal Club Independence Day 5K on July 4. The annual run is a great way to work up an appetite for a Fourth of July barbecue or for the pancake breakfast after the race. The Community P...

06/23/2024

Get you tickets with NO FEES by visiting one of our vendors or sponsor locations. MUST pay with cash.
Tivoli Brewing Co. Tap House Open Daily from 11 am - 9 pm at 900 Auraria Pkwy #240 Denver, CO 80204
Hats By Parker Thomas Open Daily from 11 am - 6 pm at 257 Fillmore St Unit 101 Denver, CO 80206
Ink & Drink Denver Open W-F from 3 pm - 9 pm and Saturday 4 pm - 8 pm 900 W 1st Ave Suite 130 Denver, CO 80223
Urban Cowgirl Open Friday & Saturday from 10:30 am - 8:00 pm and Sunday - Thursday 11 am - 7 pm 2501 Dallas St Suite 271 Aurora, CO 80010

06/18/2024

Applications are being taken until the end of June for Elizabeth's Facade Grant program, which offers financial help for owners of downtown and historic properties.

Many of the buildings along Elizabeth’s Main Street have been there for more than a century. Elizabeth history is that of a classic Western town, complete with a small gold rush. Elizabeth began in 1855 as a sawmill camp but wasn’t platted until 1882 and wasn’t incorporated until 1890. The Tow...

06/17/2024

After growing up in a small farm town and taking a detour into city life, Ben Brandon returned to his rural roots with his Highland cattle operation near Kiowa. The Elizabeth Celtic Festival will showcase cattle from his farm and another in July.

Established in 2020 by Ben Brandon, the 40-acre Brandon Farms is located outside of Kiowa and is home to 50 chickens, 14 Highland cows and three dogs. For Ben, farming is more than a profession — it’s a way of life that he has cherished since his childhood. Growing up in a small farm town […]

06/12/2024

Colorado Community Media is a non-profit, and we strive to create the best community events throughout the state. Creating Mile High Hoedown has been incredible. Working with a local band like Sun Jr. and craftsmen like Parker Thomas, featuring artists like Ace and the talented team at Little People Face Painting, and supporting local businesses like Ink & Drink Denver and Outlaw Beer, these are what our community events should look like.
We invite you to spend the afternoon enjoying music, meeting these fantastic people, learning about what they do, and even getting out on the dance floor with Laurie Burkhardt, a talented choreographer who will teach beginners and line dance enthusiasts a new move or two. We welcome the Aurora community and other communities in Colorado to this event and look forward to hosting more events for your community soon.
• Come listen to Sun Jr .band at the Stampede
• Drink Outlaw beer , a NEW beer from Tivoli Brewery , our official beer sponsor
• Get a flash tattoo with Ace or make a custom hat for all your summer events with Parker Thomas
• Ever wished you knew how to cut up T-shirts like a pro? Ink & Drink will be there, and you can screen print and cut up your own creation.
• Little People Face Painting will be there to get a fun body art piece with their talented team or add some sparkle to your hair!
• Get beautiful permanent jewelry with Iron Husky
• Spend time snuggling adorable animals in the ADULTS’ COWBOY CRITTER CORRAL, or snap FREE photos WITH Bo the alpaca, Beth the donkey or Ana the mini cow at the photobooth sponsored by Leaf Filters
This is a great community event; we want to see you there! Don’t miss out.
Buy one get one FREE tickets for a limited time! That’s only $10 a ticket. https://www.ticketweb.com/event/mile-high-hoedown-stampede-tickets/13537604?pl=stampede

06/11/2024

A June 3 event at the Elizabeth Library launched the Pines & Plains Libraries Summer Reading season for 2024.

Elizabeth Stampede Royalty was on hand to greet families and hand out popsicles at the Elizabeth branch Pines & Plains Libraries Summer Reading Kick-Off. The Elbert Library had a kickoff event on June 3 and the Simla Library kickoff followed on June 4. Attendees signed up for the reading program ins...

06/10/2024

The sheriff's deputies of Elbert County have voted to unionize, and in the words of the local Fraternal Order of Police president: “Our members now have a voice with the elected county officials to say we need better and they deserve better.”

A months-long process to unionize the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office came to fruition in May when deputies voted yes on the question. Sheriff Tim Norton says his department is waiting to see what happens going forward. On May 10 the Colorado Department of Labor tallied the ballots of the Elbert Co...

06/05/2024

🤠🐎 Howdy, partners. We're holding a contest now through June 10th for the Evergreen Rodeo! Enter for your chance to win a family 4-pack! 🏆 The rodeo is on Father's Day weekend. Winners will be contacted by June 12th! Good luck and lasso up! ✨Enter here: https://coloradocommunitymedia.secondstreetapp.com/Evergreen-Rodeo-Ticket-Giveaway/

06/04/2024

Elbert County residents got an update May 29 on efforts to craft the county's master plan on the hot-button topic of water.

Water has always been a hot-button issue in Colorado and it’s no different in Elbert County. Efforts are still underway to create an Elbert County Water Master Plan to inform Elbert County’s water rules and guidelines for developers. The county hired Forsgren & Associates to make recommendations...

06/03/2024

Elizabeth's Friday Night Market events are coming back this summer staring June 14, with more attractions planned.

Elizabeth’s Running Creek Park at 500 E. Kiowa Ave. has been relatively quiet all winter. The nearby pedestrian bridge near Evans Park has been repaired and residents are ready for the excitement of the park’s upcoming Friday Night Markets. The free events, a collaboration between the Town of El...

05/30/2024

Eagle's Nest Ranch, an equine therapy facility near Elizabeth, is narrowing its focus to only assist "the military and first responders and their families," its founder / executive director says.

Suzy Stanfill, founder and executive director of Elizabeth-area nonprofit Eagle’s Nest Ranch, is excited to share about upcoming changes for the faith-based equine ministry. “The big change coming up is that we are sharpening our focus to serve the military and first responders and their familie...

05/29/2024

Kiowa Postmaster Joan Mallon is retiring this Friday, May 31, after 31 years in that job. A ceremony will be held that day at 1 p.m. at the post office, 708 Comanche St.

Joan Mallon, the dedicated postmaster of the Kiowa Post Office for the past 31 years, will be retiring this Friday, May 31. Her career with the U.S. Postal Service spans an impressive 42 years, beginning as a part-time clerk and working her way up to postmaster. “I was hired as a part-time flexibl...

05/29/2024

🚨 The entry has closed! 🚨 Did you enter your furry friend in our ✨ Cutest Pets Contest ✨ and show off your adorable buddy?

Stay tuned to see if your pet was selected for some pawsome prizes!

Until then, vote for your favorite! 🏆

⚠️ Voting is open until the the end of the month.
https://coloradocommunitymedia.secondstreetapp.com/Cutest-Pets-Photo-Contest/

Don’t miss out on the cuteness overload! 🐶🐱💕

05/28/2024

Elbert County fire departments received assistance funds from the federal Department of Homeland Security, and the Elizabeth department used the money to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus.

The Elizabeth Fire Department and the Rattlesnake, Agate and Big Sandy Fire Protection Districts were recently awarded a grant totaling $875,976, and Elizabeth Fire used its share to replace the department’s aging self-contained breathing apparatus. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant is a federa...

05/28/2024

Get ready to elevate your fun at The Mile High Hoedown on Saturday June 29th 11 am – 5 pm at the Stampede on South Havana Street in Aurora! Join us for an unforgettable day filled with live original music by Boulder’s very own Sun Jr, bringing their unique "Psych Mountain Rock" vibes to the stage. Dance the day away as you learn the latest line dances, and dive into a variety of interactive experiences! Customize a hat with Parker Thomas, screen print your own shirt or tank top with Ink and Drink, and even get a flash tattoo from Ace of MR. ACE Art & Tattoos. With body art with Little People Face Painting, creative cutting class with Ink & Drink, and so much more, this is the ultimate event you don’t want to miss. Come hoedown with us and make memories that rock! Tickets at https://www.ticketweb.com/event/mile-high-hoedown-stampede-tickets/13537604?pl=stampede
**FOR A LIMITED TIME TICKETS ARE BOGO
questions or for sponsorship packages email [email protected]

05/28/2024

Steve Woolsey of Payton, Utah, takes a spin on a bull at an Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo from years past. The signature rodeo is returning to Casey Jones Park in Elizabeth from June 6-9 for its 2024 go-round, with events including a Randy Houser concert, mutton bustin', a community rodeo, parade and, of course, PRCA rodeo competitions. For tickets and more information, go online to elizabethstampede.com. FILE PHOTO