Ranchland News

02/16/2025

Calhan Fire Protection District Chief Shane Gattis and command staff Kelli Ehardt. Wynona Henley, and Doyle Stroup at the Feb. 13 meeting reported the new $800,000 engine went into service on Feb. 1 and already has answered its first call for service.

02/16/2025

The Elbert County Noxious W**d Board on Feb. 12 presented the Jeanne Allen Memorial Award to Rowan (posthumously) and Marilyn Tyson for their work to improve grazing conditions in pastures at their property.

02/16/2025

Sophia Sammauro placed second in the Kiowa Conservation District sixth grade poster contest with the theme "May the forest be with you."

02/16/2025

Maddie White placed first in the Kiowa Conservation District sixth grade poster contest with the theme "May the forest be with you."

02/16/2025

Kayley Wright is the Lions' "Student of the Month" (SOM) for February. Kayley is a senior at Ellicott High School. She enjoys sports and has participated in volleyball, basketball and soccer. Not only is she a member of National Honor Society (NHS) she is the president of the Ellicott chapter and president of the senior class. Kayley has worked on several service projects through student council and NHS. She is currently raising funds for a scholarship to be given to an Ellicott graduate. As for her own career plans, Kayley has enlisted in the Navy. She will start her basic training in June. Her long term goal is to become a nurse practitioner. Kayley and her family were honored guests of the Calhan Lions Club at their February 4th dinner/meeting. Pictured from left to right are Lion Secretary Maria Herndon, SOM Kayley Wright, Mom Mary, Brother Tyler and Dad Rich.

02/16/2025

The Lions Student of the Month (SOM) for January 2025, is Emma Hendricks. Emma is a senior at Peyton High School. She has worked on many service projects through the Scouts and her church. She is an Eagle Scout. Her Eagle project was building a book exchange box for Peyton Elementary School. Emma is an officer in the Order of the Arrow; an honor program for service through Scouts America. She also plays basketball. Emma is preparing for a career in emergency and trauma health care. She is working on a scholarship with a commitment to the Air Force Academy. She would like to be a flight nurse in the Air Force. Emma and her family were honored guests at the Feb. 4th Lions' Club dinner/meeting. Pictured from left to right are Brother Zach, Dad Brian, Lions State Council Chair Maria Herndon, SOS Emma and Mom Andrea.

02/16/2025

Simla’s Meadow Nusbaum signed to play volleyball for York, NE.

Simla’s TJ Eurich signed to play baseball for Northeastern.

Simla’s Braeden Welch signed to play football for Concordia University NE.
Photos by Jamie Bowker

02/16/2025

Calhan beats Las Animas 39-33

02/16/2025

Calhan beats Las Animas 53-32

02/16/2025

Kiowa senior Christopher Carlson on Feb. 6 signed a national letter of intent to play football for Bethany College.

02/16/2025

The Kiowa High School girls basketball team on Feb. 6 had balanced scoring to top Elbert 44-19.

02/16/2025

The Ellicott High School girls basketball team on Feb. 7 rallied from an early deficit to beat Buena Vista 51-31.

02/16/2025

The Elbert High School basketball team on Feb. 6 converted ten first-half defensive steals and had balanced scoring to top Kiowa 68-29.

02/16/2025

The Ellicott High School basketball team on Feb. 7 dropped a game 64-23 to Buena Vista.

02/16/2025

02/16/2025

Press Release: Elizabeth Fire Secures Wildfire Mitigation Grant from Colorado State Forest Service.

The Elizabeth Fire Protection District has been awarded the Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation Grant from the Colorado State Forest Service in the amount of $582,750. This cost-share grant program provides reimbursement for communities towards wildfire mitigation in the wildland-urban interface. These funds will go directly to property owners to help cover the cost of mitigation work.

Most of the Elizabeth Fire Protection District’s jurisdiction lies within the wildland-urban interface, where natural vegetation borders homes. Many of these areas in the District are recognized by the Colorado State Forest Service as having a moderate to high risk of wildfire. Five subdivisions - Bonnie Ridge, Saddlewood, Gold Creek, Gambel Oaks, and The Pines - were chosen as the project locations for this grant due to their high wildfire risk.

Fire Prevention Specialist Seng states, “Every year we see that wildfires are becoming more common and more intense. However, we’ve also seen that proactively taking steps to create defensible space and harden your home substantially reduces the chances of home ignition during wildfire. This grant will provide homeowners with the tools needed to be proactive and to live wildfire ready.”

This is the culmination of a years-long information, development, and application process that will result in decreased wildfire risk across these subdivisions and the surrounding communities. The District would like to invite interested homeowners to visit the Colorado State Forest Service’s website at https://csfs.colostate.edu/wildfire-mitigation/ for more information on wildfire mitigation.

The Elizabeth Fire Protection District would like to thank our amazing community for their unwavering support. The District would also like to thank the Colorado State Forest Service – Franktown Field Office and the Elbert County Government for their assistance and partnership that were invaluable towards securing this grant.

02/16/2025

Calhan Schools are excited to partner with the Kids Heart Challenge & American Heart Challenge this year, bringing awareness to heart disease, stroke, and CPR! Stay tuned for information about our school's Kids Heart Challenge program, helping to support causes that are near and dear to all our hearts!