County Party Websites:
Republican: http://ecrgop.com/
Democrat: http://elbertcodems.org
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State Party Websites
Republican: http://www.cologop.org
Democrat: http://www.coloradodems.org/
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Elbert County Public Hearing
The Elbert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will be hearing the proposed budget for 2009 at 1 PM. As of yet, the proposed budget has not been made available to the public for comment or study. Nor have any public meetings been held in the development of the budget, although a number of not-published meetings have been held.
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If your schedule permits, we recommend you consider attending the hearing, as the decisions that have been made in preparation for the hearing and presentation of the proposed budget will effect both the quality of life in Elbert County, and the solvency of the county over the next year.
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Giving in Elbert County
Because this holiday season will be especially difficult for some of our families, friends and neighbors several organizations in the county are stepping up to provide needed support for the service organizations in Elbert County through drives and special events. There are any number of ways we as citizens can participate from donating non-perishable foods, gently used toys and clothing, to donating blood.
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Where appropriate, please consider making a contribution as part of your holiday gift giving. You may have family or friends who would appreciate a donation made in their name as much or more than the receipt of a gift.
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If you are in a position to contribute, below is a list of local drives and organizations for your consideration. Many thanks to Joanne McLain, Family Program Manager at the Elbert County Department of Social Services for greatly expanding this list.
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The Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce Senior Food Drive
166 Main St., Ste. E.
"The Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has decided to help our fellow neighbors this year by focusing on the seniors in Elbert County. We will be gathering and creating baskets to give to the Elbert County Department of Social Services (DSS) to distribute to the needy elderly in our area...Please drop off any non-perishable food items, personal care items, gift cards, money donations or baskets to use in this project to the Chamber office. The Chamber Board will put the baskets together and deliver them to the DSS."
Non-perishable goods may be dropped off at the following locations:
NAPA Auto Parts
Botana Junction
Bank of Choice, Elizabeth
Big R
On the Go
Elbert County Library's Elizabeth Branch
True Value
Elodji's
The Carriage Shops
The Chamber would like to conclude the drive with the last drop off on Wednesday, December 12th. For questions, please contact the Chamber office at 303-646-4287. http://www.elizabethchamber.org/
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Coat & Toy Drive for ECCO
Frontier High School, 589 Banner St., Elizabeth
Starts Monday, December 1st, through Thursday, December 18th
Lightly-used donations will be accepted. Donations will be given to the Elbert County Coalitions for Outreach on December 19th. For more information call 303-646-1789.
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Santa's Sharing (aka Adopt-A-Family)
The Douglas/Elbert Task Force
"The Santa's Sharing holiday program offers families and children who regularly receive services from us many of the joys of the holiday season that they may otherwise be without. There are several ways to participate. Direct and Indirect Sponsorship matching begins in November." For more information, please contact Nani Lindig at nani1674@aol.com or call her at 720-939-1011 or call Kathy D'Amore at 303-688-1114.
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Muscular Dystrophy Association Drive
https://www.joinmda.org/elizabethco2008/larieathompson/
Through Tuesday, December 16th
The day you have been waiting for is coming! I'm going behind bars for "good". As one of Elbert County’s most wanted, I will be locked up on December 16th at Elizabeth Town Hall to help children and adults served by the Muscular Dystrophy Association. I need your help to raise $800 and send a child to Summer Camp in Empire, CO. Just click on the link below or copy and paste link into your web browser to donate to my bail and help provide “the best week of the year” for a local child with muscular dystrophy. https://www.joinmda.org/elizabethco2008/larieathompson/ Click HERE to see more about MDA summer camp. You'll understand why I want your help. Your tax-deductible donation will help MDA to continue providing the very best in direct patient care & research for over 1,500 families in Colorado and help guarantee me an early release. Thanks in advance for your help. Don't hesitate to call or email me with any questions. Together we'll make a difference, LaRiea. Direct: 303.805.6131 / Cell: 720.841.1419, email LaRiea.Thompson@ElbertCounty-CO.Gov
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Food Banks and Other Organizations Serving Elbert County
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166 Main Street, Elizabeth, 80107
Court Appointed Special Advocates are a voice in court for the best interests of abused and neglected children.
Contact: 303-646-1905
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Centennial Mental Health Center
650 Walnut St., Elizabeth,
Mental health and substance abuse treatment services; Individual, couples, children, family and group; Level II DUI Education and Therapy groups; Psychiatric services, psychological evaluations; Mental health and substance abuse evaluations.
Contact: 303-646-4519
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Douglas/Elbert Task Force
416 Jerry St., Castle Rock
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ECC Food Bank
Elbert Christian Church, 23928 Broadway, Elbert
Contact: Dennis and Yvonne Chamberlain at 303-648-3490.
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Elbert County Coalition for Outreach (ECCO)
P.O. Box 1906, Elizabeth, 80107 (Community Resource Center at 351 Comanche St., Kiowa). Contact: 303-621-2599
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Elizabeth Food Bank
Elizabeth Presbyterian Church 303-646-4825
325 Banner St., Elizabeth
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Elizabeth Workforce Center
392 Main Street, PO Box 538, Elizabeth
www.yourworkforcecenter.com; 303-646-2784
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High Plains SHARE
Orders picked up in Elizabeth at Carlson bldg.
Contact: 303-646-0284 or 303-243-8183
A non-profit, co-op food buying club. You can order pantry boxes or pay-it-forward boxes to be donated to food banks. www.sharecolorado.com
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Kiowa Creek Food Pantry
Kiowa Creek Community Church, 231 Cheyenne St., Kiowa
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 8 AM to 2 PM
Contact: Holly Haan, 303-621-4376 or 303-621-2376
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Liberty Plains Food Bank
Liberty Plains Baptist Church, Simla
Contact: 719-541-3043
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Orders picked up in Simla at the American Legion
Contact: 719-541-2699
A non-profit, co-op food buying club. You can order pantry boxes or pay-it-forward boxes to be donated to food banks. www.sharecolorado.com
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Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center
PO Box 367, Castle Rock, CO 80104
Shelter: 303-688-8484
Kiowa office: 303-621-2701
• Emergency shelter for women and their children exposed to domestic violence
• 24-hour crisis line
• Shelter and outpatient psychotherapy services for women and children
• Court support
• civil protection order information and help in filing
• divorce and legal separation information
• attorney referrals
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Elbert County This Week
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Elbert County Library District Budget Hearing
District Office, 239 Main St., Elizabeth
Monday, December 8th, 5 PM
Special Board Meeting, 5:15 PM
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Elizabeth to Parker
Tuesday, December 9th
The Outback Express is a public transit service provided through the East Central Council of Local Government. It is open and available to all residents of Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties, and provides an economical and efficient means of travel for the four-county region. For information and to make reservations, please call Kay Campbell at 719-541-4275, or the ECCOG office at 800-825-0208. You may also visit http://outbackexpress.tripod.com
Creative Story Time
Simla Library
Tuesday, December 9th, 1PM
Gingerbread People
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Knitting Club
Kiowa Library
Tuesday, December 9th, 2PM
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Elizabeth High School Winter Vocal Concert
Elizabeth High School Cafetorium
Tuesday, December 9th, 7PM
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Elbert County Board of County Commissioners
Kiowa Courthouse BOCC Hearing Room
Wednesday, December 10th, 9 AM to 4 PM
While the Agenda for this week is posted, the 2009 Elbert County Budget is scheduled to be heard by the BOCC at 1 PM and Verde Ridge is scheduled to be heard by the BOCC at 7 PM at the Fairgrounds. The Agenda may be found under "Meetings" found on the right side tool bar on http://www.elbertcounty-co.gov. For updates to meetings and other details, please check http://www.elbertcounty-co.gov.
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Elizabeth Parks & Recreation 2009 Budget Hearing
District Office, 34201 County Rd. 17, Elizabeth
Wednesday, December 10th, 7 PM
A copy of the proposed budget is located at the District Office. The proposed budget will be considered at a special meeting of the Board of Directors. http://www.elizabethpr.com/
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Elizabeth Middle School 7th & 8th Grade Band & Choir Concert
Elizabeth Middle School Auditorium
Wednesday, December 10th, 7 PM to 8 PM
For information: 303-646-4520
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Planning Commission Meeting
Kiowa Courthouse, 215 Comanche St, Kiowa
Thursday, December 11th, 7 PM
The Agenda is posted. It currently includes the Bandera PUD. The Agenda may be found under "Meetings" found on the right side tool bar on http://www.elbertcounty-co.gov. For updates to meetings and other details, please check http://www.elbertcounty-co.gov.
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Elizabeth Middle School 6th Grade Orchestra Concert
Elizabeth Middle School Auditorium
Thursday, December 11th, 7 PM
For information: 303-646-4520
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Elizabeth High School Winter Instrumental Concert
Elizabeth High School Cafetorium
Thursday, December 11th, 7 PM
For information: 303-646-4616
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December Nights, December Lights: Kiowa High School Winder Band and Vocal Concert
Kiowa High School Gym
Thursday, December 11th, 7 PM
For information: 303-621-2115
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Origami Workshop
Kiowa Library
Friday, December 12th, 2 PM
The Elbert County Library District will host an origami workshop. Moel Salmon will teach participants to make a variety of objects from folded paper. The workshop will focus on stars, angels and items that would be suitable for Christmas decorations. Supplies will be provided. For more information, please contact the library at 303-621-2111.
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Elizabeth Piece Makers of Colorado
The Carlson Building, Elizabeth
Friday, December 12, 2 PM to 4 PM
The Piece Makers need help making cuddle quilts for the area fire departments. They need help with cutting, pressing, sewing, making kits to take home and sew. Cotton fabric donations accepted. Please come see what they are doing. Please call Barbara at 303-646-9046 with questions.
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Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for Frontier High School's Experiential Education Program
Frontier High School, 589 S. Banner St., Elizabeth
Friday, December 12th, 5 PM to 7 PM
All proceeds will go to help fund the school's Experiential Eductaion Program. Tickets are $7 in advance. For information call 303-646-1789.
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Book Club
Simla Library
Saturday, December 13th, 9:30 AM
Keep Going by Joseph M. Marshall, III
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Next Week's Events
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Book Club Party
Elizabeth Library, 239 S. Main St., Elizabeth
Monday, December 15th, Noon
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Kiowa, Elbert and Elizabeth to Parker
Tuesday, December 16th
The Outback Express is a public transit service provided through the East Central Council of Local Government. It is open and available to all residents of Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties, and provides an economical and efficient means of travel for the four-county region. For information and to make reservations, please call Kay Campbell at 719-541-4275, or the ECCOG office at 800-825-0208. You may also visit http://outbackexpress.tripod.com
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Creative Story Time
Simla Library
Tuesday, December 16th, 1PM
Reindeer
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Knitting Club
Kiowa Library
Tuesday, December 16th, 2PM
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Library Lovers
Elbert Library
Tuesday, December 16th, 7 PM
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Board of County Commissioner's Meeting
2nd Floor Meeting Room, Kiowa Courthouse
Wednesday, December 17th, 9 AM to 4 PM
The Agenda is not yet posted. It may be found here: under "Meetings" found on the right side tool bar on http://www.elbertcounty-co.gov.
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Spring Valley Golf Club
Thursday, December 18th, 11:30 AM to 1 PM
60th Anniversary of the Elizabeth Chamber. Presentation of the Business/Individual of the Year Award and voting in the Board of Directors. Menu/price to be determined. http://www.elizabethchamber.org/
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Upcoming Events
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Planning Commission Meeting
Kiowa Courthouse, 215 Comanche St, Kiowa
Monday, December 22nd, 7 PM
The Ranchland News Public Notices, dated November 20th, read that the Special Use Permit application for Peaceful Valley Ranch Relocated Travis Shooting Facility will be heard by the Planning Commission. The notice indicates that the plan is on file with the Planning Commission, and the project name and number is Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch, No. SU-08-0032.
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Seedling Tree Workshop
Big Sandy School Cafeteria, 609 Pueblo Ave., Simla, CO
Wednesday, January 14th, 6:30 PM
No Charge. http://www.4conservation.org/
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Ham Radio Classes
Elbert County Sheriff's Office, Kiowa
Thursday, January 29th, 6:30 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, January 31st, 9 AM to 12 PM
Thursday, February 5th, 6:30 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, February 7th, 9 AM to 12 PM
Thursday, February 12th, 6:30 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, Febraury 14th, 9 AM when the administration of the FCC Amateur Radio Technicians Exam will take place at the Elbert County Sheriff's Office.
The Elbert County Office of Emergency Management is sponsoring a Ham Radio Class in its efforts to bring in new emergency communications minded hams to work with Emergency Management, in support of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service for Elbert County. Cost: $18 for the student manual and $15for the FCC required exam. To register and for more information contact Mark Kelley at 303-474-5447 or by email at w0bg@comcast.net.
