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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The Elbert County Lions Club February 1st breakfast will benefit Mike Fisher. Mr. Fisher's exposure to an avian bacterium through his pet African Gray parrot has left him with only 18 percent lung capacity. To qualify for disability payments that will activate his spot on the donor list for a double lung transplant, he needs to reach a goal of $25,000. For more information about Mr. Fisher, how the community has stepped up to support him and to donate on line, please go here. Please join us at the Lions Club on Sunday, enjoy their wonderful monthly breakfast and help us support a community member. Adults, $6 and children, $3.
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If you enjoy crafts, and are interested in doing something for your community, here are a couple of the many programs available to you:
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Pam Witucki, Director of the Community Resource Center (CRC), and the Elbert County Coalition for Outreach (ECCO), are looking for volunteers who enjoy single crochet. The CRC is gathering donations of 100% cotton fabrics, such as sheets, that can be recycled into colorful, easy to make "rag rugs". The rugs are light weight, machine washable, and drip or machine dry-able. If you are interested in participating in the project, or would like to own one of CRC's rugs, please contact CRC and Pam 303-621-2599.
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The Elizabeth Piece Makers of Colorado makes cuddle quilts which are donated to the area's fire departments. Help is needed in all areas of the quilt making process: Cutting, pressing, sewing, and making take-home kits. Cotton fabric donations are accepted. The Piece Makers meet the second Friday of each month from 2 PM to 4 PM and the fourth Thursday from 6 PM to 8 PM at Frontier High School. For more information, please contact Barbara at 303-646-9046.
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IREA member/customers: the Board of Director's election in 2009 is scheduled for Saturday, April 18th. The Deadline for filing of IREA Director Nominating Petitions is 60 days prior to the election. General information and a link to the IREA Bylaws is located below.
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The director positions up for election are from IREA District Numbers 3, 5 and 7. You can find your District Number on your monthly bill, in the top left hand corner, to the left of the statement date. It is an unlabeled, single digit number.
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From the IREA Bylaws: District 5 includes East Douglas County, Franktown, Elizabeth and Kiowa areas. District 6 includes East Adams County, Arapahoe County and North Elbert County areas. The terms for board members representing District Numbers 3, 5 and 7 expire in the first odd-numbered year following each leap year. Each term shall end on the date of the annual meeting in the year the term expires, provided that board members shall continue in office until their successors have been elected and have qualified.
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Each director shall be elected by the members of the district he or she represents (one vote per member).
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Nominations for director are made by petition. The petition must have signatures of 15 or more IREA members in each district and be received not less than 60 days prior to the annual meeting. The Secretary shall post the names of those nominated by valid petition at the principal office and district offices of the Cooperative. The Secretary shall mail ballots 30 days prior to the election.
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Petitions must be delivered to IREA, Secretary of the Board of Directors, 5496 No. US Hwy 85, P.O. Drawer A, Sedalia, CO 80135 on or before February 18th.
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Elbert County This Week
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Marvelous Mondays
Simla Library, Simla
Monday, January 26th, 1 PM to 3 PM
Movie Matinee
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Matinee Movie
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Monday, January 26th, 4 PM
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Book Club
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Monday, January 26th, 7 PM
Dewey by Vicki Myron
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Creative Story Time
Simla Library, Simla
Tuesday, January 27th, 1 PM
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
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Knitting Club
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Tuesday, January 27th, 2 PM
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Simla Cares Meeting
Simla Library, Simla
Tuesday, January 27th, 5:30 PM
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Board of County Commissioners' Meeting
2nd Floor Meeting Room, Kiowa Courthouse, 215 Comanche St.
Wednesday, January 21st, 9 AM to 4PM
The Agenda is not currently available, but should be posted shortly. Please check here for the Agenda.
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Elizabeth Library
Wednesday, January 28th, 9:30 AM
Hats
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Elbert County Library District Board Meeting
District Office, 239 S. Main St., Elizabeth
Wednesday, January 28th, 7 PM
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Free Seminar - Physical Fitness Seminar
The Carlson Building, 239 S. Main St., Elizabeth
Wednesday, January 28th, 7 PM to 9 PM
Person fitness coach Sheryl Machado will demonstrate ways to become fit through day-to-day activities. All attendees will receive a free pedometer to help track their new fitness goals. Light and healthy refreshments will be provided. This is a free seminar. http://www.elbertcountylibrary.org/mastercalendar.htm
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Kiowa Conservation District's Annual Dinner Meeting for Landowners
Kiowa Creek Community Church, 231 Cheyenne St., Kiowa
Wednesday, January 28th, 6:30 PM
From the KCD Website: "The meeting will begin with a complimentary beef dinner prepared by the woman of the Kiowa Creek Community Church. We are pleased to present Linda Pollick of the Natural Resources Conservation Service as the speaker for the evening with a presentation on the Kiowa Creek Watershed Project; Past, Present and Future. There are 65 flood control dams sponsored by the Kiowa Conservation District in Elbert and parts of El Paso County. A brief business meeting will be conducted before the presentation. The District will honor Conservationist of the Year to good land stewards. Awards will also be given to the 6th grade poster contest winners. We sincerely hope that you will be able to join us for an enjoyable evening with great food, information and door prizes. Please RSVP by January 21, 2009 to insure that we have counted you for dinner at 303-621-2070 ext. 101, or email your reservation."
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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, February 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 $15 for the FCC required exam. To register and for more information contact Mark Kelley at 303-474-5447 or by email at w0bg@comcast.net.
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Clearwater Metropolitan District Petition Hearing
7120 E. Orchard Rd., Ste. 300, Englewood
Thursday, January 29th, 4 PM
From the Public Notice in the Elbert County News: "...a petitions praying for the inclusion of property into the District. The prayer of the petition is that the property, generally described below, be included into the District. Accordingly notice is hereby given to all interested persons, that they shall appear at {the address, date and time listed above}, and show cause in writing why the petition should not be granted. The Board, in its discretion, may continue the hearing to a subsequent meeting." The petitioner is listed at Sunshine Master Builders, Ltd. The property is listed as Section: 3, Township: 6, Range: 65, Sky Rim Amendment 3, lot 0044, Elbert County Colorado; also known as 47098 Silver Fir St., Parker, CO 80138.
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Adult Drop in Basketball
Frontier High School,
Thursday, January 29th, 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Adult basketball.
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Simla Library, Simla
Friday, January 30th, 6:30 PM
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Free Jazzercise Open House
Pinecrest Community Church, 7165 N. Delbert Rd., Parker
Saturday, January 31st, 8:30 AM
From the Elbert County News: Paula Burke, an Elizabeth-area jazzercise instructor, will offer a citywide free-for-all jazzercise open house. Jazzercise combines elements of dance, resistance training, Pilates, yoga, kickboxing and more to create programs for people of every age and fitness level. Open house festivities will include information on the program and a free workout. Admission is fee to everyone, and participants should dress to exercise. Refreshments will be served. Discounts will apply to anyone who registers for additional classes that day. Ms. Burke instructs 10 classes per week, mornings at 8:30 AM, Monday through Saturday, and evenings at 5:30 PM, Monday through Thursday. For more information, please contact Ms. Burke at 303-646-4366.
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Town of Elizabeth Public Meeting
Saturday, January 31st, 10 AM
Although there will not be an opportunity for public input at this meeting, a workshop is scheduled for town trustees to plan for long-term capital improvements. The public is welcome to attend.
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Meeting Shanna Engler
Simla Library, Simla
Saturday, January 31st, 10 AM to Noon
Please join us at the Simla Library to meet Shanna Engler, the new branch manager.
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Story Time
Elbert Library, Elbert School
Saturday, January 31st, 10:30 AM
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Free Seminar - Five Wishes and the Importance of Planning Ahead
The Carlson Building, 239 S. Main St., Elizabeth
Saturday, January 31st, 7 PM to 9 PM
Dignity Memorial presents this free seminar on planning ahead. Refreshments provided. Sponsored by Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Funeral Home in Castle Rock. Please RSVP to 303-771-3960 by Monday, January 19th. http://www.elbertcountylibrary.org/mastercalendar.htm
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Lions Club Breakfast - Fund Raiser for Mike Fisher
Lions Club Meeting Hall, 351 Comanche St., Kiowa
Sunday, February 1st, 8 AM to 1 PM
In part from the West Elbert County Sun: The Lions Club has generously offered the proceeds from the February 1st breakfast to help Mike Fisher reach his goal of $25,000 to qualify for disability payments that will activate his spot on the donor list for a double lung transplant. Mr. Fisher's exposure to an avian bacterium through his pet African Gray parrot has left him with only 18 percent lung capacity. Please join us at the Lions Club on Sunday, enjoy their wonderful monthly breakfast and help us support a community member. Adults, $6 and children, $3.
Next Week's Events
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Windbreak Workshop
Frontier High School, 589 S. Banner St, Elizabeth
Wednesday, February 4th, 7PM
A free windbreak workshop will be presented by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Colorado State Forest Service. This workshop was rescheduled from December due to weather. Windbreak design, species selection and planting and care of seedlings wil be discussed at the workshop. This workshop presents valuable information for any landowner planning a windbreak. The order forms for the seedling tree program are availabel in displays at the Kiowa, Elizabeth and Elbert Post Offices, as well as High Plains in Kiowa. You may also contact the Kiowa Conservation District by phone at 303-621-2070, ext. 101 to recieve an order form, or vist their website at www.kiowacd.org. Please RSVP for the workshop at the number listed above.
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Adult Drop in Basketball
Frontier High School,
Thursday, February 5th, 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Adult basketball.
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Elbert County Fiber Friends
The Carlson Building, 239 S. Main St., Elizabeth
Thursday, February 5th, 7 PM
Usually held the first Thursday of the month, this is a group of people who are interested in anything to do with fiber, i.e. spinning, knitting, crocheting, locker hooking, weaving; or raising the animals that produce fiber, i.e. goats, sheep, rabbits, yaks, alpacas, llamas or buffalo. There are no dues! Just come and have fun. Open to all levels, including beginners. For more information, please call Maria Hoover, 303-646-2665 or email mhoover@estreet.com.
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Children's Hospital Blood Drive
The Security Title Parking Lot, 117 S. Elizabeth St., Elizabeth
Saturday, February 7th
If you are eligible to donate blood, please join us at the Children's Hospital's Blood Mobile on Saturday. A healthy adult can donate whole blood every 56 days, up to 6 times per year. For more information about donating blood, please visit the Children's Hospital website, here.
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Free Income Tax Preparation and E-Filing for Low Income Families
The Carlson Building, 239 S. Main St., Elizabeth
Saturday, February 7th, 10 AM to 4 PM
From the West Elbert County News: IRS Certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) tax preparers are available to prepare and e-file free basic income tax returns for low to moderate income families (usually with an income under $42,000 per year). For further information, scheduling an appointment and a list of the items participants need to bring with, please call the Colorado East Community Action Agency at 719-348-5303.
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Upcoming Events
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Town of Elizabeth National Flood Insurance Program Hearing
Elizabeth Town Hall, 321 S. Banner St., Elizabeth
Tuesday, February 10th, 7 PM
Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and the Colorado Water Conservation Board will be on hand for a public forum to answer questions pertaining to the NIFP as the board considers joining the program.
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Free Seminar - What is Trauma and What Happens When Someone Experiences Trauma
Centennial Mental Health Center, 650 E. Walnut, Elizabeth
Wednesday, February 11th, 7 PM to 8 PM
Presented by Barbara Florey, LPC. In a continued effort to provide quality services to the residents of Elbert County, Centennial Mental Health Center is pleased to offer a series of free seminars to the public. Information will be provided with time for questions and discussion. We hope that by offering factual information, we can begin to dispel the stigma of mental health issues and reach people who would otherwise live in fear and pain. Our goal is to be a resource for families and individuals and to help them live full and productive lives.
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Parenting Class
16 Weeks, starting Thursday, February 12th, 6 PM to 8 PM
The fee for the class is $20, and the workbook will be provided. The additional costs are covered through grants. The class is open to parents who have a child under 5. Child care is provided. If you are interested in taking the class, or would like to volunteer to assist with the child care, please contact Pam Witucki at 303-621-2599.
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Town of Kiowa Board Meeting
Kiowa Town Hall
Thursday, February 12th, 7 PM
The Agenda is posted here.
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Planning Commission Meeting
2nd Floor Meeting Room, Kiowa Court House, 215 Comanche St.
Thursday, February 12th, 7PM
The Agenda is not yet posted on the Elbert County website. Please go here to check the schedule and the Agenda.
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Town Hall Meeting with Rep. Cindy Acree
The Carlson Building, 239 S. Main St., Elizabeth
Saturday, February 14th, 10 AM
Come meeting Rep. Acree, our representative to the Colorado State House, District 40. Rep. Acree will be discussing the Colorado budget appearing before the 2009 Session, as well as any other concerns that the citizens of Elbert County may have. For questions, or more information, please contact representativeacree@comcast.net or 303-866-2944.
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Rockintine Valentine
Peace in Christ Church, Running Creek Plaza, Elizabeth
Saturday, February 14th, 2 PM to 4 PM
From the West Elbert Co. Sun: Valentine's Day is just around the corner and Peace in Christ Church will transform into a Rockintine Valentine complete with the Beautiful Chaos band providing music for listening and dancing. Games for all ages, sweet treats, punch and lemonade. Craft items will be on display for sale. The fund or kids from toddlers to teens and those of us who think young! Cost of $2 per person is for the benefit of Campus Ministries.
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2nd Floor Meeting Room, Kiowa Courthouse, 215 Comanche St., Kiowa
Friday, February 20th, 9 AM to Noon
The Elbert County and Lincoln County pro se divorce and post decree clinic is available monthly. The clinic is a free legal clinic for parties who have no attorney, who are going through Dissolution of Marriage, Legal Separation or Post-Decree cases. Parties will be assisted on a first-come, first served basis, and will be helped with filling out forms and general information on divorce and post-decree procedures and process.
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Relay for Life Team Capitan University
The Carlson Building, 239 S. Main St., Elizabeth
Friday, February 20th, 7 PM
Come and learn the ropes!
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Small Acreage Seminar
Elizabeth Middle School, 34427 Co. Rd. 13 in Elizabeth
Saturday, February 21st, 9:00AM to 3:30PM
Speakers will present information on Grazing & weeds, Manure Management, Animals on small acreage, Energy Alternatives, and Ag Status and Zoning Restrictions. Please join us for this informational seminar. A $10.00 per person/$15.00 per couple cost will include lunch. Please call the CSU Extension office in Elbert County for more details @ 303-621-3162.
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Skunks, Raccoons, Deer and Me
The Russell Gates Mercantile Community Hall, Elbert
Saturday, February 28th, 1 PM
This seminar will deal with all your wildlife concerns. From getting rid of those skunks under the porch, keeping the deer out of your garden, coyotes too close to your home, how to get those flickers to stop destroying your siding---the list is endless. Come learn about the best way to coexist with the beautiful wildlife we have in Elbert County. Cost $5.00. Please call the CSU Extension office in Elbert County for more details @ 303-621-3162.
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Town of Elizabeth Home Rule Workshop
Elizabeth Town Hall, 351 S. Banner St., Elizabeth
Monday, March 30th, 7 PM
The town will host an open house or forum to disseminate information about home rule and gather input from the public about whether or not the board should adopt home rule for the Town of Elizabeth.
