News
ELBERT 2.7.13
Elbert County
February 7, 2013
75 cents
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourelbertcountynews.com
Elbert County, Colorado • Volume 118, Issue 2
Flu bug closes school, library Classes suspended, building disinfected By Deborah Grigsby
dgrigsby@ourcoloradonews.com
The horse industry in Douglas and Elbert counties is estimated to be worth between $100 million and $135 million annually, according to a study commissioned by the Colorado Horse Park. Photo by Deborah Grigsby
Horse industry pays off for area Study shows equestrian community a strong economic driver By Chris Michlewicz
cmichlewicz@ourcoloradonews.com The horse industry in Douglas and Elbert counties is estimated to be worth between $100 million and $135 million annually, according to a study commissioned by the Colorado Horse Park. Research by Summit Economics, LLC, an independent firm hired by the international equestrian event venue just south of Parker, confirmed a widely held belief: that horses are a major economic driver in the two counties. Analysts spent months conducting
HORSE INDUSTRY STUDY, BY THE NUMBERS • Douglas/Elbert horse industry spending: $100 million to $135 million • Colorado Horse Park generates $15 million annually in spending • Industry supports 1,400-1,950 direct and indirect jobs in Douglas and Elbert counties • Douglas County’s horse population ranks 40th in the nation • 66 percent of survey respondents make more than $250K per year surveys and looking at overall consumer spending on horses in the neighboring counties, including riding lessons, feed, tack, trailers, veterinary bills and boarding. As much as $135 million is spent each year, and Colorado Horse Park founder Helen Krieble says that number would likely be
higher in a stable economy. The horse park itself generates more than $15 million in spending by spectators, staff and competitors, many of whom stay in area hotels and eat at local restaurants. Total spending by competitors on lodging, food and other personal shopping was $917,000 spread over an average of 22 days. Additionally, the facility’s maintenance crew spent roughly $100,000 last year at Home Depot. The study found that the equestrian industry in Douglas and Elbert counties supports between 1,400 and 1,950 direct and indirect jobs, of which more than 300 come from the horse park. Krieble pointed out that horse park officials were careful to hire an outside firm rather than launching an in-house study that could possibly produce skewed numHorse continues on Page 9
An outbreak of flu closed the Elbert School, sending teachers and students home for nearly a week. Approximately 80 of the school’s 200 students who attend the single-building school did not report for class Jan. 29, complaining of flu-like symptoms. By noon, more showed similar symptoms. According to a statement by Elbert County spokesman Cory Stark, Elbert School District Superintendent Kelli Loflin made the call to temporarily close the school. Students and staff were sent home to prevent further infection and to allow the district an opportunity to properly disinfect classrooms. The Elbert Branch Library was an additional victim. “The library is co-located inside the school building,” said Kari May, director of the Elbert County Library District. “It serves not only students pre-school through grade 12, but also local residents, so we didn’t want to take any risks.” Jerri Spear, director of Elbert County Health and Human Services said although one student was confirmed to have whooping cough, there’s no need for panic. “There are a lot of different germs and viruses floating around out there, but there is no epidemic of any kind, that we are aware of,” she said.” Sounds to me like the school is just taking a very proactive measure to give teachers and students some time to rest up and get healthy.” Michele McCarron, spokesperson for Elizabeth Schools, said schools in the C-1 district have not seen a spike in absenteeism, reporting a district-wide attendance rate of 93 percent, down from 94 percent for the previous two-week period. The school district continues to encourage staff and students to continue frequent hand washing, following up with family physicians, and to remain home as recommended by a physician to prevent the further spread of illness. Classes were scheduled to resume Feb. 5.
Free gun classes focus on safety By Deborah Grigsby
dgrigsby@ourcoloradonews.com In spite of all the political statements flying across the aisle in Washington, as well as Colorado, one county sheriff is taking steps to ensure those who do choose to carry a weapon, do so safely. Elbert County Sheriff Shayne Heap is offering concealed weapons classes for local residents in an effort to enhance gun safety. “In regards to the recent firearms debate, I can tell you that for years my staff and I have worked diligently not only to address school safety issues, but also to ensure that Elbert County is a safe place to live, work and raise a family,” said Heap in a written statement. “Additionally, I recently began offering concealed carry classes taught by ECSO deputies in an effort to enhance gun safety and provide individuals with high-
level training for their constitutional right to carry a firearm.” More than a dozen students attended a class Feb. 3 at the Quail Run Gun Club in Kiowa. The 10-hour course began with classroom instruction and concluded on the range with live fire drills. “One of the biggest reasons I’m taking this class is for home gun safety,” said gun owner Shannon Ehlers of Kiowa. Ehlers, one of four women in the class, said an important thing she learned was the legal ramifications of using her weapon. “We learned about use of deadly force, when it’s appropriate and when it’s not,” she explained. Heap feels that the national gun conversation has been sidetracked and the debate should not center around removing guns from law-abiding citizens.
POSTAL ADDRESS
Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle this copy.
Many women are now opting for weapons training, citing reasons that include patriotism, general home gun safety and self-defense. Photo by Deborah Grigsby “We all know that if you outlaw guns, then only outlaws will have guns,” he said. “I am not interested in making exceptions to any constitutional right.” Heap joins other law enforcement professionals in concern for those suffering from mental illness, who continue to populate jails and other state institutions. “This issue has long been overlooked and I believe would address the source of the problem and not the law-abiding, Godfearing people that simply choose to embrace their rights as American citizens.” The classes are offered on weekends and
are currently full through the end of March. The Elbert County Sheriff’s Office hopes to make the program ongoing. Those interested in being added to a wait list should email a name and phone number to shayne. heap@elbertcounty-co.gov. Heap said that as sheriff, he does not determine which laws are constitutional. “However, know that I will utilize any and all legal means available to stop the federal government from encroaching on any of our constitutional rights as Americans,” he said. “Our right to keep and bear arms is absolute.”