News
ELBERT CO 2/14/13
Elbert County
February 14, 2013
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A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourelbertcountynews.com
Elbert County, Colorado • Volume 118, Issue 3
Volunteer firefighter charged with arson Bond reduction denied, preliminary hearing set By Deborah Grigsby
dgrigsby@ourcoloradonews.com
shooting massacres that continue to make headlines around the country. “As a civilized society, we cannot stand back and wait for another Columbine, another Aurora,” said House Speaker Mark Ferrandino, D-Denver. Some of the efforts announced Tuesday came as no surprise — gun-control legislation has been high on the list of priorities for Democrats this session. But perhaps the bill that will cause the greatest amount of ire for Republicans and gun advocates is one aimed at creating strict financial liability for makers, sellers and owners of assault weapons. Senate President John Morse, D-Colorado Springs, who will sponsor the Assault Weapon Responsibility Act, said his bill will make assault weapons makers, sellers and owners “liable for 100 percent of the damage” caused by “military style” assault weapons that are used in the commission of crimes. “The sickness of violence is spreading through America like a plague,” Morse said. Morse insisted that the legislation would not constitute
The 19-year-old volunteer firefighter who confessed to starting a wildfire last summer near the town of Elbert appeared in court to face formal charges and to ask for a reduction in his $50,000 bond. Alex J. Averette of Elbert sat quietly in an Elbert County courtroom on Feb. 8, advised of the multiple criminal counts against him, including intentionally setting wildfire, second-degree arson, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and second-degree criminal trespass. The 6-foot-6-inch volunteer firefighter with the Elbert Fire Protection District admitted to arson investigators he used a lighter to start a 600-acre blaze for “the experience,” according to Elbert County Sheriff Shayne Heap. The fire, dubbed the County Road 102 Fire, started around noon on June 24, 2012, just north of the town of Elbert. It prompted the evacuation of 100 residents from the town and surrounding areas. What began as a small brush fire quickly spread across the prairie, fueled by high winds and extremely dry conditions. Public defender Helen Massey Hoopes asked the court to reduce Averett’s bond to $10,000 so her client could return to his job and care for his family. “Mr. Averette’s primary concern now is for the well-being of his wife and child, as they have no other source of income at the time,” Hoopes said. Elbert County Judge Palmer L. Boyette denied Averette the reduction. Heap called the case unfortunate. “I call this kind of behavior unacceptable,” Heap said. “But it’s important for everyone to remember that in no way should this reflect on the many dedicated volunteer and public safety professionals we have here in the county.” More than 100 fire and law enforcement personnel from multiple agencies responded to the fire at a time when state firefighting resources were strained due to the Waldo Canyon and Hyde Park fires. Ground crews required assistance from county road and bridge teams, law enforcement personnel, and two single-engine aircraft tankers to contain the fire. Fire Chief John Gresham addressed the case in an email. “I speak for all officers and volunteers of the Elbert Fire Department, as well as members of the Elbert community, in stating we were shocked and saddened to learn the alleged arsonist was one of our own,” he wrote. “Of course, that individual has been placed on indefinite suspension from all departmental activities, pending outcome of the legal proceedings.” Gresham added: “While such an unfortunate act on the part of a misguided individual may occur, such an act is an extreme exception, in contrast to the commitment to public service exhibited by the dedication, goodwill and hard work conducted by the vast majority of our volunteer members.” Elbert County Emergency Manager Cory Stark described the expenses associated with fighting the County Road 102 fire as “overwhelming.”
Guns continues on Page 9
Firefighter continues on Page 9
Elizabeth High School sophomore Ethan Mosier leads a group in “Y.M.C.A.,” a 1978 hit by the American disco group The Village People. Mosier and more than 250 students danced the night away at the EHS Snow Dance, held Feb. 9 in the high school auditorium.
MOVING TOWARD A GOAL PHOTOS BY DEBORAH GRIGSBY
Students bust out their best moves at the EHS Snow Dance in the high school auditorium. The annual chili dinner and dance supports the school’s growing athletic program.
A light dusting of snow became the perfect backdrop for the Elizabeth High School Snow Dance. The annual event, which was held Feb. 9 in the high school auditorium, featured a community chili dinner, open dance floor and a silent auction. More than 250 people from the community came to dance and support fundraising efforts for the Elizabeth High School Athletic program. Auction items with an estimated total value of more than $6,000 attracted multiple bidders throughout the night and ranged from sportswear, to auto parts, dental services and even four hours of dump truck time.
Democrats roll out gun-control package Opponents see liability measure as ban By Vic Vela
vvela@ourcoloradonews.com Democratic state lawmakers on Feb. 5 unveiled a gun-control legislative package, which in part calls for required background checks for all gun buyers and strict liability for owners and sellers of assault weapons. But the ideas aimed at curbing gun violence, which were announced by leaders of the General Assembly’s controlling party during a morning press conference inside the state Capitol, were immediately met with stiff opposition by gun-
Senate president John Morse talks in the west foyer of the State Capitol during a press conference on a comprehensive gun safety plan Feb. 5. Photo by Andy Carpenean rights advocates. Democratic leaders — who were joined at the event by people whose lives have been
affected by gun violence — announced eight pieces of “gun safety” legislation, which they said is needed in the wake of
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