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Week of August 25, 2022
ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
ElbertCountyNews.net
VOLUME 127 | ISSUE 28
School year gets underway Aviles family shares excitement for new term BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Officer Lyndi Burnley is a recent addition to the Elizabeth Police Department.
enforcement. “I always knew I needed a career where I was helping people. Working in the medical field was great, but it wasn’t my passion,” said Burnley. “Growing up, I had family in law enforcement. I’ve also known a ton of law enforcement officers in my life. One day I just felt a calling.” In 2020, Burnley graduated from the Flatrock Regional Training Center with the Adams County
Throughout the past two weeks, students of Elbert County returned to school for the 2022-2023 school year, kicking off an exciting new chapter after pandemic restrictions. Students at the Elbert School returned Aug. 10, Kiowa Schools returned Aug. 19, and depending on grade level, Elizabeth Schools returned Aug. 12, 15, and 18. Each year, the Elbert County News highlights a student and their family, focusing on their hopes and anticipation for the new school year. This year, Alex and Adrian Aviles of Spring Valley Ranch shared their excitement about beginning school. Alex Aviles is in seventh grade at Elizabeth Middle School and Adrian Aviles is beginning his freshman year at Elizabeth High School. “I am really looking forward to the most normal school year in a while and being able to connect with my friends again,” said Adrian. “I’m a little nervous about starting at the high school because it’s a new setting and all new teachers.” Each year students look forward to school-related extracurricular activities, an integral part of overall educational well-being. The Aviles kids, like many others around the county, are ready for the fun classes and activities school has to offer. “I’m excited to be part of the culinary program this year because I love cooking and baking. I aspire to become a chef one day,” said Adrian. “I’m also interested in learning
SEE BURNLEY, P2
SEE SCHOOL, P6
PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON
New police officer joins Elizabeth force
Former ER medical assistant makes switch to law enforcement BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Over the summer, the Elizabeth Police Department welcomed the addition of Lyndi Burnley to the force. She will hold the position of law enforcement officer.
Burnley was born and raised in Elbert County. She attended the Elbert School and holds the title of the first female football player in the school’s history. Burnley now lives with her family, including her two children, in Douglas County. Burnley joins EPD after serving as a medical assistant for 12 years. She worked in various settings including hospital emergency rooms and urgent care. In a phone interview from Aug. 12, Burnley shares why she transitioned to law
INSIDE: CALENDAR: PAGE 7 | VOICES: PAGE 8 | LIFE: PAGE 10
OFF TO SCHOOL First-year teachers ready for 2022-23
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