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Week of September 1, 2022
ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
ElbertCountyNews.net
VOLUME 127 | ISSUE 29
Kiowa bridge raises concerns Town leaders urge residents to weigh in BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
The Protectors of Elizabeth Tribute at Running Creek Park had several activities for children, including a huge inflatable slide. PHOTOS BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON
Community honors first responders Protectors of Elizabeth Tribute is held at Running Creek Park BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
The Elizabeth community came together on Aug. 17 to celebrate first responders in the fifth annual Protectors of Elizabeth Tribute. The event took place at Running Creek Park where hundreds of community members were present to support the Elizabeth Police Department, Elizabeth Fire Rescue, Elbert County Sheriff’s Office and Colorado State Patrol. SEE TRIBUTE, P18
The Elbert County Sheriff’s SWAT vehicle was displayed at Running Creek Park for the Protectors of Elizabeth Tribute.
INSIDE: CALENDAR: PAGE 11 | VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 16
The narrow Highway 86 bridge at the west end of Kiowa is in desperate need of replacement, raising concerns about its safety and structural integrity. Town of Kiowa leaders met on Aug. 16 to talk about the future of the bridge, to connect with the Colorado Department of Transportation, and to discuss options to fund its total replacement. In their official statement from Aug. 17, the Town of Kiowa outlined their overall concerns with the bridge and its safety: “As we all know it is a very old bridge with questionable structural integrity and safety. Indeed, the continued increase of population and heavy travel back and forth over the bridge (i.e., large trucks) has expedited the need for significant repairs or replacement. We asked CDOT to consider not only this but also torrential flooding with the possibility of taking out that bridge and worst yet, the possibility for loss of life.” In an Aug. 24 phone interview with Kiowa Town Administrator Kim Boyd, she shared her concerns about the state of the bridge, focusing on the impact of Elbert County if the bridge were to fail. “We’re due for another big flood. If we get enough rain and a flood takes out that bridge, it’s going to greatly impact people,” commented Boyd. “It’s a major thoroughfare between the east and west side of the SEE BRIDGE, P2
FUNGUS FORAGING
Mushroom hunting in Colorado sees major upswing
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