Week of September 15, 2022
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ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
ElbertCountyNews.net
VOLUME 127 | ISSUE 31
Dads group raises funds for family after fire Bernie’s Kitchen is site of event to help local residents BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Elbert Christian Church is among landmarks of its namesake community.
PHOTOS BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON
Elbert Town Committee launches website Unincorporated community is jewel of rural Colorado BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
The small, peaceful town of Elbert is located in the forested hills just 15 minutes south of Elizabeth along North Elbert Road. Though small, the town has a thriving community, a state-of-the-art K-12 school, restaurants and other businesses. The town of Elbert, however, is not an official town at all. Established in 1874, Elbert is an unincorporated community in Elbert SEE ELBERT, P16
Historic Elbert was founded in 1874, with settlers first moving into town around 1860.
INSIDE: CALENDAR: PAGE 11 | VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 18
Local nonprofit organization Dads of Elbert County (DoEC) held a fundraiser on Sept. 1 at Bernie’s Kitchen in Elizabeth to benefit the Greg and Susan Owen family. The Owen home south of Elizabeth was struck by lightning during a severe storm on Aug. 15, causing a devastating fire. At the fundraiser, 12 DoEC members worked at Bernie’s Kitchen from 5-8 p.m. Clad in their matching black T-shirts and hats, members greeted, seated and waited on customers throughout the evening. They served a $15 penne Alfredo dinner accompanied by salad and garlic bread. They also set out a donation jar for anyone wanting to give beyond the $15 set dinner price. All proceeds from the fundraiser went directly to the Owen family, and while DoEC president Clint Decker declined to reveal the amount, he said the fundraiser was “a huge success for this family.” “The reason we started DoEC is to help those in Elbert County who are unable to help themselves or who have an urgent need that we can support. When the fire hit the Owen family, we immediately knew we needed to do something to help,” said Decker. “We love our community and are proud to help when we can. It’s really just neighbors helping neighbors.” SEE FUNDRAISER, P14
MANGO MANIA
Businesses are all about the mango
P18