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Week of April 27, 2023
ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
ElbertCountyNews.net
VOLUME 128 | ISSUE 11
Issues aired in Booth recall bid School board member, petitioners, community residents weigh in BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Elizabeth Stampede signs stand at the border of Elbert and Douglas counties.
smoothly and the 2023 Elizabeth Stampede is no different. As the rodeo approaches each year, the need for more volunteers grows. The Elizabeth Stampede is currently looking for more volunteers to help with several aspects of the events. From working security at the concert to hospitality, there is something for everyone. No rodeo knowledge or experience is required. “When you join our organization you will not just be a volunteer, you will be part of our Stampede family. Many of our volunteers have been showing up since they were youngsters and year after year they come back and make this rodeo the special community that it is,” said McClain. “It’s a great environment for families and a great way to meet people in the area. Whether you are looking to donate just a few hours of your time over Stampede weekend, or you would like to volunteer
At the Feb. 13 Elizabeth School Board meeting, Shawn McWhorter — a resident of Elizabeth School District — officially announced a move to recall school board member Heather Booth. Since the announcement, several concerned residents of the school district, as well as some district faculty and staff, have worked to oust Booth from the school board through recall efforts. In McWhorter’s Feb. 13 appearance before the board, he said Booth had violated policies on board conduct and the code of ethics as being grounds for recall. He also argued that she has displayed an attitude and acted in a way unbecoming of an elected official. “The public slandering of staff is unprofessional and unbecoming of an elected leader,” McWhorter said when introducing the recall. “She displays hostility to the school board, certain teachers, certain staff, certain students and certain community members. Elected officials have policies and procedures to follow. Her personal attacks, public slandering and bullying of staff members is in direct violation of these policies.”
SEE RODEO, P4
SEE RECALL, P6
PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON
Rodeo announces schedule
Elizabeth Stampede returning June 1-4 BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
The 36th annual Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo will take place at Casey Jones Park from June 1 through June 4. Filled with five exhilarating events, the Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo has something for every member of the family. The cherished “Rodeo in the Pines” is a longtime tradition for the rodeo community and people of Elizabeth. This year the Elizabeth Stampede celebrates 36 years and it is still going strong. “Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime resident, the first weekend in June at the Elizabeth Stampede is a weekend you don’t want to miss,” said Traci McClain, Elizabeth Stampede president.
“The moment you enter our gates, you will receive a warm Western welcome from our friendly, all-volunteer team. Take a stroll down our tree-lined vendor alley where you will find some of the most unique merchandise our area has to offer. End your walk at the food court where the tantalizing smells of turkey legs, BBQ and more will greet you. Grab a beverage and enjoy a competition between the top talent in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. End the day with music and pleasant conversation with your neighbors at our after rodeo dances.” The Elizabeth Stampede is the biggest, most-attended event in Elizabeth, with event tickets selling out quickly. Volunteering for the Stampede
Volunteers are the backbone of the Elizabeth Stampede. It takes countless people coming together to make each year’s events run
INSIDE: CALENDAR: PAGE 11 | VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14
TO BE CLEAR
Drinks may be mock but they rock P14