WEEK OF NOVEMBER 14, 2024
VOLUME 129 | ISSUE 37
$2
Brauchler is back in the DA business BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
When: Nov. 16, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Where: Casey Jones Pavilion, 4189 Highway 86 in Elizabeth For more information: elizabethchamber.org/events Come celebrate local veterans and
The first-ever district attorney of Colorado’s first new judicial district in decades will be George Brauchler, a Republican and former DA who wants to send a message to those who would commit crimes. “I want to tell folks, starting Jan. 1, if you come down here to victimize us, if you come down here to commit crimes against us, you should expect to be incarcerated,” Brauchler told Colorado Community Media. The former 18th District DA won election by a large margin over Democrat Karen Breslin in the new 23rd District — roughly 23 percentage points as of the afternoon Nov. 7, the most recent update as of the print deadline for this story. Brauchler The race encompassed a set of counties that made for a deep-red electorate. Speaking to CCM, Breslin said she wasn’t able to run as active a campaign as she had hoped. “I just congratulate Mr. Brauchler on his victory,” Breslin said. Colorado’s court system is made up of 22 judicial districts, and a new district is on the way. Currently, the 18th Judicial District includes Douglas, Arapahoe, Elbert and Lincoln counties. But state lawmakers — noting population growth and a political split in the region — decided to break it up, moving Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties into the new 23rd District. The 23rd Judicial District is set to launch in January 2025. The 18th Judicial District will then only include Arapahoe County. Residents of Arapahoe County voted in a separate race to select a new district attorney in the November election as well. A district attorney serves as the head prosecutor for a region of Colorado’s courts, also leading the prosecutors who work in that DA’s office. The office is responsible for prosecuting crimes that allegedly occur in the area. Brauchler, a longtime politician who has appeared on ballots in several elections, served eight years as DA for the 18th district, wrapping up his term in 2021. He lives in Douglas County. Breslin, who lives in Elbert County, teaches political science at the University of Colorado Denver. She is a practicing attorney with a focus on land use and environmental law, she said. Brauchler framed the election as about experience, saying Breslin has never been a prosecutor. If someone allegedly commits mass murder and the case goes to trial, “it won’t be my first one,” Brauchler has said. Brauchler’s time as DA for the 18th District was
SEE EVENTS, P12
SEE BRAUCHLER, P5
Elbert County Fair Royalty bundled up for the cold at the 2023 Elbert County Coalition for Outreach Christmas for Kids Kickoff and PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY Town of Kiowa Annual Tree Lighting. From left are Ava Hagan, Tabitha Cabrera and Lauralai Brammer.
Thrills amid chills in Elbert County Fall and winter events include craft fairs, parade, holiday happenings BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
November is underway and already a few delightful winter events and craft fairs have taken place. Elbert County was quick to kick-start the holiday season and get the community in the Christmas spirit. Luckily, there are yet more fun events to come. Here is a partial list of festive options for Elbert County residents.
Community Conversations — Holidays & Traditions
Elizabeth Middle School 41st Annual Craft Fair
When: Nov. 14, 2:30-4 p.m. Where: Elizabeth Library, 651 Beverly St. For more information: pplibraries. org/03c-adult-activities-resources Join in a monthly thoughtful and constructive discussion about topics that impact our community.
When: Nov. 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Elizabeth Middle School, 34427 County Road 13 For more information: Email emscraftfair@esdk12.org. Over 100 crafters to complete your holiday shopping list! Cookies by the pound will be available.
KPTCC Kiowa Craft Fair & ECCO’s Christmas For Kids Kickoff
First Annual Veterans Day Appreciation Event
When: Nov. 16, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Kiowa High School, 525 Comanche St. For more information: townofkiowa. colorado.gov/craft-fair Enjoy local shopping and pictures with Santa, as well as crafts, food, and bouncy houses.
VOICES: 10 | CALENDAR: 13 | LIFE: 14 | PUZZLES: 17
ELBERTCOUNTYNEWS.NET • A PUBLICATION OF COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA