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June 26, 2014 Elbert County, Colorado | Volume 119, Issue 21 A publication of
elbertcountynews.net
Vets seek answers amid VA problems Legislation hopes to improve current standards in system By Vic Vela
vvela@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Mike Warner buries the newly laid cables for the new PA system at the Elbert County Fairgrounds. He has been with county maintenance for more than 15 years. Photos by Rick Gustafson
New PA system coming to fairgrounds Plan for facility mostly funded by state lottery By Rick Gustafson
Special to Colorado Community Media Work has begun to replace the antiquated public address system at the Elbert County Fairgrounds with a new, advanced system. According to Kyrei Zion, the Elbert County Fairgrounds event coordinator, the new bi-amplified system will provide clearer sound with capacity for increased volume, a much-needed improvement over the existing system, which has been repaired in a piecemeal fashion over the years. Zion expects the new system to be installed in time for the Cowboy Up in Kiowa Rodeo, to be held at the fairgrounds the last weekend in June. The fairground’s new public address system is just one element in the first phase of a three-phase master plan to upgrade the fairgrounds through 2023. Much of the phase-one work, which focuses primarily on the rodeo arena and surrounding earthworks, has already been completed. Construction of a new 700-seat covered grandstand and the installation of new bucking chutes was finished last year. Phase two calls for infrastructure renovations that will facilitate vehicle and pedestrian access, in addition to providing ADAcompliant parking. New public restrooms and a pavilion are also part of the second phase. Additional grandstand seating and an indoor arena will make up phase three. County Manager Ed Ehmann says the improvements, like the new PA system, are designed to enhance existing events such as the Elbert County Fair as well as add the upgrades, which will make the venue attractive
Additional grandstand seating and an indoor arena comprise Phase III of a master plan to upgrade the fairgrounds. for additional users. According to Ehmann, the facility has already seen an increase in bookings since the project began. In addition to the equestrian and agricultural events traditionally hosted by the fairgrounds, the renovations are expected to draw dog training and small animal shows, specialty trade and industry shows, and community events such as dances, senior functions and movie nights. Zion is enthusiastic about the improvements to the fairgrounds. “It will be a huge factor in marketing the arena,” she said. According to the master plan posted on the Elbert County website, the cost of all three phases of the plan is estimated to exceed $5.5 million over 12 years. According to Ehmann, some county money is slated for the project, but the majority of the funds come from state grants, CDOT transportation grants and the Conservation Trust Fund.
The Conservation Trust is funded by the Colorado Lottery and distributes 40 percent of net proceeds from lottery ticket sales to eligible county and municipal projects for development and improvements of parks, recreation and open space. The fairgrounds are also home to the Elbert County Extension Office and monthly meetings of Elbert County 4-H.
POSTAL ADDRESS
George Claggett was a Marine who lived by his own definition of karma. The Vietnam veteran believed that treating others well wasn’t about reciprocation; rather, it was a belief that his goodness would show up elsewhere, even if he wasn’t the one reaping the benefit. It’s a good thing that Claggett wasn’t expecting anything in return for his actions toward others, or for fighting in a war of which many wanted no part, because karma wasn’t there for him during the last months of his life — much of which was spent in frustration over his dealings with the Department of Veterans Affairs. “It was hell, absolute hell,” said Michael O’Brien, a close friend and Claggett’s power of attorney, when asked what it was like dealing with the VA system. According to O’Brien, Claggett would spend several weeks just trying to schedule an appointment to see a doctor at the VA hospital in Denver. When he would finally obtain appointments, he would sometimes have to wait for hours to see a doctor. Claggett, of Denver, also waited several weeks to receive lab results of a tumor that contributed to his death on May 2. He was 66. “It just seemed like all he was doing was waiting,” O’Brien said. Claggett’s story is one of many that have surfaced in recent weeks regarding systematic failures and corruption within the VA department. “I am absolutely stunned, particularly as a combat veteran, that this agency that’s entrusted to meet our obligations for those who served in uniform can be so incredibly incompetent... and be so corrupt,” said 6th Congressional District Rep. Mike Coffman, a Republican who served in the Iraq War. Last week, Coffman joined every other member of the House in voting for a bill that aims to address some of the issues that have caused veterans like Claggett to receive substandard care from their government. The legislation is a start, say members of Congress, to restructuring a government-run entity that has been failing its soldiers for a very long time. “I am so angry and disappointed,” said Rep. Ed Perlmutter, a Democrat who represents Colorado’s 7th Congressional District. “There are too many stories like that.”
Seeking better options for vets
Last week, the House gave unanimous approval to the Veterans Access to Care Act. The bill requires that the VA send veterans to private health providers when the department is unable to provide care within 14 days.
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Mike Warner buries cables for the new public address system at the Elbert County Fairgrounds.
Vets continues on Page 6