WEEK OF JULY 10, 2025
VOLUME 130 | ISSUE 19
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Commissioners reject Xcel application Utility can ask state to approve its Colorado Power Pathway plan BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Responder Relief Rodeo Queen Madison Montoya sits atop her horse, Juan.
PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY
Charity holds gymkhana in Elizabeth Responder Relief Foundation has more events planned this summer BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
For the first time ever, the Responder Relief Foundation organized a gymkhana this summer at the Casey Jones
Park in Elizabeth. A group of about 20 entrants gathered to compete in speed events like poles, the keyhole and barrel racing. Onlookers were supportive and enthusiastic, especially for the PeeWee class,
VOICES: 10 | CALENDAR: 14 | PUZZLES : 15
despite a few sprinkles of rain and gray clouds. Jaime Babcock, whose daughter Lexi participated in the June 24 gymkhana, said, “Lexi is always looking for a chance to ride and a weeknight in the summer is fun with horse friends! She is planning to rodeo in college so we try and get all the practice we can get and video for
college coaches!” Queen Madison Montoya and Princess McKinley Holden helped set the events and joined in cheering on the participants. Montoya said the Responder Relief Foundation exists to “honor, support, and stand beside the first responders who protect our SEE GYMKHANA, P4
The storm clouds above the Elbert County Fairgrounds were dark and foreboding as the Elbert County Board of County Commissioners met there on June 24. In the middle of the meeting, the public hearing for Xcel Energy’s Power Pathway 1041 Application, a tornado warning alarmed through the phones of the crowd in the Agricultural Building. The weather mirrored the mood in the room, full of people who came to comment on the billion-dollar pathway cutting through Elbert County, which would place 275 poles ranging from 104 to 140 feet tall over a span of 48 miles. After the meeting stretched into the next day, the three county commissioners unanimously voted to draw up a resolution denying Xcel’s application. Though the utility’s application was considered incomplete by the county, Xcel opted to move forward with the process anyway. In an update to the Elbert County Environmental Alliance, ECEA board member Kerry Jiblits said the public comment portion of the meeting was outstanding. “So many people showed up to share their stories and concerns,” she said. “Approximately 50 people spoke, and there were many who had signed up to speak but had to leave before their turn. The speakers were articulate and well spoken, and many shared very heartfelt stories, often being moved to tears during their impassioned speeches. State Representative Chris Richardson, Senator Rod Pelton, and Kim Monson, a radio talk show moderator, also spoke. Not one person spoke in favor of the project.” Anger and discontent
Speaker after speaker stepped up to voice their anger and discontent with the pathway, expressing feelings of frustration, distrust and sometimes helplessness. In general, county residents feel that any benefits to Elbert County don’t outweigh the risks or detriments the Power Pathway would bring. There are still concerns about SEE XCEL, P12
ELBERTCOUNTYNEWS.NET • A PUBLICATION OF COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA