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August 19, 2021
ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
ElbertCountyNews.net
VOLUME 126 | ISSUE 27
Elbert County COVID cases rise
Elbert County housing prices soar Median home value +17.8% since 2020 • Median sales price 2021: $638,832
Public health director stresses effectiveness of vaccines in disease fight Source: Zillow
BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
ing market to a car cruising down the interstate. Before the pandemic in 2019, all signs were stable and cruise control was set at 65 mph. In 2020, it slowed down to about 25 mph. In 2021, the market spun out of control, hitting 95 mph.
With the rise of the COVID-19 delta variant, Elbert County is seeing an increase in cases among residents. A “Public Health COVID-19 Situation Update” was released on Aug. 9 by Elbert County Public Health Director Dwayne Smith. In the update, Smith outlined the standing of COVID-19 in the county since July 29. During that span, there were 40 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, the majority occurring in the 80107, 80138 and 80117 ZIP codes. The 80107 zone includes Elizabeth, 80138 is
SEE HOUSING, P14
SEE COVID, P9
Graphic by Kayla Cornett/Colorado Community Media
Families being priced out of local housing market ‘California problem’ is impacting inventory and prices BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
It is no surprise that local families are feeling frustrated and burned out in the current hous-
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 10 | CALENDAR: PAGE 13
ing market, as national economist Elliot Eisenberg says Colorado is going through a “California problem.” In January, Eisenberg, of econ70. com, compared the Colorado hous-
New location
AMAZON IS NOW HIRING IN COMMERCE CITY
Scan to apply or visit amazon.com/startnow
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer.
FAIR ENDS ON HIGH NOTE
Elbert County livestock sale brings in record amount for young sellers P4