$1.00
August 26, 2021
ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
ElbertCountyNews.net
VOLUME 126 | ISSUE 28
Colo. vets who served in Afghanistan speak out on collapse They admit to ‘a lot of complex feelings’ about Taliban takeover Middle and high school students file onto an Elizabeth School District bus in Spring Valley Ranch.
PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON
School begins in Elbert County
Family shares excitement, worries as bells ring for new year BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
It is the start of a new school year in Elbert County and students are learning what the 2021-2021
academic year will hold for them. Elbert School District #200 began classes Aug. 11, the earliest in the county. Elizabeth schools began on Aug. 13 for sixth- and ninth-graders — giving them a chance to acclimate to their new surroundings and schedules — while the remainder of middle and high school students began on Aug. 16. Elizabeth Elementary Schools students began their year on Aug. 19. Kiowa Schools began the latest in the
Denver-based Steve Thomas Band, an ‘80s cover band that specializes in high-energy arena rock. Complimentary pizza, nachos and beverages were provided for attendees and child-centered activities were also available. “This is our fourth year coming to support the first responders,”
Colorado is home to thousands of soldiers and airmen, many of whom deployed to Afghanistan over the past 20 years — some of whom did not return or came back mentally and physically scarred by the conflict. The Taliban takeover of the South Asian country has left those veterans battling mixed emotions about their sacrifice. Some are frustrated that their service may have been in vain while others are elated to see U.S. troops leaving what they feel was a hopeless war. “This is a challenging time for U.S. combat veterans as we grapple with the meaning of the last 20 years and your service and your sacrifice,” U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, a Centennial Democrat and a veteran of the Afghanistan war, said Aug. 16 during a news conference. “You stood up, you raised your right hand and you served your country when you were called to do so and you should be proud of that. You made a difference in the lives of many people.” Nearly 2,500 American troops were killed in Afghanistan through April, including 40 who were from Colorado and 95 who were stationed at Fort Carson, per a Colorado Sun analysis.
SEE RESPONDERS, P8
SEE VETERANS, P2
county, with all students returning on Aug. 20. For the Thompson/Harrity family based out of Elizabeth, it is an exciting beginning of the school year. Devin Harrity and Michelle Thompson have four children attending three different schools within the Elizabeth School District: Riley Thompson (senior) and Kennedy Thompson (sophomore) SEE SCHOOL, P4
Community celebrates first responders Protectors of Elizabeth Tribute held at park BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Community members came together on Aug. 18 to celebrate first responders in the fourth annual
Protectors of Elizabeth Tribute, held in the park at 500 E. Kiowa Ave. Hundreds of community members were present to support Elizabeth Fire Rescue, the Elizabeth Police Department, the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado State Patrol. To highlight the tribute, live music was performed by the
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 10 | CALENDAR: PAGE 13 | LIFE: PAGE 14
BY JESSE PAUL THE COLORADO SUN
FINDING NEW OLD PLACES
Lesser-known historical sites abound across area
P14
