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Strive to Thrive o ers hot meal and assistance

The Strive to Thrive Resource Fair will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 25 from 4-6 p.m. at the Calvary Chapel, 1100 Caprice Drive in Castle Rock. Enjoy a free hot meal and access valuable resources from more than 20 different organizations. Individuals and families are welcome to attend. For more information visit douglas.co.us and search for Strive to Thrive.

Are you a Douglas County property owner?

Visit douglascotax.com to view parcel details, prior year payment history, pay taxes and more. Still have questions? Visit douglas.co.us/treasurer for additional information.

The Elizabeth Library property is likely to see improved paving and outdoor lighting, with plans also in the works to expand the back of the building and o er a large community meeting room. PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON

LIBRARY

“We want to have meeting rooms open to the public. Right now, there is no place in Elizabeth where you can have a large meeting without paying an arm and a leg. We only have one small meeting room right now, but we want to have a meeting room that can seat over 100 people and one to seat about half of that,” explained Krenek. “There are a whole bunch of subdivisions under construction now. People are moving into the area. We want to give the best service we can to the people in the county.”

Krenek also indicated that Pines & Plains Libraries is strongly considering expanding through the creation of a fi fth library branch, in addition to the current facilities in Elizabeth, Kiowa, Elbert and Simla. The new branch would serve the northwest high-density region of Elbert County.

“We’re looking into plans expanding into a fi fth library near Corral Market on Singing Hills Road. We’ve thought about building a stand-alone building, though with the cost, we are looking into a current structure,” said Krenek. “Once people become accustomed to going to that library, we will likely expand on it. All of those plans will be further discussed after the COVID situation is handled in the county, so hopefully early spring.”

In addition to these changes and the possible expansion, the fi rst project that the library board plans to tackle is to expand paving and outdoor lighting around the Elizabeth Library property. The board also plans to begin preliminary drawings for the inside renovations. “I suspect within the next 12 months there will be some major changes,” said Krenek.

When asked how the library system plans to pay for these renovations and possible expansion, Krenek said Pines & Plains is in a secure fi nancial state and will be ready to make the changes.

“We’re not sure if it’s going to be best to try to take out a loan to fund the operations or if we’re going to do it in phases as we can afford it. The board is trying to be very cautious and not extend ourselves,” said Krenek. “Financially, we’re in pretty good shape. We haven’t had to raise the mill levy since 2000. We just approved the new mill levy which was the same as last year.”

All these changes, however, come at a cost. The most recently approved budget for the library system reduced the compensation and hours of former administrative assistant and 20-year library employee Wendy Walp, who left to take a job with Kiowa-based drilling contractor PanTerra Energy.

Walp provided the Elbert County News with a statement that said in part:

“`Don’t be afraid to start all over again. You may like your new story better.’ I think this is perfect for where I’m at in my journey! I loved working at the Elbert County Library District for 20 years and saw myself staying there until I simply couldn’t work any longer. I didn’t think of it as a job. It was a way of life!”

Walp added that she “will always be an advocate for the library.”

The library board is interviewing for a member to fi ll a vacancy, who will be appointed by the Elbert County commissioners. The application can be found at tinyurl.com/pinesplains.

Let’s Talk...

We’re all going through a difficult time, but we’re doing it together. Resolve to stay connected, stay active, be kind to yourself. Check in regularly with friends and family especially if you know someone going through significant changes. Visit the COVID-19 page at letstalkco.org or hablemosco.org to learn more.

E-recycling: Sat.,Jan. 29

Douglas County residents may dispose of unwanted electronics free of charge at Techno Rescue, 3251 Lewiston St. in Aurora. Drop off weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and occasional Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proof of residency is required. For a list of acceptable items, Saturday drop-off dates and more visit

douglas.co.us/community-recycling

Funds available to veterans

Emergency assistance is available for veterans struggling with housing (mortgage/rent), transportation, employment, healthcare or other emergency needs. To apply for the veteran assistance funds visit douglasveterans.org or call 303-663-6200.

Interested in becoming a foster parent or adopting a child?

Information nights are open to anyone interested in learning about foster care and adoption. Information nights are free and via Zoom on Jan. 25 from 6-7:30 p.m. For information call 303.636.1KID or register online at collaborativefostercare.com and select

Information Night.

What’s happening with your County government?

Our commitment to open and transparent government includes online posting of information about public meetings at which the business of government is conducted. To view public meeting agendas, participate in-person or remotely, or watch select meetings via live stream visit douglas.co.us and search for Meetings and Agendas.