Elbert County News 022422

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Week of February 24, 2022

ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO

A publication of

ElbertCountyNews.net

VOLUME 127 | ISSUE 2

Police chief responds to talk about homeless Berghahn describes work of his department, best methods for helping

BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

A small portion of what is known as the County Road 178 project has been opened to the public. This stretch, where the road curves south to become CR 174 near Spring Valley Ranch, is the only part that can be used by motorists PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON

Road lawsuit gets green light

Judge rejects county’s bid to halt complaint over County Road 178

BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

A lawsuit claiming that Elbert County should not have approved a developer’s amended plan for

County Road 178 can continue to go forward in court, a judge ruled on Feb. 4.

Elbert County District Court Judge Gary M. Kramer rejected the county’s request to dismiss the lawsuit. The suit was initially filed in July 2021 by four people who live in the area of the Delbert Road/ County Road 178 intersection.

The lawsuit is part of a longfought battle by community members who are dissatisfied with

Elbert County leadership and the developer of the Spring Valley Ranch subdivision over the project’s roads.

The plaintiffs argue that the amended design for the road is inconsistent with county regulations and traffic laws, making the road extremely unsafe for drivers.

The plaintiffs demanded the following issues be resolved: SEE ROAD, P2

Schroeder facing lawsuit over copies of election hard drives Secretary of state seeks copies that Elbert County clerk says he gave to lawyers

BY MEGAN VERLEE COLORADO PUBLIC RADIO

Colorado’s secretary of state is going to court against a second Republican county clerk over the

question of what local election officials are legally allowed to do with their voting equipment.

On Feb. 17, Secretary of State Jena Griswold announced she is suing Elbert County Clerk and

INSIDE: CALENDAR: PAGE 7 | VOICES: PAGE 8 | LIFE: PAGE 10

Recorder Dallas Schroeder in an attempt to seize two copies of the county’s election equipment hard drives he made last year, and to force him to answer more questions.

Griswold is already engaged in a legal case against Mesa County SEE SCHROEDER, P15

Following a recent flurry of comments about homelessness on an Elizabeth-area Facebook page — sparked by a resident’s post complaining about a person at the Elizabeth Walmart who appeared to be homeless — town Police Chief Melvin Berghahn engaged in a Q&A with the Elbert County News regarding issues around homelessness.

The terms “homeless” and “suffering from houselessness” are used interchangeably below.

Is there some sort of town policy about this? Or general way y’all handle people experiencing homelessness?

The police department will always help the best we can. This includes helping the homeless address any current pressing concern and trying to help them get on the right track.

In the past we have purchased gasoline for vehicles, we have purchased food, and given rides. Together with a mental health provider, Elizabeth officers connect people who are homeless with community groups, including churches, food banks, shelters, and veteran organizations.

We also help people who are unsheltered with smaller tasks, whether that’s getting an ID, finding warmth for the night, or even paying for a ride, hotel, or meal to make sure they are safe going forward.

SEE HOMELESS, P6

REACHING READERS

Book clubs are no longer just confined to living rooms P10

2 Elbert County News

February 24, 2022

ROAD FROM PAGE 1

1. Posted speed and design speed 2. Intersection spacing 3. Acceleration and deceleration lanes 4. Entering sight distance 5. Decision sight distance 6. Shoulder widths and surface 7. Shoulder slope 8. Culvert size 9. Traffic analysis report Judge Kramer’s Feb. 4 decision came two days after a hearing on Elbert County’s motion to dismiss the complaint.

The county argued that no legally protected rights were violated due to CR 178 road construction. They also argued that the court could not require the commissioners to make changes to the approved plan.

At the hearing, plaintiffs Christopher Hatton and Kahl Forington claimed that their property had suffered damage as a result of road construction.

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Hatton claimed his property had experienced land erosion and flooding due to the road grading not allowing for proper drainage.

In his Feb. 4 ruling, Kramer determined that the plaintiffs may be suffering harm to their legally protected rights as a result of allegedly non-compliant road construction.

The lawsuit will move forward. Depending on the facts of the case (e.g., harm suffered and road compliance), the court might order Elbert County and the Board of County Commissioners to change the permits or modify the road.

According to Elbert County Road & Bridge, County Road 178 was complete as of Dec. 31. A list of item corrections has been provided to the construction contractor. As soon as the corrections are made, acceptance of the roads will commence and the roadways will be open to the public.

To read the July 11, 2021 article on the initial filing, visit tinyurl. com/ECNCR178.

The intersection of County Road 178 and Delbert Road is closed pending contractor correcPHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON tions. The road was completed in December.

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Elbert County News 3

February 24, 2022

Mesa Clerk Tina Peters seeks state’s top election spot Republican announces candidacy on a show

by Steve Bannon

Help shape the future of Douglas County Parks

BY JESSE PAUL THE COLORADO SUN

Embattled Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, who was arrested recently on charges of obstructing a peace officer and obstructing government operations, said she is running to become Colorado’s top election official.

Peters, a Republican, announced her candidacy to become Colorado secretary of state on Feb. 14 on a show run and hosted by Steve Bannon, the controversial former adviser to former President Donald Trump. Bannon was indicted in recent months on suspicion of being in contempt of Congress.

“Colorado deserves a secretary of state who will stand up to the Biden administration that wants to run our country into the ground with nationalized elections,” she said.

Peters is under grand jury investigation for a security breach of her county’s election system after she allegedly allowed an unauthorized person to attend a sensitive Dominion Voting Systems software update and facilitate the digital copying of her election system.

Peters, who has spread conspiracy theories about the 2020 presidential election being stolen, has not formally filed to run to be Colorado secretary of state. She was initially running for reelection to a second four-year term as Mesa County’s clerk and recorder.

She cannot simultaneously run for both positions.

There are a few other Republicans running this year to be Colorado’s secretary of state, including Pam Anderson, Jefferson County’s former clerk and recorder and the former leader of the Colorado County Clerks Association. Ander-

Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters speaks during the Truth and Justice Rally at the old Mesa County Courthouse on December 1, 2021, in Grand Junction.

PHOTO BY HUGH CAREY

son has been critical of Peters and has rejected baseless claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen.

Anderson and Peters are running to unseat Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, a Democrat.

Peters was barred from having an oversight role in the 2021 election because of the ongoing local, state and federal criminal investigations into her conduct. Griswold is seeking to bar her from having an oversight role in the 2022 election.

Griswold on Feb. 14 called Peters “unfit” to be secretary of state and “a danger to Colorado elections.”

“Peters compromised voting equipment to try to prove conspiracies, costing Mesa County taxpayers nearly $1 million dollars,” Griswold said. “She works with election deniers, spreads lies about elections, was removed from overseeing the 2021 Mesa County election, and is under criminal investigation by a grand jury. Colorado needs a secretary of state who will uphold the will of the people; not one who embraces conspiracies and risks Coloradans’ right to vote.”

SEE PETERS, P6

Are you a resident of Douglas County with a passion for parks and a heart for service and live in Commissioner District I – Parker, Lone Tree, Acres Green communities? If your answer is yes, consider applying for one of three vacancies on the Douglas County Parks Advisory Board. Applications must be received by Feb. 28. Members serve in an advisory role to the Board of Douglas County Commissioners and Parks, Trails and Building Grounds Division. For more information and to apply visit Douglas.co.us and search Parks Advisory Board.

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 remote via Zoom on Feb. 28 from 6-7:30 p.m. For information call 303.636.1KID or register online at collaborativefostercare.com and select Information Night.

Business Personal Property Tax Declarations due by April 15 2022 Business Personal Property Tax Declarations may be filed online at DouglasFilesOnlineorg Business owners who own or lease business personal property with a total market value of greater than $50,000 must report the property to the County Assessor (valuation was raised in the 2021 legislative session from $7,900 to $50,000). For more information visit douglas.co.us/assessor

Live Town Hall meetings Did you know Douglas County offers Live Town Hall meetings, inviting you to engage in the local issues of importance to you and your neighbors? Register at douglas.co.us/townhall to ensure you are contacted about all future Live Town Halls – it’s always your choice whether or not to participate. Registering will also allow you to receive surveys so that you may share what topics YOU want to hear more about.

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Nominate a special teenager for a 2022 Youth Initiative Award Do you know a Douglas County teenager, between the ages of 13 and 19, who has overcome adversity and created positive change in their lives, as well as the lives of others? Nominate them for a 2022 Douglas County Outstanding Youth Award by March 4. Visit Douglas.co.us and @douglascountyco search Youth Awards.

Visit douglas.co.us

4 Elbert County News

February 24, 2022

Colorado deactivates crisis standards for health care system The standards provided guidance and liability protection during periods of high stress

BY JOHN INGOLD THE COLORADO SUN

Hospitals statewide are deactivating crisis standards and COVID numbers continue to PHOTO BY JOHN INGOLD decline.

Colorado on Feb. 17 deactivated so-called crisis standards of care for the health care system, another sign of the improving pandemic and the state’s move toward handling COVID as a normal part of life.

Crisis standards of care provide guidance and liability protection to health care workers when they are dealing with situations where they don’t have enough resources to treat patients at the level they normally would. The state has a number of crisis standards plans, covering everything from hospice and behavioral health care to care at hospitals.

The two plans deactivated deal with how hospitals can operate when staffing levels are strained and how emergency medical services can operate when they are receiving a high demand for their services. The plans, for instance, allowed hospitals to operate with higher staffing ratios than they normally would, and allowed EMS services to focus on being available for emergency calls over time-consuming patient transfers.

The state has never activated the most well-known plan, which covers how hospitals choose which patients receive potentially lifesaving treatment when there are not enough resources to go around.

Colorado now has no crisis standards of care in effect.

“The decision to deactivate these standards is based on recent modeling and steadily declining cases and hospitalizations, suggesting the immediate strain COVID-19 places on Colorado should continue to decrease in the coming weeks,” Dr. Eric France, the chief medical officer at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, said in a statement.

The deactivation comes amid increasing hope that the pandemic

is relaxing its grip in the state. The average number of new infections being reported per day is the lowest it has been since August. So is the number of people in the hospital with confirmed cases of COVID. The average percentage of COVID tests coming back positive is approaching the state’s goal of no more than 5%.

Hospitals remain very full, with about 90% of the state’s staffed intensive care and acute care beds currently in use. But hospitals say they are starting to feel a little less pressure, though more than a third of hospitals say they are expecting to face a staffing shortage in the coming week.

“We recognize that health care systems continue to face challenges due to chronic staffing issues across the economy, and we thank health care workers for their service protecting Coloradans throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” France said in his statement.

In early February, the state’s Combined Hospital Transfer Center, which helps move patients around when space is tight, moved to its lowest level of activation. When Pitkin County’s mask mandate ends on Feb. 22, there will no longer be any county-wide mask orders in effect in the state.

State health officials projected “cautious optimism” about the spread of COVID in the state, noting infections and hospitalizations were decreasing and that an estimated 90% of state residents are now immune to the highly transmissible omicron variant.

Most are also protected against severe disease, state epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy said.

Though the state continues to recommend that people wear masks indoors, lower disease rates suggest Colorado could soon return to a “more normal phase of living,” with residents able to make their own decisions about mask usage, COVID-19 Incident Commander Scott Bookman said.

“We’re moving to a spot of personal choice coming up, I think, into March,” he said. “For those who are all up to date on their vaccine in their household, I think we’re reaching a point where they SEE STANDARDS, P5

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February 24, 2022

STANDARDS FROM PAGE 4

are going to be able to go back to living their lives with a bit more normalcy. For those who have vulnerable people in their home, for people who work with vulnerable populations, we may still need to

see more precaution.”

This story is from The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support The Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun. com. The Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.

TURN TO THE COLORADO SUN FOR NEWS ACROSS THE STATE The Colorado Sun is a journalist-owned, award-winning news outlet that strives to cover all of Colorado so that our state — our community — can better understand itself.

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Now, The Colorado Sun co-owns this and other Colorado Community Media newspapers as a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy. The Sun is CCM’s partner for statewide news.

For Colorado Sun stories, opinions and more, and to support The Sun’s misssion as a member or subscriber, visit coloradosun.com.

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6 Elbert County News

February 24, 2022

HOMELESS

RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS

FROM PAGE 1

BEST OF THE BEST

2022 BEST OF THE

BEST VOTING STARTS MARCH 1!

ElbertCountyNews.net To provide the most accurate results by geographical area, Colorado Community Media does not require, but does encourage readers to vote for businesses in their immediate local community. All nominated businesses have an equal opportunity of winning, no purchase required. Please see voting website for complete contest rules and regulations.

Many times, we will have medical professionals check on them to help ensure they are healthy and safe. The initial check is at no cost and helps greatly as we go forward with helping find resolution and resources.

It is important we, as police, advocate for the homeless. Officers are well equipped to venture into dangerous situations and can deal with complicated predicaments and capitalize on resources as needed.

It’s not always safe to get involved with difficult circumstances.

Historically police departments have dealt with homeless concerns by capitalizing on the penal code.

Our approach is to get involved, get people off the street, and eliminate the problem they may cause by getting services and resources introduced.

Do you have any suggestions for residents who encounter people experiencing homelessness while in Elizabeth?

A few things people can do for the unfortunate and homeless is to get to know them. Spend time with them. Ask them their names and remember them. Tell them yours.

Shake their hands. Be open and friendly. Allow them to tell their stories. Listen. Remember.

The unfortunate and homeless are our equals. Honor them, respect them, and treat them with respect and care. Feel honored that they are willing to share their lives with you.

Find out from them what they most need. Your presence may be at the top of the list.

If you’re giving them “stuff,” personally hand it out. Remember. you’re “sharing,” be it your time or your stuff. If you distribute food, small items that can be held in the hand and that don’t need plates, silverware, ovens, or refrigerators work best. Give them new socks and underwear. Bag them individually in Ziploc bags, marked with the size.

Give hotel size, single-use toiletries like soap, lotion, shampoo, razors (bag one or two disposable razors in Ziploc snack size bags) and so on.

Give them clean clothes, blankets, and similar items that are in good condition. Launder and fold them and label them with sizes. Dirty clothes and blankets usually end up in a dumpster.

Find toothbrushes that have covers. Many of the unfortunate and homeless have significant dental problems and cannot eat items that require a mouth filled with good teeth, such as apples. They can usually handle bananas, tangerines, and oranges. Always take bottles

PETERS FROM PAGE 3

Griswold has already been invoking Peters in fundraising emails for her 2022 election, pointing to Peters as the reason why voters should elect to her another term as Colorado’s top election official.

Peters’ arrest came as she was being investigated for allegedly filming a court hearing for her deputy, Belinda Knisley, who is facing felony

Elizabeth Police Chief Melvin Berghahn, in a Q&A with the Elbert County News, provided this list of resources for people experiencing homelessness:

Elizabeth Police Chief Melvin Berghahn, shown as one of the volunteer judges in a January Elizabeth School District spelling bee, says people experiencing homelessness should be treated with respect and FILE PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON care.

of water, regardless of the time of year. Dehydration is also a common problem among the homeless.

Gift cards are a safe choice. You will know what your financial help is going to.

Are there things that people should not do when in encounters with those suffering from houselessness?

A few things not to do for the unfortunate and homeless. Never give them money. If they tell you they need it to buy a specific item, buy the item for them.

Never tell them your address or take them to your home.

Don’t go alone. Don’t go in large groups. Groups of three to five work best. Don’t go after dark. Mid-morning to midafternoon works best.

Do not drop off cases of bakery products, such as loaves of bread, packages of rolls, whole cakes and pies, packages of frozen dough, unbaked pizzas, and so on. Most of this will end up in the garbage.

Try to avoid giving out “packets” of items, such as a toothbrush, lotion, apple, socks and soap, unless you tell them what is in the packet and ask them which of those items they need. Otherwise, they sort through the packet after you’ve left and throw away the items they don’t want.

Don’t take your wallet or purse or wear expensive jewelry or clothing.

Don’t give them new clothing, with a few exceptions (socks, underwear, and possibly shoes).

Three reasons why not to give new items: A. Expensive new items may endanger them in areas with high populations of street people, where it is likely they’ll be mugged (and possibly beaten) and lose that new coat you gave them. and misdemeanor charges. The Associated Press reports Peters is accused of resisting police efforts to seize the iPad she allegedly used to record the hearing.

Peters allegedly tried to kick an officer who was trying to arrest her, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.

David Winney, a Colorado Springs man who also has questioned the results of the 2020 presidential election, and Mike O’Donnell, a nonprofit executive who lives in Kirk, are also running for the GOP secretary of

General resources • Family Promise of Greater Denver familypromiseofgreaterdenver.org • Haven of Hope: Jay Gould Center thoh.org • New Genesis: Transnational Community for the Homeless newgenesis.org • Colorado Coalition for the Homeless coloradocoalition.org • The Delores Project thedeloresproject.org • The Salvation Army salvationarmyusa.org/usn/provideshelter • Denver Rescue Mission denverrescuemission.org Elbert County-specific resources • Elizabeth Presbyterian Church Food Bank elizabethpc.org • Elbert County Public Health elbertcounty-co.gov/206/PublicHealth (For county resources, food stamps WIC, health and well-being) • Elbert County Human Services elbertcounty-co.gov/208/HumanServices (For local food and cash assistance) • Elbert County Coalition Outreach: eccoinkiowa.com • Elbert County Workforce Center: tinyurl.com/ECresc B. They frequently sell those items to raise cash to fund their habits.

C. Many do not have access to laundromats. When the sweatshirt you gave them gets filthy, if they can lay their hands on another one, they’ll throw the filthy one in the trash.

Do you see the homelessness/houselessness issue shifting in Elizabeth as a result of the development and growing population? Why and how?

The Town of Elizabeth is not seeing a shift. With the practices and interventions that can be offered to others, it reduces the likelihood of seeing it in Elizabeth in the future.

While being able to provide resources, such as alcohol/substance abuse counseling, we can provide resources for food assistance, financial assistance, and housing assistance.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office is a resource to also help prevent someone from becoming homeless. Along with the listed resources we have a good plan going forward to help those in need. state nomination. O’Donnell objects to Election Day voter registration and claims that many registered voters aren’t citizens.

Colorado’s primary will be held June 28.

This story is from The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support The Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com. The Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.

Elbert County News 7

February 24, 2022

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8 Elbert County News

I

LOCAL

What happened to debate?

n recent years, it is becoming more and more clear that we have lost the ability to debate, discuss and compromise. As a society, it feels more like we have settled into our own ideals, accept only the information that proves those and reject anyFROM THE thing that might have us think about another side.

EDITOR To see evidence of how bad this has gotten, you need to look no further than the Douglas County School Board. On Feb. 4, I sat through the more than threehour meeting where board members dug in their heels, not accepting any responsibility for the events that have transpired and doing nothing but trying to make it clear why the other side was wrong.

Thelma Grimes In reality, there is plenty of blame to go around for both the minority and majority members.

To the majority, with the deciding votes in hand, you really could not just wait and hold public hearings? You really could not just give it some time to sort out?

To the minority, can you really tell yourselves the Jan. 31 meeting was not a publicity stunt? In what world did you think that tactic was going to help a superintendent fighting for his job?

Either way, both sides voiced their opinions and showed that good debate and compromise are not going to happen.

As with most elected boards across the country, decisions are made solely by whichever side holds the majority at the moment. How can good, common-sense rules and legislation be made when our elected officials fail to compromise and listen to each other?

No wonder election cycles keep bringing in new majorities. People get tired of what’s going on and decide they’ll vote in the other side in the next election. The following election, they are still tired and vote for another side.

It is not just elected officials either. Look at how citizens are behaving. For some reason, social media has given us all this massive ego where we are not afraid to say and do whatever it takes to make our point. We watch only the news station that validates our viewpoints.

When someone comes back with another point-of-view, the go-to reaction is to attack, call names and be as mean as possible.

For proof of this, look no further than the Littleton School District. How in the world does someone think a death threat is warranted over a vaccine clinic? Why does a superintendent need to threatened for doing what he believes is best for his students?

When did we lose the ability to see another point-ofview?

For those of us who try hard to see the middle, it becomes harder and harder to dig through the rhetoric and form an opinion based on facts. How do we know what the facts are when so much information is spewed out there everywhere? How can we truly know facts when we only look to find the information that proves our viewpoints are valid?

To stop the cycle, I challenge you to start considering the other side. Even when it is hard, think about another viewpoint. Or start watching a news channel you generally disagree with. I started doing this last year and have been impressed with the amount of information I would not have considered had I not considered another side.

Thelma Grimes is the South Metro Editor for Colorado Community Media.

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February 24, 2022

VOICES

T

Making a difference one person at a time

here are plenty of books, blogs, podcasts and online sites and resources that speak to the power of making a difference, one person at a time.

And I must share with you that I am a big believer in WINNING this philosophy.

WORDS Having been blessed to work and travel with Zig Ziglar, one of the world’s greatest motivators and encouragers, I had the opportunity to witness Zig live this philosophy. Whether it was an arena full of people or a small venue or company event, Zig would always Michael Norton say that even if we only changed one life that day, the day would be a complete success. Of course, Zig had such a positive impact on so many over the years, that it was always more than just one person.

The world is full of people who make a positive difference in the lives of others every single every day. And they are by no means authors, experts or motivational

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speakers. As a matter of fact, most are just everyday people who know how to lift others up, offering hope and encouragement along the way. People who go out of their way to see that others are taken care of in times of need.

A gentleman who I work with shared his life story recently. He put together a brief presentation that he shared with a couple of our customers where he shared what he called his “Moments in Time.” As brief as his story was, it was loaded with powerful examples of the people who stepped up in his life and had a positive impact on his life. These were true difference makers.

If you were to meet him today and look at what he has accomplished in his life, from being a decorated Marine serving our country, a highway patrolman, a top performing salesman, and a top performing vice president, you would never guess that he was a guy who needed a hand up, guidance, or hope and encouragement in his life. But the truth is we all do, and those people who provided support to Kim

Columnists & Guest Commentaries Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Elbert County News.

We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com Deadline Wed. for the following week’s paper.

SEE NORTON, P12 ELBERT COUNTY NEWS (USPS 171-100) A legal newspaper of general circulation in Elizabeth, Colorado, the Elbert County News is published weekly on Thursday

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Elbert County News 9

February 24, 2022

Colorado kids as young as 10 are being locked up

BY JENNIFER BROWN THE COLORADO SUN

Elementary school kids as young as 10 are sent to juvenile lockup in Colorado, one of 15 states that sets that age as the minimum to face prosecution.

Now, a coalition of child advocates is attempting to raise the bar to age 13.

More than 650 times, kids ages 10-12 were locked up in juvenile detention centers in Colorado from 2015-19, even though all but two of them were released after being deemed not dangerous enough to stay behind bars, according to data from the Colorado Division of Youth Services. On average, those kids stayed in lockup for about 11 days before they were sent home.

Being handcuffed and thrown in detention, no matter how long the stay, is traumatizing and increases the likelihood that a child will return to detention or adult prison, say advocates of raising the prosecution age to 13. A bill scheduled for its first hearing later this month at the state Capitol would prohibit the prosecution of 10-, 11- and 12-year olds, except in cases of homicide.

The proposal is raising concern among prosecutors and law enforcement officials, who say that arrests of elementary school children are rare and already handled with discretion.

Plus, children in the juvenile justice system are getting therapy and other services that they likely would not get otherwise, and until Colorado has a better plan to help those kids, the state should back off from such a massive policy change, they urged.

The proposal mimics a 2018 California law that banned prosecution of younger children except for murder and rape. It also would raise the age to 14 years old from 12 that a child could face prosecution in adult court in Colorado.

The push is aimed at revamping the juvenile justice system so that kids aren’t branded criminals “for exhibiting behaviors that are consistent with their developmental stage in life,” said Dafna Gozani, senior policy attorney for the National Center for Youth Law. Children who are minorities and those who’ve been abused are more likely to get arrested and locked up, where they face more violence, she said.

Also, Black children are way overrepresented in the juvenile justice system in Colorado and nationwide.

Of the 417 children who were detained in Colorado in a five-year span, 81 of them, or 19.4% were Black, according to state data. Less than 7% of 10-12 year olds in Colorado are Black, however.

Also, 80% of the young kids held in juvenile detention were there for nonviolent offenses, including 15% of them for trespassing or criminal mischief, Gozani said.

The effort, whose prime sponsors include Democratic Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Republican Sen. Don Coram, is part of a national movement to “end the criminalization of youth,” including attempts to keep prosecutors from charging juveniles as adults, said Apryl Alexander, an association professor of psychology at The University of Denver. A bill that failed last year would have prevented elementary school children from being handcuffed on school grounds.

Children who are arrested and held in detention, even for a few days, are labeled as criminals by peers and often treated differently when they return to school, she said. Many were already victims of abuse, bullying and neighborhood violence before they were arrested, she said.

“Why don’t we get them treatment instead of incarcerating them?” asked Alexander, who is also the director of the Denver FIRST Juvenile Justice Project. “The juvenile justice system was intended to be rehabilitative.”

But Tom Raynes, executive director of the Colorado District Attorneys’ Council, said the proposal represents a massive policy change that actually might harm children. Entering the juvenile justice system triggers a host of therapy and treatment options, in juvenile centers or in the community, that children otherwise would not receive, he said. And other agencies — such as child protective services — are not equipped to handle an influx of kids who get in trouble but never enter the juvenile justice system, he said.

The data showing that children stay an average of 11 days, and that almost all of them are released, proves that prosecutors are more interested in getting kids services than on putting them behind bars, he said.

“This is a significant policy shift,” said Raynes, who previously was district attorney for the 7th District, which includes Gunnison and Ouray.

“I’m not averse to getting more kids out from the juvenile justice system umbrella, but we have to build the alternative first.”

Besides, Raynes said, prosecutors and law enforcement already handle cases involving elementary school children “very carefully and with discretion.” A statewide mandate that prohibits them from making caseby-case decisions is not necessary, he said.

Colorado is one of 15 states that prohibits prosecution of kids under 10, and 28 states have no minimum age, Raynes said.

“Is it an eye-opener for an 11-yearold to be arrested? It is,” he said. “But hopefully through the services and therapy, we intervene in a positive manner.”

Prosecutors also want discretion regarding which cases are suited for adult court, he said. In one egregious case, a 12-year-old boy in Burlington shot and killed his parents and tried to kill his younger brother and sister in 2011. He was sentenced to seven years in the juvenile system.

Instead of the legislation as written, Raynes said he will push for a study of how best to handle the youngest offenders, including a vetting of the issue by the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice.

Colorado Counties, Inc., is also against the bill, concerned that it will prevent children from getting mental health treatment. “Making this policy change in the absence of building out the continuum of services has the potential to push children into the child welfare system when there are no signs of abuse and neglect,” said Gini Pingenot, director of external affairs for the association.

Data collected by Colorado Counties found 677 children ages 10-12 were arrested in Colorado in 2021, about half of them for crimes against people.

Stacie Nelson Colling, with the Colorado Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel, which represents kids in court, called the number of elementary age children held in lockup “heartbreaking.”

“I hear stories of a kid’s handcuffs sliding off their arms because they are too big. Their feet don’t hit the ground when they sit in a chair,” she said. “They’re terrified.”

Phillip Roybal was one of those kids. At age 12, in his third week of eighth grade, he was arrested on campus for a property crime he committed outside of school, and expelled from school. Roybal recalled the shame he felt getting handcuffed at school. Now 27, he’s the youth organizing manager for Colorado Circles for Change, which helps minority children who have been in the juvenile justice system or whose families reach out for help.

Roybal spent his high school years in youth corrections, eventually earning his GED at age 19. As a kid, he didn’t see his life as traumatic – even though he was raised by a single father who had recently gotten out of a prison while his mother, who was addicted to heroin, was in prison.

“I didn’t see those as traumatic ex-

periences because that was baseline for what I knew, “ he said. “I was left to my own decisions. And at 12 years old, I didn’t have the capacity to make those right decisions.”

While it’s true that many kids don’t access treatment services until they are in criminal trouble, that’s not how it should work, Roybal said. Colorado should address that access to treatment as it raises the prosecution age to 13, he said.

The bill says that law enforcement could take children age 10 and up into temporary custody for safety reasons and then refer them to other services, and that the state would use existing youth detention funding to pay for those services.

“What are we waiting for?” he asked. “Are we waiting for other youth to overdose, to be lost within the juvenile justice system? We are tired of waiting.”

This story is from The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support The Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com. The Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.

Memory In Loving

Place an Obituary for Your Loved One. 303-566-4100 obituaries@coloradocommunitymedia.com Self placement available online at ElbertCountyNews.net

10 Elbert County News

LOCAL

February 24, 2022

LIFE

Hermitage offers countless hardcover books, many of which are collectible.

PHOTOS BY OLIVIA JEWELL LOVE

BY OLIVIA JEWELL LOVE OLOVE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

B

ook clubs are no longer confined to living rooms, and bookstores offer much more than just books with a whole new realm opening up for gatherings centered around reading.

When entering Hearthfire Books and Treats in Evergreen, shoppers are greeted by a bright green wall of frozen yogurt machines and a topping bar. The shop also offers coffee, smoothies and shakes.

Owner Kappy Kling believes she has created more than just a store but a space for community. “[It’s] a little oasis for kids and adults to be able to congregate and hang out,” she said.

Kling sees many bookstores modifying their business models to attract new customers.

“Bookstores over the years, with changes, have adapted by adding different things for engagement, especially smaller ones (bookstores),” she said. “So for us, the frozen yogurt was a big one of those.”

Hearthfire attracts a big afterschool crowd from the local schools, and Kling enjoys providing a safe place for kids to hang out, have a snack and read.

“It kind of gives these kids a little freedom,” she said. “It allows them to be themselves.”

Creating community is also a central focus at BookBar on Tennyson Street in Denver.

Nearly nine years ago, Nicole Sullivan was wishing she could have a book club meeting any-

The children’s reading area at Hermitage Antiquarian Bookstore is a favorite for owner Robert Topp.

where besides someone’s living room, and from that thought, BookBar was born.

The popular bookstore offers wine, coffee and small plates to enjoy while reading and browsing books.

Beyond just book club meetings, Sullivan says the shop sees

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a lot of first dates, girls’ nights, professional meetings and remote work.

The pandemic has had its effect on all businesses, especially food and drink service. But when the going got tough for that side of the business, books had BookBar’s back. Book sales kept the

PHOTO BY OLIVIA JEWELL LOVE

business operating until more of the nontraditional features of the shop — food and drink — could return safely.

Sullivan says she thinks there is one secret to the continued success of bookstores.

SEE BOOKSTORE, P11

Elbert County News 11

February 24, 2022

BOOKSTORE

TAKE OUT

FROM PAGE 10

“The future of bookstores is community bookstores,” Sullivan said.

And Sullivan is doing her part to ensure that. She not only owns BookBar but also The Bookies bookstore at 4315 E. Mississippi Ave. in Glendale. Together, the two independent bookstores have become a Public Benefit Corporation, offering the benefits of literacy, environmental sustainability, freedom of expression and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Sullivan also has created a nonprofit called BookGive with 10% of book sales from both stores going to this organization. BookGive aims to get books into the hands of people who need them at schools, nursing homes, homeless shelters and more.

The group has donated nearly 100,000 books since its inception.

Some bookstores, like Hermitage Antiquarian Bookstore in the Cherry Creek area of Denver, are sticking to a more traditional model, however.

Robert Topp has owned his book business for nearly 50 years, making it the oldest independent bookstore with one owner in the city.

His store only offers hardback books, and 20% of the inventory is considered collectible.

While he may not have changed his business model, Topp does see a changing audience in his store.

He originally thought his customers would grow old with him, but

BookBar is a common venue for book clubs, girls’ nights and first dates.

instead, he has seen something different.

“Saturdays, it’s almost everyone under 40,” he said.

He laughed and said one misconception about young readers is that they only read Stephen King. Topp thinks people are generally too hard on young readers.

“Too many people take a cynical attitude toward kids with reading,” he said. “My attitude towards young people with reading has always been very optimistic.”

So optimistic in fact, he has dedicated much of his time to reading to them. Topp founded Read Me a Story, Ink after reading to children in public schools for nearly 30 years. His website features recordings of Topp reading stories aloud and over a thousand stories for others to read. He also has a podcast available on major platforms that feature him reading stories

PHOTO BY OLIVIA JEWELL LOVE

fit for the classroom, bedtime and more.

Topp says the internet has made a huge change in the way he does business. Besides his children’s site, Hermitage also enjoys a strong online bookselling business, which has only benefited the store.

When it comes to a bookstore model that works, Topp says one thing trumps all.

“I still think the most important thing is customer service,” he said.

In online reviews, customers rave about the special attention Topp gives to people, often remembering their favorite topics and emailing them when he finds something they might enjoy.

Topp says some businesses have rotating staff, but his employees have been with him for the long haul.

“We have a collective 150 years book experience,” he said.

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12 Elbert County News

February 24, 2022

C R O S SWO R D P U Z Z L E

NORTON FROM PAGE 8

“Sarge” Harrington probably have helped countless others too, one person at a time.

“It is more noble to give yourself completely to one individual than to labor diligently for the salvation of the masses” - Dag Hammarskjold I know that as I look back on my own life, I too can name the people who have always been right by my side. I can name the people who had such a positive influence on what I would do personally and professionally, and who and what I would eventually become. And I thank them all regularly.

What are those moments in time for you? Who are those people who make up those moments in time for you? When you think about them, what do you specifically remember and appreciate? What I have found is most of us who have received a blessing from a positive difference maker in our lives is that we typically go out and try and be a difference maker for others.

So, let’s go back to “Sarge” Harrington. After all those people who contributed to his life taking on new meaning, he himself went on to serve our country. He served as a police officer. He served all of his clients as a top salesperson. And he continues to lift up and motivate the team he leads today. He volunteers in his community, and he gives back all the time. And he gives back one person at a time. He is a difference maker.

So how about you? Where can you make a difference? Do you feel like it must be a big gesture of difference making or can you buy into the fact that we can all contribute to the greater good by being a difference maker, even if it is just one person at a time? I would love to hear your story at mnorton@tramazing. com, and when we can be someone else’s moment in time, it really will be a better than good year.

Michael Norton is the grateful CEO of Tramazing.com, a personal and professional coach, and a consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator to businesses of all sizes.

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Elbert County News 13

February 24, 2022

COLORADO COMMUNIT Y MEDIA

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Elbert County News 15

February 24, 2022

SCHROEDER FROM PAGE 1

Clerk Tina Peters over her involvement in the copying of that county’s election hard drives.

Griswold argues Peters jeopardized election security and should be barred from overseeing this year’s vote. A third inquiry involving the Douglas County clerk was closed Feb. 10 after he answered the state’s questions.

The situation with Clerk Schroeder began with a lawsuit against Griswold.

Among many things, the suit, which Schroeder is party to, argues that postelection software Schroeder updates to the state’s voting equipment destroy “election records” that clerks are required to maintain.

The updates, referred to as a “trusted build” process, have become a target of conspiracy theorists pushing false claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. They claim Denverbased Dominion Voting Systems used the updates to hide evidence of wrongdoing. Election software experts say data from Mesa County’s hard drive shows no evidence of that.

An affidavit in the lawsuit against Griswold revealed that Schroeder made a full image backup of his county’s hard drives the day before the trusted build. In response to questions from the secretary of state, Schroeder elaborated that he made the copy with only authorized employees of his office present, but had subsequently given it, and a second copy, to two outside attorneys — only one of whom he has identified — for safekeeping.

Since that point, the state and

Schroeder have been in a standoff.

Griswold’s office is demanding Schroeder prove that the attorneys are allowed, under Colorado election law, to possess the hard drives, and if not, to collect the drives from them; to provide evidence that the attorneys never accessed any of the information on the drives; and to turn the drives over to the state for inspection.

In response, Schroeder argues that Griswold has exceeded her authority in this case, and that the hard drive copies are official election records, which his office is required to maintain and which should be available to the public under Colorado’s open records law.

He has also said that he’s keeping the drives’ exact locations secret because he fears the secretary of state intends to seize them, claiming that her office took control of Mesa County’s election equipment during the investigation into that office’s

security breach. The secretary of state decertified Mesa’s equipment after determining that leaked information from the hard drives had compromised their security.

Schroeder is just the latest case in a growing rift between Colorado’s Democratic secretary of state (who oversees elections statewide) and a handful of Republican clerks (who are in charge of them locally) over who has jurisdiction over information buried deep in the machines used to handle the vote.

CPR has reached out to Schroeder and his attorney for comment and will update with any response. Readers can find Colorado Public Radio news at cpr.org/news.

This story is from CPR News, a nonprofit news source. Used by permission. For more, and to support Colorado Public Radio, visit cpr.org.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088 Legals Bids and Settlements Public Notice ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS ELBERT AND HIGHWAY 86 COMMERCIAL METROPOLITAN DISTRICT ELIZABETH, CO LEGACY CIRCLE AT WILD POINTE-MILL & OVERLAY General Notice ELBERT AND HIGHWAY 86 COMMERCIAL METROPOLITAN DISTRICT (Owner) is requesting Bids for the construction of the following Project: LEGACY CIRCLE AT WILD POINTE-MILL & OVERLAY Bids for the construction of the Project will be received until March 1, 2022 at 10:00AM local time. Email bids to wildpointe@westernhce.com Physical copies will not be accepted. At 10:00AM, the Bids received will be publicly opened and read via Go To Meeting virtual link.

The Project includes the following Work: The Wild Pointe Mill & Overlay Project is a County Road serving a commercial development and a residential subdivision located in Elbert County, Colorado. The Work to be performed under this contract includes removal of asphalt repair, mill and overlay (2”) of designated street, and installation of pavement striping, and signage. After milling, existing cracks should be sealed prior to the overlay with a rubberized hot applied sealant, installed per manufacturer specifications. The Contractor shall supply all labor, equipment, and materials necessary to complete the Work in accordance with these specifications. The Contractor will be required to coordinate construction activities with the County, City, School Districts, HOA’s and Metro Districts for traffic control, as applicable.

Location of Work: Legacy Circle between CO State Highway 86 (3,918 LF), Elizabeth, Colorado Additional Information: - Construction Documents include: ■ Wild Pointe Development Signage and Striping Plan (Revised PDF dated 2-10-2022) ■ Elbert County Construction Standards & Specifications ■ CDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction - Submittal Requirements: ■ Product Data including, but not limited to Technical Data and Tested Physical Performance Properties; Job-Mix Designs; and Pavement Markings and Signage ■ Material Certificates for Paving Material ■ Material Test Reports for Paving Material ■ Shop Drawings ■ Drawings ■Traffic Control Plan -Existing Utilities including, but not limited to

curbs, manholes, and other construction to be protected during construction and shall be repaired or replaced if damaged during milling operations.

Obtaining the Bidding Documents The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: Western Heritage Consulting & Engineering LLC 1551 Three Crowns Drive, Suite 104 Casper, WY 82604 Prospective Bidders may request the Bidding Documents via email on Monday through Friday between the hours of 9am-5pm. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing Office. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office.

Printed copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Issuing Office by paying a deposit of $100 for each set.

legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Water Court Public Notice DISTRICT COURT, WATER DIVISION 1, COLORADO JANUARY 2022 WATER RESUME PUBLICATION TO: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN WATER APPLICATIONS IN WATER DIV. 1 Pursuant to C.R.S. 37-92-302, you are notified that the following is a resume of all water right applications and certain amendments filed in the Office of the Water Clerk during the month of JANUARY 2022 for each County affected.

Bids Due: March 1, 2022 10AM MDT Notice of Award: March 7, 2022 Notice to Proceed: March 21, 2022

2022CW3009 TATYANA STURM AND AARON STORCK, 1991 County Road 132, Elizabeth, CO 80107. James J. Petrock and Eric K. Trout, Hayes Poznanovic Korver LLC, 1999 Broadway, Suite 3200, Denver, CO, 80202.

APPLICATION FOR UNDERGROUND WATER RIGHTS FROM NONTRIBUTARY AND NOT NONTRIBUTARY SOURCES AND APPROVAL OF PLAN FOR AUGMENTATION, IN THE NONTRIBUTARY LOWER DAWSON, DENVER, ARAPAHOE, AND LARAMIE-FOX HILLS AQUIFERS AND THE NOT-NONTRIBUTARY UPPER DAWSON AQUIFER IN ELBERT COUNTY. Subject Property: 40 acres generally located in the E1/2 of the E1/2 of the NE1/4, Section 23, Township 8 South, Range 65 West of the 6th P.M., also known as 1991 County Road 132, Elizabeth, Elbert County, State of Colorado, as shown on Exhibit A (“Subject Property”). Applicants are the owners of the Subject Property and have provided notice to any mortgage or lien holders pursuant to C.R.S. § 37-92-302(2). Well Permits: There is one existing Upper Dawson Aquifer domestic well on the Subject Property under Well Permit Number 44194. This well will be re-permitted under the plan for augmentation requested in this application. Additional well permits will be applied for prior to construction of additional wells.

Applicants desire to leave no groundwater unappropriated. Source of Water Rights: The Upper Dawson Aquifer is not-nontributary as defined in C.R.S. § 37-90-103(10.7), and the Lower Dawson, Denver, Arapahoe, and Laramie-Fox Hills aquifers are nontributary as defined in C.R.S. § 37-90-103(10.5). Estimated Amounts: Applicants estimate the following annual amounts may be available for withdrawal based on a 100 year withdrawal period:

This Advertisement is issued by: Owner: ELBERT AND HIGHWAY 86 COMMERCIAL METROPOLITAN DISTRICT By: Todd Lambert Title: Board Member Date: February 10, 2022

Aquifer Annual Amount (acre-feet) Upper Dawson (NNT) 13.34 Lower Dawson (NT) 9.10 Denver (NT) 13.42 Arapahoe (NT) 15.43 Laramie-Fox Hills (NT) 14.12

Legal Notice No. 24806 First Publication: February 24, 2022 Last Publication: February 24, 2022 Publisher: Elbert County News

Proposed Uses: Domestic, including in-house use, commercial, irrigation, stockwatering, fire protection, and augmentation purposes, including storage, both on and off the Subject Property.

Jurisdiction: The Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this application pursuant to C.R.S. §§ 37-90-137(6), 37-92-203(1), 37-92302(2). Summary of Plan for Augmentation: Groundwater to be Augmented: 2.50 acre-feet

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zuba4nj1w2ubdd2/ AADZWQlk6Nl1OIIXPZB1cd__a?dl=0 Bidding Documents may be purchased from the Issuing Office during the hours indicated above.

Cost does not include shipping charges. Upon Issuing Office’s receipt of payment, printed Bidding Documents will be sent via the prospective Bidder’s delivery service. The shipping charge amount will depend on the shipping method chosen. Bidding Documents are available for purchase in the following formats: Pre-bid Conference A mandatory, virtual pre-bid conference for the Project will be held on February 22, 11:00am Local Time. Bids will not be accepted from Bidders that do not attend the mandatory pre-bid conference.

Instructions to Bidders: This bid will be awarded based on a Unit Price, Lump Sum cost, as well as qualifications and experience of bidder. For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents.

Schedule: Mandatory Pre-Bid: February 22, 2022 11AM MDT

per year for 300 years of Upper Dawson Aquifer groundwater, through up to two (2) individual wells, as follows: 0.6 acre-feet per year for use in up to two residences, 0.5 acre-feet per year for up to 10,000 square-feet of irrigation, 0.15 acre-feet per year for up to 12 large domestic animals.

Each well will withdraw up to 1.25 acre-feet per year. Water Rights to be Used for Augmentation: Return flows from the use of not nontributary and nontributary groundwater and direct discharge of nontributary groundwater. Statement of Plan for Augmentation: The Upper Dawson Aquifer groundwater will be used for domestic purposes, including in-house use, irrigation, commercial, stockwatering, and fire protection, including storage, through one or more wells, both on and off the Subject Property. Applicants reserve the right to amend the amount and uses without amending the application or republishing the same. Sewage treatment for in-house use will be provided by non-evaporative septic systems. Return flow from in-house use will be approximately 90% of that use, and return flow from irrigation use will be approximately 15% of that use. During pumping Applicants will replace actual depletions pursuant to C.R.S. § 37-90-137(9)(c.5). Depletions occur to the Cherry Creek stream system via Running Creek, and return flows accrue to that creek system and are sufficient to replace actual depletions while the subject groundwater is being pumped. Applicants will reserve an equal amount of nontributary groundwater underlying the Subject Property to meet post pumping augmentation requirements. Applicants request the Court approve the above underground water rights and augmentation plan, find that Applicants have complied with C.R.S. § 37-90-137(4) and water is legally available for withdrawal, find there will be no material injury to the owners of or persons entitled to use water under any vested water right or decreed conditional water right, and grant such other and further relief as is appropriate. 4 pages.

THE WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED BY THESE APPLICATIONS MAY AFFECT IN PRIORITY ANY WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED OR HERETOFORE ADJUDICATED WITHIN THIS DIVISION AND OWNERS OF AFFECTED RIGHTS MUST APPEAR TO OBJECT WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY STATUTE OR BE FOREVER BARRED. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that any party who wishes to oppose an application, or an amended application, may file with the Water Clerk, P. O. Box 2038, Greeley, CO 80632, a verified Statement of Opposition, setting forth facts as to why the application should not be granted, or why it should be granted only in part or on certain conditions. Such Statement of Opposition must be filed by the last day of MARCH 31, 2022 (forms available on www.courts.state.co.us or in the Clerk’s office), and must be filed as an Original and include $192.00 filing fee. A copy of each Statement of Opposition must also be served upon the Applicant or Applicant’s Attorney and an affidavit or certificate of such service of mailing shall be filed with the Water Clerk.

Legal Notice No. 24804 First Publication: February 24, 2022 Last Publication: February 24, 2022 Publisher: Elbert County News

Notice to Creditors Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Robert Henry Jones, Jr. aka Robert H. Jones, Jr., Deceased Case Number 2022 PR 30002 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before June 17, 2022, or the claims may be forever barred.

Maria Theresa B. Lopez, Esq., Attorney for Pamela Gonzales., Personal Representative 501 S. Cherry St. - Suite 1100 Denver, CO 80246 Legal Notice No. 24802 First Publication: February 17, 2022 Last Publication: March 3, 2022 Publisher: Elbert County News PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Mary Phelps Day, aka Mary P. Day, aka Mary Day, aka Mary Phelps Williams, aka Mifi Day deceased Case Number: 2022 PR 30006 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before June 10, 2022, or the claims may be forever barred.

Margot Edith Williams Personal Representative c/o Hoskin, Farina & Kampf, P.C., PO Box 40 Grand Junction, Colorado 81502 Legal Notice No. 24797 First publication: February 10, 2022 Last publication: February 24, 2022 Publisher: Elbert County News PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Maria Cline, Deceased Case Number: 2022 PR 3 All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before June 24, 2022, or the claims may be forever barred.

Elizabeth A. Santi, Personal Representative 5780 Desert Inn Loop Elizabeth, Colorado 80107 Legal Notice No. 24805 First Publication: February 24, 2022 Last Publication: March 10, 2022 Publisher: Elbert County News

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Elbert County Legals 2.24.22 * 1

16 Elbert County News

February 24, 2022

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