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Week of April 14, 2022
ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
ElbertCountyNews.net
VOLUME 127 | ISSUE 9
STARS banquet honors 49 students The Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo announcer’s booth is part of a longstanding facility that would be substantially upgraded if Elizabeth Park & Recreation District voters approve a mill levy increase on May 3. The park district has laid out plans including a hoped-for $9.7 million rodeo arena and event center, which is part of an overall package for Casey Jones Park that would cost PHOTOS BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON about $45 million.
Stampede leader argues for mill levy hike McClain says rodeo grounds should be upgraded for event to stay on track going forward BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
As a May 3 vote draws closer, residents and property owners within the Elizabeth Park and Recreation District will be deciding whether or not to increase the district mill levy to make big changes to Casey Jones Park, at a total cost of about $45 million. Voters will decide whether to double the district mill levy from 2.466% to 4.932%, which would add around $88 to the annual property tax on a residence valued at $500,000. The vote has caused quite a stir among residents, some of whom SEE STAMPEDE, P12
Traci McClain shows some of the wear and tear the Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo’s hand-me-down bleachers have experienced over the decades.
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 10 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 9
BEST OF THE BEST
Elizabeth Education Foundation hosts 24th annual gathering BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
The 24th annual Elizabeth Education Foundation STARS Banquet was held on April 2 at the Elizabeth High School Cafetorium, in the nonprofit organization’s first inperson event since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. STARS stands for Students Taking Accountability and Responsibility Seriously. Each year, Elizabeth School District students in grades 5-12 are anonymously nominated by teachers and faculty with around 50 chosen to receive the honor. A STARS award recipient must demonstrate some of the following characteristics: 1. Model responsible behavior. 2. Spends time involved with clubs or organizations at school and/or actively supports the community. 3. Committed to learning, motivated to do well in school, actively engaged in learning, and cares about their school. 4. Places high value on caring and helping other people and accepts personal responsibility. 5. Makes good choices, has empathy, sensitivity, friendship skills, and resists negative peer pressures. A student may only receive the SEE STARS, P2
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