September 29, 2016
SENIOR SOLUTIONS
VOLUME 121 | ISSUE 35 | 75¢
Find tips on how seniors can navigate life choices. PAGE 9
ElbertCountyNews.net E L B E R T C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
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Willcox emphasizes respect, transparency Appointee to county post hopes to keep seat in November vote By Rick Gustafson Special to Colorado Community Media When District II Elbert County Commissioner Kelly Dore resigned in August, the Elbert County Republican Party Vacancy Committee was tasked with filling the position through the end of 2016. Following an interview process, the committee selected Danny Willcox to fill the vacancy, but Willcox does not see his role as a placeholder and is on the ballot as the District II candidate this fall. Willcox graduated from Mullen High School in Willcox Denver and went to work in his father’s automotive shop. In 1982, he joined the Aurora Fire Department as a paramedic. During his career, he earned a bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Regis University while he worked his way up the ranks at the fire department, eventually retiring as the deputy chief of support services in 2013. In addition to learning the administrative skills required for a deputy chief, Willcox also appreciates the value of teamwork from his time as a firefighter/paramedic. “Everything you do is based on teams,” he said. “Your safety and survival are based on the functioning of the team … That is the culture that is instilled in me.” Following his retirement, he began volunteering with the Elbert County GOP as a precinct captain and later took on the role of the party’s county secretary, which he resigned in August to take the appointment as county commissioner. Willcox continues on Page 7
SERVE AND PROTECT
Chaplains provide support for those on the front lines of law enforcement. PAGE 8
Bobby Fitch soars above the fairgrounds in Kiowa at the Super Cross Championship on Sept. 24. Fitch cruised to victory in the 250 PRO race. Photos by Rick Gustafson
Riders jump at opportunity Supercross event comes to Kiowa By Rick Gustafson Special to Colorado Community Media Riders from across Colorado and New Mexico converged on the Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa for a full day of competition at the Sports Riders Association of Colorado’s Supercross State Championship Race on Sept. 24. Professional and amateur riders negotiated hairpin turns and jumps in 11 categories during SRAC’s final supercross race of the 2016 season. Senior supercross rider Pat Osif rides in both the Senior B (40-plus) and the Super Senior (50-plus) competitions and says he got his start in his late 30s when his two boys showed an interest in the sport. Supercross continues on Page 7
Eleven-year-old Mercedes Goff of Florence competes in the Sports Riders Association of Colorado Supercross at the Elbert County Fairgrounds. Professional and amateur riders from as young as 4 to older than 50 competed in 11 classes of events.
Elizabeth resident picked for National 4-H Congress By Sheila G. Kelley CSU 4-H Extension Agent, Elbert County Elizabeth resident Jacob Prouse has been selected to take part in the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta this November. Prouse, who is a member of the Running Creek 4-H Club, qualified for the National 4-H Congress at the Colorado State Fair. Prouse was named overall grand champion of the senior division at the Colorado State Fair earlier this month
for his archery stand-alone project. This is Prouse’s first year in Elbert County 4-H and he’s the son of Nathan and Tracy Prouse of Elizabeth. “National 4-H Congress is one of the premiere experiences for 4-H members across the Prouse country to participate in,” said Elbert County 4-H Director Sheila Kelley. “National
4-H Congress provides a life-changing experience for youth to meet other 4-H members from across America, as they participate in educational workshops focusing on diversity, cultural experiences, leadership, team development, and, of course, having fun!” If you would like further information on the 4-H program, please contact the Elbert County Extension office at 303-621-3162. 4-H is a cooperative effort between CSU Extension and Elbert County.
ELBERT COUNTY NEWS (USPS 171-100) OFFICE: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 | PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Elizabeth, Colorado, the Elbert County News is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ELIZABETH, COLORADO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 DEADLINES: Display: Thurs. 12 p.m. | Classifieds: Mon. 10 a.m. | Obits: Mon. 10 a.m. | Legals: Thurs. 11 a.m.