75 CENTS
December 14, 2017
PEN PALS: Writers learn to stretch their literary legs P14
ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
Q&A with Elbert County Attorney Bart Greer Transplant from Oregon enjoys the wide range of issues he must address BY JODI HORNER SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
The Elizabeth tree auction helped usher in the holidays and was primarily for adults, but there was also the opportunity for children to visit Santa. Charli Kugler spent time with Santa going over her Christmas gift list. PHOTOS BY TOM MUNDS
Holiday event benefits 14 charities
Elbert County Attorney Bart Greer, who took his position in the summer of 2017 after the resignation of predecessor Wade Gateley, recently spoke with the Elbert County News about himself and his job.
BY TOM MUNDS TMUNDS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Where did you grow up? I grew up in central Oregon in an area that is very similar to Elbert County in climate — it is surrounded by pine forests and high desert. Growing up, it was also a small community rooted in agricultural, recreational and hunting industries.
Mother Nature provided a postcard-like setting Dec. 7 as snow fell softly on the caroling choir and the lighted decorations on Main Street during Elizabeth’s inaugural tree auction, held to usher in the holiday season and benefit charity. On the auction block were 20 Christmas trees. The trees were purchased from Kiowa 4-H by businessman Tim Craft for $50 each, and then 20 businesses and individuals paid the same price for the trees and decorated them.
How did you come to the decision to become a lawyer? In college, I took several criminal justice classes and other courses that exposed me to topics in civil and criminal law. I enjoyed the courses so much that I took more classes dealing with the legal system. After a while, I decided that I was interested enough to attend law school.
Tree auction is part of festive night
SEE HOLIDAY, P2
Snow falls softly on members of the Elizabeth High School choir singing carols as part of the tree auction. The event auctioned 20 decorated trees and the proceeds of each auction were donated to a charity designated by the buyer. The event raised more than $4,000 that was distributed to 14 charities.
SEE GREER, P2
THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL
‘I have overheard people who make a coffee order sound like a recipe for pudding. If someone wants to meet for coffee, I am willing — if it’s coffee.’ Craig Marshall Smith | columnist, Page10 INSIDE
VOICES: PAGE 10 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 12
ElbertCountyNews.net
VOLUME 122 | ISSUE 46