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August 6, 2020
ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
ElbertCountyNews.net
VOLUME 125 | ISSUE 27
Officer celebrates 20 years with Elizabeth PD ‘Community supports me as much as I support them’ BY TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Elizabeth Police Department officer Kurt Hulce has been in law enforcement for 28 years, with 25 of those spent in Elbert County, and the last 20 with Elizabeth Police Department. A resident of Kiowa since 1999, he spent five years with the Elbert County Sheriff ’s Office starting in 1995 before joining the Elizabeth PD in 2000. Raised in Southern California in a family that favored car racing of every kind, Hulce said he always knew he wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement and fire and rescue. “I started in law enforcement through the cadets program in California, then made my way through the state parks as a ranger in Colorado,” said Hulce. “I did 15 years as a volunteer reserve firefighter with Kiowa and Elizabeth.” Hulce said his decision to serve the communities of Elizabeth and Elbert
Businesses objected to restrictions on patrons, early last call BY MARIANNE GOODLAND COLORADO POLITICS
“He had a gun aimed at the back of my head and he was ready to shoot me knowing full well that I didn’t consider him a threat,” she said. Giasolli was one of numerous students, teachers and community members who gave tear-stricken victim impact statements during a July 24 sentencing hearing for McKinney at a Castle Rock courtroom.
Denver District Court Judge Brian Whitney, despite misgivings, has denied a request for a temporary restraining order against the state over executive orders that business owners say have hurt the state’s bar and restaurant industry. Whitney ruled July 30, the day after the start of a court hearing on two state orders — a “last call for alcohol” at 10 p.m. and limits on how many patrons a restaurant can host. The Tavern League of Colorado, representing restaurant and bar operators, sued the state, calling the orders unfair and arbitrary. It sought a temporary restraining order against the rules. A public health order issued in May limited the number of patrons a bar and restaurant could serve, depending the capacity of the establishment. Restaurants could open to in-person dining at 50% of capacity or 50 people, whichever is less. On June 18, that order was amended to allow larger restaurants to expand to 100 patrons, no matter how large the restaurant.
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Elizabeth Chief of Police Stephen Hasler presents Officer Kurt Hulce with a plaque recognizing his 20 years of service to the community of Elizabeth as an officer.
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COURTESY OF ELIZABETH POLICE DEPARTMENT
STEM shooter sentenced to life, parole possible McKinney: ‘I do not deserve leniency or forgiveness’ BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Sitting in her literature class on May 7, 2019, Nui Giasolli noticed her friend Alec McKinney standing just
Restaurant, bar limits left in place by judge
behind her. McKinney was not enrolled in that class and was supposed to be in the classroom next door. But because she considered McKinney one of her best friends, his presence did not raise alarms for her. She learned later through court hearings and statements McKinney made to investigators that McKinney targeted her that day, she said, as he helped carry out a shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch.
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 8 | LIFE: PAGE 9
PERIODICAL
FIREFIGHTERS ADJUST TO COVID-19
There’s added stress and new procedures, but their vital work goes on P9