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January 28, 2021
ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
ElbertCountyNews.net
VOLUME 125 | ISSUE 52
New police chief comes from within ranks Melvin Berghahn had served as commander on town’s department BY TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Melvin Berghahn, a 15-year law enforcement veteran, was sworn in as Elizabeth’s new police chief Jan. 15. Berghahn replaces Steve Hasler, who retired last month. Berghahn joined the Elizabeth Police Department in 2015 as a sergeant, and was promoted to commander in 2018. He has led the operations of the department for the past several years. “The board of trustees is honored to appoint Cmdr. Melvin Berghahn as the new Elizabeth chief of police,” said Mayor Megan Vasquez. “He has made a positive impact in the community and I look forward to watching how the department will thrive and continue community policing under his direction. Thank you to Chief Berghahn and all of the Elizabeth police officers for putting their lives on the line every day to protect the place we all call home.” Berghahn began his career in law enforcement nearly 16 years ago, after serving four years in the Army. “I had wanted to be a career military person, but I found myself as a single dad,” said Berghahn. “I was recruited by the chief in Parachute, and decided to pursue law enforcement.” Berghahn hails from New York, and arrived in Colorado SEE CHIEF, P13
COVID-19 VACCINE
Eligible residents urged to get on list First-day appointments all were booked nearly two weeks in advance BY TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Elizabeth Mayor Megan Vasquez swears in Melvin Berghahn as the town’s new chief of COURTESY OF TOWN OF ELIZABETH police on Jan. 15.
Elbert County residents over the age of 70 and first responders, including fire rescue, law enforcement and emergency medical services, are encouraged to sign up to get on the waiting list for COVID-19 vaccinations. The number to call is 303-621-3144, where callers can leave a voicemail with their name and phone number for a call back. The county originally urged people in those groups to sign up for an initial round of vaccinations to be given on Feb. 2 at the county fairgrounds, but all slots for that date filled up nearly two weeks in advance. “We encourage anyone in these categories” to get signed up, said Dwayne Smith, director of Elbert County Public Health. “In accordance with Colorado’s Vaccine Prioritization Plan, at this time we are only providing vaccines in these populations.” Elbert County has seen a decline SEE LIST, P13
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 6 | LIFE: PAGE 10 | CALENDAR: PAGE 11
GOING GREEN
Green chiles are a versatile Colorado favorite P10