1-Color
May 8, 2014 Elbert County, Colorado | Volume 119, Issue 14 A publication of
elbertcountynews.net
Measure to study drilling fizzles Bill would have required probe of health impacts By Vic Vela
vvela@coloradocommunitymedia.com
on high
A view from
Lincoln Mountain Open Space a perch for hikers, equestrians By Chris Michlewicz
cmichlewicz @coloradocommunitymedia.com The beauty of Douglas County unfolds with each step toward the top of the Lincoln Mountain Open Space. Hikers, bikers and equestrians who reach the apex of the main bluff are treated to a 360-degree panoramic view of southern Douglas County and northern El Paso County. Pikes Peak, in all its glory, serves as the southwestern backdrop, while the rolling hills and forest near the Palmer Divide adorn the
southeastern landscape. At an expansive 876 acres, Lincoln Mountain Open Space is the latest addition to the parks and trails system. It opened in summer 2013, and through word of mouth, has gained a faithful collection of regulars. Weekend mornings at the trailhead, a half-mile west of Highway 83 on Jones Road, see an increase in traffic, but only a few cars dot the parking lot on weekdays. The county acquired the initial 771-acre property — previously known as Palmer Divide Ranch on West Cherry Creek — in 2009. An additional 105 acres comprising three 35-acre parcels, in a development known as Estates at Living Water, was purchased a year later. The total cost was $6.7 million, with some funds coming from Lincoln continues on Page 15
Capitol
TOP: The Lincoln Mountain Open Space area opened in southern Douglas County in summer 2013. ABOVE: A horse rider hits the trail at the Lincoln Mountain Open Space, an 876-acre spread of public land near Highway 83 and Jones Road in southeastern Douglas County. Photos by Chris Michlewicz
New principal comes ‘full circle’ Elkins looking forward to once again working in Elizabeth By Jennifer Edmonds
Special to Colorado Community Media When Jodi Elkins steps in as the new principal of Elizabeth Middle School in August, it will be a homecoming of sorts. “I started at Elizabeth Middle School about 21 or 22 years ago… So basically I’m going back to where I grew up in education,” Elkins said. “I’m pretty excited to come back and be a part of everything. I’ve pretty much come full circle.” Terry Miller, the interim principal, is confident Elkins is going to do a great job and has
A bill that would have created a study of the health impacts of oil and gas drilling on Front Range residents died in the state Senate Appropriations Committee on April 29, following a 5-2 vote. Democratic Sens. Pat Steadman of Denver and Mary Hodge of Brighton joined all Republican committee members in voting against the measure. “I think the people’s voices have been silenced,” said Rep. Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, a bill sponsor. House Bill 1297 would have required the state to conduct a three-year health impact study on residents living in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Larimer and Weld counties. Report The study would have included surveying residents living in those areas and the possible review of medical records. The effort was a response to concerns over the practice of hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking” — the practice of mixing of water, sand and chemicals and blasting the mixture deep into the ground to crack porous rock and free up oil and gas. The study would have focused on counties that include communities that have sought to either ban or limit the practice of fracking over the last few years. Ginal and other bill supporters said a study would provide both a health and educational benefit for Coloradans who want to know more about the impacts of the controversial oil and gas industry money-maker and job creator. However, the bill received only a single Republican vote in the House. Some legislators and oil and gas industry leaders opposed the effort for reasons that included concerns that the study would be slanted toward the viewpoint of fracking opponents. Money was also an issue. Originally, the bill sought only to include Adams, Boulder, Larimer and Weld counties as part of the study. But a House committee added Arapahoe County and the City and County of Broomfield to that list. The additions increased the study’s cost to about $700,000 — something that concerned Ginal before it even got to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Senate President Morgan Carroll, DAurora, said she did not know if cost or other factors led to the bill’s defeat. Carroll did say that she supported the bill and that “it’s a basic responsibility (of the state)” to look out for the health of its residents. “I think sooner or later it behooves all of us to get a credible and independent study,” Carroll said. “And, from the oil and gas perspective, if (fracking) is as safe as they say, then they should have credible independent studies that confirm that.” Ginal said she intends to revive the effort next year.
faith in her abilities. “She knows exactly what she’s doing and Elizabeth is going to be a great place under her leadership,” he said. “My advice would be to do what’s best for kids and the staff, and the community Elkins will follow her.” The decision to hire Elkins was made by the board of education on April 8 after the screening of 46 applicants. “We were looking for a person that would take what Terry Miller took to this building and go beyond,” said Shannon Stone, a science teacher at the middle school and a member of the hiring committee. “He’s brought a
POSTAL ADDRESS
Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle this copy.
positive culture, he’s given us direction and brought the building back together… “She has lot of experience operating in a middle school, she knows the community and the culture of the middle school. She has a lot of positive energy. She’s got a lot of knowledge of dealing with data and how to use the data to better the students’ education using the current practices that we have.” Elkins has a master’s degree in counseling education from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from the University of Northern Colorado. She completed her teaching certification in business and marketing at Metro State. In addition to previously working in Elizabeth, Elkins worked in the Douglas County and Littleton school districts. She comes to Elizabeth after having served for seven years as the assistant principal for Euclid Middle School in Littleton. Elkins said making sure everyone comes together as a community and consistency are what are most important. “Some of my former students are teachers in the building and I am pretty sure some of my former students are parents,” she said. “What a great foundation. I was able to start and grow and I had the opportunity to work with some of the best in education.”