News
Elbert 6-6-13
Elbert County
June 6, 2013
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A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourelbertcountynews.com
Elbert County, Colorado • Volume 118, Issue 19
Burn rules eased
Moisture spurs move to lower restrictions By Rhonda Moore
rmoore@ourcoloradonews.com
Red and white mortarboards fill the air May 25 as 178 Elizabeth High School seniors received their diplomas. EHS held its first graduation ceremony 100 years ago, when the Class of 1913 proudly boasted three graduates.
CLASS OF 2013 Photos by Deborah GriGsby A brand new class of Cardinals spread their wings May 25 as Elizabeth High School’s 100th annual commencement exercises got underway, awarding 178 seniors their longawaited diplomas. The Class of 2013 racked up more than $1.5 million in scholarships and grants, 21 graduates will enter military service and 77 percent will go on to college or vocational training. Superintendent Douglas Bissonette thanked the community for their role in supporting students and making graduation possible. The first graduating class of EHS — the Class of 1913 — had three proud graduates, according to the school’s website.
Elizabeth High School valedictorian Lorrin Gavitt smiles for the camera during the school’s commencement exercises on May 25. Gavitt, along with 177 of her fellow Cardinals, received their diplomas during the twohour outdoor ceremony.
Elbert County fire officials lowered the area’s burn restrictions in the wake of increased moisture throughout the county. Sheriff Shayne Heap and the county fire chiefs association on May 23 lowered the county’s burn restrictions from Stage 2 to Stage 1. Stage 1 allows charcoal grills, permit-approved portable outdoor fireplaces, welding and hot work. Stage 1 prohibits open burning without an approved permit and most outdoor smoking. Outdoor smoking is allowed in an enclosed vehicle or building or within a 3-footdiameter area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. The use or sale of fireworks and educational rockets is allowed under Stage 1 restrictions, as long as it is in compliance with state and local regulations. Residents who wish to burn at a home or business must contact their local fire protection district to obtain the proper permits. The Elbert County Office of Emergency Management urges residents to sign up for reverse notification in the event of a fire or disaster. The county’s CodeRed notification system delivers critical messages, including fire evacuation orders, at no cost to residents. Residents can register a home telephone, cellular telephone and email or text at www. elbertcounty-co.gov. Follow the “Code Red” link on the left side of the screen. For a complete copy of the Elbert County burn ban Ordinance 06-01, visit the Elbert County web page at www.elbertcounty-co. gov and search for emergency management under the department’s page.
Xtreme Stampede is back in town Elizabeth rodeo kicks off with bull-riding By Rhonda Moore
rmoore@ourcoloradonews.com The Elizabeth Stampede entered the 2013 season with a new tagline to celebrate its status as “A Colorado Rodeo Legend.” But in Elizabeth, legend begins with tradition June 7 when the 2012 Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association Small Rodeo of the Year launches, literally and figuratively, with its Xtreme Bulls competition. Xtreme Bulls is the Stampede’s opening-night rodeo, featuring an all-star lineup of PRCA bull riders,
elizabeth stamPeDe What: 2013 Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo When: June 7-9 Where: Casey Jones Park, 4189 Highway 86, in Elizabeth (Note: See Page 2 for a detailed schedule of events)
including six bull-riding qualifiers from the 2012 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. The riders will be matched against some of the rankest bulls in the PRCA, hailing again this year from the Burns Rodeo Co. in Wyoming. Leading the lineup of PRCA riders is three-time Xtreme
Bulls winner and WNFR qualifier Cody Whitney, from Sayre, Okla. Other 2012 Wrangler NFR qualifiers include: Seth Glause, Cheyenne, Wyo.; Trevor Kastner, Ardmore, Okla.; Ardie Maier, Timber Lake, S.D.; Cody Samora, Cortez, Colo.; and Tate Stratton, Kellyville, Okla. Also scheduled to compete is Cooper Davis of Jasper, Texas, the top-ranked “rookie” bull rider in the PRCA World Standings. The 2013 Xtreme Bulls competition begins at 7 p.m. June 7 and includes 50 riders vying for the championship. The Elizabeth Xtreme Bulls champion will be crowned
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Ty Hamaker, of Centennial, Wyo., takes a shot from the bull Nike Blend after being bucked during last year’s Elizabeth Stampede PRCA Xtreme Bulls rodeo. File photo based on the highest score of the “one-header” competition, according to the Elizabeth Stampede board. The total payout for the Elizabeth Xtreme Bulls event is more than $20,000. Winnings at PRCA Xtreme Bulls events count toward the 2013 PRCA World Standings, which determine qualifiers for the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas. Purchase tickets for the Elizabeth Xtreme Bulls event at www. elizabethstampede.com or by
elizabash The Elizabeth Area Chamber of Commerce presents ElizaBash from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 8 on Main Street in Elizabeth. Enjoy music, entertainment, food, vendors, games and more. All free to the public. Visit www.elizabethchamber. org for more information.
calling 303-646-0308. Adult tickets are $22 and tickets for children 6-12 years of age are $16.