1-Color
June 19, 2014 Elbert County, Colorado Volume 119, Issue 20
elbertcountynews.net
Page 8
A publication of
County reaches out for help with deer Growth of herd prompts letter to state commission By Rick Gustafson
Special to Colorado Community Media The Elbert County commissioners discussed options for managing the county’s growing deer population at their June 11 meeting. In a letter being drafted to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, the county commissioners propose working with the agency to study the issue of growing wildlife populations in Elbert County as well as developing a program that could someday serve as a model for other communities with similar wildlife issues. “We need to look at a plan that addresses the population and the safety issues of the western side of the county,” said Commissioner Robert Rowland. “The Department of Wildlife is willing to work with us on that.”
Commissioner Rowland, whose district is most affected by the rising deer population, has received a number of queries from constituents concerned about the proliferation of deer and the danger presented by wildlife on roadways. Rowland said the Parks and Wildlife Commission acknowledges the increasing number of wildlife conflicts around the county but has no model to manage habitats in heavily developed areas. “Everyone seems to agree there is a dramatic increase in the deer population in Elbert County’s western side,” he said. “We are looking to manage the herd in a professional culling fashion under very controlled conditions, with a high education and a high communication level to the citizens that are affected.” In response to the reported increase in wildlife-related car accidents and animal aggressiveness, Colorado Parks and Wildlife issued 400 additional hunting licenses Deer continues on Page 5
Lt. Tony Schiefelbein, Elbert County Sheriff ’s Office, speaks during the June 11 county commissioners’ meeting. Photo by Rick Gustafson
Four vie for seat in CD4 Gardner’s Senate run opens up spot in House By Vic Vela
vvela@coloradocommunitymedia.com
the park will be filled with nearly 70 vendors when the gates open on the morning of June 28. In addition to shopping, the fair includes live music by local entertainer Billie Owens, tarot card readings, roping demonstrations, food from Fat Daddy’s BBQ and a bounce house for kids. Local merchants have also sponsored a visit from HawkQuest, a Colorado-based raptor conservation group dedicated to the protection of and education about birds of prey. Visitors can have their picture taken with a bald eagle, as well as have an upclose experience with a gray horned owl, a peregrine falcon and a red-tailed hawk. Oeser was also pleased to announce the return of a favorite from last year, the plunger toss game, a timed event where contestants attempt to complete a combination of seemingly easy tasks using a plunger, rings and rolls of toilet paper.
Four Republican candidates who are vying to fill an open 4th Congressional District seat are touting their conservative values to voters as the June 24 primary draws near. The hopefuls are seeking a seat that is being vacated by U.S. Rep. Cory Gardner, who is leaving the House of Representatives in Sen. a bid to unseat Democratic Mark Udall this fall. The predominately rural district encompasses Colorado’s eastern plains. The district reaches northern cities, including Greeley and parts of Longmont, but it also includes some communities near Denver, including Parker, Castle Rock, Lone Tree and Elbert County. Gardner has thrown his support behind Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck to succeed him in the CD4 race. Buck — who narrowly lost a 2010 Senate race against Sen. Michael Bennet — is the household name among the four candidates looking to take over Gardner’s seat. “People talk about name recognition, but I think what I have is a brand,” Buck said. “People understand I am a fiscal conservative and I have a passion to reduce spending.” CD4 voters are hearing that same message from the other three candidates in the race: state Sen. Scott Renfroe; Weld County Commissioner Barbara Kirkmeyer; and Steve Laffey, a New England transplant who was once the mayor of Crans-
Kiowa continues on Page 5
CD4 continues on Page 5
The Sixth Annual Kiowa Street Fair and Car Show will be at Nordman Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 28. Photo by Rick Gustafson
Street fair, rodeo on tap in Kiowa Car show, fireworks add to fun weekend full of activities By Rick Gustafson
Special to Colorado Community Media Fireworks, classic cars, shopping, dancing and bull riding combine for two days of events in Kiowa on June 27 and 28. The festivities kick off at 6:15 p.m. June 27 at the Elbert County Fairgrounds in KiPOSTAL ADDRESS
owa with day one of the Cowboy Up in Kiowa Rodeo. The night’s entertainment will include mutton bustin’ and a Colorado Pro Rodeo Association performance, followed by a dance featuring the music of the Cactus Jack Band. June 28 marks a full day of rodeo beginning at 8 a.m. along with the Sixth Annual Kiowa Street Fair and Car Show at Nordman Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Michelle Oeser, Kiowa town administrator, said the street fair includes activities for all age groups, and
Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle this copy.