Elbert county news 0711

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News

Elbert 7.11.13

Elbert County

Elbert County, Colorado • Volume 118, Issue 24

July 11, 2013

75 cents

A Colorado Community Media Publication

ourelbertcountynews.com

Clerk, election official resign Diana Hartsough says she’s ‘done with it all’ By Deborah Grigsby

dgrigsby@ourcoloradonews.com

Bull rider Dallas Rohrig catches a little air during his ride at the 2013 Cowboy Up in Kiowa Rodeo, held June 28 at the Elbert County Fairgrounds. Bull riders from across the state compete for cash prizes — and bragging rights — at the annual community event.

Cowboy up Photos by Deborah GriGsby

Ropers, racers and riders gathered at the Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa for the 2013 Cowboy Up in Kiowa Rodeo. The annual summertime favorite is a partnership between the rodeo, the Town of Kiowa and the Kiowa Fire Department offering local fun for rodeo lovers of all ages and skill levels. Cowboy Up is a small nonprofit — the organization runs on donations and volunteer time. The event is sanctioned by the Colorado Professional Rodeo Association.

Refusing to let go, Ben Hicks hangs on to an anxious sheep as Elbert County Fair Queen Ashley Gerczynski cheers him on during the mutton bustin’ event at the 2013 Cowboy Up in Kiowa Rodeo. The light-hearted childrens’ event has become a rodeo favorite.

After tossing a rider, this irritated bull takes out its frustration on a barrel that contains rodeo protection athlete J.D. Schulze. Also called rodeo clowns, protection athletes play a vital part in rodeo safety by distracting and confusing the animal long enough for riders to get out of harm’s way.

The Blazing Saddles Drill Team get the opening night ceremonies underway at the 2013 Cowboy Up in Kiowa Rodeo. The group makes its home in Elizabeth and is made up of middle school and high school girls. The girls provide their own horses and equipment, and take on countless hours of practice to ride with the team.

As if scrambling to find a new emergen­ cy manager wasn’t enough to keep Elbert County busy, county commissioners now must find a new clerk and recorder, as well a certified election manager. In a June 26 letter to District 1 Com­ missioner Robert Rowland, Elbert County Clerk and Recorder Diana Hartsough ten­ dered her resignation, effective July 5. Her letter said the county’s only cer­ tified election manager, Blake Hepburn, tendered his resignation to her, saying he would not return from medical leave. District 2 Commissioner Kurt Schlegel said Hartsough’s resignation was tendered to the commissioners at 4:15 p.m. June 26 and came without warning. “There’s been always been a constant source of discourse with her since her election in 2011 and that seems to have carried over to the current Board of Coun­ ty Commissioners,” Schlegel stated. He acknowledged Hartsough’s resigna­ tion causes a pinch, but said “it’s probably the best thing that could have happened and now we can get in there and fix what’s wrong and deliver the best customer ser­ vice possible to our taxpayers.” Schlegel said Hartsough had violated county policy by closing the county’s De­ partment of Motor Vehicles on days the office should have been open. The county does have a deputy clerk and recorder, Mandy Taylor, but in Hart­ sough’s resignation letter, she indicates she approved vacation time for Taylor commencing June 27. Until Taylor returns from her 30­day vacation, Schlegel said Hartsough appointed Sheryl Caldwell as acting deputy clerk and recorder. Schlegel went on to explain the BOCC has slated the issue for an upcoming study session and the goal now is to look at ap­ pointing a qualified candidate to fill Hart­ sough’s term, which ends Jan. 1, 2015. Hartsough’s position will be up for grabs during the November 2014 election. “We’ve already reached out to Secretary of State Scott Gessler, who has already of­ fered his help,” Schlegel said. “We are for­ tunate this is an off year for elections — al­ though every election is important — we want to make sure we conduct them cor­ rectly and accurately.” Diana Hartsough had agreed to meet with Colorado Community Media July 3 to discuss her resignation, but left a voice­ mail stating she would “have to cancel” and that she “was done with it all” and wanted “to get on with my life.” A second offer by CCM for Hartsough to respond went unanswered.

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Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle this copy.

J.D. Schulze, rodeo protection athlete and all-around cowboy funnyman, gives mutton buster Ben Hicks a pat on the back after the youngster completed a successful ride during the 2013 Cowboy Up in Kiowa Rodeo.


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