The yellow flowers blanketing Elbert County are nearing the end of their season. The blooms, commonly known as greenthread, are so bright and pervasive that the phenomenon can be clearly seen from above. Sometimes called golden wave, the small (less than two inches across) flowers certainly live up to their name.

Scientifically known as Thelesperma filifolium, they’re casually called many other names, such as Navajo tea, threadleaf yellowrays, field coreopsis and Hopi or Zuni tea. Greenthread only seems to be this showy about every 10 years, making this year’s blooming season special indeed.

The Elbert County Extension Office said greenthread can be seen throughout the hillsides of Elbert County. “More visible where grass has been grazed low in the previous year. The continued early spring moisture, on slopes that drain well, followed by hot summer days can create just the right conditions to make this spectacular wildflower phenomenon,” the office stated.

Greenthread is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant. It’s native to the U.S. and gets its name from the thread-like appearance of its leaves. Many butterfly species use it as a nectar source, and bees and other pollinators seem to like it too. The “annual can be found throughout the High Plains, from South Dakota to Texas,” the Extension Office shared, and it is “typically found in large colonies in dry, sandy soils.”

To make greenthread into Navajo tea, also called cota and traditionally used by Pueblo cultures, almost the entire plant is steeped — including stem, leaves and flowers. The resulting tea tastes similar to green tea. Navajo tea can have a drying effect and is traditionally used to help reduce mucus, reduce fevers, treat kidney problems and relieve stomach aches.

For more information about greenthread and other local flora, visit Front Range Wild Ones at frontrange.wildones.org.

For more information on the Elbert County Extension Office, visit elbert.extension.colostate.edu. To speak to a master gardener, call the Extension Office, 303-621-3162, on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Extension Office provides assistance with local agriculture, horticulture, family and consumer science, natural resources and 4-H youth programs.

The office will offer a free master gardener education presentation, “Elbert County Wildflowers,” during the upcoming Elbert County Fair on Aug. 1 at 1:30 pm in the Agricultural Building Conference Room.

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On the Fourth of July, people milled happily around the grounds of the Elbert County Museum in Kiowa. Friends and neighbors greeted each other as they came together for the 25th Annual Pioneer 4th Celebration, a drop-in event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event featured a museum open house and set the stage not only to celebrate the United States but Elbert County as well.

“Our 25th Annual Pioneer Fourth Celebration is a family-friendly day filled with old-fashioned fun and games,” said Joe Martell, Elbert County Historical Society president. In addition to the open house and a silent auction, the event featured live music, games, a pie baking contest, cake walk and more. A picnic lunch including grilled hamburgers, hot dogs and fresh watermelon was available throughout the day.

Entries for the homemade pie baking contest were welcomed and encouraged, Martell said. In the adult category, Cherie Wyatt won the $50 first place prize and Jaece Pence won $25 for first place in the kids category. The silent auction followed immediately at 1 p.m., with all proceeds going to the museum.

“The Pioneer Fourth is such a great event because it’s the quintessential small town Fourth of July celebration,” Martell said, “with kids running around, hamburgers and hot dogs grilling, and folks from all walks of life coming together — all within the backdrop of the county museum.”

Elizabeth resident Stephanie Claassen says that her family has made the Pioneer Fourth Celebration a tradition. “We enjoy the close-knit community feel of the event and how friendly and personable everyone is from the stewards of the museum to the folks manning the kids’ games and face painting,” she said. “And the cake walk is a family favorite!”

For more information about the Elbert County Museum, as well as other events, visit elbertcountymuseum.org. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday during the summer months through Aug. 31, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

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For the first time ever, the Responder Relief Foundation organized a gymkhana this summer at the Casey Jones Park in Elizabeth. A group of about 20 entrants gathered to compete in speed events like poles, the keyhole and barrel racing. Onlookers were supportive and enthusiastic, especially for the PeeWee class, despite a few sprinkles of rain and gray clouds.

Jaime Babcock, whose daughter Lexi participated in the June 24 gymkhana, said, “Lexi is always looking for a chance to ride and a weeknight in the summer is fun with horse friends! She is planning to rodeo in college so we try and get all the practice we can get and video for college coaches!”

Queen Madison Montoya and Princess McKinley Holden helped set the events and joined in cheering on the participants. Montoya said the Responder Relief Foundation exists to “honor, support, and stand beside the first responders who protect our communities every single day.”

“Since our founding in 2016, we’ve focused on providing mental health resources, helping families in crisis, awarding EMS scholarships, and raising awareness of the unique challenges first responders face both on and off duty. At every rodeo, parade, and community event, our ambassadors carry that mission forward so these heroes know they’re never alone,” she went on.

For Montoya, this mission is personal. “My dad is a first responder,” she said, “so I’ve grown up seeing the long nights, the stress, and the courage it takes to answer every call. Wearing this crown gives me a chance to give back to the people who give everything for us. It lets me use my voice to spotlight their sacrifices, to rally support for their mental health, and to remind our entire community that behind every badge is a family who also serves. Representing Responder Relief isn’t just an honor, it’s my way of saying ‘thank you.’”

The mission of the Responder Relief Foundation is to recognize, represent and remember first responders through the challenges they face while living out John 15:12-13: “My Command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

There are still two gymkhanas scheduled in the series — July 22 at 5:30 p.m., also at Casey Jones Park, and the second on Aug. 15 at the Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa.

The Responder Relief Rodeo Hometown Hoedown is scheduled for Aug. 15 at the Elbert County Fairgrounds with the Responder Relief Rodeo following on the next day, Aug. 16. The rodeo will feature live music by Brian Brooks’ Sundown Rising.

To learn more about the Responder Relief Foundation, visit rrfoundation2016.com or their Facebook page at facebook.com/RRFoundation2016.

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The 30th Annual Cowboy Up in Kiowa Rodeo held its 2025 run on June 27-28 at the Elbert County Fairgrounds. As in years past, the Super Purse Rodeo of the Year was quickly sold out. Organizers sold tickets for Ground Admission so people could still enjoy the live music, vendors and food.

Mutton Bustin’ and the Hero’s Night Rodeo kicked things off on Friday night while Slack and Community Night Rodeo took place on Saturday. Kenya Reese provided live music on Saturday afternoon and Eric Golden performed two nights in a row.

Elbert County local Heather Salazar loves going to Cowboy Up in Kiowa. “It reminds me of how I grew up, behind the roping box with my dad who was a ProRodeo steer wrestler,” she said. “… I want to continue that tradition with my family. We enjoy all the events, loved watching our girls mutton bust in years past, two-stepping to a live country band and an all-around appreciation for the cowboy and cowgirl way of life.”

Cowboy Up in Kiowa Board President Angelique Dieker said the rodeo celebrated its 30th anniversary with their community, sponsors and volunteers and enjoyed record contestants and a “whole lot of fun.”

“It was overwhelming to look across the arena and see the packed stands,” Dieker said, “to drive up to our dance and see it packed wall-to-wall with our community enjoying themselves and to have the group of volunteers we have that are dedicated to putting on a first-class event. We hope to see everyone next year.”

The Cowboy Up in Kiowa Rodeo has been based in Kiowa since 1995. Since then, the rodeo has been recognized many times, including CPRA’s Best New Rodeo, Best Small Rodeo, Most Improved Rodeo and has been named Super Purse Rodeo of the Year several times.

Read more about Cowboy Up in Kiowa and their close-knit volunteer community at coloradocommunitymedia.com/2024/07/10/rodeo-draws-sellout-crowds-in-elbert-county.

For more information about Cowboy Up in Kiowa, visit cowboyupinkiowa.org.

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The storm clouds above the Elbert County Fairgrounds were dark and foreboding as the Elbert County Board of County Commissioners met there on June 24. In the middle of the meeting, the public hearing for Xcel Energy’s Power Pathway 1041 Application, a tornado warning alarmed through the phones of the crowd in the Agricultural Building.

The weather mirrored the mood in the room, full of people who came to comment on the billion-dollar pathway cutting through Elbert County, which would place 275 poles ranging from 104 to 140 feet tall over a span of 48 miles.

After the meeting stretched into the next day, the three county commissioners unanimously voted to draw up a resolution denying Xcel’s application. Though the utility’s application was considered incomplete by the county, Xcel opted to move forward with the process anyway.

In an update to the Elbert County Environmental Alliance, ECEA board member Kerry Jiblits said the public comment portion of the meeting was outstanding. “So many people showed up to share their stories and concerns,” she said. “Approximately 50 people spoke, and there were many who had signed up to speak but had to leave before their turn. The speakers were articulate and well spoken, and many shared very heartfelt stories, often being moved to tears during their impassioned speeches. State Representative Chris Richardson, Senator Rod Pelton, and Kim Monson, a radio talk show moderator, also spoke. Not one person spoke in favor of the project.”

Anger and discontent

Speaker after speaker stepped up to voice their anger and discontent with the pathway, expressing feelings of frustration, distrust and sometimes helplessness. In general, county residents feel that any benefits to Elbert County don’t outweigh the risks or detriments the Power Pathway would bring. There are still concerns about property values, infringement on property rights and government overreach. People spoke about losing their rural way of life, future development along the route and the negative impact on roads.

Sherri Christensen, who opposes the project, said the pathway does not serve the residents of Elbert County. “We are not against energy development,” she said, “but we quickly realized Xcel had no intention of negotiating with the residents of Elbert County.”

She continued: “We are up against a corporate giant on Wall Street who is trying to bully all of us into accepting the pathway. Make no mistake, this is the first battle we will have with Xcel and their constituents because what comes next is solar and wind farms.”

Beverly Durant, president of the Kiowa School Board, agreed, saying, “Xcel has absolutely no regard for Elbert County or any of its citizens, or any of you, or any of our staff … what it really came down to is money.”

For some, the pathway has become personal. Leah Braton stood up to speak on behalf of her husband, whom she feels died due to stress from the Power Pathway coming to the area. After Braton and her husband met with an Xcel representative who told them they’d “get used” to the high-voltage lines and that the line would be going right through town, her husband Howard suffered a brain aneurysm that would eventually lead to his death.

Brenda Kelly, from Simla, said she and many others took the day off of work to come to the meeting. She believes Xcel will force their way through Elbert County, with or without county approval.

“Why should Elbert County be sacrificed so city people can consume more power?” she asked. “Why should we be sacrificed so Xcel can make even more money? Why should we be threatened with eminent domain by a private company that is providing nothing to the landowners they want to take land from? Why should we endure the risks of wildfires in an area with high winds and lots of dry fodder? Why should we have to pay higher homeowner’s insurance to cover fire risk? Why should we lose the retirement equity we all have in our homes when our values decrease due to this line?”

“I implore you to set aside the carrot of income that Xcel keeps dangling before you,” Kelly went on. “Some things are worth so much more than money. This is one of them. Please protect our county, not only from this transmission line, but the subsequent wind and solar projects that are sure to come with the mandate to slather the eastern plains with them. We need to know that our Board of Commissioners is with us even if our state goes against us.”

Utility responds

Xcel had an opportunity to address many of the concerns raised during public comment and respond to questions from the BOCC. Its representatives tried to alleviate concerns about property values and wildfire risk, explain the benefits to Elbert County, clarify the process of condemnation proceedings and more.

Patrick Kuretich, who supports Xcel’s Transmission Operations Organization in the area of Wildfire, said, “… as a company we do take that [wildfire] extremely seriously, that’s why we filed two wildfire mitigation plans, one back in 2020, we’ve re-upped and filed one for 2025 to 2027. We continue to make investments in Colorado in the area of wildfire.” Kuretich detailed how Xcel monitors weather and transmission lines to minimize risk.

Jennifer Chester, Xcel’s Manager of Siting and Land Rights, said later that, in her understanding, their application was deemed incomplete because of unsigned fire district forms. “We have been working with the fire districts to try and get those forms signed,” she said. “We weren’t able to get those forms signed and that’s why we elected to move forward because we didn’t have them and we weren’t getting indication at the time that they were or weren’t going to be signed. We can’t make anyone sign them and wanted to present the information to the county to have that reviewed and to move the process forward …”

Chester also clarified that the transmission line wouldn’t serve Elbert County customers directly but provides power to the “bulk electric system”; since Colorado has an interconnected grid it’s possible Elbert County could benefit directly in the future.

Xcel needs to negotiate with 48 landowners for access. The utility says it has “acquired 25 of those landowners” and filed condemnation proceedings with 13 others.

In reference to those proceedings, County Commissioners Dallas Schroeder and Byron McDaniel both had questions. Schroeder said it feels like the cart was put before the horse: “… to start these condemnation issues before even coming to this board for an up or down certainly gets the feel of an entitlement and `we’re gonna do what we want to do, it doesn’t matter what happens at this hearing.’”

Schroeder said he’ll be in contact with state Sen. Rod Pelton and state Rep. Chris Richardson to see if there’s something that can be done through legislation. “Because it feels wrong,” he said, “and it puts the landowner at a disadvantage in the negotiations when it hasn’t even been satisfied here.”

Schroeder still has other concerns about the application, specifically the fire prevention and safety forms as well as discussion with the Natural Resources Conservation Service concerning a Wetland Reserve Program along the route.

McDaniel and Commissioner Mike Buck are both certain the pathway will reduce property values, despite information from Xcel claiming there will be no such reduction. “We’re fooling ourselves if we’re gonna say it doesn’t devalue the land,” Buck said.

In McDaniel’s opinion, the pathway will be detrimental to homeowners and the county. “This line serves no purpose here for Elbert County and frankly I don’t care about Denver and Aurora … I’m looking out for the people here in Elbert County,” he said. “I feel like Xcel could have approached this a lot differently. I feel like … it could go out east and follow I-70. There are other routes other than cutting through here.”

McDaniel added, to applause, it was “never the wrong time to do the right thing” and implored Xcel to reconsider the current route.

Xcel can appeal

The BOCC met on July 2 to review, sign and finalize the resolutions denying the application. Going forward, Xcel has the option to appeal the decision with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.

Video of the June 24 portion of the meeting is available at tinyurl.com/3bwvc74j and June 25 at tinyurl.com/mrye79py. Recent BOCC agendas and minutes are available at elbertcounty-co.gov/129/Agendas-Minutes.

The county webpage about the pathway, tinyurl.com/24yvtwmc, includes Xcel’s 1041 application and accompanying documents.

For more information about Xcel’s Power Pathway, visit coloradospowerpathway.com.

For more information about the Elbert County Environmental Alliance, visit www.ecealliance.org.

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The first Elizabeth Firefighters Community Foundation Pancake Breakfast on June 21 was a success. Bright and early that Saturday, the fire station was bustling with hungry folks who came to get a bite to eat in the company of friends.

Pancakes weren’t the only thing served, as volunteers also dished up biscuits and gravy, sausage, scrambled eggs and piping hot coffee. Kids ran around playing tag and were welcome to learn more about assorted Elizabeth Fire Protection District vehicles.

Elizabeth residents Ginny and David Stowe, who live nearby, came for the first time this year. “We’ve lived in Elizabeth for about five years. We are looking for ways to get to know people in the community. Events like the pancake feed are the perfect opportunity for this — great food and wonderful conversations,” said Ginny.

There will be a couple other opportunities to support the Elizabeth Firefighters Community Foundation and the Elizabeth Fire Protection District this summer. The next breakfasts are scheduled for July 19 and Aug. 16, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the main fire station in downtown Elizabeth, at 155 West Kiowa Avenue. One breakfast costs $5.

In the fall, the foundation also puts on a Chili Cookoff, in conjunction with The Means Agency and other community organizations, which is currently scheduled for Sept. 13.

The Elizabeth Firefighters Community Foundation, a registered charity, is dedicated to “supporting fire prevention, emergency services, and community resilience in Elizabeth and the surrounding areas.” The community’s contributions help the foundation protect lives, enhance safety and create a stronger, more prepared community.

The mission of the foundation is to lend a hand in times of need, provide resources to the community and promote a culture of kindness and caring. To learn more about the Elizabeth Firefighters Community Foundation and other upcoming events, visit tinyurl.com/39cwfsbx or tinyurl.com/4n8a586c.

More information about the Elizabeth Fire Protection District is available at elizabethfpd.colorado.gov.

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The Elizabeth High School Cardinal Club Independence Day 5K is an invigorating way to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. The race, which competes with other local races held on Independence Day, continues to see more people sign up every year.

Each year, racers gather at Evans Park in Elizabeth to run or walk and share a delicious (and free!) pancake breakfast together. The breakfast, hosted by the Elizabeth Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, begins at 8:30 a.m. but racers are welcome to grab a bite after the race, which starts at 9 a.m.. This year, the breakfast will also include The High Plains Singers, a car show and a kid’s parade.

Cardinal Club President Jamie Lindsay said this year there are several prizes for top runners, including gift cards from Scheels sporting goods, Patty Ann’s Cafe in Kiowa and Small Town Mini Donuts in Elizabeth. Raising Canes, Crumbl Cookie, Texas Roadhouse and Kneaders also contributed gift baskets.

“The 5k run raises funds for the Cardinal Club Athletic Scholarship that is awarded each spring to seniors furthering their education,” Lindsay said. “Applicants provide an essay with the topic of how being an EHS athlete has prepared them for the future. Points are awarded for GPA, athletic participation and involvement in extracurricular activities. Last spring we awarded five $1,000 scholarships.”

Lindsay added that the race is the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year and usually brings in about $1,500. “Last year, we had our biggest turnout of 71 racers. We are hoping to top that this year,” she said.

The route will follow the same path as last year, starting at Evans Park and winding up through Casey Jones Park. Cardinal Club partners with Elizabeth Parks & Recreation for the event; Lindsay explained that EPR maps out the course each year and Cardinal Club has appreciated all their support.

The EHS Cardinal Club, created about 30 years ago, is a parent volunteer group made up of representatives from each athletic booster club. The nonprofit organization focuses on raising funds to support scholarship opportunities for student athletes. The scholarships are funded by fundraisers throughout the year, including the 5K.

Though the race is days away, in-person registration will be available on race day, with a small price increase: $40 for adults, $25 for children or $120 for a Family 4-Pack. Check-in for the race will start at 8 a.m. at Evans Park, 34201 County Road 17.

Donations to the EHS Cardinal Club are tax-deductible and can be sent to their Venmo at @EHS-CardinalClub.

To contact the Elizabeth Cardinal Club, email elizabethhscardinalclub@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064219963801.

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The Independence Homestead Park, at the entrance to the Independence subdivision near Elizabeth, was home to the first-ever Summerfest on June 14. Residents took advantage of the pool as the temperature soared close to 90 degrees, and neighborhood families strolled down to enjoy the festivities.

The free event included local vendors, live music, and plenty for little ones to do, including lawn games and grabbing a free balloon animal. Local food trucks Smokey Trail BBQ, The Thirst Trap, OG Burgers and Mother Clucker’s Wings provided several options for lunch or a snack. Independence representatives gave each person who came a coupon for free ice cream from Rose’s Creamery and conducted a raffle to win a Traeger grill, gift cards, concert tickets and more.

Kristin Cross, community manager for Independence, said Summerfest is a celebration of “everything that makes life in Independence, Elizabeth, and across Elbert County so exceptional.”

“From the sweeping open spaces and resort-style amenities to the craftsmanship of our builders and the warmth of the neighbors, this event invites guests to experience the Independence lifestyle firsthand,” she went on. “… It’s also a proud moment to support Elbert County’s hard-working small businesses — each one adding their own spark to our celebration. Whether guests are a resident, future neighbors, or curious people who love discovering vibrant communities, Summerfest is an invitation to connect, explore, and fall in love with Independence.”

Independence sits on 1,000 acres of a former working ranch from the late 1800s. Homestead Park, at 39099 Hancock Way, sits at the center of Independence, with a pool, community garden and restored historical buildings.

The community garden has 46 resident-managed community garden plots; all but three were claimed this year. Denver Urban Gardens provides support for the community gardens by holding classes and providing guidance. The nonprofit, which currently oversees 200 community gardens, helps residents with creating sustainable, food-producing neighborhood community gardens.

Cross says Summerfest will hopefully become an annual event. For more information about Independence, visit independencedenver.com.

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The first Friday Night Market and Concert Series of 2025, one of the highlights of summer in Elizabeth, kicked off with perfect weather and a cheerful crowd of well over 1,000 people. People strolled through vendor alley, where there were plenty of options available to grab food and shop before the music started. Though it rained earlier in the day on June 13, the sun came out just in time for concert-goers to set up their lawn chairs, socialize and listen to the Jason Wulf Band.

The event, a partnership between the Town of Elizabeth and the Elizabeth Brewing Company, started in 2018 and has grown ever since. Candice Baker, Elizabeth Brewing Company event coordinator and marketing manager, said this year there’s a new layout with lots of vendors, including a new vendor selling mead alongside their beer and wine.

In addition to enjoying yard games, face painting and balloon animals, kids were invited to take a turn on a brightly colored train trundling around Running Creek Park. The free train will also be at Friday Night Market events on July 11 and August 15.

Elizabeth Mayor Angela Ternus said she thinks the Friday Night Markets bring the community together, both longtime residents and new community members. “There are lots of great local vendors and food trucks,” she said. “The live music creates a relaxed atmosphere at the end of the work week where you can hang out with friends and family. The event draws people into our great town to see all that we have to offer. With the increase in population, I believe the Friday Markets will continue to grow and, in the process, benefit the local vendors, the town and foster community.”

The market is a central part of the Elbert County summer where families and friends come together to mingle, explore fun food and enjoy free entertainment.

Friday Night Market upcoming schedule:

June 27 — Blinker Fluid

July 4 — Soundbite

July 11 — Northwoods Band

July 18 — These Guys

July 25 — The Atomic Drifters

Aug. 1 — Hummin’ Birds

Aug. 8 — Chancer’s Hooley

Aug. 15 — Lookin’ Back

The free Friday Night Markets take place from 5 to 9 every Friday night throughout the summer until Aug. 15 at Running Creek Park in Elizabeth, 500 East Kiowa Ave. The live music starts at 6.

For more information about the Friday Night Markets, including upcoming vendors, visit townofelizabeth.org/community/page/friday-night-market or brewelizabeth.com/market-schedule. Updates and a list of upcoming vendors are also available at the EBC Facebook page: facebook.com/ElizabethBrews.

Elbert County News previously wrote about the Friday Night Markets at coloradocommunitymedia.com/2024/07/30/friday-night-markets-are-a-hit-in-elizabeth.

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Xcel Energy’s push for 48 miles of power lines and temporary construction areas hit a stumbling block recently when the Elbert County Planning Commission recommended denial on both counts.

The Planning Commission’s June 3 meeting focused on Xcel Energy’s Colorado Power Pathway 1041 and Special Use by Review applications. The community turned out in force and the meeting ran well into the evening and eventually had to be continued on June 4.

That night, after multiple presentations, extensive public comment, and board discussion, the Elbert County Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend denial for both applications. The next step in the process will be the Board of County Commissioners hearing on Tuesday, June 24, at 1 p.m. in the Elbert County Fairgrounds Agricultural Building, 95 Ute Ave. in Kiowa. If the Board of County Commissioners denies Xcel’s application, Xcel will likely appeal that decision with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.

The applications, for 48 miles of high-voltage transmission lines and temporary construction areas running generally northwest across western Elbert County, were deemed incomplete by Elbert County staff. Xcel Energy felt their application was sufficient and chose to move forward with the public hearing process regardless.

Despite the fact that its application was still under consideration, Xcel has already filed condemnation cases seeking eminent domain, the legal process where private property can be taken for public use, against 13 homeowners.

Xcel’s documents lacking

The June 3 meeting began with a review of the project, highlighting the portions of the application considered insufficient. Xcel has not submitted Proof of Fire Protection, a signed “Fire Prevention and Safety Agreement” form for Kiowa Fire Protection District or Big Sandy Fire Protection District, as required by Elbert County Zoning Regulations. Xcel had also not responded to comments from all referral agencies, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Elbert County Office of Emergency Management, Elbert County Public Works Department, and more.

The county listed all of the following application criteria, from the 1041 and SUR, as “Not Adequately Addressed”:

• No significant risk from natural hazards,

• No significant adverse effect on local services or capacity of delivery systems,

• Will not create financial burden on the county,

• Benefits outweigh losses,

• Will not burden infrastructure,

• Will not increase traffic congestion or burden road system,

• Will not cause significant air, odor, water, noise, or light pollution and

• Will not be detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of Elbert County residents.

Xcel was given a chance to present an overview of their project and argued that the Power Pathway Project will improve tax revenue, bring revenue to local businesses during construction and attract new energy projects along the Pathway. Xcel also offered up a “Wildfire Mitigation Plan,” which they say addresses fire coverage in the area and wildfire mitigation plans.

During the following public comment, resident after resident expressed their disdain for the project, citing concerns about lower property values, eroding property rights, increased wildfire risk, no direct benefit to Elbert County, and on and on. Not a single person expressed support for the Power Pathway.

Elbert County Environmental Alliance Board Member Kerry Jiblits said, “As you know, ECEA has been opposed to this route from the start and has actively worked to have it changed for over three and a half years. The staff did a great job and they … said that the application has “not been deemed complete” by Elbert County. However, Xcel has chosen to proceed with the incomplete applications to Public Hearing.”

“What arrogance,” she went on. “Why are they willing to go ahead with an incomplete application? Most likely because they are willing to bulldoze through whatever Elbert County and officials say, and appeal any decision not in their favor to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. They are just checking a box with this Public Hearing … Elbert County is not a box to be checked off.”

Eric Jiblits also stood to speak about the loss of personal property rights and the way Xcel seems to be backing landowners into a corner. Most cannot afford legal representation to oppose Xcel’s use of force and eminent domain, Jiblits said, and he estimates that 56% of affected landowners are “emptying their savings and retirement accounts to fight Xcel’s theft of their land.”

Land acquisition underway

Some attendees are already engaged in condemnation proceedings with Xcel and couldn’t speak freely on the topic. Forty-eight Elbert County landowners will have the transmission line going through their property; 13 of those are currently in condemnation proceedings; and 27 have already reached an agreement with Xcel to acquire an easement.

Ramah resident Roger Shults asked commissioners to deny and oppose the Pathway. “Eminent domain, also known as condemnation, is the power of the government to take property for public use, even if the owner doesn’t want to sell,” he said. “This power is established in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which requires that “just compensation” be paid to the property owner. Just compensation typically means fair market value.”

Shults, a realtor, conveyed to Xcel what he felt was an appropriate compensation amount. On May 8, he received an email from Xcel notifying him that the company would be moving forward with filing a condemnation case rather than making an attempt at fair compensation. “… Their next step,” he went on, “is threatening me with condemnation proceedings, which isn’t the right of a private corporation, it’s the right of a government.”

Rick Orcutt lives on property in Ramah homesteaded by his great-grandfather in 1906. “We’ve been in the cattle business since that time,” he said. “And this land is pristine, it is one they [Xcel] do not have to touch, they have constantly lied to us, misrepresented us, everything else, no offers have been made in good faith. The only offers we got were complete jokes. We’ve never been contacted by an Xcel representative, only a contractor. We’ve just been served eminent domain paperwork; we just dropped $5,000 we really didn’t have to drop in order to fight this.”

Several people, including ECEA board member Don Gray, said they’re not opposed to the project itself but are opposed to the preferred route. Many also expressed concerns about the increased risk of wildfire.

Pam Struthers, a wildland-certified volunteer firefighter who worked in Elbert County for 12 years, said she’s also opposed. “The transmission lines and associated infrastructure, they do have the potential to ignite wildfires, especially during dry and windy conditions,” she said. “The construction activity, maintenance, operations and equipment malfunctions could further exacerbate these risks in areas with already high fire danger.”

Debbie Ullom, who served 10 years on the Kiowa Fire Protection District board, said staff in Kiowa is “spread beyond thin” and exhorted commissioners to protect Elbert County property. Both Struthers and Ullom are worried about the area’s limited resources when it comes to fighting fires.

During lengthy board discussion on June 4 between Xcel representatives and the Planning Commission, Commissioner Nicole Hunt asked pointedly why Xcel couldn’t bury a least part of the line. Xcel has consistently said that burying the line is cost-prohibitive and added that the Colorado Public Utilities Commission determined that “undergrounding the route was not in the best interest of the ratepayers.” Xcel admitted they do have some buried lines in Colorado, such as downtown Denver, and said that any interested party could potentially cover the cost differential to have lines buried rather than placed overhead.

Planning Commissioner Kyle DeNardo zeroed in on whether or not the project would directly benefit Elbert County; Xcel could only specifically name short-term benefits and one local contract with the Town of Simla for water during construction. “So realistically … the benefit is minimal, I mean, sponsoring rodeos, eating at restaurants doesn’t really benefit Elbert County as a whole …” DeNardo said.

The ECEA commented, “We are hopeful that the BOCC will take the time to review the Planning Commission’s conclusions and will also vote to protect Elbert County from eminent domain for private gain. This project not only infringes on private property rights and property values, it also flies in the face of all that Elbert County residents hold dear,” they said.

Xcel defends action

Xcel Energy has maintained that the demand for more power outside Elbert County, along with Colorado’s insufficient infrastructure, make the Power Pathway necessary, and that eminent domain is necessary when land negotiations are unsuccessful.

The Power Pathway is made up of five segments totaling about 550 miles. Segment 5, partially within Elbert County, would consist of 275 poles with a 75-foot right-of-way on either side of the pole itself, totaling 150 feet. None of the towers are planned within existing right-of-way.

Xcel hopes to begin construction in Elbert County in the third quarter of 2026. The goal is to transport power from wind and solar facilities in the eastern part of the state to the Front Range. For more information about the Xcel Power Pathway, visit coloradospowerpathway.com.

Elbert County has created a webpage, tinyurl.com/elbert-pathway, that includes the documents Xcel submitted for their 1041 Application as well as the Elbert County staff presentation.

The Agenda Packet from the June 3 meeting is available at elbertcoco.portal.civicclerk.com/event/645/files/attachment/7130.

For more information about the Elbert County Environmental Alliance, visit www.ecealliance.org.

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