This year's theme for the Haxtun Corn Festival was "Pulling Together" and community members from both Holyoke and Haxtun found it a very fitting opportunity to debut a new collaboration between the two groups who have done just that to form a committee regarding election integrity.

The group entered a float and manned a booth at the event over the weekend to spread the word of what they are all about.

Following the last election, many people have taken an interest in the election process, namely the method of counting votes as well as the voter rolls. Concerned citizens of Phillips County have banded together to look deeper into election systems, to verify its security and help to make sure voter rolls are up to date and so birthed the Phillips County Election Integrity Project.

The new committee is co-chaired by Steven Brown, Holyoke, Todd Workman, Haxtun, and Mike Brown, Holyoke.

The three chairmen agree that this is a bipartisan issue. They believe that all Americans would advocate for clean voter rolls and to make sure the way of counting votes is done accurately and securely.

The group describes themselves as a grassroots effort carried out by concerned patriots. Currently the group has 54 members.

When asked about his role in the group, Mike Brown, who is also a pastor, explained, "This season requires action especially from our pulpits." He also said, "My prayer is that our pursuit of truth compels people from every political party, every faith background and every walk of life to get involved and make a difference."

The float was created by Jeff Berkheimer and Eileen Wagner and won second place in the organizations category in the parade float contest. Those on the float included Lucky Pugh, John Smith, David and Julie Dirks, Ken Ham, Jeff Berkheimer, Mike Brown, Cherrie Brown and Taylor Frank.

"It was fun to get to talk with people alongside Jeff and Lucky ... It was an informative time visiting with other patriots. Let's keep going; we have a country to save!" said Cherrie Brown, Holyoke.

In addition to announcing the creation of their group, members also handed out flyers and sold tickets to a symposium event planned in November where they are hosting notable speakers regarding the importance of election integrity.

Those anticipated to speak at the event include Tina Peters of Mesa County, Jeffrey O'Donnell, better known as the Lone Raccoon, and Dr. Douglas Frank.

Anyone interested in the group's efforts and future events should contact Steven Brown at (720) 635-8839 for more information.