Meeker

29th annual Meeker Sheepdog Classic begins on Wednesday

The sheepdog competitions have their roots in the highlands of Scotland and Ireland and, as such, are associated with the “pipes” of the Irish and Scottish bagpipers. There will be pipers on hand during the Meeker Classic, and their instruments can be heard periodically as they practice between performances.
The sheepdog competitions have their roots in the highlands of Scotland and Ireland and, as such, are associated with the “pipes” of the Irish and Scottish bagpipers. There will be pipers on hand during the Meeker Classic, and their instruments can be heard periodically as they practice between performances.
MEEKER I Seven hundred and fifty sheep have been separated from their summer home and flock in the high country above Vail and are headed to Meeker. These Merino cross yearlings are known in the dog trialing world as tough and independent sheep that challenge even the best dog and handler teams.

The dogs and handlers attempt to work together to maneuver the sheep over a 550-yard course in a calm, controlled manner.
Starting Wednesday and running through Sunday, Sept. 13 is the 29th annual Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials. The five-day competition features 130 Border Collies from the United States, Canada and South Africa matched against the famous Meeker sheep.
For 29 years, the town of Meeker has opened its doors each September to the world as sheepdog enthusiasts celebrate the Meeker Classic. This premier sheepdog competition draws on the area’s ranching/cultural heritage and creates a community event that provides a venue for education, information and communication.
A free outdoor concert, demonstrations, an art show and a craft and vending fair provide something for everyone.
Past Meeker Classic trial director Ellen Nieslanik reflected on the event, saying, “I’m in Oregon tonight, reading the program, and I have an appreciation for the magnitude of this event. It’s amazing, truly. I am humbled to have been part of this week-long showcase of volunteerism, sportsmanship and friendship, but more so the true sense of community it elicits.
“I speak not only of the countless hours by the board and the volunteers, but more so of the devotion to this entity, to this time where life stands still in this tiny little town, where spectators, handlers and volunteers revel in the moment,” she said. “Meeker is ‘something!’”
Celebrated for showcasing the elite dogs and handlers of the world, Meeker knows these folks and their black and white companions as friends and family that they look forward to seeing each year. Visitors to Meeker become part of the family that shares the journey to compete on the field, grow, train and develop the skills to meet the challenge of the course and the sheep.
There’s a common thread that pays homage to the dogs; it transcends generations, cultures and livelihoods and brings people together each year.
In addition to the sheepdog competition, vendors and artisans host a craft and food fair offering exquisite cuisine and hand-made wares while demonstrating their craft to all who are interested. One can watch spinning, Navajo weaving, felting and saddle making while kids can throw pottery or visit the FFA petting farm. Celtic musicians and story tellers, flyball and agility demonstrations and border-collie training clinicians offer educational opportunities for all interests and ages.
Award-winning cowboy entertainer Gary McMahan will be the featured entertainment for the free outdoor concert Sept. 12 on the Rio Blanco County Courthouse lawn. A singer, songwriter, yodeler, humorist and cowboy poet, McMahan is known for his songs, captivating stories, humor and national championship yodeling.
His songs have been recorded by artists such as Garth Brooks, Ian Tyson, Chris LeDoux, Riders in the Sky, Dave Stamey and Juni Fisher. He has received the most prestigious award in Western music: a National Cowboy Hall of Fame Wrangler Award.
McMahan’s poems have been published by the Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nev.
Sharing the stage with performers such as Doc Watson, Baxter Black, Ian Tyson, Riders in the Sky and Chris LeDoux, McMahan has played hundreds of cowboy poetry gatherings, banquets, festivals and concerts throughout the U.S., Canada, and Australia. He will be at the trials all five days to watch the competition, meet folks and share stories.
Long-time Meeker sheepdog handler and competitor from Georgia, Dawn Boyce will orchestrate her “Ducks in Space” production in Meeker this year. Showing off the border collie talent and instinct, Dawn will entertain the crowd with her dogs. In a rare display of partnership between handler and dog, Dawn invites kids from the audience and uses multiple dogs to herd the Indian Runner ducks. Her narration follows the progress of the crew across the “galaxy” of obstacles and safely back to earth.
Dawn, her dogs and ducks will be performing during the lunch hour on Sept 12 and 13, the semi-final and final days of the competition.
Complementing a week full of dogs, sheep, food, artisans and all things fun will be the annual Meeker Classic International Art Contest and Culinary Taste of Lamb Cook-off. Hosted on Sept. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Wilber Barn on the Ute Park trial site, the evening is a favorite of locals and visitors, showcasing Colorado lamb and the finest original sheepdog art to be found.
The five-day competition culminates with a semi-final round on Sept. 12 and the finals on Sept. 13.
Judged by Johnny Robinson of Berwickshire, Scotland, each of the 130 dogs will be sent more than 550 yards to gather the sheep and bring them in through a series of obstacles in the infield. The top 30 advance to the semifinals and 12 of those will compete on the final day.
The sheep and the rough high altitude course have led many a competitor whose dog was flummoxed to exclaim “I’ve been Meekered!” The phrase is now standard usage worldwide.
Make it a point to visit Meeker the week of Sept. 9-13. As a spectator so described the event: “Meeker is a friendly, family ‘ranch-person,’ dog owner and spectator place. Everyone is treated kindly and as if they matter. We applaud you and all involved there, where everything feels so authentic, so natural. Keep up whatever you’re doing; it’s perfect.”
Visit www.meekersheepdog.com or call 970-878-0111 for details.

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  • It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
1 hour ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
6 days ago
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9/9

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