Rangely

Board, patrons debate closing

RANGELY — What a difference a year makes. Or six months.
“We look back at September and we had over 40 new students, we were looking at a bond issue, oil was over $100 a barrel and things looked good,” said Matt Scoggins, Rangely School Board president. “Wow, how things have changed.”
To deal with the economic changes affecting the district, School Board members invited the public to give its input at an informational meeting March 10.
Before hearing from residents, Scoggins outlined the challenges facing the district.
“Where we’re at, with the changes from last year, we’re looking at a deficit budget going into next year from $500,000 to $700,000,” Scoggins said. “We’re having to look very closely at how we can cut expenditures.”
One option the board is considering for cutting costs is closing Parkview Elementary — the oldest building in the district, built in 1978 — and combining kindergarten through sixth grades at the middle school and seventh through 12th grades at the high school.
Shutting down a school would not be an easy decision, Scoggins said.
“I live across the street from Parkview,” he said. “I have no desire to see that (school closed), from a personal standpoint. But we have to look out and see what is in the best interests of our students. We’re all in this together.”
Last week’s public meeting was for informational purposes only. Superintendent Dwayne Newman said no decisions would be made that night.
“Our purpose is to gather information, to get feedback and ideas on what we can do to address the budget situation in which we find ourselves,” Newman said. “It is not a meeting where a decision is going to be made. Any decision about a major change of direction in the district will occur March 23 at a board meeting.”
Newman also used last week’s public meeting as an opportunity to dispel rumors and to stress the board has not made any final decisions.
“We have given options and ideas and gotten feedback, but no decisions have been made,” Newman said. “We are not, at this point, discussing any staffing reductions. We are not, at this point, talking about laying folks off. We are not, at this point, talking about sending all of our juniors and seniors up to the college. There has been no discussion about cutting the baseball program, specifically. So, if you have heard anything about this is a done deal, or that’s a done deal, that is not the case.”
However, Newman said the board has directed the staff to consider all options for cutting costs.
“Everything is to be looked at from an efficiency standpoint,” Newman said. “The district cannot solve this financial situation by saving a few thousand dollars here and a few thousand dollars there. We’re not going to save enough money by buying fewer pens and pencils to solve a $500,000 deficit.”
The cost-cutting idea that has generated the most buzz in the community is the possible closing of Parkview.
“I don’t want to see us go down to two schools, for more reasons than just sentimentality,” said businessman Rodger Polley. “If we are going to look at things that are going to be forward-thinking, the community has to figure out some way to fund our schools, better.”
One building Polley would like to see the school district unload is the Early Education Center, which formerly housed the preschool and administrative offices, but was closed in 2004 for financial reasons and is now leased office space.
“We definitely need to get rid of the EEC building,” Polley said. “We closed it four years ago with the thought we were going to save money for the district. I am opposed to the fact that my school tax money is going to prop up private real estate. There needs to be a plan to get rid of it. We need to auction it off, or do something. That’s going to be a huge loss to the district’s balance sheet, but it’s a loss.”
Polley said Rangely has always prided itself on its schools and educational quality.
“I just think Rangely ought to stand up, and we ought to have this one thing,” Polley said. “It’s been the crown of our community. It’s been that way for 50 years, and we ought to fight to make it that way continually.”
Bill Laster, who handles building and grounds maintenance for the Western Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park District, said if closing Parkview was deemed to be in the best interests of the school district, it should be shut down.
“If I understand what’s been said at previous board meetings, even if you put money in that building, it is still short term,” Laster said of the condition of the school’s physical structure. “Apparently, it doesn’t have a long future. Somewhere down the line, you’d be looking at the same situation.”
Laster said he thought consolidating schools could work.
“I think the high school and the middle school can handle the student population,” Laster said. “What should come first and foremost is the education of our children. But you need to provide the education that your budget allows, because that’s all you’ve got.”
Tim Webber, director of the Western Rio Blanco Metropoli-tan Recreation and Park District, said the various taxing entities in the community needed to work together.
“We need to set aside that (attitude of) ‘I’m the school board,’ or ‘I’m the rec district,’ or ‘I’m the town council,’ or ‘We’re the college’ … and start scratching each other’s backs,” Webber said. “Let’s think outside of the box. If it’s going to help our kids, if it’s going to help our community, let’s do it.”
Webber said he could understand why the board would consider shutting down Parkview, for economic reasons.
“It makes sense to close buildings,” Webber said. “The same guy who built the rec center (which is currently undergoing a $7 million renovation), built Parkview. So what kinds of structural problems do we have there?
“I don’t envy you guys one bit,” Webber said. “It’s a tough situation for the board. But we have to be creative and figure out how we can make our community better … and get this done for our community.”
Charleen Brown, a Rangely native, said she feels strongly about the community’s school system.
“All three of my children went through the Rangely school system, and four of my five grandchildren are in school in Rangely,” she said. “Our kids and this community come first.”
Having lived through the ups and downs of past economic cycles, Brown said she could empathize with the challenges facing the school district.
“I’ve seen a lot of booms, and a lot of busts in my time in Rangely,” Brown said. “I know what horrible economic times can do to a budget. But we have to live within the constraints of our budget.”
Brown, who is manager of the Rio Blanco Schools Federal Credit Union, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, said the district needed to work with other groups to look for creative ways to address its financial problems.
“We’d be willing to work with the administration and the school board,” Brown said. “We’re willing to sit down and see what we can do to help.”

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  • It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
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  • 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
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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
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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 |
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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.
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View on Instagram |
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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.
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View on Instagram |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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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