Meeker

Buford benefit to help county’s oldest school

The Coal Creek School was the first rural school in the area. The current building was built in 1892 and still stands at its original site. The Rio Blanco County Historical Society plans to preserve and restore the one-room schoolhouse to its original appearance. Phase one of the project will be to reinforce and weather-proof the exterior to prevent further deterioration. A fund-raising Box Social and Dessert Auction will be held at the Buford School on Aug. 30 from 5-9 p.m. to generate funds needed for repairs.
The Coal Creek School was the first rural school in the area. The current building was built in 1892 and still stands at its original site. The Rio Blanco County Historical Society plans to preserve and restore the one-room schoolhouse to its original appearance. Phase one of the project will be to reinforce and weather-proof the exterior to prevent further deterioration. A fund-raising Box Social and Dessert Auction will be held at the Buford School on Aug. 30 from 5-9 p.m. to generate funds needed for repairs.
RBC I The Coal Creek School on County Road 6 was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties on July 18.
In 1884, Coal Creek School, the first rural school in the area, was started in a log cabin about a half-mile east of where the present school is located. In 1892, the present Coal Creek School was built and remains the oldest rural school in Rio Blanco County still standing on its original site.

Rio Blanco County Historical Society plans to preserve and restore this historic one-room schoolhouse to its 1892 original appearance. It will be used as an educational and interpretive center for members of our community and surrounding areas as well as tourists.
“We have one of the wonderful historic rural schools (the Buford School) restored and take pride in maintaining it and developing friendship in our community,” said Jeanne Horne, president of the WRCA. “To carry on the traditions of the White River Valley pioneers of dancing, box socials and helping each other, we are inviting everyone to a Dessert Box Social and Dance at the Buford School on Aug. 30 from 5 to 9 p.m.”
The dessert auction will go toward the historic preservation of the Coal Creek School.
Entertainment will be provided by Dave Main and band along with Dan Seely to call the square dancing and Bryce Purkey to auction the donated desserts. The three have volunteered their musical talent and skills to make this benefit a success.
Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served free of charge with donations accepted to defray costs and to help maintain the Buford School.
“Anyone is welcome to bring their best dessert for auction and bid on a dessert,” Horne said, “But, most of all, be prepared to have some great fun.”
The National Register of Historical Places is the official federal listing of places significant in American history. Authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate and protect our historic and archeological resources. The National Parks Service provides overall program administration.
The Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP) in History Colorado and the Colorado Historical Society administer the register in Colorado. OAHP assists property owners in listing Colorado’s most historical and architecturally significant buildings, structures and sites in the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties.
Properties listed in the National or State registers may be eligible for investment tax credits or grants from the State Historical Fund, another program of History Colorado. The OAHP staff is available to assist with the initial assessments of eligibility and to provide guidance in the completion of Register nominations.
The Rio Blanco Rural School Research Project Committee (3Rs), a part of the Rio Blanco County Historical Society, just completed a Historic Structure Assessment, which was funded 100 percent by History Colorado as the first part of preserving and restoring Coal Creek School.
Restoration of Coal Creek School will be done in two phases.The first phase involves reinforcing and weather-proofing repairs to the exterior to prevent any more deterioration. The stone walls and roof will be restored to their original beauty.
Phase 2 includes windows, doors, the interior and reconstruction of the unique belfry.
History Colorado’s State Historical Funds awards grants to fund up to 75 percent of the work, but donations and fundraising events are needed to start the project, Horne said.
Donations designated for the Coal Creek School Project may be made to the Rio Blanco County Historical Society and left at the White River Museum in Meeker.
“History Colorado has been instrumental in helping our 3Rs group advance in our goal to see Coal Creek School come alive again as an educational and interpretive part of Rio Blanco County history,” Horne said.

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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
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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.
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.
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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
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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
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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.
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Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
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