Opinion

From My Window: Eggs have great uses; incentives good for business; IOOF and quakes

Sean McMahon, Editor
Sean McMahon, Editor
I was looking out my window and everything I looked at appeared scrambled. Then I looked again and realized that the window I looked at was filthy from the wind and rain storm last week and not only couldn’t I see out my windows at home, but the windows on my car were worse.

Then, while going through my computer looking for something relevant, I came across something interesting, which I occasionally do, that just sounds interesting, doesn’t have a thing to do with Rangely, Meeker or Rio Blanco County, but is just interesting enough that I think you readers will find it informational.
It came from the Colorado Egg Producers Association and lets us all in on a bit of information not many of us know about. It talks about the benefits of eggs that do not include eating. Thanks to the egg producers for their fun and informative suggestions.
Eggs are undoubtedly nutritious and an option for any of our meals. With so many different ways to cook them, eggs are one of the most versatile, high-quality and useful ingredients to be found in the kitchen.
But many folks don’t know how useful eggs can be outside the kitchen, and it is these unique ideas that the egg producers are trying to tell us about. There are non-food ways in which the high-quality protein, amino acids and nutrients are extremely useful.
The consistency of eggs, and the fact they contain Vitamin A, calcium and sulfur, make them an ideal solution for many household needs. Below are some great ways to use eggs around your home:
Hair treatments: The proteins and nutrients found in eggs are great for revitalizing your hair. To add some strength and shine to your hair, beat an egg with a little bit of olive oil and apply it to your hair from roots to ends. Leave the mixture in for about 20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.
Facial masks: Eggs contain many anti-aging and moisturizing properties that can make your skin glow and feel fresh. For an anti-aging, smoothing treatment that reduces pores and puffiness, whisk egg whites with a little bit of water and apply the mixture to your face. Rinse off after a few minutes.
For a moisturizing treatment, follow the same steps using egg yolks.
Glue replacement: Because of their composition, egg whites become sticky as they dry. Egg whites are a great substitution for glue when used on paper or light cardboard. Egg whites can also be used for papier-mâché projects, when mixed with flour, water, sugar and alum.
Gardening: There are several ways eggs can help your plants grow healthy and strong. Eggshells are great sources of calcium, a crucial nutrient for plants. Give your plants a calcium boost by watering them with the cooled water leftover from cooking your hard-boiled egg.
You can also give your plants calcium by composting your eggshells in the soil.
Cleaning leather: Egg whites are an easy, low-cost option to clean your favorite leather products. Just gently scrub the egg whites into the leather and wipe it off with a damp cloth to remove dirt and make the leather shine.
Heal bruises: Eggs contain a number of healing properties, even in the shell. To help break up a bruise, hard boil an egg and peel it while it is still warm. Rub the eggshell on your bruise to help dissipate the blood cells collecting underneath the skin.
So, eat it, rub it, scramble or make it foam. Most importantly, the egg producers say, “Enjoy it.”

Peggy Rector’s long letter to the editor in last week’s Herald Times may have a lot of merit contained within.
She called on the town of Rangely to start offering incentives to businesses that are looking to locate or relocate in that town.
Ever since the 1970s, it has been commonplace for cities and towns that are down economically to offer things such as free land, tax breaks, sales tax breaks on materials for new construction, breaks on utilities, breaks on the costs of building permits and others to attract new businesses—large and small—to entice them to locate or relocate offices and businesses to those towns and communities.
And, it appears to have been a successful move in many cases.
When a town’s economy is thriving, it is easy to say no to incentives because that town is experiencing much-needed growth without them. But when an area is experiencing a serious downturn, would it not be better to obtain those growth businesses, which will certainly pay off later, than to retain the hard-gritted stand that “we give nothing away.”
Not saying that we want a private prison in the county, but the county supervisors (same as commissioners) in Mohave County, Ariz., gave a couple of pretty nice incentives, including a 10-year tax break, when a private prison company wanted to locate one of its prisons (this for felony DUI convicts) outside of Kingman.
Sides automatically formed, but to make a long story short, the prison was approved and built with those incentives in place and the prison has now more than tripled in size, the incentives have come to an end, employment at the facility has grown significantly and payroll and taxes from there are now a strong force in the county coffers.
The employees had to build homes for their housing; the clothing and grocery stores are still prospering from the increased buying power of the new employees, the prison itself and from the added dollars brought to the city from all the new businesses and employees at support businesses that followed the prison into Kingman. Now, the city of Kingman and Mohave County have a good neighbor paying big-time into the coffers of both.
Either Rangely made a great decision or Meeker made a big mistake when the state of Colorado wanted to put Colorado Northwestern Community College into Rio Blanco County because usually the No. 1 item mentioned as a necessity to locate or relocate into a smalll town is the presence of an institution of higher learning.
Rangely: 1; Meeker: 0.
Another major key to growth is affordable real estate.
Rangely, 0; Meeker 0.
With few oilfield workers living in Meeker and with a minimum of good-paying jobs in either town, a home costing well in excess of $100,000 just isn’t realistic for our residents’ sons and daughters, or out-of-area young workers and their families, to move into Rio Blanco County to begin their careers and stay on long enough to become real assets to the county or towns.
It is imperative for Rangely, Meeker and Rio Blanco County to draw businesses that will help expand and fund the future for all three entities and their residents. Not even the children nor the grandchildren of many old-timers in the county can find lucrative employment in the two towns or county to make a fair living and to pay local rents or buy a home on their own.
If it takes incentives, then give incentives.
It seems wise to give a little now and reap more later.

I have seen signs that read “I.O.O.F.” my entire life in small and large towns all over the United States and even a few in Europe. So what? Who are those folks?
I always thought that a group that calls itself the International Order of Odd Fellows was kind of strange.
I never knew who they were, unlike the AF&AM sign which refers to the Masons. The Masons have actually played quite a major role in history of world construction throughout Europe and the U.S., and the group is considered likely to have in its possession the Holy Grail (Christ’s chalice from the Last Supper). It is also well known that the Masons began as an organization of stone masons and are linked to the Knights Templar. At least that group has a public face on it although the group still deals in several levels of secrecy to non-members.
But I can say I never knew what the IOOF was.
I was somewhat skeptical of someone who wanted to be “an odd fellow.” I have never known anyone in my life who proclaimed or even whispered that he was “an odd fellow.”
But huge kudos to Tawny Halandras. Tawny spent countless (perhaps hundreds of) hours in having the lodge building included on the National Register and she got me interested in the 118th anniversary of the old IOOF Lodge—Valentine Lodge No. 47— in Meeker and in the first anniversary of the IOOF lodge.
That lodge is now Mountain Valley Bank, being listed on the National Register of Historic Places one year ago on April 26.
I started reading about the Odd Fellows, and I think it is a really neat organization. I wish I had known many years what the organization stood for.
It isn’t a closed group like the Masons. It is more of a group of benevolent gentlemen of all ages and occupations, maybe similar to the Elks, who have and still promote helping each other and non-members at a time of need.
The bank will have an open house on Friday (tomorrow) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the public is invited to share in the first anniversary of the building’s listing on the National Register.
But I would urge anyone who doesn’t know the history of the building or what the IOOF/Odd Fellow members are (in other towns) or were (in Meeker) to stop, spend some time, share refreshments and homemade sweets, and find out about this unique group and check out the history of the building, which really has played a major role in this community’s existence and growth.

The talk Saturday night at the CNCC Foundation Dinner was the fact or rumor that Rangely was the epicenter for two earthquakes on Friday and Saturday.
The reports/rumors were that there were two quakes of sub-3 power on the Richter Scale, which is not a strong quake and often won’t even be felt.
I didn’t speak with anyone who said they felt the temblors, however light, but several people said they had spoken with or knew people who had felt either one or both.
I know the real answer can be found in Boulder, but the correct person at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) has so far eluded me.
Hopefully we will have “the rest of the story” next week.

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@ht.1885
  • 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.
  • 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.
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 |
1/9
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 |
2/9
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 |
3/9
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 |
4/9
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 |
5/9
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 |
6/9
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 |
7/9
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
View on Instagram |
8/9
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.
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.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

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