Opinion

From My Window: Fair worth all the work; road crews busy; hunters coming; school opens

The 2015 Rio Blanco County Fair is over. That is a mixed blessing because the event is fun to cover, but not a lot of fun to follow up on.

It is fun to cover because these kids of all ages work their little hearts out to prepare their entries, be it for a livestock event, photography, floriculture, painting, fashion, rodeoing, baking, canning, making dioramas, growing vegetables and a lot more.
These kids entering the fair can range in age from single digits up into their 70s and 80s, and each entrant, it is obvious, has put all they have into their work.
On the other hand, it is tough to follow up three intense days and 550 photos later. You don’t want to miss a single event, which is sometimes tough, but when it comes down to selecting roughly 30 to 40 photos to publish in the paper, it takes hours and hours to look at every electronic frame to decide which person’s photo or exhibit or animal should be in the newspaper.
It would be easy to fill the paper if you stuck with the familiar 4-H and FFA names like Collins, Lapp, Shults, Franklin, Blunt, Parker, Turner, Kennedy, Walsh, LeBlanc, Allred, etc., but there are so many other participants from both ends of Rio Blanco County that you have to find a variety of entrants to feature. You can’t possibly cover them all. And it is easy to feel sad about that because nearly every entrant put everything they had into the fair, and it is too bad that some don’t get their photos in the newspaper.

It isn’t tough to see that road crews have been busy this past week—helping to improve two sets of roads and utilizing two sets of crews.
The most obvious is the continued work along Market Street of Highway 13.
Phase I of the Market Street Project is done, Meeker Town Administrator Scott Meszaros said. That is complete, he said, except for a railing that needs to be installed on east end of town.
In addition, there is the annual “main street project” in town, Meszaros said.
While I understand a few folks didn’t even know that was going to happen until the evening before the project started, the town got in there, ground up the sides of the asphalt and pretty well got on with the project.
Meszaros said Friday that the town hoped to have that entire project, which included the full length of Third and Fifth streets, completed by 5 p.m. on Friday but that it “should certainly be complete by Monday.”
I am writing this column on Sunday, so I don’t know if it is going to be done on Monday evening, but it could. It does seem the town got right after it and got the job done in pretty good time.

Already there are signs up to welcome the hunters.
It is that time again.
While the archery opens in about two weeks, that hunt will be followed by four rifle hunts and run until the middle of November.
It seems like the archery season just isn’t as busy as the remainder of the hunts, but if that is true, it’s a bit of a shame because I have seen a lot of nice deer this year—other than in downtown Meeker—in all directions from Meeker at least.
What the hunters mean to the coffers in Meeker and Rangely is nearly invaluable. You can’t put a true dollar value on it, which I am sure is in the millions.
But those who enjoyed it last year are probably back this year and maybe will be bringing some friends. And so the cycle goes, growing and growing each year and adding more to the towns’ coffers.
The hunters stay at hotels, eat at local restaurants or even stay at one of the lodges outside of town and pay for guided hunts. They come into town for a drink or two or to buy some booze or they stop by the various businesses in the towns and buy gear, souvenirs to take home and invariably buy gas and oil for their trucks and four-wheelers.
When they have a good time, everyone they come in contact with at home knows what a great place Rio Blanco County can be. When they are met by a bunch of surly folks who act like they don’t want to be bothered, you can bet those friends and neighbors back home will hear that too—and there is a good likelihood that the original hunters won’t be back, nor, obviously, will their friends.
While living in Aspen in the mid 1970s, it was a daily practice to make fun of the “snowbirds” from Denver or Dallas or California and as far away as Florida and the Carolinas.
There was no mistaking the fact that on a daily basis they didn’t fit into the Aspen “culture.” No. 1, they didn’t know how to drive. No. 2, they did treat the employees with a bit less respect because they didn’t have the kind of money that some person from Dallas might have had. They just figured that the locals were slaves, and it got pretty tiring, even though they often asked for it, for them to battle the locals, and that caused some of the tourists to not return and some of the good employees to not return.
But then, the last winter I was in Aspen, ironically, the town started taking on the attitude to ignore the jerks visiting as much as possible because they were, after all, the ones paying the salaries of the employees in Aspen.
That last year I was there, it truly was a better experience for everyone.
The tourists were allowed their obnoxious quirks without any major problems and the employees learned that the tips and business improved when the employees treated the “snowbirds” a bit better.
Such it is in li’l ol’ Rio Blanco County. These hunters are spending a lot of money to come out here on a three-to-five-day hunt. They want to kick up their heels a bit, but if we make them feel welcome, they will enjoy it more, those folks in Rio Blanco County will enjoy it more and the entire circle continues to grow.
It means more and more money in the pockets of our family, our friends and our neighbors who rely on the hunters and other winter outdoorsmen and women who visit our town.
Let’s make these hunters most welcome. In more than one way, it will likely pay off.

It is also the time of year to urge caution on the part of motorists all over Rio Blanco County as school begins next week across the county.
More students will be walking sidewalks and crossing streets, more students will be riding their bicycles to school, more parents will be driving to deliver their children to the schools, and there will even be more students driving to the high schools and to Colorado Northwestern Community College.
Nothing is more devastating than injuring a child, or worse, and it is something one never gets over.
Nothing on earth is worth the extra speed used to get to school or even to work two minutes early, and injuring a child, having an accident with a student or even hitting mom on her way to or from school.
Slow down a little bit, take a little more time and please pay more attention at crosswalks all over town.

Patience is going to be called for, for a while longer as the Town of Meeker has started work on Phase II of the Market Street Project. Phase II will extend sidewalks along the north side of Market Street from the end of Phase I, which went from Watts Ranch Market to Fourth Street, and this part of the project will extend curbs and sidewalks all the way to 11th Street.
We would also urge again that drivers watch out for students, pedestrian and bikes as there will be some traffic changes in this area and accidents can happen and more students will be utilizing the sidewalks and crosswalks, not only along Market Street but also on the towns’ streets in Rangely and Meeker.

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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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