Opinion

From My Window: Meeker football team should stand proud; hunting season over

The view out my window was cold—frosted over—and downright unfriendly, as the sun forgot to shine upon the Meeker Cowboys and the Denver Broncos.

Hopefully, the Bronco situation is just a glitch that hit the Denver team two of the last three weeks, while they were on a three-game road trip, falling to the Patriots and Rams. They play host to the Miami Dolphins this coming weekend, but they will be playing on home turf again.
Manning took the blame for the loss once again, as he did against the Patriots. I am not sure I can blame Manning for the loss to the Patriots as he passed for 400 yards against an amazing team. His offensive line didn’t play very well and the normally tough defensive line and defensive backfield played like they didn’t know football was a contact sport.
The Broncos started off horribly against the Raiders, but at least the team showed up in the second half to win that game.
On Sunday against the Rams, the Broncos, from Manning to the offensive line and throughout the defense, played like it was a season-beginning scrimmage that didn’t matter much. No one did well, and the Broncos lost.
Glitches happen. That is why there has only been one undefeated team in the NFL since the Dolphins in the 1960s. Anyone can have a bad day.
Let’s hope that’s all it is and that the Broncos regroup for this coming Sunday.

The sun also forgot to shine on the Meeker Cowboy football team, which had to go on the road to Buena Vista after winning two playoff games in Meeker.
A road game is tough. Playing in less than ideal, cold conditions is tough. And since I was in high school—many, many years ago—Buena Vista was always tough.
Had the Cowboys won on Saturday afternoon in Buena Vista, Meeker would have had to play on the road against No. 1 Paonia, the only team that had defeated the Cowboys during the regular season. So, regardless of what happens this weekend between Buena Vista and Paonia, the only two teams in the state that beat Meeker this season were the No. 1 and No. 2 teams.
And if you were look at a bracket, then it figures a couple of ways that Meeker finished at least tied for third in the state, which is a darned fine accomplishment.
Coach Shane Phelan and his crew ought to feel downright proud of the Cowboys. As I have said in the past, what his team did this year was a complete team effort, led by two athletes in particular that just don’t come around every year.
Quarterback Jake Phelan and running back T.J. Shelton led the Cowboys with incredible seasons. However, other backs, the receivers and offensive line had to gel pretty well together to have the lopsided scores Meeker turned in all season. It also takes a tough defense to keep the opponents out of the Meeker end zone.
It is truly enjoyable as a fan to watch a good team with a hot offense and stiff defense, and Meeker pretty well fits that description.
Thanks for a great season, Cowboys. We are all proud of you. And remember for a long time, being No. 3 in the entire state is a pretty impressive feat.

Well, it appears that the 2014 hunting season is over this year and a mixed bag it was for the hunters.
It seems that for those seeking elk this year, it was a hot/cold season. For the second straight year, the bulls stayed particularly high in the mountains for the most part, However, among those who did bag their elk, there were some very impressive trophies.
The weather stayed pretty fair up until the last season, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Meeker area game manager Bill deVergie said the big boys stayed hidden in the thick trees up high because there was no reason for them to start downhill. There was still plenty of forage from the summer and the temperature remained high and the snow was light until the last two weeks, but even the short burst of cold didn’t much to move the elk.
The elk have prospered for two years now with lots of water and forage and relatively little snow up high, but if we have a cold, early winter next year that causes the elk to move sooner than has been the case, this whole quarter of the state could have an outstanding elk harvest.
But again, deVergie said, those hunters who did get their elk – and there were quite a few – got some beauties, and those beauties came from all parts of the region.
It is good to see that it was a good year for the deer and bear hunters.
This is one of the few regions in the state where deer aren’t in a desperate condition, and apparently, this was the best deer hunt in years with a number of very nice trophies.
It is also very good to hear that this year was highly productive for bear hunting.
The last two years when I have had to speak with the five area game managers in this entire quarter of the state, all have said it is important that the population of bears is reduced because there are just too many and they are becoming a factor near the cities and towns as well as livestock predation.
It is too early to determine if the numbers will be down next year, but it is a good bet that the population won’t be rising much as the bear harvest was reportedly very good in all of Northwest Colorado.
And another lucrative year it was for Meeker and Rangely as far as the motels and restaurants were concerned.
There were a lot of hunters this year and they spent a lot of money in Rio Blanco County motels, county restaurants and with county businesses and guide services.

It was also a relatively peaceful hunting season as far as Rio Blanco County is concerned, deVergie said. He pointed to two moose cows that were killed when the hunters thought they were honing in on two elk cows, he said, adding that while that is a tragedy and an expensive one for the hunters, two is a low number of misidentifications for the average year.
He said that even the number of hunters trespassing on private property was down significantly this past set of seasons.
And Rio Blanco was lucky in one other respect.
While the Denver media was announcing Monday morning that one hunter was asphyxiated by carbon monoxide in a tent and that two of his companions were hospitalized from the carbon monoxide—just north of Meeker—the reality was that the incident occurred over the county line in Moffat County.
Overall it was a good hunting season for everyone but the elk trophy hunters and some of them fared quite well regardless of the conditions.
Hopefully, the elk and deer (and humans) run into a mild winter and the numbers of those critters continue to rise.

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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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