Rangely, Stories

George named CNCC president

“This school is so important to the communities and students it serves, it’s something special.”

George visits with Rangely District Hospital's Bernie Rice and Jack Rich with FNBR president Pete Waller, Rangely trustee Elaine Urie and Rangely town manager Peter Brixius in the background.
RBC I Before being named president of Colorado Northwestern Community College Jan. 18, Russell George was introduced to faculty, students and members of the Rangely and Craig communities by Dr. Nancy McCallin, president of the Colorado Community College System, as the “sole” finalist for the job.
“After John Boyd told me he was leaving, I knew Russell George would be great,” McCallin said of Boyd’s probable replacement.
McCallin spoke of George’s past experience, including former speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives representing Garfield, Pitkin, Moffat and Rio Blanco counties, and sponsoring the legislation that brought CNCC into the Community College System in 1998. McCallin also spoke of George’s time as executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and most recently, director of the Colorado Department of Transportation.
“I appreciated the opportunities I had in state office but it feels good to be home,” said George, who was born and raised in Rifle. “I’m rural at heart, so y­­ou knew you had a voice.”
“I used to not like Rangely,” George said, then admitted his dislike stemmed from competing against Rangely in high school sports.
“We never beat them but I’ve long since overcome that,” George said.
George introduced his wife Neal and said he is ready to start immersing himself at CNCC.
“This school is so important to the communities and students it serves, it’s something special,” George said. “CNCC has developed important programs like their dental and aviation programs that are known everywhere. Its reputation is very broad. New classes, new opportunities all the time is what it takes, now and in the future. We need to reach a broad base, serving our communities first, but growth is important. The more we learn the better we grow.”
George thanked Dr. Boyd for what he did for CNCC and said, “we will build on that.”
“I’m ready to go and I’m a quick learner,” said George, who has a law degree from Harvard Law School. “Together we’ll talk about where we go from here. I like to work with people and decide together.”
One student asked George if he planned to change the vision of the college. George responded by asking if it needed to be changed before telling the student, “we’ll look at it together.”
Rangely local Joel Hogan asked George if he would live in Rangely. George said he would and was “looking forward to it.”
Rangely town manager Peter Brixius said the town and CNCC “each rely on each other,” and George said together they would “figure out how to strengthen the work force and increase the tax base.”

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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
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.
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6 days ago
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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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