Guardian angels
Dear Editor:
The family of Andrea Henson-Koenig would like to thank all of the “guardian angels” that came to her rescue on Saturday morning. No one ever expects a tire to blow on their vehicle, especially that early in the day while transporting five children, getting excited for a softball game. But it happened in a flash and her Excursion went out of control. Immediately there were “heroes” stopping to lend a helping hand, administering first aid to my sweet daughter and her babies. Phone calls made so quickly to obtain first responders, and started going to family and friends to get ahold of all the people that needed to be contacted.
I would like to say a big thank you to all the emergency personnel that responded, the ambulance crews who took three of the kids to Meeker, two to Rifle and the Flight for Life crew out of New Mexico that came to the scene to get Andrea to get her to St. Mary’s so quickly. Thank you to the ER nurses and doctors who took just good care of all the kids in Meeker and Rifle, and a big thank you to the trauma center at St. Mary’s for taking care of this wonderful daughter of mine. She is a wonderful mommy to her three children and her three stepchildren. Everyone, your help brought this family back together before the day’s end to hug each other and be safely home.
Thank you so much Ed Koenig for running and getting the kids all new car seats and new booster seats. They are not cheap, especially when you are buying that many at one time. thanks for being there for your nieces and nephews!
And huge and wonderful thank you goes out to Tirae Koenig. Two of these injured children are yours, but yet you took over, took charge of all the kids so that CJ and Andrea’s family could go to her and we didn’t have to worry so much about the babies. You and your mom are great! You’re such a great friend to Andrea and how your family is merged with hers, that the two of you can say “our kids” together!
Yes, it was very scary for all of for a while but there are no broken bones, it seems no internal injuries. Only one child got stitches, and Andrea has staples and stitches but she did not have to stay at the hospital. Thank you once again, everyone, and a huge thank you to those who are coming to her aid in the days to come as she heals to help the kids get to and from all their busy activities.
Nita Henson (Andrea’s mom)
And the rest of the Henson and Koenig families
Meeker
Grateful for the help
Dear Editor:
I would like to thank the Rio Blanco County Search and Rescue 4-wheeler group, the attending ambulance crew and the hospital staff for your incredible help in getting me down the trail and to the ER for treatment after my black hornet sting episode. I’m grateful to everyone for your skill and ambition to work with this group of amazing people. And I’m grateful for the patience and concern of my fellow equine rescue team for their first responder care and calling help for me and caring for my horse after I rode the 4-wheeler out. I’m honored to be a part of such a wonderful team and pray that you will only see me at my best from now on. Hugs to each of you!
Diane Mobley
Meeker
Chivalry not dead after all
Dear Editor:
I would like to extend a huge thank you to Marc, Naomi and Owen Etchart for stopping when I hit a rock on my way home from Grand Junction. Had it not been for Marc, I would have been in shorts and flip flops changing my tire in the pouring rain. A more chivalrous man you will never find. I would also like to thank my sister, Natalie Steiner, for not laughing hysterically when she came upon us. Thank you all for following me home to make sure I arrived safe and sound. And finally thanks to my knight in shining armor for offering to come and get me.
Tonya Morris
Meeker
Concerns expressed
Dear Editor:
I am concerned by the actions of Tanny McGinnis, public information and community relations deputy for the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, in sending out an invitation to attend a “meet and greet” for the Republican Garfield County candidates to be held at her home. The email was apparently sent to a list of people who receive official Garfield County Sheriff public service announcements. Thus, Ms. McGinnis used her Garfield County Sheriff’s Office email and a list compiled by that office to campaign for specific candidates.
The Fair Campaign Practices Act prohibits all agencies, departments of any state or political subdivision thereof from using government funds for the purpose of the election of any candidate. The Garfield County Public Relations Officer for the Sheriff clearly violated the law. I know that we all make mistakes. Had Sheriff Vallario acknowledged that this action was improper, announced that it will be handled with appropriate action and won’t be repeated, I would agree that although this is a violation, it is being handled appropriately. But instead the Sheriff defended the actions as being routine in his office.
I am dismayed that public dollars have been used to support specific candidates running for office. This also directly affects me because the actions support my opponent’s campaign for district attorney. Additionally this action affects all candidates for public office as it calls into question how your tax dollars are being spent to protect your rights and the use of your taxes to enforce the law. This email was sent using official email addresses created by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office with public dollars by a public employee during working hours. It was sent to a list compiled by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office with public dollars.
This action which is clearly against the laws of the State of Colorado appears to be condoned by the Sheriff, the agency charged with enforcing the laws. They benefit specific candidates at the expense of our democratic system. This is clearly wrong and should not be tolerated.
Sherry A. Caloia
Candidate for 9th Judicial District Attorney
Glenwood Springs, Colo.
