Meeker

Meeker Recreation Center News: December 18

n Please check the December-March activity brochure or call, click or come in for details on these and other events, programs and policy changes; 878-3403; 101 Ute Rd.; or online at www.meekerrecdistrict.com.
n Youth open gym basketball will be held again at Meeker High School on Sunday, Dec. 21. This supervised program for students in third- through sixth-grade (from 2-4 p.m.) and seventh- through 12th-grade (4-6 p.m.) gives boys and girls the opportunity to practice skills and shoot around with friends.
Hester-Jane Butcher Cogs-well, 96, died on Dec. 7, 2008, in Meeker, Colo. She was born July 30, 1912 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Hester-Jane was the daughter of D.Y. Butcher, a pharmacist and businessman in Colorado Springs, and Hester C. Butcher.
Hester-Jane lived through the flu epidemic of 1919 when she and her mother moved to Green Mountain Falls to avoid the epidemic.
As a child during the Depression, Hester-Jane rode with her father to deliver packages to a customer who lived in Pine Valley, north of Colorado Springs.
Many years later, Hester-Jane and her husband bought the same house she had visited with her father. The history of the home inspired her to write a book about its role in Colorado Springs history from the time it was homesteaded to its current use as the residence of the commandant of cadets at the United States Air Force Academy.
Hester-Jane attended Colorado Springs High School and was graduated from The Colorado College in 1935. Hester-Jane was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, starting a tradition carried on by several granddaughters who also joined the sorority. Her lifelong commitment to education is reflected in a scholarship named in her honor at The Colorado College.
Hester-Jane Butcher and Wilton W. Cogswell, Jr. were married Aug. 24, 1935. They lived in Kansas City while he attended dental school. Their first daughter, Joan, was born in 1936. A son, Wilton W. Cogswell, III (Buster), followed in 1938. Wilton joined his family’s dental practice in Colorado Springs in 1938. A second daughter, Ann, was born in 1941.
Wilton joined the Navy after the outbreak of World War II, and was stationed near San Francisco, Calif. Hester-Jane moved with her children to the Stags’ Leap Vineyard in Napa Valley, which had been turned into housing for the families of servicemen. A third daughter, Sally, was born there in 1944.
Hester-Jane and her four young children moved back to Colorado, living in Colorado Springs and Carbondale at the Rogers ranch. Wilton returned from the war in 1945 and resumed dentistry with his father, Dr. Wilton W. Cogswell, Sr., and two brothers, Drs. Walter and Kenneth Cogswell, at their family dental practice in Colorado Springs.
Hester-Jane and Wilton’s last two sons followed: David Yerby in 1947, and Gary Alan in 1949. The young family lived in Broadmoor and was active in horse shows, 4-H, and many outdoor activities. Hester-Jane became very active in the community, and served as president of the Junior League of Colorado Springs.
In the early 1950s, the Cogswells moved north of Colorado Springs to Pine Valley, to the beautiful Spanish-style home Hester-Jane and her father delivered packages to during the Depression. The family enjoyed the outdoor lifestyle afforded by the area, and it was in the library of that great house that Hester-Jane discovered the diaries that would spark a life-long passion. The diaries chronicled several families who settled the land in the late 1800s. They described how the house began as a small cottage, and was expanded more than 50 years to become a large, gracious and formal Spanish-style home.
Hester-Jane became fascinated with the history of the home and the surrounding land, and devoted the rest of her life to researching and writing about it. Her book about the Pine Valley home, which is soon to be published, is called “Pine Valley- A Window to the Early History of Colorado Springs and the U.S. Air Force Academy.”
The home and ranch was ultimately acquired by the United States Air Force Academy in the mid-1950s and the Cogswell family moved south to Woodmen Valley, just north of Colorado Springs.
Hester-Jane received her teaching certificate in the early 1960s at The Colorado College and began teaching at Woodman Valley Elementary School. She taught school for four years, before the family moved again. In 1966, the family purchased a ranch belonging to Mabel and Carl Wunderly near Trapper’s Lake in Meeker, Colo. Wilton ranched and practiced dentistry in Meeker while Hester-Jane taught elementary school for about three years.
During the last 40 years in Meeker, Hester-Jane enjoyed hosting large and boisterous family gatherings at “The Ranch”— practically running a family bed and breakfast — and generously hosted countless family friends who came to fish, hunt, hike and enjoy the outdoors. She kept a lovely and warm home that was always filled with friends, family, and interesting strangers who dropped by to tell their stories. Countless family members and friends turned to her for her wisdom and calm, logical thinking.
Hester-Jane was an enthusiastic member of the Meeker community, including the Fortnightly Bridge Club and the Brown Bag Lunch Club. She was a lifetime member of the Buford Community Club and the Rio Blanco County Historical Society. Hester-Jane was also deeply appreciative of the efforts of the community and the Meeker Volunteer Fire Department, which saved her home from a fire in 1983.
Hester-Jane’s knowledge and love of history was called upon by the Stags’ Leap Vineyard, when she helped compile a history of the vineyard for its new owners, the Beringer Wine Company. She was also featured in the PBS special “Gem of the Rockies,”a television documentary commemorating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the U.S Air Force Academy.
Hester-Jane was vibrant and was always interested in keeping up with the times. She became an avid Internet user, playing bridge online and keeping up with her large extended family by e-mail. Hester-Jane enjoyed her large family of six children, 17 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and their children. Hester-Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Wilton, and a grandson, Robert Donner, III.
A celebration of life is tentatively planned for Memorial Day weekend 2009. The family will notify friends and relatives of the date and time. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name may be made to the Hester-Jane Butcher Cogswell Scholarship Fund: c/o The Colorado College, Gift Records, 14 E. Cache La Poudre, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 , or to the Meeker Volunteer Fire Department.

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  • It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
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Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
  • 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.
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
1 hour ago
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1/9
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 |
2/9
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 |
3/9
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 |
4/9
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 |
5/9
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 |
6/9
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 |
7/9
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 |
8/9
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
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9/9

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