Meeker, Stories

More than 200 area pioneers take part in Old Timers’ dinner, dance

Members of the Rio Blanco County Historical Society’s board, secretary/registrar Haley Kracht, Bill Kracht, treasurer Connie Theos, strategic chair Mary Ann Wilber and co-vice president Sandra Bradfield (at podium) recognize attorney Frank Cooley’s 90th birthday; co-president Kay Bivens (far right).
Members of the Rio Blanco County Historical Society’s board, secretary/registrar Haley Kracht, Bill Kracht, treasurer Connie Theos, strategic chair Mary Ann Wilber and co-vice president Sandra Bradfield (at podium) recognize attorney Frank Cooley’s 90th birthday; co-president Kay Bivens (far right).
MEEKER I More than 200 Rio Blanco County Pioneers Association members, including many former Meeker residents from across the nation, traveled to Meeker on Saturday for the 101st “Centennial Plus 1” Old Timers’ reunion dinner and dance held at the Fairfield Community Center.
Rio Blanco County Pioneers Association co-presidents Kay and Bob Bivens extended a warm welcome to the pioneers who attended. Reunion festivities began at 3 p.m. with a reception and socializing, some of whom had not been back for many years.
The first reunion was held in 1912 and has continued each year since then. Many prestigious Rio Blanco County citizens have served as presidents of the association and were listed on the program.
Sydney Main, accompanied by her grandfather, David Main, entertained pioneers with a special litany of popular music during dinner, catered by Kris and Henry Arcolesse of Ma Famiglia restaurant.
Group and individual photographs were taken by Jack Mohnhaupt for pioneers, and a montage of photos will be available on DVD and on the www.rbcpioneers.org website as centennial memorabilia.
A special feature of this year’s gathering was the “Capturing Our Culture” (COC) oral history interviews of individuals, families and groups. Interviews with teachers, members of class reunions, family reunions, regional groups and many others were documented on video and may be transcribed to DVD as a basis for possible future publication by the Rio Blanco County Historical Society, in cooperation with the Meeker Arts and Cultural Council and the Rio Blanco County Pioneers Association. Many interviews were conducted, providing a documentary of early-day and contemporary history of the residents of the Meeker area.
Anyone interested in scheduling future COC interviews is encouraged to contact the White River Museum at 878-9982 to set an appointment. The COC team will meet in any venue to conduct the interviews. Ellene Meece, president of the RBC Historical Society, and David Meece coordinated and videotaped the interviews.
A special all-class reunion was held for classmates of Meeker and Rangely high schools. Among the classes holding reunions were the Class of 1953’s 60th class reunion coordinated by Emma Lou and Dale Frisby with classmates Fred Hahn, Ann Schram, Rodney Smith, Duane Service, Ernie and Judy Coats, Zane and Jacklyn Gray. Class of 1961 classmates attending were: John Green, Lewis Anderson and Rita Trinich, Gary and Becky Dunham and Bob Amick. The Class of 1963’s 50th reunion included classmates Wayne Joslin, Terry Drake, Kathleen Drake, Jeff Leblue, Teresa Leblue, Connie Theos and Sandra Bradfield. Community reunions included the Little Beaver Community coordinated by Geri Camera.
Recognitions of special pioneers were made as follows: oldest pioneer lady, Norene Holland, 96; oldest pioneer gentleman, Joe Sullivan, 93; youngest pioneer lady Haley Kracht, 44; youngest pioneer gentleman: Jeromy Main, 41; pioneer couple married the most years: Glen and Phyllis Wigington, 70 years; pioneer trails award (pioneers traveling greatest distance), Rodney Smith of Anchorage, Alaska.
Attorney Frank Cooley celebrated his 90th birthday during the reunion and a tribute to his years of distinguished service to the community was made. Frank’s family, the Rev. Andrew Cooley and Karen Cooley shared in the celebration.
Members of the Meeker High School Class of 1953 held their 60th class reunion during the weekend as part of the Old Timers’ Dinner and Dance at the Freeman E. Fairfield Center in Meeker. The reunion was coordinated by Dale and Emma Lou Frisby and included classmates Fred Hahn, Zane and Jacklyn Gray, Ernie and Judy Coats, Ann Schram and Rodney Smith.
Members of the Meeker High School Class of 1953 held their 60th class reunion during the weekend as part of the Old Timers’ Dinner and Dance at the Freeman E. Fairfield Center in Meeker. The reunion was coordinated by Dale and Emma Lou Frisby and included classmates Fred Hahn, Zane and Jacklyn Gray, Ernie and Judy Coats, Ann Schram and Rodney Smith.
The nominating committee, chaired by co-vice president Sandra Bradfield, nominated Mary Kay Krueger and Margaret “Sparky” Pappas as co-vice presidents for the 2014 reunion. Co-presidents will be Sandra Bradfield and Robert Amick. Haley Kracht is secretary/registrar, Connie Theos is treasurer and Mary Ann Wilber is strategic chair. Nominations were approved by the membership and officers were installed. Appreciation was expressed to retiring co-presidents Kay and Robert Bivens.
A souvenir “Centennial Plus 1” commemorative program included the names of all pioneers who had passed away during 2011-2012 and who were remembered in a moment of silence led by Phyllis Lake.
The dance that followed was enjoyed by all with particularly fine music from the Yampa Valley Boys. A midnight supper provided by co-vice presidents Sandra Bradfield and Robert Amick concluded the 2013 festivities.

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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
  • 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.
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  • 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.
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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.
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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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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