County

Rio Blanco County Days Gone By

The Meeker Herald — 125 years ago
• An accident happened on the Burlington railroad near Hartwell, Neb. George Prilchard of Denver and Robert Bean, of the Bar-circle outfit on Yellow Creek, were instantly killed. The men were in the caboose of their train when a following freight train ran into them. The two trains were completely wrecked and the occupants of the caboose were naturally in a dangerous place.
• C. M. White, brother of County Superintendent White, opened the Coal Creek school last week. Mr. White is giving satisfaction and, as he likes the country, will send for his family and remain in the valley.
• Joe Woodward, our popular boot and shoemaker, has moved into temporary quarters on South Sixth Street. Mr. Woodward is a complete master of his craft and has turned out some very satisfactory work since he located here.
• Samuel Martin returned a few days ago from his visit to Boulder. Sam reports that now-a-days one doesn’t have to travel a day and a half to find habitation, as was the case a few years ago, but the settlers are locating in every conceivable nook throughout Northwestern Colorado.

The Meeker Herald — 75 years ago
• The Colorado State Highway Department several months ago made application for a PWA grant from the government to match state funds on five additional highway projects in Colorado. One of these projects was on the Meeker-to-Rifle road, from the top of the divide towards Meeker. This week, the Highway Department received notice that these projects had been approved and the department immediately accepted them.
• A freight train on the Moffat railroad last week ran into a band of sheep on the right-of-way near the Cary ranch. The engine killed 313 sheep and 110 others were injured. The band of sheep belonged to R.H. Pitchforth. The train had rounded a curve only a short distance from where the accident occurred, and the engineer was unable to stop when he saw the sheep on the right-of-way.

The Meeker Herald — 25 years ago
• Gymnasts Carla Seely and Pegge Halandras scored personal bests and handed Buena Vista and Summit a one-two punch last Saturday to take top all-around honors and sweep first and second places in the beam, floor exercise and vault events.
• By virtue of last weekend’s wins over Aspen and Glenwood Springs, the Meeker Cowgirls volleyball team accomplished what no other NWL team has ever done before – finish the entire league season with no losses.
• The Rio Blanco County Assessor’s Office was recently picked by the County Employees Association for their “Office Recognition Award.” The members of the office are Sylvia Marsh, Elieen Lyle, Kelly Cockerill, Jody Turk and Renae Neilson.
• One of the most recent professional additions to Pioneers Hospital medical staff is David R. James, M.D. Dr. James is a board certified general surgeon and a fellow in the American College of Surgeons. He attended the University of Nebraska to obtain his medical degree and five years of surgical residency.

Rangely Times — 50 years ago
• The Peacock Well Service of Rangely has been appointed a Weldealer by The Lincoln Electric Co. of Cleveland, Ohio. Lincoln Electric is the world’s largest manufacturer of arc welding equipment. The firm will distribute Lincoln arc welders, welding electrodes and accessories in Rangely and surrounding area.
• Recently, McCoy Chevrolet Co. of Rangely took over dealership for GMC trucks and coaches. According to owner Joe McCoy, McCoy Chevrolet Co. is equipped to handle any GMC truck or coach transaction with attractive terms.
• Miss Pauline Kucera, the daughter of Paul Spencer of Manderson, Wyo., and Norman Smith, son of Mrs. Frank Mead of Rangely, were married Sept. 21 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Denver.

Rangely Times — 40 years ago
• The Rangely Garden Club installed new officers. Mrs. Robert Sisson, president; Mrs. Richard Bock, vice president; Mrs. Trenton Day, secretary; Mrs. H.O. West, treasurer; Mrs. Jack Herman, historian; and Mrs. Bob Bautts,
publicity.
• First 1973 hunting fatality: Jerry Lee Sanders, 33, of Lamar died Oct. 16 of an apparent accidental self-inflicted gun shot in the head. He was hunting with his father and brother about six miles up East Miller Creek in Rio Blanco County.
• Former Rangely Hospital administrator Irvin Dean Anderson was sentenced Oct. 15 in District Court in Meeker to a 60-day jail sentence and placed on probation for the next five years. He must also make restitution of $4,200 to the Rangely
Hospital.
• Some strange happenings Sunday, a few miles northwest of Rangely in the vicinity of the Blue Mountain cutoff and two drilling rigs in that area have caused speculation in the community that an earthquake had occurred.

Rangely Times — 30 years ago
• Navy Lt. L. Humer and Lt. Cmdr. Paul B. Wade were united in marriage Sept. 24, 2983, in Fort Myer Post Chapel, Fort Myer, Va. The bride, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James R. Humer, Carlisle, Penn., is a graduate of Carlisle High School, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, and Naval Officer Candidate School. Her husband, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Wade of Rangely is a graduate of Rangley High School and the University of Colorado.
• The Republican County Commissioner Vacancy Committee, consisting of W. Grant Peel, Don L. Davis and Frank G. Cooley met late Tuesday afternoon and appointed W. Grant Peel to fill the vacancy created by the recent resignation of Tim Schultz as county commissioner.
• Don Manning, the business instructor at CNCC, has been accepted in the doctoral program in Community College Administration administered by the Department of Vocational Education at Colorado State University. This program is new at CSU this year, and Manning is the first person from the Western Slope to complete the application process and be granted admission.

Comments are closed.

Come say hi!

@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.
1 day 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.
2 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.
4 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.
5 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

Thank you, advertisers!