County, Stories

Rio Blanco Days Gone By

The Meeker Herald — 100 years ago
n The class of 1912, with seven members, was the largest in the history of the school, and all acquitted themselves very creditably, and “considering their preparation” until the last two months there not being any regular rhetorical work in the school, did remarkably well.
n Arthur Wilber made highest average, 96 percent, in the eighth grade county examination. Miss Goldie Wilson deserves the score, as she was Wilber’s teacher, and her university training crops out in all his written work.
n Miss May Baker is home from the University of Colorado after graduating with degrees of B.A. and M.A.
n Miss Katherine Oldland has returned from Loretto Academy, Denver.
n J.G. Langlas of Idlewild Lodge, Buford, was in town Wednesday and Thursday.
n Local manager Purdy and assistant Albert Proctor, were called out Saturday last to mend some break in the Meeker-Rifle telephone line.
n Rube Ball has started work at the Marvine fish hatchery.
n Frank Pollard has purchased the old Worth farm on Little Beaver from John Neilson. It is one of the best places in the Oakridge Park region.

The Meeker Herald — 50 years ago
n Mr. Ellis Sedgeley and son drove down from Worland, Wyo., last Thursday and spent several days visiting Meeker friends and catching up on some good old White River trout fishing.
n Arlene Faye Idol of Meeker was graduated from California Western University, San Diego.
n The first case on the docket of the June term of District Court was a criminal case of the People vs. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Percifield, charged with gambling.
n The two-day Range Call Celebration will start with something new for Meeker, a night rodeo. The committee has accumulated $4,000 in the last few years and the money is going into the purchase and installation of the lights.
n The fortnightly Club met Thursday at the home of Jessie Lyttle with georgia Franklin assistant hostess.
n Mr. Robert King was in Meeker this week attending the school board meeting and working on school business.
n Mr. and Mrs. Paul Starbuck left last weekend for Fort Collins where they will attend the vocational workshop at the college for the next two weeks.
n Mr. LeRoy Purdy stopped in Meeker for a day last week to visit his mother, Mrs. W.H. Purdy.
n Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Sizemore returned to Meeker last week after more than a month in Alaska.

The Meeker Herald — 25 years ago
n The Meeker Men’s Golf Club is the first recipient of Malcom Bricklin’s $120,000 “Yugo of America” money that he has pledged to be used for added purse money.
n With 513 registered voters taking the time to cast their ballots in this year’s school board election, Linda Jones, Barbara Rehborg, Ed Coryell and Harry Watt received the highest number of votes out of the 10-person field.
n Focusing on the tourism portion of their overall economic development plan for the area, the Meeker Town Council heard Chamber of Commerce president Joe Holeyfield ask for a “three-to-five year commitment” to support an expanded chamber.
n Former Rio Blanco County Commissioner Tim Schultz continued to beat the odds as he was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to replace outgoing local affairs director Bob Turner.
n Dear Editor, I’m writing to ask the Town of Meeker why there can’t be a recreation center built, enclosing the existing swimming pool, which is non-usable 10 months out of each year? Della Collins
n The distinction of being the first county employee of the quarter goes this month to Department of Social Services caseworker Bonnie Ruckman.
n One highlight of the annual United Methodist Mother/Daughter Banquet was the naming of Nina Mintz as recipient of the “Woman of the Year” award.
n While Melanie Watt and Shay Carroll won Best of Show and Reserve Best of Show honors during the regular high school art exhibit judging competition, Clint Adams’ “Watch Bear” pastel was the most popular exhibit according to the general exhibit viewer.
Rangely Times — 45 years ago
n Walter T. Stahlecker of Mosca, Colo., has been elected by the Re-4 board of education to succeed Ronald Harper as superintendent of schools.
n Cadet Clark L. Mobley, son of Mr. and Mrs David L. Mobley, Rangely Route, Meeker, Colo., is a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s honor squadron for 1967.
n New residents of Rangely are Garold Bailey, Lester Dooling, Douglas Macquarrie, Douglas Dobbs, Paul Fox and Gordon Goddard.
n Gary McDonald arrived home Thursday from the Air Academy at Colorado Springs.
n Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Goddard and two children moved back to Rangely last week from Soldatna, Alaska.
n Kris Hayden, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ken Hayden, celebrated his sixth birthday June 2.
n Mrs. Albo Crescentini and three children, Dennis, Annette and Cynthia of Denver arrived last Thursday to spend a short vacation visiting her parents Mr. and Mrs. John Comstock.
n The St. Ignatius Catholic Church was the setting June 3 for the marriage of Miss Janice Rae Hume and James Robert Quest.
n Rodney L. Harris, son of Mr. and Mrs. Vern Harris of Rangely was wounded June 1 while participating in an operation against hostile forces at Quang Tri in Vietnam.
n Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. George B. Newman on the birth of a baby boy, born June 6, 1967, weight: 10 lbs., 4 1/2 ounces.
n Word was received that Marine Corporal David L. Rice was promoted to his present rank June 5.

Rangely Times — 35 years ago
n Steven R. and Peggy Ann Hejl were among the 332 Mesa College students to receive degrees Friday.
n The Western Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park District has many projects going this summer that will benefit the community. The most important of these is the new Recreation Center.
n The Governor’s Western Slope energy impact committee will tour the oil shale are Friday.
n Doug and Karen (Hogan) Chapman of Cheyenne, Wyo., announce the birth of a son named Douglas Brody on June 11.
n May 29, the Eddy families gathered together at Merkley Park in Vernal for a family reunion.
n RHS awards assembly: Tammy Brady and Carrie Smith were chosen to share the Outstanding Business student Award. Typing I awards went to Jackie Halcomb, Clay Chase, Joy Greenburg, Christine Mann and Laura Barnhart; 40 wpm. Typing II awards were presented to Joyce Newman, Beth Conroy and Lynette Buckmaster. Bookkeeping award went to Kirby Burchett. Chorus solo awards were given to Terri Crosby, Sherry Eddy, LaDonna Lancaster, Brian Mitchem, Sandy Peacock, Janice Peel and Donnell Robie.

Rangely Times — 25 years ago
n Out of 660 applicants in the state of Colorado, 15 students were accepted for Masonic Scholarships. Out of the 15 applicants, five were eligible for the Grand Master’s Masonic Scholarship. From these five, the grand Master picked Shawnee Tomlinson as his choice for the coveted scholarship of $3,500.
n There will be a surprise going away party for Mrs. Blenkenship June 15.
n Erin and Kwenan Anderson of Evanston, Wyo., are spending a few weeks with their grandmother, Helen Anderson and their aunt, Nancy Green.
n Phil and Edna Smith’s grandson, Aaron Anderson of Vernal, Utah, is visiting them this week.
n Marguerite Majors and Dorothy Real have returned from their vacation in Colorado and Oregon.
n Lonnie Osborne has had the pleasure of racing his motorbike in the Flat Track Racing in Denver. Lonnie took first place in the May race and on June 7, he won three pay-back places.
n We now have a tie for largest channel cat in the catfish contest. Erik Peterson and Aaron Dembowski both now have a 6-pounder a piece. Come on folks, there are bigger ones out there.
n Miss Camille Carlson was crowned 1987 Queen of Rio Blanco County Little Britches Rodeo Association. Camille attends Rangely High school and is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sharell Carlson of Rangely.
n Kim Hamilton of Rangely, has signed a letter of intent at Sterling College in Sterling, Kans., to participate in the Lady Warrior basketball program.

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  • Jake Blazon at bat for the Meeker Cowboys. The MHS team brought home two wins against Olathe and lost two against the North Fork Miners. The location for this weekend’s games has not been announced due to weather and field conditions. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • The 2024 Meeker High School boys basketball team held their awards banquet last week. Jace Mobley was named Player of the Western Slope League and all-conference, Ryan Sullivan all-conference, Jonathon Fitzgibbons all-conference, Ethan Quinn honorable mention all-conference, Jacob Simonsen honorable mention all conference. Mobley will play in All State games. Coach Klark Kindler was named Western Slope Coach of the Year. Left to right: Bryan Rosas, Simonsen, Quinn, Fitzgibbons, Mobley and Sullivan.
  • 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 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.
Jake Blazon at bat for the Meeker Cowboys. The MHS team brought home two wins against Olathe and lost two against the North Fork Miners. The location for this weekend’s games has not been announced due to weather and field conditions. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Jake Blazon at bat for the Meeker Cowboys. The MHS team brought home two wins against Olathe and lost two against the North Fork Miners. The location for this weekend’s games has not been announced due to weather and field conditions. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
3 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
The 2024 Meeker High School boys basketball team held their awards banquet last week. Jace Mobley was named Player of the Western Slope League and all-conference, Ryan Sullivan all-conference, Jonathon Fitzgibbons all-conference, Ethan Quinn honorable mention all-conference, Jacob Simonsen honorable mention all conference. Mobley will play in All State games. Coach Klark Kindler was named Western Slope Coach of the Year. Left to right: Bryan Rosas, Simonsen, Quinn, Fitzgibbons, Mobley and Sullivan.
The 2024 Meeker High School boys basketball team held their awards banquet last week. Jace Mobley was named Player of the Western Slope League and all-conference, Ryan Sullivan all-conference, Jonathon Fitzgibbons all-conference, Ethan Quinn honorable mention all-conference, Jacob Simonsen honorable mention all conference. Mobley will play in All State games. Coach Klark Kindler was named Western Slope Coach of the Year. Left to right: Bryan Rosas, Simonsen, Quinn, Fitzgibbons, Mobley and Sullivan.
4 hours ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
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!
9 hours ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
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 |
4/9
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 |
5/9
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 |
6/9
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 |
7/9
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 |
8/9
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 |
9/9

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