County

105th annual Old Timers reunion goes off without a hitch

RBC | Like they wrote on the program, “Not many parties last 105 years.” But this one has. Started in 1912, the Rio Blanco County Pioneers Association “Old Timers” dinner and reunion came off like a charm Saturday at the Freeman Fairfield Community Center in Meeker.
Like this writer, many old timers were spinning in dismay that the “young” Turner girl twins, Hallie Turner Blunt and Molly T. Turner, were even old enough to be Old Timers-eligible, let alone be this year’s co-presidents. As expected, of course, they did a grand job. Blunt, to no one’s apparent surprise, did all the public speaking for the two. Their theme for this year was “Ride for the Brand” and a collection of scenes from area ranches identified by their brands was shown via Powerpoint.
Other officers this year were Voni and Bill Stewart, co-vice-presidents; Haley McKay Kracht, secretary; and Connie Theos, treasurer. Bill Lake gave the invocation. Natasha Stewart Clatterbaugh read the list of 65 pioneer friends and family lost since last year’s dinner. Chris Oldland Uphoff was in charge of encouraging folks to participate in capturing oral histories, conducted by the historical society. Kirstie Smith Kilduff was there to take professional photographs of folks in their finest. Henry and Kris Mazzola Arcolesse of Ma Famiglia Italian restaurant catered the dinner.
Recognition for the oldest pioneer lady in attendance went to Ethel Starbuck; oldest pioneer gentleman to Joe Sullivan; youngest pioneer lady to Hanna Krueger Borchard and youngest pioneer gentleman to Dr. Kevin Borchard. Recognition for the pioneer couple in attendance married the longest went to Emma Lou Klein and Dale Frisby at 63 years, but they were almost beat out by Mary Maez and Mike Whalin at 58 years. Maez expressed “total shock” they could be so close to being married the longest. The pioneer traveling the furthest to attend was Ben Brown from Kentucky.
Classes holding reunions at the dinner and over the weekend were the Class of 1962 (55 years) and the Class of 1980ish (35 years). Included in the latter were Troy Hilkey, Jewell Purkey Kindler, Tena Nye Theos, Trudy Jones Burri, Cindy Purkey Gaugh, Barbie Lyke Purkey and Anthony Mazzola.
Participants in the Class of 1962 reunion included Paula Starbuck Armstrong, Karen Carstens Miller, Bill Lake, Sherry Klinglesmith, Sally Watt Smith, Frances Beck Brown, Gus Anderson, Tom and Mary Pilkington, Anna Grubbs Freeman, Wayne Kinder, Rosemary Franklin and Diane Dunbar McKee. In addition, Sandy Rector Taylor, Sam Love and Larry Story were at the Friday night Mexican House dinner. Armstrong reported that, “it was a very nice gathering of a special, talented Meeker High School class.” She also said the gathering was sad to note the recent passing of classmate Heather Jensen of Grand Junction who had been planning on attending.
In a brief business meeting, the Pioneers Association elected the Stewarts to be next year’s co-presidents and re-elected Kracht as secretary and Theos as treasurer. Vice-president(s) for next year will be chosen by next year’s organizing committee with that responsibility falling mostly on the Stewarts. Hallie reported that she and Molly had noted that there were a couple of cases where past Pioneer presidents had served more than one year, but that the two of them saw no need for that in their case.
The Caleb Dean Band from the Roaring Fork Valley played and were very well received. Many remarked on how many folks were actually dancing and how late the dancing continued.

Rio Blanco County pioneers to be remembered
We fondly remember these Rio Blanco County pioneers, family members and friends who were a part of our lives and passed away in the last year:

Dena Hallmark Archibeque
Diane Elizabeth Baughman
Robert Wayne Berrett
Theodore Gerald Bina
Bob Bivens
Karen Beth Krosschell Borchard
Adah Geraldine McSweeney Bossart
Steven C. Bringard
Sally Carter Brown
William John Bruckner
Fred Gordon Brumback
Norma Jean Carver
Ernie Melvin Coats
Patricia Marine Cook
Helena Rosanna “Roxie” Copeland
Juan Alonso Chumacero, Sr.
Kanionette “Kay” Cudo
Marilyn Cunningham
Dawn Michelle Miller DeSantos
Gerald Dickman
Tom Farris
Harry Forward
Marjorie Fay Foster
Wilma Sutton Fowler
Gordon Franklin
Karen Lenore Row Garcia
Edna Mae Gould
Charles William Gore
C.F. [Bud] Harvey
Melba Ellen Hill
Norma Dale Hood [Dennison]
Ronald George Hrynkow
Brenda Jane Hughes
Heather Jensen
Donald [Bob] Jordan
Darrell Glen Kendall
Alfred Marlin George
Bonnie Marie Kracht
Benjamin Michael Long
Laura Edna Mayberry
Trevor Alan McCoy
Frances Louise Mcdow
Richard Darrell Muller
David C. Miller
Joseph Alan Morrison
Doris [Jean] Nadon
Mary Lillian Orris
Glen Paul Papez
Mina A. Pauls
Elaine Adel Pearce
James Calvin [Jim] Pilkington
Troy Ross [Buck] Pollard
David J. [Dave] Prather
Dixie Lee Raley
Earl Leo Ryan, M.D.
Butch Marvin Schueller
Penny Melissa Scott
Marjorie Mae Strode
Josephine Ann [Shively] Tucker
Esther [Proctor] Vanderpool
Donald Edward “Thumper” Wade II
Ervan Lee “Hank” Watson II
Robert Wesley
Kylen Cole Wilder
Shirley Louise Robertson Englert Wix

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  • It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
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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.
  • 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
View on Instagram |
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
View on Instagram |
9/9

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