County

Rio Blanco Days Gone By

The Meeker Herald — 100 years ago

Two of Charley Thompson’s boys were out hunting Saturday at their ranch on Sulpher Creek, north of town, and in some unaccountable manner the youngest got a 22-calibre bullet direct in one of his eyes. He was immediately brought in and medical aid summoned. The probing for the bullet was not very satisfactory, and the doctors advised his prompt removal to a Denver hospital, where an eye specialist could be consulted. Mr. Thompson at once took an auto for Rifle and connected with the afternoon train.

There is exceeding joy in the household of Augustus G. Merritt. On July 21, a 9-pound son made his debut onto this world’s stage, and, as this is the first, the aforesaid joy is easily accounted for. Child and mother doing well, so Dr. Hubbard reports.

William Kaisner brought the first freight auto truck into Meeker last Monday, and it excited more than ordinary interest. Mr. Kaisner has successfully handled similar trucks in California and Nevada, and knows just what is needed to transport freight between Meeker and railway points.

The Meeker Herald — 50 years ago

The Meeker fire siren sounded at a little after 10:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. The rural department was called to the Hermine Dunham ranch on upper Coal Creek. A brush fire had gotten out of hand and was threatening the wheat fields on the ranch.

The Meeker Lions Club will celebrate its 40th anniversary on Tuesday evening of next week. The Meeker club was started in June of 1923, but since June is the month of the state and national conventions, it is impossible to get one of the national officers as a speaker.

At the Boy Scout camp at Chapman Reservoir last week, three Meeker scouts were honored by receiving the Order of the Arrow, which is the National Scout Honor camping brotherhood. The boys who were tapped for the honor were Walt Winkler Jr., Jim McKean and Chuck Bewley.

Mr. and Mrs. Luther Steele will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary on Saturday of this week, July 27.

Miss Shirley Marie Coleman became the bride of Garry Dean Lippard at a family church wedding that which took place Thursday evening. The wedding was held in the Meeker LDS church with Bishop Grant Neilsen officiating at the ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Coleman were their attendants.

The Meeker Herald — 25 years ago

It was the accident everybody hoped they’d never live to see, and never wanted to happen again. A 12-year-old Ogden, Utah, girl visiting relatives here this summer became Meeker’s first victim from a fire in almost 22 years this past weekend. Tina Marie Atwood passed away of complications from burns she received from a fire apparently triggered while playing with matches Saturday evening shortly after 6 p.m.

Facing perhaps its most critical financial dilemma to date, supporters of Pioneers Hospital received the answer they were looking for Monday as the county commissioners voted to continue their support of the facility.

Saturday July 2, close friends and relatives gathered at Faith Baptist Church in Meeker to attend the wedding of Joyce Anderson and Carleton Posey.

Meeker’s Lenny Klinglesmith continued to distinguish himself as one of Colorado’s best high school wrestlers as he recently took third place honors at the National High School Wrestling Championships in Cedar Falls, Iowa, last week.

Meeker firemen were called to Gus and Christine Halandras’ home last Friday morning and found a houseful of smoke before locating a burning blanket. “Apparently, a light in the closet got turned on which was right next to the blanket that started it,” said Halandras of the fire which destroyed the designer blanket but caused no other property damage besides a lengthy cleanup.

Rangely Times — 50 years ago

Craig W. Davidson has been appointed field representative for the University of Colorado, Bureau of Class Instruction, with headquarters in Grand Junction.

The opening of Rangely’s swimming pool last Saturday was a tremendous success as more than 400 swimmers took advantage of the free swimming offered.

A Red Cross Swim Program will begin next week on Tuesday and continue for four weeks, ending on Aug. 24. The program is free and available to everyone in Rangely.

On July 16, at a staff meeting held at Dinosaur National Monument, a $200 cash award was presented to Mrs. Joy T. Armijo by Superintendent Earl M. Semingsen, Mrs. Armijo received this superior performance award based on outstanding performance in her job as secretary to the superintendent. Also at this staff meeting, Superintendent Semingsen presented administrative assistant John W. Powers a 20-year Length of Service emblem.

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Dotson are the proud parents of a new baby boy born July 2. The little fellow’s name is Kevin Lee Dotson.

Rangely Times — 40 years ago

Rangely will be the site for a power plant capable of producing one million kilowatts, according to a special issue on Western coal resources in Coal Age magazine.

Only one person turned in a petition to be a candidate for a member of the board of the Rangely District Hospital by the deadline last week. Jack Piper turned in a petition for one of the two positions to be filled so legal counsel for the hospital advised the board that an election was not necessary. Instead Piper will be named as one of the board members and a vacancy declared for the other board member position to be filled by the board whose terms expire this year.

The section of Colorado 139 from the junction on Highway 64 east of Rangely to the Rio Blanco County line will be taken over by the State on September 1, according to county commissioner Harry Peacock.

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Collins announce the birth of a son Kent Layne at 12:06 a.m. in St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction.

Rangely Times — 30 years ago

Rangely District Hospital announces the arrival of Douglas I. Schumacher, M.D., on August 1. Schumacher specializes in general practice and obstetrics.

Commissioner Tim Schultz and Kenneth Kenney joined Herman Hilkey in the official groundbreaking of the senior center in Rangely on Thursday.

Pamela Sue Sills and David Alan Chambers were united in marriage in a double-ring ceremony June 18 at 2 p.m. in Central United Methodist Church Memorial Chapel in Fayetteville, Ark. Parents of the couple were Dr. and Mrs. Oren A. Sills, Jr., of Fayetteville, Ark., and Mr. and Mrs. Roy Chambers, Jr., of Rangely, Colo.

Mrs. Penny Black of Pinedale, Wyo., and Scott Leech of Rangely are proud to announce their son’s engagement to a British national.

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  • 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.
  • 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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