Rangely Network discusses growing community needs

RANGELY — To better serve the needs of the area’s children, the Northwest Colorado Council for Children and Families will spearhead the drive to consolidate services and find ways to streamline their processes. Debbie Yaeger, area manager for Rio Blanco and Moffat counties, went over the organization’s goals and priorities. The main goal is to identify the most pressing needs in individual communities and develop ways to remedy them, whether it be lack of day care, adequate physical or mental health care or help with education programs to aid children up to 6 years of age. The program is funded through federal and state agencies and additional local grants when available. The council is still looking for individuals to serve with them. The next town meeting will be April 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. upstairs at Giovanni’s Restaurant. Lunch will be provided.
Colorado Northwestern Community College President John Boyd summarized campus activities. The sewer line update is nearly finished and the remainder of the funding will be used to find the leaks in the campus water mains. The Chevron energy audit recommended updating the air conditioning, heating and electrical systems on campus at an estimated cost of $6.2 million dollars. Boyd noted a 6 percent increase in full-time enrollments and  outlined expansion plans for the Rangely campus. The CNCC Foundation dinner and dance will be April 12, with tickets for $30 per person, or less for a table of six.
RBC Commissioner Forrest Nelson gave a brief update of budget struggles with the state and plans for highway upgrades.
Matt Heyn from Rangely District Hospital said eight candidates applied for the three board seats in the upcoming election. Plans to renovate the emergency room and expand Eagle Crest are underway.
Tim Webber from the rec. district said construction should begin in June and last from six to eight months. Many great new additions and replacement of the entire pool are scheduled. Pamela Connor from Grand Junction has been hired as aquatics manager and will serve as coach for the Rangely Hurricanes.
The Elks Park playground renovation and skate park should be completed by the end of May.
Fire Prevention District head John Simms said their new board members will be seated in May. The department is working with the county to implement new fire codes and bring them up to new international standards.
Pat Lollar from Moon Lake Electric drew praise when she informed the body that although materials and labor costs continue to rise, Moon Lake hasn’t had a rate increase in more than 20 years. Their customer appreciation dinner will be held in Elks Park on June 12.
Pattie Snidow with the USDA Rural Development office said her agency still has funding available for communities and non-profit businesses that are looking to build new facilities for area improvements. This funding could help obtain matching grants from other government agencies.
Carolyn Tucker from Shell Exploration and Production gave an update on the Mahogany test program. The project continues to yield promising results, but commercial production is still a number of years away.
Phyllis Henley from the chamber of commerce said the majority of area businesses have reapplied for renewal and three new businesses have been added to the area roll: Raven Realty, J & M Construction and The Pampered Chef. Henley has distributed the Rangely Travel Guide booklet from Vail to Vernal and it is  attracting tourists and prospective residents.
By John Urbanik
Special to the Herald Times