RANGELY | The Town of Rangely Board of Trustees appointed Alisha Granger to fill the trustee seat vacated by Richard Garner during the May 14 regular meeting of the board. Granger, Brittny Campos and Sue Samaniego turned in applications.
“It was a very difficult decision, as they were all very qualified,” said Mayor Andy Shaffer. Granger was sworn in by Town Manager Lisa Piering during the same meeting.
Swim Team home meet
Mackenzie Manchester addressed the council on behalf of the Rangely Hurricanes swim team which has about 25 members this year. The team is hosting a swim meet on Saturday, June 1 and approximately 60 swimmers will be in attendance. The swim team requested funds for a hospitality room/luncheon for the traveling swimmers. Trustees approved a $250 donation for the event.
ROAR a success
This year’s Rangely ROAR OHV event attracted about 36 out-of-town attendees, according to Rangely Area Chamber of Commerce Director Konnie Billgren, who said “the community came together” to make the event successful. Billgren also reported that the Becky’s Walk fundraiser held Saturday, May 11 raised about $2,500 for multiple sclerosis research.
Police Department
Interim Police Chief Ty Hamblin will continue to hold that position for an additional six months, following a recommendation by Piering during the town’s public safety committee meeting.
Hamblin said the department assisted with Rowdy Worm, the mock accident, children’s health fair, CNCC park ranger DUI training and the human trafficking awareness trailer. About 200 people went through the information trailer, Hamblin told the board.
After a May 16 training meeting, Rangely dispatch is fully staffed for the first time in a long while, according to Hamblin. Officer Daniel Conner has graduated from the police academy and will continue training with the department until August. In the meantime, the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office will continue to assist the department on Tuesday and Wednesday. Connor thanked the trustees for sponsoring him to attend the academy and said he is very glad to be home.
Water Department
Don Reed reported operations at the water plant are running smoothly and they had a successful state inspection. Last Tuesday, May 21, the department started “directional flushing” and fire hydrant testing which will take two or three weeks to complete. They’re also working on storm water systems.
Town Manager
Piering said her attendance at the Coal Reliant Communities Forum was “very enlightening.” Eleven regional teams attended the forum, which was based on the economic needs of coal-based communities in the region.
Piering and Konnie Billgren also met with representatives from the Fruita Welcome Center and the Colorado Department of Transportation about ways to improved the Dinosaur Diamond scenic byway on the Colorado side.
A new program for low interest loans for qualifying residents or landlords will be promoted through the Rangely Development Authority or the Rangely Development Corporation. A similar program was recently unveiled in Meeker.
Rangely Elks Brewfest
Jeff LeBleu, speaking on behalf of the Rangely Elks Club, said the Club is planning a June 15 event at the Elks Park baseball field to benefit their scholarship fund. They’re working to bring in four breweries and four food vendors, as well as two live bands. The Elks Club will provide designated drivers and attendees must provide identification and obtain a wristband to attend.
Hamblin said he was impressed by the Club’s ability to cover every angle and area of concern, stating he “stands behind the event and hopes it is executed as well as the event has been planned.”
Trustees approved a permit for the event unanimously.
By Roxie Fromang | Special to the Herald Times
