Rangely

Concealed carry course responds

RANGELY I Rio Blanco County residents can still sign up for Saturday’s concealed carry certification course offered through Colorado Northwestern Community College’s community education program.
Several people requested the course following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings, community education coordinator Angie Miller said.
“There is no set schedule for the concealed carry course,” Miller said. “The reason this one got set up as early as it did is because right after the tragedy, I had three separate messages on my work phone asking for this particular class.”
Concealed carry instructors John and Teresa Sims, who bring a combined 50-plus years in firearms instruction to the class, said that while the school shooting has led to an increased demand for permits, other factors are at play, too.
“People are more aware that the police can’t always be there whenever they need assistance,” John Sims said. “Sandy Hook has made people more aware of the need (for self-protection), but people also hear more about home invasions now. With a larger population over time, you’ll see the gross numbers of those crimes increase.”
The course, which costs $55, runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. The morning session includes basic firearms safety, safe weapon storage, and Colorado use of force and concealed carry statutes, followed by a written exam.
“You have some folks that are confident with a firearm before they ever get there because they’ve been shooting forever,” John Sims said. “But after the class, they know what they can and can’t do. We eliminate a lot of the assumptions about what people think they should do that they actually shouldn’t.”
The Sims’ said among those assumptions is the idea that confrontation is always the best strategy.
“We try to get people out of the idea that they’re supposed to confront somebody all the time,” John Sims said. “We tell them that unless somebody’s life is in danger, they should hide and be a really good witness. If someone’s life is in danger, then it’s time to intervene.”
The afternoon portion covers range safety and handgun proficiency, with students practicing and testing to hit silhouette targets from three to 15 yards away. Students are required to hit targets with every shot so that they become used to shooting their attacker rather than bystanders who may be in the line of fire.
Teresa Sims said that many concealed carry classes in the Metro area don’t provide range time because it isn’t mandated for a concealed carry permit.
“I provide and require the range time…because there are drawing and weapon retention techniques that many people are not aware may be needed when an attacker is close to them,” John Sims said. “Additionally, I have a hard time justifying to myself or to someone else that a student has ‘demonstrated proficiency and safe handling’ without actually observing them using their handgun.”
Once participants have passed the classroom and hands-on segments of the course, CNCC issues them a certificate to bring to the Rio Blanco County Sherriff’s Office, where they can apply for the five-year permit. The application also requires a background check.
Thursday and Friday morning are the last chances to get signed up for Saturday’s class, Miller said. Students must provide their own handgun. For more information or to get registered, go to the community education office in the CNCC Johnson Building or call Miller at 675-3227.

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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.
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  • 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.
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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 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!
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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.
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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
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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.
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4 days ago
View on Instagram |
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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.
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View on Instagram |
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