Meeker

Cooperative effort makes event a true tribute

Blanco District Ranger Ken Coffin announced to Meeker mayor Mandi Etheridge and the many others who attended the PMC tree lighting last December that the 2012 Capitol Christmas Tree would be harvested from the White River National Forest. Preparations for Colorado’s gift to the people of the United States began immediately after the announcement. The celebration begins tomorrow with the actual cutting of the tree and a mayor’s reception at the Meeker Hotel starting at 5 p.m. A complete schedule of events can be seen on page 5 of this week’s special section.
MEEKER I The Capitol Christmas Tree project and celebration is not only a showcase of Colorado’s “Gift to the Nation,” it is also a showcase of how well organizations in Meeker work together to build lasting memories for our community.
Together, the U.S. Forest Service, Town of Meeker, Eastern Rio Blanco Recreation and Park District, Rio Blanco County, Meeker Chamber of Commerce, Wyatt’s Sports Center, Pioneers Healthcare Foundation, Meeker Arts and Cultural Council, along with many individual citizens, have spent the past seven months preparing and planning for this honor.
Each member of the Christmas Tree committee is grateful in one way or another to be a part of this project. Natasha Goedert has been the logistics coordinator: securing crane operators, a trailer to haul the tree, hauling permits, and the list goes on.
“I offered to get involved with this project because I knew it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity. It is going to give me a chance to travel across America and share my knowledge and experiences about this project, the Forest Service, and the town of Meeker, Colo.,” Goedert said.
Meeker Mayor Mandi Etheridge stated, “This project has been something that celebrates our town. So many people have really been integral in making the local event a success and it has reaffirmed my belief that our town is full of brilliant, hard-working, dedicated and positive people that want to showcase all the beauty and spirit our valley has to offer.”
Gerald and Twila Morris have spent many hours working on the project. Not only on the Meeker celebration, but getting Santa and Mrs. Claus ready to travel across the nation with the 2012 Capitol Christmas Tree. The Morrises said, “We have enjoyed working with everyone on the committee on this project. This is a special opportunity for us to give back to the community that supported us in our business over the years as well as the chance to continue to bring happiness to everyone.”
Kimberly Bullen, Rio Blanco County administrator, recognizes the impact this project has had on the community as a whole.
“The Capitol Christmas Tree project is truly a celebration for our community and an opportunity for us to share our community with the rest of the country. This project represents how our community and organizations can work together to accomplish something much bigger than any one single entity can.”
Kathy Sizemore has been a key member of the behind the scenes action with various aspects of the 2012 Capitol Christmas Tree project.
“Since Christmas is my and my family’s favorite holiday, I felt it would be very special to be involved in this event. I have enjoyed working with Mary Cunningham-Gillespie on the ornament side of things and enjoyed getting to know the high school students who also volunteered. I also felt this was a great way to give back to a community that has supported our family over the last couple of years. It has been an honor to help and I am glad to do whatever else it needed,” Sizemore said.
Katelin Cook, executive director for the Meeker Chamber of Commerce, said, “When I first heard the 2012 Capitol Christmas Tree was coming from the White River National Forest my initial reaction was ‘Wow, that’s cool!’ Over the past year, while working on this project, I have come to say ‘Wow, this is an honor!’ This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Meeker and our nearby forest, and this group of organizers has worked diligently to ensure we make the most of this opportunity. The amazing synergy of this group is proof that Meeker is home to passionate people who love Meeker very much, and they want to share this with the nation. I can say I am honored and excited to be working on this project. The economic opportunities this presents is a great thing for our business community!”
Thank you to all who have given time, resources, knowledge and endless enthusiasm to ensure that Meeker and the 2012 Capitol Christmas Tree project and celebration are not just an event, but an honor and tribute to remember for a lifetime.

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  • Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
  • Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

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Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
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Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
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Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
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@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce! Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues! @bailey_waldref_rew 💚💚💚 Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! #locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
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More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
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1 day ago
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🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
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The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
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“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier. “For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.” Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
2 days ago
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The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
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