Days Gone By

Days Gone By: Feb. 21, 2019

The Meeker Herald

125 years ago

Sheriff Wilber returned in the fore part of the week from Pueblo where he left Robert McKee with the asylum authorities. For his services the sheriff has a charge of $240.15, which with the expense of the inquisition proceedings, will come out of the insane man’s estate, which includes a fine ranch on Piceance.

The Meeker Herald

100 years ago

Help Uncle Sam to win the war. You can do it by complying with the new food regulations. Under the new regulations merchants are restricted from selling you meat and wheat products on certain days.

Joe Collom has sold his ranch at Axial to a Chicago capitalist named Streeter, and with it goes the famous Collom coal mine, which carries a vein of pure coal 25 feet in thickness. Joe Collom is a pioneer in the Axial region, being in that section when the Ute Indian outbreak of 1879 took place; and it is related how he and about a dozen other pioneers of that vintage took shelter in a stout log cabin situated near the present Lay post office and held the “fort” until the coming of Colonel Merritt and the Fifth Cavalry.

The Meeker Herald

50 years ago

Miss Mary K. Villa, senior student at Meeker high, last Friday night at the basketball game, was named Sweetheart Queen of 1969. Miss Villa received a bouquet of red and white carnations  from Mrs. Dale Frisby, ESA chairman, which organization sponsored the contest. Gift certificates by Avery’s and A. Oldland & Co., were presented to the queen by Mayor Bob Brubaker. All proceeds from the Sweetheart contest will go to the Heart Fund.

The possibility of licensing snowmobiles was discussed—briefly but heatedly—during a meeting of the Senate Game, Fish and Parks Committee Thursday. The committee reported out favorably a bill which would allow the Game, Fish and Parks Commission to designate special areas in the state as restricted areas, where over-snow vehicles may not operate. A companion bill, which generally sets up guidelines for the operation of snowmobiles, was not acted upon but did spark the initial comments on licensing.

Officers and directors of the Rio Blanco Stockgrowers Association., following the annual meeting in Meeker Saturday afternoon. Starting from the left and going clockwise around the group, are Dallas Collins, Forrest Nelson, Ben Franklin, Clanton Buckles, Tom Pearce, Jack Russell, Bud Norell, David Smith, Bill Brennan and Ray Nelson. Directors not present are Robert LaGrange, J. Gentry and Pat Johnson.

The Meeker Herald

25 years ago

Rio Blanco County Clerk and Recorder Nancy Amick says that she has had two candidates turn in petitions for the Sheriff’s election this fall. Sheriff Pete Larson will be looking to retain his job and Rangely’s senior sheriff’s deputy Dave Raley has also thrown his hat into the ring. Both candidates are running on the Republican ticket. Meeker Chief of Police Si Woodruff, who has expressed interest in the position in the past, has yet to decide whether or not to enter the race. County caucuses are set for April 5, followed by the county assembly to be held between April 15 and May 5. The primary’s will be held Aug. 9 and the election on Nov. 8.

When you want credit and recognition for a job well done, some people just seem to have to work harder for it than others. The Meeker Cowboy wrestling team is definitely in the “same” category. After defeating state-ranked 2A, 3A and 4A teams through the season, going undefeated in league action and qualifying 11 for the state tourney last weekend, there was still very little said of coach Mike Tate’s squad. Even after advancing nine past opening round action on Friday, the focus remained elsewhere. A few passing comments were made by Denver press after Meeker pushed nine Cowboys into the metal round on Saturday and opened up  a virtually insurmountable team lead over Olathe Pirates, but it really wasn’t until late Saturday night that the black and gold finally received their just desserts when there were awarded the class 3A state wrestling title before record crowds gathered at McNichols Arena.

Rangely Times

50 years ago

– Oil and gas leases on 7,599 acres of public land will be auctioned through competitive sealed bids March 19 at the Land Office of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in Denver. Twenty-four parcels’ within the known geologic structure of the Bell Rock, Canadian River, Elk Springs-Winter Valley, Rangely, South McCallum, and Sulphur Creek fields will be up for auction at 2 p.m., on that date according to J. Elliott Hall, Land Office manager. The tracts are located in Jackson, Moffat, and Rio Blanco counties, and range in size from 39 to 640 acres.

– The grand opening held last Friday and Saturday at Yaeger Lumber & Hardware Co. here was a big success, with several hundred visitors during the two days. Manager Bud Slaugh said this week that he was extremely well pleased with response to date for the business. He announced a change in hours for the store on Saturdays, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, until spring when it will be open all day Saturday.

Rangely Times

25 years ago

– In Denver, Roxie Long will share the stage with nationally known kid entertainers such as Jodie Sweeten (Stephanie) of “Full House.” After her show, she’ll sign autographs and head home. Chipeta Opry of Ouray, Colo., has expressed an interest in having Roxie appear as a guest throughout their summer season, most of the Opry acts are regulars on the show each night, but thought Roxie would bring some excitement to their stage with her oldies and country. So the year of slowing down and fishing has been totally blown out of the water for Roxie.

– On Thursday, Feb. 3, Mrs. Williams’ first grade class opened a “Beach Mall” in their classroom. Students in beach attire and surrounded by palm trees were busy selling shoes, clothing, toys, books, groceries, and pets. We even had a movie theatre complete with popcorn! The children were busy tending their stores when the parents came to shop.

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  • Jake Blazon at bat for the Meeker Cowboys. The MHS team brought home two wins against Olathe and lost two against the North Fork Miners. The location for this weekend’s games has not been announced due to weather and field conditions. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • The 2024 Meeker High School boys basketball team held their awards banquet last week. Jace Mobley was named Player of the Western Slope League and all-conference, Ryan Sullivan all-conference, Jonathon Fitzgibbons all-conference, Ethan Quinn honorable mention all-conference, Jacob Simonsen honorable mention all conference. Mobley will play in All State games. Coach Klark Kindler was named Western Slope Coach of the Year. Left to right: Bryan Rosas, Simonsen, Quinn, Fitzgibbons, Mobley and Sullivan.
  • 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.
Jake Blazon at bat for the Meeker Cowboys. The MHS team brought home two wins against Olathe and lost two against the North Fork Miners. The location for this weekend’s games has not been announced due to weather and field conditions. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Jake Blazon at bat for the Meeker Cowboys. The MHS team brought home two wins against Olathe and lost two against the North Fork Miners. The location for this weekend’s games has not been announced due to weather and field conditions. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
7 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
The 2024 Meeker High School boys basketball team held their awards banquet last week. Jace Mobley was named Player of the Western Slope League and all-conference, Ryan Sullivan all-conference, Jonathon Fitzgibbons all-conference, Ethan Quinn honorable mention all-conference, Jacob Simonsen honorable mention all conference. Mobley will play in All State games. Coach Klark Kindler was named Western Slope Coach of the Year. Left to right: Bryan Rosas, Simonsen, Quinn, Fitzgibbons, Mobley and Sullivan.
The 2024 Meeker High School boys basketball team held their awards banquet last week. Jace Mobley was named Player of the Western Slope League and all-conference, Ryan Sullivan all-conference, Jonathon Fitzgibbons all-conference, Ethan Quinn honorable mention all-conference, Jacob Simonsen honorable mention all conference. Mobley will play in All State games. Coach Klark Kindler was named Western Slope Coach of the Year. Left to right: Bryan Rosas, Simonsen, Quinn, Fitzgibbons, Mobley and Sullivan.
8 hours ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
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!
14 hours ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
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 |
4/9
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 |
5/9
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 |
6/9
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 |
7/9
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 |
8/9
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 |
9/9

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