County, Meeker, Opinion, Rangely

from my window… Current mindset of many a problem for county teens

Sean McMahon, Editor
Sean McMahon, Editor
The stories written in the past three weeks by Meeker High School to-be-senior Calvin Shepherd are prophetic and troubling. According to his stories — and I believe they are reflective also of Rangely to some extent — teenagers in Rio Blanco County can’t find jobs nor do they have anything to do at night.
These are both problems that are not new and have faced particularly small-town teens for decades. But there is a bit of a pall cast over particularly Meeker, although I again suspect the same is true to some extent for Rangely.
The bottom-line question is: What is the solution to both of these problems?
The often-unwelcome answer: Growth.
There are more than a few folks — and Rio Blanco County residents are not unique in this mindset — who are against growth of any kind. They want the life they moved here for decades ago or grew up with to remain unchanged. They find that all is well and that more people mean more problems.
They are right. It does mean more problems.
But it also means more people, who will bring more businesses, who will bring more stores, more restaurants, more entertainment and more variety in shopping for nearly everything, including food, clothing, furniture, etc.
But with that growth comes the people who will support those businesses.
One of the biggest complaints I have heard in my four months here is that, even with the old timers, they want the kids to stay close at home, not move off to a different city, state or — God forbid — country to make a living.
A lot of the teens now would love to stay in Rio Blanco County the rest of their lives, but there is no way they are going to find a job that pays blue-collar wages. How many people in this county do you think are working to make $80,000 to $100,000 a year? Darned few. And even fewer without any training.
There are farms and ranches that are making pretty good wages I would bet, but what about those youths who don’t want to work on the ranches and farms. How many of these local teens want to stay around and work for roughly $5 an hour as a waiter or waitress even with tips, when, according to a couple of waitress I know, many folks in Meeker leave a dollar or two for a tip on a $60 meal bill.
How many mechanics can Meeker or Rangely support? How many electricians or plumbers?
Good-paying jobs are needed to keep today’s teens here or to have them come back here after obtaining a college degree.
I am a Colorado native. I understand the mindset that has existed since the late 60s, believing, “Great, I am in Colorado now, so it is time to close the gates.” That mindset has hit Colorado, Arizona and Oregon very hard. It has really hit Utah as a double whammy. That state, which really used to live in its own bubble, realized not too long ago that Mormons were no longer in the majority in Salt Lake City. Many of the old timers nearly had heart attacks when Utah was named the home of the Winter Olympics.
“Oh my God, they thought. Now outsiders are going to discover what we’ve known for years,” was the cry of those who don’t want to see any more “outsiders” moving to their state.
I have run across many “outsiders” since I moved to Rio Blanco County, and they have made it very clear that they feel they are treated by the area “natives” as outsiders.
One woman who has lived in Meeker since 1996 — 17 years — said to me on Thursday of last week, “You know, Meeker is a very friendly town, but it is not a welcoming town. I have been involved in community activities, I support local functions, including businesses and churches and I volunteer a lot of different places, and the people around here still treat me like I’m not here.”
I have listened as several old timers and “outsiders” have said to my face, “The old timers around here won’t accept you as anything but an outsider until you have lived here at least 30 years. Then, they might start to warm up to you.”
Remember, this is the old timers and outsiders having make those exact statements. There must be some truth to it!
There is a chamber of commerce in Meeker and another in Rangely. Their business is to promote member businesses in those towns and to encourage growth that will bring more businesses and people here in the hopes of improving the bottom line for existing businesses. They want to see a vibrant business community — it is the “action group” of any town or city.
A non-growing city is a stagnant city.
A stagnant city doesn’t have jobs for the local youths, doesn’t have anything for the teens to do at night, doesn’t care if there is nothing for these you adults to do for a decent living and it makes it very clear that “outsiders” are just that — not welcome and that they tend to be a bother only worthy of tolerating.
I would want to ask the old timers around here — in Meeker and in Rangely — just how many real friends do you include in your circle who have lived here 10 years or less? May guess is that the percentage is really low.
But reflecting on the questions raised — and I truly do understand the theory of the closed door — I would ask these same people, “Are you doing your kids, your community, your businesses and your downtown areas a disservice?”
One may not believe it, but change can be a good thing if done in moderation, and growth and acceptance both mean progress.

n n n

If you are an animal lover, the Rio Blanco County Fair is for you.
The action “officially” opened on Monday, but the dog show on Friday and the horse show on Saturday were a real kick to watch.
There were some beautiful dogs and some beautiful equines on display, but to watch the faces of the pee wee kids as they rode their horses around a small obstacle course, having to stop and check the “mailbox” and then touch the raincoat at the end of the course were priceless.
These tiny cowboys and cowgirls shared all the emotions from joy to be on the horse, frustration and anger when the horses wouldn’t do what they wanted, absolute happiness when they did what they should have done, and complete satisfaction and pride with themselves as they touched the raincoat to end the course.
The fair continues to run until the FFA/4-H livestock sale, which winds up the fair on Saturday night. But I expect — in addition to the beef barbecue and lamb kabobs — that there will be great times, good food, cute animals, cute children, a lot of tears and a lot of smiles before the fair is over.
And after all, aren’t all of those things what memories of childhood are made of?
Just as an observer, that is what I remember. And congratulations to the contestants because what you do is some tough work and you should be proud.

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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! 
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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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
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!
52 mins ago
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1/9
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 |
2/9
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 |
3/9
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 |
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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.
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 |
5/9
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 |
6/9
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 |
7/9
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.
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.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
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