County, Opinion

From My Window… Heartwarming support for Avery; busy start to September

Sean McMahon ~ Editor
Sean McMahon ~ Editor
It is truly heartwarming to see a community jump behind one of its members and throw out a rope to help support that member who has fallen prey to a truly tough time.
Such is the case with Avery Michels, a beautiful 2-year-old resident of Meeker who is already a patient of brain surgeries needed to put a halt to severe epileptic seizures.
On Friday afternoon, despite a torrential rain and the relocating of most Meekerpalooza activities from the Rio Blanco County Courthouse lawn to the county fairgrounds in Meeker, pretty close to 100 persons were present when 100 butterflies were released from a net-covered basket in Avery’s name.
Donations from businesses and friends paid for the the gathering of the butterflies, which were sold to raise funds for the Michels to help defray a part of the health care expenses involved in Avery’s treatments.
When the release was completed and Avery’s beautiful smile was beaming, her mother, Becky, spoke to the crowd circled around the release location at the Rio Blanco County Veterans’ Memorial.
Short and to the point, Becky said, “I have lived here my whole life and never have I been so proud of anything as I am of my community, which has shown us so much support and assistance. I have seen this town support so many others in the past and here they have done it again.”
It is important to have a community that can be relied on, and that is one of the true bonuses of living in a small town. Many people had a role in the release of those butterflies and, as Becky said, “Here they have done it again.”
That makes one feel pretty good.

It was real squeaker, but it was good to see the Broncos hold off the St. Louis Rams for a one-point win in their third pre-season game.
The Broncos have had their personnel problems and they are truly going to miss Von Miller for however many games he does end up missing, but the Broncos showed that Miller isn’t the only good player on defense.
Absolutely one of the most frustrating things during my years outside of Colorado was not being able to see the Broncos games. For some unknown reason, if there was any kind of a conflict while trying to watch the Broncos in Arizona, we would end up getting the San Diego Charger games instead. That’s tough on a Bronco fan.
That would be like living in Boulder and only getting to watch the Nebraska Cornhuskers or Oklahoma Sooners on TV. God spare us.

It looks like the late summer rains are here to stay — at least for a little while.
These monsoons, which usually begin in Arizona, are known to run from about the Fourth of July to Labor Day, which is less than a week away.
Then, if the rains continue, it is a good bet that the rains aren’t coming from Arizona after that.
The bonus for hunters is that this precipitation will keep things green, wet and the forage in great shape for those hunting almost every time of big game Colorado has to offer, particularly the grazers like elk, deer, moose and antelope.
Yep, it’s looking right now like conditions will be pretty good for the hunters this fall.

Welcome to Labor Day weekend.
It seems kind of strange to be patting ourselves on the back for what we do nearly every day of our life, but the laborers of this county are truly the lifeblood of this nation and without the work they do on a daily basis, this country wouldn’t exist.
It is nice to see the employment picture brightening a bit in many parts of the nation, and we should not ever forget the contributions that all levels of workers make to the strength of this nation.
The workers support those who cannot work due to economy, age, health, mental state and, unfortunately, they support those who refuse to work and who would rather live off government handouts for no other reason than they are lazy.
The argument of union labor versus right to work will rage on for years to come, but, regardless of one’s belief, those who do work make this country the world power it is.
Thank you to all who work and those who have worked for many years and are now in retirement.

Again as a newcomer to the White River Valley, I look forward to taking in my first Meeker Sheepdog Classic, which gets started on Wednesday.
I have seen sheepdog trials on TV, usually held in a place like Scotland. But the thought of having them here in Meeker is quite intriguing.
It is amazing to watch those herding dogs gather the sheep and single-handedly steer the sheep into a holding pen. Sheep are not usually followers who head blindly in one direction like an open gate.
They can be terribly independent minded and drive a dog and the shepherd crazy with their own wills — often with opposite plans in mind.
Hats off to the handlers. These are true professionals, and I am sure it will be a real delight to watch them execute.
Besides, I am really looking forward to a bit of lamb on the grill.

Meeker seems to have been the focal point for large activities this summer, with Range Call, the Rio Blanco County Fair, the Meekerpalooza and the OHV gathering here recently. But this weekend belongs exclusively to the Town of Rangely.
The annual four-day Septemberfest begins Friday at 7 p.m. with a magician, sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts, at Rangely Junior/Senior High School auditorium and concluding Monday with a duck race, sponsored by STUCO, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Green River Bridge.
In between those events, Saturday events feature railroad tours, the Fast, Flat and Free 5K run, a bike rally, a day in the park with free games, a bench press contest, a chili cook-off contest and the Rock ‘N’Bull ‘N Barrels event at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds in Rangely.
On Sunday is the Rangely Museum’s ice cream social, a cardboard boat race, the muddy Dip ‘N Dash and the mud tug-o-war.
Monday’s action begins with the Fireman’s Pancake Breakfast from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Fire Hall and that is followed by the annual Septemberfest parade at 9 a.m., crafts and car shows beginning at 10 a.m. in the park, a team cribbage tournament, a barbecue, music provided by the Justin Lane Band, Win It In a Minute challenges, and the wrap-up event with the duck race.
It all looks like good ol’ family fun, and I am looking forward to being there for another first-time event in my life.

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@ht.1885
  • 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.
  • Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap 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.
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 |
1/9
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 |
2/9
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 |
3/9
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 |
4/9
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 |
5/9
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 |
6/9
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 |
7/9
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 |
8/9
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

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