Letters To The Editor, Opinion

Letters: March 26 Edition

Dear Editor,
First of all, I’d like to begin by saying congratulations to the Meeker boys’ and girls’ basketball teams for an outstanding showing at the 2A state tournament recently held in Pueblo.
As a former Meeker girls’ coach (1991-1994), it was awesome to see some familiar faces and watch a former player coach.
The reason I’m writing this letter is to address a problem that seems to be all over the country, but it seems intensified in Meeker. The problem is parents. Parents who believe their kid is always the best. Parents who believe it isn’t about the team, it’s about their child. Parents who always second guess the coaches. Parents who express their distaste for the coach in front of their child, so in turn the child feels it is acceptable to disrespect the coach.
I’ve been teaching and coaching for 17 years. Coaches today are hard to find. It isn’t because there is no one out there qualified, but they’d rather not put up with the issues that come along with coaching. Coaches get paid very little if you calculate their hourly rate. The hours people don’t see are the hours spent watching film at home; meeting with the coaching staff preparing for the next opponent and the time spent planning and organizing their summer schedules.
Few people have careers that “showcase” their work in front of a whole community on Friday and Saturday nights. Few people have careers that put their livelihoods in the hands of teenagers. High school sports are a great venue to teach kids many things about life. But anytime you deal with high school kids there are a lot of variables that come with the package. All the fans see is the performance on Friday night. They don’t see the effort or attitude the coach saw all week in practice. They don’t see the factors that affect kids like disrupted relationships, struggles with academics, family problems, etc. Fans take it upon themselves to “grade” coaches when they only see the performance.
I wouldn’t trade my profession for any profession in the world. I left the Meeker School District after a three-year stint. During that time, my basketball team was state runner-up in 1992 and state qualifiers in 1993 and 1994; for some people that wasn’t good enough. I was young and naive, and I succumbed to the pressure of a small group of parents. They wanted me out, so I left. The lessons I learned in Meeker have never left me nor has the betrayal of a few parents. The relationships I’ve formed with countless girls over my coaching career are some of my most treasured memories and as I watched one of my former players walk in the same shoes I walked in 15 years ago, it broke my heart.
I’m not trying to say that coaches are perfect and that we don’t make mistakes. But I will say that the majority of coaches try to make decisions based on what is best for the kids. We wouldn’t put in all those hours if we didn’t truly love the kids, because believe me the paycheck isn’t worth it. Wake up; appreciate the people who work with your kids. They may not always be right, but I don’t know any parent who is always right either. I commend both Meeker coaches and their assistants on a job well done this weekend. They represented your community in an outstanding manner; you should be proud.
Sincerely,
Tammy Van Oort
Rye, Colo.

Dear Editor,
I received a note from the Sierra Club. I am very upset over this. Granted we do make money on tourism, but the oil and gas industry is the second largest income in the state of Colorado. I know of more than one person who is upset by this Bill 1292. If passed it will cripple what is left of this industry. Oil and gas is the second largest economic base in this state. The Sierra Club is a large powerful lobby group. They have sent out millions of e-mails all over the nation and Colorado. I too believe in green energy, but what are we going to do during this transition? It is estimated that it will take more than 10 years to get green. Keep giving money to foreign oil companies when we need jobs? Why take money out of the state when we need it here, and have it?
One of the things that upsets me on a personal level is, I am sick to death of the East Slope making policy that affects the west side of the mountains. I often wonder how many people from Boulder have even been to Roan Plateau. I wonder how many have been to a rig location during working hours or after the site has been reclaimed. I wonder if they have given thought to the tax dollars they take from our side of the mountains, and the direct effect it will have in getting their roads paved to their favorite ski areas.
I ask that if you are passionate about this, write the governor and representatives and encourage them to vote “no” on 1292. A vote yes will have more negative impact on our county, and surrounding counties. We already see the effect of this as property prices fall, and unemployment goes up. It is my own personal opinion that the attitude toward the one strong economic base needs to be embraced. We were the one spot in the nation that was not feeling the effects of the down turn felt everywhere else. Why? Because we had the oil and gas industry. We had jobs and income coming in.
Do you know that for every rig that is running, it effects 100 people directly for work? All of the people who work directly for a rig contributes on average to 10 different businesses. They buy everything from a cup of coffee to a house. Why would we shut the doors on this? Nothing is ever made right by slamming doors on opportunity. We must communicate on all sides to find a happy medium. I for one would like to see the children of this area have a chance at a future here. I hope that they are not like so many graduating classes that leave and only come back for class reunions. Why? There is no work here. There is no economic base to stand on. Past and some present leadership, have discouraged, fought, overcharged and mistreated many outside businesses that wanted to call this area home. The most valuable thing any area has is it children. Due to lack of opportunity we lose them every year. I moved away in 1985 and came back to the same old thing. How sad, when there is a chance for so much more. The choices of a few, or of an opposite side of the state have such a devastating effect on positive chance for more.
If you are affected and concerned, write a letter, make a phone call, raise your voice. We can do better I think the future of our side of the state depends on it.
Write to: Gov. Bill Ritter, 136 State Capitol, Denver, CO 80203 or call (303) 866-2471.
Thank you for your time,
Michelle E. Hale
Democratic chair Rio Blanco

Dear Editor,
On March 4, the Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Parks District hosted the Harlem Ambassadors professional show basketball team for a night of high-flying slam dunks, hilarious comedy and feel-good family entertainment.
The Harlem Ambassadors would like to extend a special thank you to event organizers Nicole Dupire and Kari Stevens, who planned and promoted the game. The Meeker Underdawgz proved to be an energetic and enthusiastic challenging team and we thank all of the players for their good sportsmanship. The event would not have been possible without the support and generosity of local community sponsors, the Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Parks District committee members, and the event volunteers.
The Harlem Ambassadors thank the community of Meeker for its warm hospitality and look forward to returning to Meeker in the future.
Best regards,
Ashley Eich
Harlem Ambassadors

Dear Editor,
I would like to extend a hearty thank you to the town maintenance crew. A week ago, I thought about writing when I saw that Larry Hatch and Ty Osborne looked like they were doing more street sweeping than normal. I see plenty of folks enjoying this spring weather by starting their walking campaigns. I know that it is appreciated. This morning the town crew was mucking out the long accumulated dirt in the drainage ditch down the middle of Morrison Avenue Then I caught them cleaning other accumulated dirt at other intersections. Yahoo! It’s an inspiration to us all.
Kelvin White
Rangely

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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.
6 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.
7 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!
12 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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