County, Rangely, Stories

Reflecting on the role the college has played

Thanks to a few key staff members marking a large “50” in the grass, the town of Rangely for the use of a bucket truck and operator Paul Tucker, CNCC Photographer Denise Wade was able to get this photo of CNCC graduates, family and faculty making a “Human 50” to commemorate the beginning of the 50th year of higher education for the local college.
With uncommon faith, vision and determination, the citizens of Rangely and Western Rio Blanco, acting through their local school district and in alliance with Mesa College, put into motion this most improbable of accomplishments — Rangely College,” says Russell George, President of Colorado Northwestern Community College. “Fifty years ago these people stated to the world their passion for the education and well-being of their children.”
George, who is in his second year at the helm of CNCC, continues, “Knowing then of the importance of being the gateway to higher education in northwestern Colorado, these pioneers chose dental hygiene, aviation, energy, and the arts and sciences as being of the utmost importance. And so here we are today, still solid and correct in these choices, and still as determined in these goals and dreams.”
President George will host the Colorado Northwestern Community College 50th Anniversary Re-dedication Celebration at the Rangely Campus on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The celebration will include live music, food, campus tours, a time capsule dedication, a Challenge Course demonstration, games, a “Memory Lane,” and special presentations from keynote speakers.
According to George, “On this Saturday, dozens, if not hundreds, of Rangely College and Colorado Northwestern Community College graduates and certificate holders, will pause to reflect on the role this grand little college has played in their lives, on how valuable it was for them to have spent their time and energies here.
“And so, 50 years later to the day,” he continues, “we will gather together on the Rangely Campus and re-dedicate ourselves to this undertaking and pledge to forge the next 50 years of higher education in Rangely, Craig, Meeker, Hayden, South Routt, and all of this northwestern corner of Colorado into the finest and most progressive interweaving of students, educators, citizens, businesses, taxpayers, and governments that can be found anywhere.
“We will continue to honor, nurture, and dignify the ‘community’ in community college. For this future, our Vision Statement says it all: ‘CNCC will be the college of choice for students seeking place-based education in Colorado. We will take full advantage of the surrounding rivers, deserts, and mountains to enhance our curriculum and provide unique learning opportunities. Our recreational, cultural, and athletic activities will engage students and complement our classroom goals. Innovative teaching, outreach education, and continual assessment will ensure that our students have the skills to further their education, succeed at meaningful careers, and prosper in a complex and increasingly diverse world. Our partnerships with local business, industry and government will serve as the engine for the economic and cultural development of Northwest Colorado.’”
Prior to joining CNCC as president, George served many roles in public and private service. George, who grew up in Rifle, Colo., graduated from Colorado State in 1968 and earned his law degree from Harvard in 1971.
He and his wife, Neal, enlisted as VISTA volunteers from 1974 to 1976 and worked on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana. In 1976, they returned to Rifle where George co-founded the law firm of Stuver and George, which specialized in water law.
From 1992 to 2000, George served as state Representative in House District 57, representing Moffat, Rio Blanco, Garfield, and Pitkin counties. He was Speaker of the House in 1999 and 2000.
In 1998 and 1999 George worked with the CNCC administration to carry through the Colorado General Assembly the legislation bringing the college into the Colorado Community College System.
Prior to coming to CNCC in 2011,George had served as Director of the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, and Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Transportation.
George presently serves as a trustee on the Boettcher Foundation Board of Trustees and is the Governor’s appointee on the Colorado Water Conservation Board representing the Colorado River basin.

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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!
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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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“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.
  • 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.
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 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!

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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.
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
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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!
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
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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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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.
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
View on Instagram |
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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.
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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