Meeker

Town of Meeker takes next step for roundabout on Sulphur Creek

MEEKER I Homeowners along Sulphur Creek Road once again expressed vehement dislike of proposed changes to the road.
The town has been awarded a $595,000 state energy impact grant toward the project, which will include adding sidewalks and building a roundabout at the intersection of Sulphur Creek Road and Ute Road. With the grant approved, soils testing can begin, which is the first step toward the final design phase.
The roundabout, and the sidewalks, have become a point of contention. Homeowners have expressed fears about their driveways opening up onto a sidewalk, or in the case of one homeowner, directly into the roundabout.
Mayor Mandi Etheridge attempted to allay concerns, reassuring the property owners at the meeting that the board has taken all their concerns into consideration, and is determined to look at the picture as a whole and how it will affect the entire community.
“If anything, the changes that may be seen with the new road and intersection will be a decrease in speed. It is probably an advantage to have an intersection on that road, regardless. Sulphur Creek Road, as it is today, is too fast, and the access to the rec district and the fairgrounds is probably not ideal,” Etheridge said. “We’ve been able to find what we feel is the safest and smartest way to deal with it.”
Homeowner Lenny Reck, whose driveway opens directly into the roundabout in the initial design, said, “It sounds like you have your minds ma­de up about putting an intersection at the bottom of my driveway. We’re building this whole thing for less than 5 percent of the population.”
His wife, Peggy Reck, added, “I don’t mind backing into a roundabout, but I do mind having to worry about a bunch of kids. At least consider moving the pedestrian traffic to the other side.”
Reck left the meeting abruptly, obviously upset.
“I’m not happy,” Lenny Reck continued. “I figure we’ve got two choices, move or stay. You want a roundabout at the end of your driveway?”
Homeowner Nancy Harris questioned whether the general public has been made aware of the project, and its expense.
“To spend this kind of money on a roundabout just doesn’t sound right,” she said. “I don’t agree with anything that you said about safety, entrance, what the sidewalks are going to do to the property owners on the end. Is the public aware that you’re going to spend $330K more on this little project?”
Town Administrator Sharon Day explained that while the cost of the project has not gone up, the energy impact fund didn’t grant as much as was requested.
Faced with the need to move forward, Etheridge stated, “Unfortunately, it becomes our job as trustees of the town to make unpopular decisions. I regret that you guys don’t agree with our reasoning up here, but we may have to agree to disagree.”
Trustee John Strate agreed. “It’s a tough decision, but I feel like it’s the right decision for safety.”
Strate motioned to move ahead with the current plan, Regas Halandras seconded the motion.

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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.
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.
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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
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4 days ago
View on Instagram |
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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 |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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