Enterprise looks back at top headlines of the year

What stood out about 2021? Was it the COVID-19 vaccine? School and athletic milestones? Weird and wacky weather? Take a look back at 2021 with The Holyoke Enterprise’s annual review of the past year.

 

Jan. 6, 2021

COVID-19 vaccine begins to be administered locally.

Americans begin to receive second round of $600 stimulus checks.

Pandemic restrictions eased across the state.

Colorado National Guardsman has first reported U.S. case of virus variant.

 

Jan. 13, 2021

Family Practice of Holyoke welcomes Dr. JD Bailey.

Colbey Stumpf, Elizabeth Hutches assume teaching duties at Holyoke JR/SR High.

Asbestos presence looks to be minimal in Holyoke School District’s Building Excellent Schools Today project.

Congress confirms Joe Biden as the presidential election winner Thursday, Jan. 7, after pro-Trump mob storms U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

Woody’s Pivot Service LLC to relocate to Grant, Nebraska; Glen’s Diesel Repair will take over parts of business.

Kristin Koch is new Bank of the West branch manager.

New bright yellow food truck parked on East Denver Street (Taqueria El Dragon) dishes up Mexican food.

Emali Torres signs to be part of the Nebraska Wesleyan University track team.

 

Jan. 20, 2021

The Colorado General Assembly held an abbreviated start to its 2021 session, meeting Jan. 13-15, then recessing for a little more than a month in hopes that COVID-19 vaccines will be well underway and that the pandemic will have started to lessen by then.

Shortened basketball season (due to the pandemic) opens with first practice Jan. 18. All players required to wear masks while playing.

U.S. Small Business Administration reopens Paycheck Protection Program.

 

Jan. 27, 2021

Donthe Lucas to stand trial for disappearance and murder of Kelsie Schelling nearly eight years ago.

Bleacher demolition begins gym renovation project.  

Ferguson subdivision rezoned to commercial; Walsh/Johnson property annexed by city council.

Energy savings changes, construction, gym renovation — all in progress soon in Holyoke School District.

Electric vehicle charging station recently installed at Highline Electric Association.

Dragons open five-week high school wrestling season.

Swimmers dive in to shortened season, with minimal spectators allowed at only some of the meets.

 

Feb. 3, 2021

Laura Schroetlin named Phillips County planner, administrator.

Free COVID-19 testing, regardless of symptoms, offered in Phillips County this weekend.

Steers, heifers and their showmen come from five states for Showdown on the Plains.

 

Feb. 10, 2021

Holyoke Chamber recognizes excellence for Tuxedo Paws, new business of the year; Jake’s Feed, business of the year; Joan Owens, employee of the year; Holyoke FCCLA, youth of the year; Help Holyoke committee, citizen of the year; and Jan Hewitt, citizen of the years.

Ripley Design team visits to discuss creating upgrade and design plans for Holyoke recreation areas.

County moves to Level Blue, which is great news, but commissioners urge people to continue to work to keep the county’s COVID-19 numbers low.

Joey Beckner signs to play football at Colorado School of Mines.

 

Feb. 17, 2021

Lorena Bencomo and Lily Magana Velazquez become U.S. citizens.

Bleachers installed; floor is next step in school gym renovation.

Donald Trump acquitted in second impeachment trial.

City urgently asks for energy conservation due to extreme cold, regional demand.

Donthe Lucas trial put on hold for two weeks after someone in the courtroom tested positive for COVID-19.

 

Feb. 24, 2021

Second doses of vaccine administered at health department clinic.

Hospital applies for second round of funds from Paycheck Protection Program.

City receives grant for changing runway lights at the airport to LED.

Joey Beckner named to Scholar-Athlete All State Football.

 

March 3, 2021

Annual music smorgasbord concert canceled due to COVID-19. Smaller-scale performances of band and choir groups will be placed on Holyoke TV Productions YouTube channel, and donation jars will be placed in local businesses.

As of Feb. 23, MMH has administered close to 700 vaccines.

 

March 10, 2021

School board approves 2021-22 school calendar, which targets four-day school week.

Donthe Lucas found guilty of first-degree murder of Kelsie Schelling and is sentenced to life without parole in the Department of Corrections.

City discovers excessive water in basement of old hospital, estimating 800,000-900,000 gallons.

Flushed disposable wipes in the sewer lines continue to be major problem for city.

Lighting replacement complete in school’s energy performance project.

Three relays and two individuals qualify for state swimming including Rylee Schneller, Tayla Martin, Haley Van Overbeke, Summer Martin and Josie Schlachter.

Aly Brinkema named Coach of the Year for Patriot League.

Holyoke girls basketball team claims No. 1 spot in 2A state bracket, heading into state playoffs undefeated.

Boys basketball team bound for playoffs in top 24 in the state.

Gym renovation nears completion.

Diego Jimenez, Mason Vernon selected for internships for Howell Construction for the school’s BEST project.

 

March 17, 2021

Joe Kinnie overcomes setbacks to receive kidney from his son, Kelly.

Commissioners proclaim March 20 Phillips County Cattlemen’s Day.

Gov. Jared Polis announces $700 million stimulus package.

Lady Dragons end basketball season with a loss to Wray in the state quarterfinals.

Boys basketball team loses to Meeker in the first round of state basketball playoffs.

 

March 24, 2021

Plans for new fire station move forward.

In a show of support for the local livestock industry, over 630 people turned out for a free barbecue in Holyoke on March 20.

Jeremy Kilpatrick promotes better mental health through gardening, especially among veterans and first responders, with Klover Kare.

State 3A swim meet delayed by three days due to weather and more. Local competitors included Rylee Schneller, Tayla Martin, Summer Martin and Josie Schlachter.

Ethan Johnson named to LPAA All-Conference boys basketball team; Wyatt Sprague is honorable mention.

Lauren Herman, Correy Koellner and Kristin Vieselmeyer named to LPAA All-Conference girls basketball team.

Volleyball opens in unusual spring season, having been bumped by CHSAA from a fall sport in 2020-21.

 

March 31, 2021

Gov. Polis announces that beginning April 2, all Coloradans over the age of 16 will be eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine and all over the age of 18 will be eligible for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

Julie Wiebke appointed to East Phillips County Hospital District board, filling the vacancy that opened when Mike “Woody” Woodhead resigned when he moved from the community.

 

April 7, 2021

Amy Mackay and Austin Durbin crowned Spring Fest queen and king, capping a week of activities that served as a homecoming replacement for 2020-21.

County adopts resolution opposing Protect Animals from Unnecessary Suffering and Exploitation initiative.

Gov. Polis modifies, extends mask order.

Victoria Baeza, Raia Sprague, Baron Starkebaum take top three places in county’s fourth grade essay contest.

Yuma among schools that could face fines for unapproved Indian mascots.

 

April 14, 2021

School BEST project construction still targeting Aug. 16 completion.

Eight projects qualify for nationals in virtual FCCLA competition.

All-State basketball recognition includes Kristin Vieselmeyer on first team, girls; Lauren Herman, second team, girls; and Ethan Johnson, honorable mention, boys.

Rural schools dissatisfied with Colorado High School Activities Association.

 

April 21, 2021

Thanks to grants and donors, Holyoke school greenhouse grows into place where students can learn and find inspiration.

Local Veterans of Foreign Wars post turns 75.

On April 16, the COVID-19 dial retired, allowing counties to implement regulations at the local level while still maintaining some limited requirements across the state.

Family Practice of Holyoke earns Caravan Health Region 4 accountable care organization recognition after exceeding goals last year for annual wellness visits and chronic care management program participants.

Emerald Award winners include Ashley Clayton, Leader Among Us; Juana Ruiz, Heart Award; and Kari Vasa, Innovator of the Year.

 

April 28, 2021

Jolene McCallum pleads guilty to theft from Golden Plains Recreation Center dba Peerless Theatre/Center and is sentenced in Phillips County District Court.

“Much Ado About Nothing” on stage at HHS. Cast members will be wearing masks, and attendees are requested to do so, as well.

Eleven qualify for national FBLA.

Kylie Purkeypile named semifinalist in Presidential Scholars Program.

Brooklyn Leonard, Emmanuel Vasquez crowned queen and king of school prom.

 

May 5, 2021

Broc Pelle hired as Phillips County emergency manager.

Community members provide feedback on design options for rec areas.

Jennifer Cano named MMH director of nursing.

Lady Dragon volleyball team qualifies for state for the first time in 20 years.

 

May 12, 2021

Kimberlee Bennett retires after over 37 years in education.

Ballyneal climbs to No. 44 in Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses.

Girls swim coach Adria Colver applauded with heartfelt send-off into retirement.

“Southern Fried Funeral” on new community stage at First United Methodist Church fellowship hall.

Prelim demolition provides quiet start to school construction.

 

May 19, 2021

Holyoke High School graduation held on football field. Haley Van Overbeke named valedictorian, and Joey Beckner salutatorian. Citizenship honors go to Ethan Andersen and Kylie Purkeypile.

Marcia Dalton retires from Holyoke school vocal music position after 38 years as a teacher, including 16 in Holyoke.

Pfizer vaccine now available to children age 12 and older.

 

May 26, 2021

Holyoke school board increases coaches salaries to model that reflects percentage of base salary.

John Baumgartner ends a 33-year career in education as he retires from his position as athletic/activities director for the school district.

Holyoke Enterprise claims four awards in Colorado Press Association’s 2020 Better News Media Contest.

A dozen people plead with state education committee for continued use of Yuma Indian mascot.

 

June 2, 2021

Phillips County extends moratorium on expansion, creation of new livestock facilities for 90 days.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser addresses local group on uses of opioid settlement moneys.

Levi Ford, Diego Jimenez, Kenneth Lindholm and Kailar Hayes selected to attend Colorado Boys State.

A state-of-the-art microbiology machine is a welcome addition to the Melissa Memorial Hospital lab.

 

June 9, 2021

Nearly 20 residents attend the June 1 Holyoke City Council meeting, with several expressing their concerns over the state of some of Holyoke’s streets.

Carol Fleshman’s alpaca herd featured on shearing day.

Sense of community draws UNC senior Ashley Hajek to five-week internship at The Holyoke Enterprise.

Seven Ogallala Commons interns are placed in Phillips County including Gage Sprague, Jeff Miner, Victoria Hatton, Kylie Purkeypile, Tanley Andersen, Aly Lock and Tayla Martin.

Bench at Lions Club Fishin’ Hole dedicated in memory of Larry Stein as pond marks 30 years.

 

June 16, 2021

Jon Kleve’s home brewing hoppy hobby allows for creativity and experimentation.

Emma Thompson and Erin Andersen qualify for 3A girls state golf.

Free youth food program continues for ages 1-18 over the summer.

 

June 23, 2021

Holyoke Volunteer Fire Department marks 100 years of service.  

Shawn and Kristi O’Neal donate $500,000 to Holyoke Community Childcare Initiative.

Haxtun Conservation District celebrates 75 years.

 

June 30, 2021

Lauren Herman and Correy Koellner claim golds in 2A state track competition. Herman won the girls discus and Koellner the girls shot put. They placed second behind each other in those two events.

Girls finish third in state track. Besides Herman and Koellner’s 1-2 in the discus and shot put, Emali Torres placed third in shot put; Tayla Martin, eighth in the 400; and Koellner, ninth in the long jump. Elly Brown opened the Thursday morning track meet by singing the national anthem.

Boys track placewinners include Max Kleve, third in the 100 and eighth in the 200; Aidyn Shafer, sixth in shot put; and Aaron Sierra, eighth in 300-meter hurdles.

Woodcrafter Leroy Schad experiments with culture and conspiracies through art.

 

July 7, 2021

On his 95th birthday, James Scholl is surprised with a Jeep he drove in his business decades ago.

Phillips County adopts resolution opposing the 30x30 program in the presidential executive order. The program calls for conserving at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.

Jesse Taylor is recovering after being in a major crash in the dwarf division of July 2 races at Phillips County Raceway.

 

July 14, 2021

Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation’s “Denim & Diamonds” fundraiser raises $131,797.

Phillips County Fair Queen Josie Schlachter is excited to represent the county.

High school student Kaison Kinnie establishes Rule Yourself Apparel, focusing on spreading positive physical and mental health messages.

Mike and Susan Salyards to lead Phillips County Fair parade as grand marshals with the theme “Raisin’ the Steaks.”

 

July 21, 2021

School studies potential replacement plan for elementary playground.

Colleen Jedlicka is new manager of the Peerless Center/Theatre.

Recent all-state honors announced for Lauren Herman and Correy Koellner for track and field. Elyce Talavera received all-state honorable mention honors for volleyball.

 

July 28, 2021

City approves mutual aid agreement with rural fire protection district.

Aydee Flores opens laundromat, thrift store in the former Holyoke Cleaners building.

Carl S. McGuire appointed to serve as chief judge of the 13th Judicial District, replacing Judge Michael K. Singer.

 

Aug. 4, 2021

Holyoke High School junior Jeffrey Espinoza diagnosed with leukemia.

Rachel Schneider’s latest translation endeavor is “Inkarrí,” the second book of the “Secret File” series by German author André Milewski.

Alex Vieselmeyer earns gold award at National Junior Angus Show.

Eva Kramer participates in a summer program for rural high schoolers through the University of Chicago.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend getting a COVID-19 vaccine, offering protection from the delta variant.

 

Aug. 11, 2021

Shipping delays thwart school project completion, but project is still on track, with some work-arounds, for school to start as scheduled Aug. 24.

City council approves Nick Ferguson’s travel trailer park application for one year.

Visitors at city council meeting address streets, municipal codes and second baseball field.

Phillips County Economic Development Executive Director Trisha Herman is selected for Boettcher’s inaugural cohort of fellows to participate in its new Doers & Difference Makers Fellowship.

CSU Extension’s Linda Langelo receives the Lois Woodward Memorial Award for outstanding horticulture achievements.

Holyoke featured in national report on Homegrown Talent Initiative.

School moves to four-day week, with no school on most Fridays, with a few exceptions.

 

Aug. 18, 2021

Residents reminded that flushable wipes cannot be flushed as they cause problems in the city’s wastewater system.

Holyoke School District welcomes 10 new teachers, a new athletic director and a new elementary school counselor for 2021-22.

 

Aug. 25, 2021

Aug. 19 storm dumps more than 10 inches of rain in some areas.

City continues support of child care initiative; citizens address concerns for safety of kids at swimming pool.

Home of Gary Kumm goes up in flames Aug. 23.

U-Haul service comes to Holyoke Lumber.

Jack Williamson garners gold medals at Move United Junior Nationals.

Margie Jeffers celebrates 100th birthday Aug. 31.

School website updated for user-friendliness.

 

Sept. 1, 2021

Student count in Holyoke School District down 23 from first week a year ago.

Fugitive Yano Gipson arrested in Phillips County and booked into Logan County Jail to await extradition back to Wisconsin to face his charges.

Two positive COVID-19 tests conducted by MMH have been confirmed to be the delta variant. Hospital braces for mandatory vaccines for health care workers.

Holyoke Enterprise wins three national awards in the 2021 National Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper and Better Newspaper Advertising contests.

The Skillet Restaurant closes its doors after business Saturday, Aug. 28, marking 37 1/2 years of service in Holyoke.

Holyoke FFA members Janessa Lutze, Kaitlyn (Kent) McCallum and Rebecca Owens earn their American FFA degrees.

 

Sept. 8, 2021

Phillips County commissioners approve allocation of COVID-19 relief funds totaling $171,645 to be distributed as grants to business owners who experienced revenue losses due to COVID-19 shutdowns in 2020.

America remembers Sept. 11 attacks after 20 years.

Juan Nuñez wins grand champion in electric competition at Colorado State Fair. Brooklyn Plumb, Lucinda Mares, Colby Weber and Tenley Becker qualify for sale with their state fair animals.

 

Sept. 15, 2021

Vaccine mandate for staff by Oct. 1 has hospital in turmoil.

Community rallies to support Sagehorn family by helping with millet harvest after the sudden death of 33-year-old John Sagehorn.

City council approves hiring fifth police officer.

School board election canceled as there are only two candidates for three open positions.

Linda Esser is exchange student from Germany at Holyoke High School.

Bailey Bradley is new general manager at Cobblestone Inn & Suites.

 

Sept. 22, 2021

Hagan Gatton-Pollock completes her first season in the Junior Street class drag racing program with trip to regional competition.

Phillips County 911 Authority Board requests increase to surcharge on phone lines.

Theron Roll and Lauren Herman elected to district FFA offices.

 

Sept. 29, 2021

Steve Moore resigns from Holyoke City Council as he will be moving from the community.

Building Excellent Schools Today project gears up for completion in time for Oct. 7-8 open house tours.

Ty Dirks qualifies for 3A state golf.

Former HHS football coaches Gary Sperber and Dale Stoner honored at Friday night’s home opener.

 

Oct. 6, 2021

MMH does not expect any critical staff shortages amidst a new statewide COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers.

City water well down; residents asked to avoid outside water usage.

Jeremy Kilpatrick is the new county veterans service officer.

Kaden Lebsack, great-nephew of Dick and Mary Lou Lebsack of Holyoke, makes American Ninja Warrior history when he became the youngest to earn the title of Last Ninja Standing and won $100,000 in season 13.

Colorado gains eighth congressional district; final plan approved 11-1.

 

Oct. 13, 2021

SCN2A Warrior Challenge planned Oct. 24 to help support research. Holyoke’s Nathaniel “Bubba” Brown has an SCN2A genetic disorder, and his family is hosting the local walk fundraiser for the FamilieSCN2A Foundation.

Diego Nevarez is sentenced to 18 months in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to trespass (auto) with the intent to commit a crime.

Jessica Brown awarded Friend of Phillips County 4-H Award at annual achievement program.

Lauren Herman, Miles Sprague crowned HHS homecoming queen and king.

 

Oct. 20, 2021

Ten-digit dialing for local calls to begin Sunday, Oct. 24.

Bob Brandt earns million-mile award as he retires as a Holyoke rural letter carrier after more than 30 years.

Ron Miles shares agriculture knowledge as guest lecturer at the University of Denver.

MMH rehab department adds three new therapists.

 

Oct. 27, 2021

School board looking to fill two vacancies with the resignation of Chas Lengfelder who is moving from the district and the term-limit reach by Pat Wiebers.

Cathy Edge appointed to fill the vacancy on Holyoke City Council.

Firehouse Fashion & Fun fundraiser raises close to $35,000 for new firehouse.

Lauren Herman, Correy Koellner named to softball All-Conference list; Aliyah Engle and Destanie Engle earn honorable mention.

City approves signing of opioid settlement agreements.

 

Nov. 3, 2021

Escape to Margaritaville announced by MMHF as the theme of the 2022 Legacy Event.

 Commissioners adopt moratorium on wind farm applications.

MMH will soon be using an outside vendor to contact patients about outstanding bills.

 

Nov. 10, 2021

CDC authorizes Pfizer vaccine for kids age 5-11.

Joe Kinnie, Nicholas Colglazier among Pro 15’s Alumni of the Plains inductees.

Dragon football ends season in first round of playoffs.

 

Nov. 17, 2021

Lady Dragons earn runner-up honors in state 2A volleyball tournament.

Women of St. Paul’s in Amherst celebrates 100 years.

Kristin Vieselmeyer, Elyce Talavera named to All-Conference volleyball list.

Nici Akey inducted into volleyball officials hall of fame.

 

Nov. 24, 2021

Johnson Publications sells newspapers in Holyoke, Imperial and Grant to brothers Jesse and Lloyd Mullen, doing business as High Plains News North LLC.

Jessica Cumming and Nain Vasquez appointed to school board to serve until election in November of 2023.

Loxley Ring’s journey with diabetes brings family closer together.

Council waives city fees for child care facility.

Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation announces Legacy of Thanks award winners: Blisties, Happy Jacks Barbeque, Dr. Michael R. Hajek, Lane and Tina Looka, Tristen Roll, Theron Roll, Tristen Ferguson and Gabe Bazan.

Austin Durbin competes with Northeast Bowlers in the State Fall Classic Bowling Competition, hosted by Special Olympics Colorado.

HHS drama department presents “Clue.”

 

Dec. 1, 2021

Jim Yakel’s coaching career touches lives in eight decades as he retires from coaching this year.

Two vehicles stolen from gas stations in Holyoke.

Harvest Park recreational vehicle campground at fairgrounds to be expanded.

Shyanne Conde wins Colorado senior division Make-It-With-Wool contest.

Jodi Clapper opens My Country Cupboards at Olde Holyoke Square.

Lauren Herman signs to play basketball at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

 

Dec. 8, 2021

New hospital beds at MMH put safety of patients, staff first.

Brenda Brandt meets final deadlines, wraps up 42-year career at The Holyoke Enterprise as she heads to retirement.

Inklings Academy provides support for homeschool families.

Sara’s Cuisine brings Jorge Santos full circle as he opens a new restaurant in the former KarDale’s.

First Baptist Church welcomes Pastor Al Smith.

 

Dec. 15, 2021

Holyoke Community Foundation formed as a 501(c)(3).

School general fund climbs to $3.3 million.

Roaring ’20s CineMagic event raises $31,400 for Golden Plains Recreation Center/Peerless Theatre.

A Caring Pregnancy Resource Center in Holyoke dedicates Giving Room in memory of Evelyn Lock.

HHS cheerleaders earn third at 2A state competition.

Mary Belle Rafert has a passion for piano, has taught lessons for decades.

$18,000 grant received to replace, restore windows in historic gas station located next to the museum.

 

Dec. 22, 2021

A Dec. 15 windstorm blows down trees and causes damage in Holyoke.

Local students take adavantage of three free behavioral health sessions offered to Colorado youth as part of the I Matter program.

Darrell Smith is sworn in as a deputy sheriff at Phillips County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 15.

Jeff and Olga Sullivan win the 30th annual holiday lighting/decorating contest. Aaron and Pam Worley earn second, and Marvin and Hannah Goodman third.

Josie Schlachter signs a letter of intent to swim for University of Sioux Falls.

 

Dec. 29, 2021

Jordan Fleharty started work as a police officer with Holyoke Police Department on Dec. 17.

Haxtun Conservation District participates in climate-smart soil health program with incentives available to producers.

21st Century Equipment delivers Christmas gifts to Regent Park and Carriage House residents.