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It’s officially the V – I – X Ranch Park

New Castle NewsKay VasilakisGlenwood Springs, CO Colorado

At its Aug. 21 meeting, the New Castle Town Council selected VIX Ranch Park as the official name for what has been known as “North Park,” the 10-acre community park under construction northeast of Kathryn Senor Elementary School. Monk and Betty Dawson, Louis and Carol Dodo, Scherry Simonson, and Pat Fuhst submitted this name and received gift certificates as prizes. The town requests citizens pronounce the name of the park, “V – I – X,” as opposed to “vicks,” to relate to the history which surrounds the naming of the park.Monk and Betty Dawson said in their name nomination letter that the VIX Ranch Park name is historically appropriate because the park is located on ranchland that was once the VIX Ranch. The brand for the cattle raised there was VIX, and this brand was also painted on a large barn.

The Dawson letter delved into detailed history, and included many pioneer names of the New Castle area: “Monk, Earl and their deceased brother Roy used to trap muskrats there and also worked for the owners of the property, Henry and Mary Rohwer. After Mr. Rohwer died, Mrs. Rohwer married Reverend Schumann and later Reverend Kline, and two other men bought the ranch from Mrs. Schumann. Some people say a Krauth also bought into this partnership. People tell me it was KKK, but I am not sure of the names, and haven’t found it in the Museum as yet. Mrs. Rohwer, Schumann had a brother, Klaus Peters, and he and his wife also worked for the VIX Ranch. Mr. Peters and his wife had three boys. When the German Prisoners of War rebelled at Cline Top, Rev. Schumann went up and talked to them, as he talked the German language.” Andrew Bratcher submitted the Hot Shot Park name as an entry for the park formerly known as “South Park,” in the Name the Park contest. Town Council decided the park would be officially named Hot Shot Park, to honor those heroic firefighters who have fought to save houses and property in our area. Mr. Bratcher also received a gift certificate for his winning name. South Park is located on South Wild Horse Drive between Castle Valley Boulevard and Pyramid Drive.

Because New Castle is temporarily without a town administrator, by the town charter, Mayor Frank Breslin is also performing those duties. What a man!



Continuing through the end of September, visit the participating quilt shops in the Western Slope Shop Hop, follow the clues and get a key to each shop’s treasure chest. Each shop has secret discounts and freebies, but contest participants must find them. Treasure maps will be stamped at each store visited to enter drawing for the grand prize shopping sprees. Visit 11 stores and be eligible for the $300 shopping spree; eight or more stores to be eligible for the $200 shopping spree, and visit five or more stores and be eligible for the $100 shopping spree. The grand prize drawing will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 13, at the Glenwood Sewing Center. Find out more at the Glenwood Sewing Center at 822 Grand Avenue in downtown Glenwood Springs. “This is a about the fifth (not exactly sure) time we’ve had a Western Slope Shop Hop,” said Glenwood Sewing Center owner, Sandy Boyd. “Ours lasts at least a month, as opposed to the Front Range shop hops, due to our geography. We get lots of interest from locals, but also lots of attendance from Front Range and other tourists. It’s a fun way to get to know our area. This is the first time we’ve held it in September and we’re hoping to attract the ‘leaf lookers’ who come to enjoy the changing colors. This is a fun program with no charge to participate and big prizes to be won!” Kay Vasilakis’ column, “New Castle News,” appears every other Thursday. To contact her with news tips or inspirations, please call 384-9118 or e-mail kvasilakis@postindependent.com.


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