News from neighbors

Firefighter pilot who died in plane crash in Australia grew up in Wray

DENVER POST, Jan. 23 — An American pilot and firefighter who died battling wildfires in Australia grew up in Wray.

Ian McBeth was one of a three-member crew killed Thursday when a C-130 Hercules aerial water tanker crashed in southeastern Australia.

“Ian was a very tough, tenacious and very, very capable person,” said his father, Bill McBeth. “One of the most capable persons I’ve ever known.”

After graduating from Wray High School, where he excelled in football, Ian McBeth attended the University of Wyoming and joined the Wyoming Air National Guard with the intention of becoming a pilot, his father said.

Initially, McBeth was denied pilot training because of his eyesight, and he became a construction specialist with the Guard. When he turned 28, McBeth took another shot at becoming a pilot and passed the eye exam, clearing the way for him to realize his dream, Bill McBeth said.

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Knowles Field sale gets green light

STERLING JOURNAL-ADVOCATE, Jan. 31 — The Sterling City Council signed off on the sale of Knowles Field to a developer planning a 50-unit senior housing development at its regular meeting Tuesday night.

Four Corners Development LLC plans to purchase the 2.76-acre property south of Broadway between Third and Fourth streets for $175,000. The closing is slated to happen in February 2021.

The affordable housing development for residents 55 and older will include 42 one-bedroom units and eight with two bedrooms. The two-story development will also have community spaces, including an exercise room, computer lounge and kitchen. Each unit will be provided with two parking spaces.

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