Hindsight is 2020

It’s undeniable that 2020 was an exceptional year with the effects of COVID-19 spreading far and wide. The Enterprise takes a week-by-week look at Holyoke’s top headlines of 2020.

 

Jan. 2, 2020

Officials investigate mysterious drones.

Gustavo Almanza Pena of Windsor taken into custody after high-speed chase in Holyoke.

CHS Grainland grain merchandiser Steve Young steps down after 29 years.

Semi-pro football team 76ers being formed in northeast Colorado.

 

Jan. 9, 2020

Community paramedic Lisa Werts begins service.

New Year’s Eve celebrated at Because fundraiser.

MMH physical therapy department sees significant growth.

Emergency responders participate in Machinery Rescue and Streetsmarts Rescue training.

Bench outside Phillips County Court House honors longtime county clerk/recorder Mary Louise Evans.

 

Jan. 16, 2020

Survey outlines county’s need for additional housing.

FBLA runs H.E.R.O. Program at Regent Park and Carriage House.

Heginbotham Trust contributes $50,000 for library maintenance.

Alex Salas taken into custody after attempted robbery of Family Dollar.

As part of his campaign for U.S. Senate, John Hickenlooper visits MMH.

 

Jan. 23, 2020

MMH unveils new CT scanner.

Community warned about dangers of vaping.

Judge Kimbra Killin reminds public that jury duty is compulsory.

Rare quarters minted at West Point entice local coin collector Jerry Brandt.

Scott Jeppson joins MMH physical therapy department.

Holly Ferguson is the new director of the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce.

Phillips County Players stage “The Murder Mystery at the Murder Mystery.”

 

Jan. 30, 2020

Brady Ring appointed to school board.

Angela Minter speaks at A Caring Pregnancy Resource Center’s annual banquet.

 

Feb. 6, 2020

Terry Hofmeister elected chair of Phillips County Board of County Commissioners.

Chamber of Commerce’s Community Excellence Award winners are Creative Traditions, Business of the Year; Melinda Kent, Employee of the Year; Lauren Bergner, Youth of the Year; Kyle Stumpf, Citizen of the Year; Nancy Colglazier, Citizen of the Years; Peerless Theatre, Star of the Year; and Tiffany Watson, Outstanding Board Member.

Abusive patient sparks security discussions at MMH.

Jenny Oberle-Molina and Kelcie Yockey open Jak & Liz boutique at 221 N. Interocean Ave. inside Olde Holyoke Square.

Richard T. Beitz Jr. joins Family Practice of Holyoke for one month.

Kristin Vieselmeyer and Emmanuel Vasquez crowned queen and king at HHS Snowball Dance.

 

Feb. 13, 2020

Sixty-second shopping spree benefits local food pantries.

Tenth annual MMHF Legacy Event raises $185,800.75.

Aly Brinkema named high school girls swimming coach of the year for the Tri-Valley Conference.

HHS knowledge bowl team wins regional contest.

Baby Bear Hugs hosts Q&A with MMH Family Dental for National Children’s Dental Health Month.

 

Feb. 20, 2020

FCCLA serves breakfast for first responders.

Author Shirley Hethcote speaks at Friends of the Library annual luncheon.

National Honor Society inducts eight new members.

Bret Miles named executive director of Colorado Association of School Executives.

Lali Marquez, Traeli Hutches, Haley Van Overbeke and Rylee Schneller compete at the 3A state swim meet.

 

Feb. 27, 2020

Numerous agencies from Phillips County participate in disaster recovery workshop.

Luis Chafino is state runner-up in 2A wrestling.

New community garden started by CSU Extension.

 

March 5, 2020

Local responders complete National Traffic Incident Management training program.

Jeff and Tricia Michael make 10th anniversary mission trip to Uganda.

Homegrown Talent Initiative hosts employment event for businesses, students and parents.

 

March 12, 2020

School holds open house to showcase programs made possible by the mill levy override.

Jessie Stewart is the county’s new CSU Extension 4-H agent.

District Attorney Brittny Lewton accused of soliciting opioids from staffer.

Tamara Durbin named Northeast BOCES executive director.

Vivage Senior Living assumes ownership of Regent Park and Carriage House.

HHS boys basketball team finishes season at regionals.

 

March 19, 2020

COVID-19 hits Colorado in earnest.

Restaurants ordered to close for 30 days.

School break extended one week.

Hospital restricts visitors.

Front Range Clinic’s new medication assisted treatment mobile unit stops in Holyoke.

FBLA members help prepare fifth graders for Rural AmeriTowne.

HHS girls basketball team makes it to final four of 2A basketball before tournament is canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Slaten Burris and Ethan Johnson earn All-Conference basketball honors.

Emily Jelden, Lauren Herman and Kristin Vieselmeyer earn All-Conference basketball honors.

Luis Chafino named to All-State wrestling second team.

Legislative session interrupted by COVID-19.

 

March 26, 2020

Yuma County has northeast Colorado’s first reported COVID-19 case.

Holyoke schools transition to online teaching due to coronavirus restrictions.

School provides free breakfast and lunch for pickup while schools remain closed.

Sgt. Mark Werts resigns from Holyoke Police Department.

Phillips County Sheriff’s Office vehicles damaged in crash.

 

April 2, 2020

Trust Quietly group formed to make face masks amidst shortage.

Help Holyoke established to aid business owners and employees impacted by the coronavirus closures.

Coloradans ordered to stay at home to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Commissioners declare local disaster emergency.

Chamber offers meal delivery to support local restaurants.

Churches turn to online services.

Kristin Vieselmeyer, Emily Jelden and Lauren Herman on All-State basketball list.

Ethan Johnson earns All-State basketball honorable mention.

 

April 9, 2020

Holyoke sees COVID-19 cases.

Families adjust to having kids at home during remote schooling.

Coloradans asked to wear face coverings when leaving the house.

Shianne Willmon earns Daniels Scholarship.

Food bank sees record number of people in drive-thru service.

MMH turns to furloughs and reductions to reduce spending.

Pastors share Easter messages from a safe distance.

Jerry and Sue Cooper make regular mission trips to Mexico to help build homes.

MMH receives Make4Covid face shields.

 

April 16, 2020

College students cope with a semester interrupted by the coronavirus.

Citywide cleanup among things canceled in the wake of COVID-19.

Social distancing can take a toll on mental health.

Holyoke Fitness Club begins online Zoom classes while closed.

Chamber food drive helps restock local food pantries.

 

April 23, 2020

Christie Winckler offers perspective of COVID-19 from New York.

Schools to remain closed through the rest of the semester.

Corey Koberstein and his family witness a rare birth of a white male bison on their farm.

Phillips County activates long-term recovery team.

Hospital district declares local disaster emergency.

 

April 30, 2020

William “JR” Myers hired as commander for HPD.

Angela Powell named Holyoke JR/SR High principal.

Colorado transitions to Safer at Home; businesses reopen with restrictions.

MMH’s new Londa Wernet Bradford Cancer Center brings treatments closer to home.

Survey says 45% of Phillips County businesses highly impacted by COVID-19.

Jon King opens Tree King.

Chase Beckner sets up headquarters for Beckner Enterprises at 127 S. Interocean Ave.

Northeast Colorado sees a huge jump in COVID-19 cases.

Locals make generous donations to Methodist food pantry during pandemic.

 

May 7, 2020

Cathy Harshbarger is offered CEO position at MMH.

MMH receives nearly $4.6 million in federal funding to help cope with COVID-19 crisis.

Holyoke receives $25,000 from Colorado COVID Relief Fund.

Two massive trees cut down at the courthouse square.

Family Practice of Holyoke looks to telehealth during pandemic.

Experience with home schooling and online schooling gives parents unique perspective amidst “crisis schooling.”

Rylee Oakley and Erick Marroquin crowned queen and king at virtual prom.

 

May 14, 2020

Cruise night gives residents a chance to socialize from a safe social distance.

Local businesses receive $9,500,000 in Paycheck Protection Program loans.

Michael Beard is hired as undersheriff.

Kylie Purkeypile elected to FBLA state officer team.

Lori Lundgren hired as director of Phillips County Department of Human Services.

School’s 1:1 Chromebooks help students and teachers transition to e-learning.

Karen Ortner earns FCCLA district consultant award.

Students and teachers see each other from a distance in drive-by teacher appreciation event.

 

May 21, 2020

Senior parade honors students whose graduation was postponed.

MMH starts COVID-19 community testing site with 100 kits from the state.

Businesses navigate mandates and safety protocols for reopening.

Memorial Day program canceled, but service members are remembered nonetheless.

Polly Skinner is back in Holyoke after being hit by vehicle.

Enterprise wins 16 awards in the Colorado Press Association 2019 Better Newspaper Contest.

 

May 28, 2020

Only 10 participate in Holyoke’s first drive-up COVID-19 testing event.

Help Holyoke disburses $68,100 in first round of giving.

Phillips County receives waiver to reopen businesses ahead of the state timeline.

Chamber does much more than some people realize.

Ballyneal ranked top golf course in Colorado.

E-learning builds relationships in ESL and special education.

When food supply chains are disrupted, locals are thankful for homegrown food.

United States nears 100,000 COVID-19 deaths.

 

June 4, 2020

Drive-thru parade replaces Dragon’s Wagon Preschool graduation program.

UTV racing debuts at Phillips County Raceway.

2020 is a big year for miller moths.

Protests sparked by the death of George Floyd delay debate at the state Capitol.

Summer activities modified because of the pandemic.

 

June 11, 2020

Phillips County experiences 80-mph wind gusts in rare derecho weather event.

Regional unemployment rate jumps to 4.56%.

Seven individuals share their tips for learning a new language.

Time spent in cyberspace is a reminder of the perks of meatspace.

Rental house owned by Steve and Cherrie Brown is badly damaged in a fire.

 

June 18, 2020

Paul Brunner publishes his debut novel, “Wounded Birds.”

The Okee Dokee Brothers release “Songs for Singin’.”

After 27 years, Deb Williamson retires from Bank of the West.

Central Plains Equipment is recognized by Case IH for achieving Pinnacle Excellence status in all six areas of its business.

Ring theory can be a helpful tool when navigating a crisis.

 

June 25, 2020

HHS graduates 45 students in ceremony that was postponed and moved outdoors due to COVID-19.

Wyatt Bishop is Holyoke Police Department’s newest officer.

New farmers market started.

 

July 2, 2020

Unidentified body found in an abandoned building in northeast Phillips County.

Melissa Memorial Hospital decides to close dental and optical clinics permanently.

Lightning strikes cause numerous fires and hit one home.

Chamber of commerce purchases ice cream truck.

Holyoke EMS receives new LIFEPAK monitor/defibrillators.

Amber Marcum is the new branch manager at Bank of the West.

Colorado law aims to increase childhood vaccination rates.

New garden club is started.

 

July 9, 2020

Back-to-back pasture fires burn southeast of town.

Pat and Gale Wiebers are Phillips County Fair parade grand marshals.

Public hearing planned for a proposed dairy heifer grow lot 2 miles from the west edge of town.

Emerald Award winners are Lynn Schneider, Heart Award; Christy Shafer, Leader Among Us; and Nic Balog, Innovator of the Year.

Tammy Kelley opens Kelley Law Ltd. at 216 S. Interocean Ave.

Phillips County receives second COVID waiver that allows outdoor gatherings of up to 250 people.

 

July 16, 2020

A total of $93,592 was distributed to 19 businesses and their employees in the HELP Holyoke campaign. 

Landspout tornado touches down in Sedgwick County.

Phillips County Arts Council  fall concerts canceled due to COVID-19.

Whitni Redman is on the front lines of COVID-19 testing at Texas Tech.

Max Kleve places ninth in virtual FCCLA national leadership conference.

Emily Jelden earns full-tuition scholarship in UNK Teachers Scholars Academy.

Phillips County gun range reopened after improvements made using POST grant.

 

July 23, 2020

Amherst native Bob Leben photographs Comet NEOWISE.

Todd Waln taken into custody in relation to a shooting.

Suicide ruled as cause of death for the previously unidentified man found in northeast Phillips County in mid-June.

Coloradans ordered to wear masks in public indoor spaces.

Glen and Kyra Fricke open High Plains Diesel Repair at 280 Malden Ave. in Amherst.

Holyoke named outstanding chapter in virtual FBLA national conference.

 

July 30, 2020

Large crowd hears from Aurora Organic in a public hearing on a conditional use application for a proposed commercial feedlot southwest of Holyoke.

In-person learning, as well as two online options targetted for Holyoke schools re-entry plan this fall.

Amid the pandemic and wild weather, the Phillips County Fair is still a success.

Commissioners from 10 eastern Colorado counties send letter to Gov. Jared Polis requesting local control in pandemic response.

Tristen Roll earns FFA State Star in Ag Placement honor.

Lauren Bergner, Janessa Lutze, Tristen Roll and Seth Watson earn their state FFA degrees as announced in the virtual state FFA conference.

Browning Home Services relocates to Holyoke, specializing in interior/exterior window cleaning for residential customers.

 

Aug. 6, 2020

Center of Innovation for Homegrown Talent Initiative planned in former high school library.

Dragon pride leads Angie Powell to Holyoke JR/SR High principal role.

Russell Haynes relocates Sandhills Accounting & Tax LLC offices to 216 S. Interocean Ave.

Jody Fiscus announces she will close The Oak Tree Aug. 29, after 31 years.

New Phillips County benefit allows exempt employees to earn comp time.

 

Aug. 13, 2020

A century with women’s right to vote: Remembering the 19th Amendment.

Phillips County abandons Protect Our Neighbors certification due to governor’s amendment requiring enforcement of COVID guidelines.

City now in collaboration with child care initiative, taking ownership of the land for a proposed facility.

Angel Flight delivers masks for rural airports.

Scholl Oil & Transportation Co. sells communications department to Absolute Solutions.

Andrew Nygaard is new reporter for The Holyoke Enterprise.

CHSAA designates four seasons for 2020-21 sports. Holyoke fall sports include boys golf and girls softball. A participation moratorium is set for Oct. 16-Jan.3. Football and volleyball are moved to Season C (March 1-May 1).

Buckley Bombers compete at World Series in Mobile, Alabama, for second year in a row.

 

Aug. 20, 2020

Gov. Polis extends mask-wearing mandate to Sept. 12.

Four new teachers in Holyoke School District include Amanda Brown, JR/SR high science; Jordan Gerk, elementary special education; Micah Mehl, JR/SR high social studies; and Megan Parker, first grade.

Local hunters and dogs participate in retriever test.

Local church leaders and others participate in active shooter training session.

Sharlene Gordon is student teaching in Melanie Wheeler’s fourth grade classroom.

HHS senior Amy Mackay is a voice for Colorado students in virtual panel discussion during the pandemic.

 

Aug. 27, 2020

First-week student count drops slightly from a year ago as school year begins.

Physical therapist Ashley Sells joins MMH rehab department including physical therapists Daniel O’Keef and Scott Jeppson, and occupational therapist Amanda Wyscarver.

 

Sept. 3, 2020

Nearly 100 walkers participate in annual MMH cancer walk Aug. 29.

Emergency food program provides 28,523 meals to children age 1-18 from March 23-Aug. 16.

Zip Trip to manage Holyoke Ampride and Haxtun C-Store.

PC Telcom receives certificate of appreciation for providing livestreaming capabilities to a local family that was unable to attend an out-of-state memorial service for their loved one.

 

Sept. 10, 2020

City council votes unanimously to reopen swimming pool.

Dr. Craig McCarty is excited to continue practicing in rural health facilities at Family Practice of Holyoke.

Demolition begins on century-old Reimer-Smith elevators currently belonging to CHS Grainland.

Former art teacher Rhonda Smith encourages people to discover their inner creativity with her new business, “The Artist Within.”

 

Sept. 17, 2020

Phillips County sees 10 new positive COVID cases for a 50% increase this past week.

Gov. Polis extends mask-wearing mandate another 30 days to Oct. 11.

CHS supports Holyoke Fire Protection District through $3,000 grant.

 

Sept. 24, 2020

MMH among first to offer new wide-angle 3D mammography.

Center of Innovation in the former school library unveiled at JR/SR high.

Steve Bahnsen retires after 28 years as Paoli Co-op general manager.

Lebsack (Dirks) farm receives Centennial Farm designation.

Junior Mason Vernon wins playoff to earn All Conference recognition in boys golf league meet.

High school football status changes, and Dragons will begin play the week of Oct. 9 instead of the previously announced March-April season.

 

Oct. 1, 2020

Colorado celebrates Frances Xavier Cabrini Day the first Monday of October, replacing Columbus Day, the second Monday in October.

Mayoral candidates introduced, including incumbent Orville Tonsing, Jes-c French and Roger Hogan.

Six candidates seek three seats on Holyoke City Council. Candidates are incumbents John Schneider and Kevin Scott; and challengers Cathy Edge, Jimmy French, Hannah Goodman and Ashley Sullivan.

Josie Schlachter crowned 2021 Phillips County Fair queen at Haxtun Corn Festival.

Ryan and Danyell Horton purchase Five Star Rentals & Equipment from Mike and Deb Woodhead and plan to relocate the business south of Haxtun.

Jared Young and Amanda Houghtelling own and operate Colorado Streamline Gutter Systems.

 

Oct. 8, 2020

Phillips County commissioners vote 2-1 to accept board of adjustment recommendation to approve a conditional use permit for WeldCo Farms to build its heifer feedlot.

Hospital district donates additional land to child care initiative.

Holyoke Enterprise claims four awards from National Newspaper Association.

David Applewood is introduced as Melissa Memorial Hospital’s new chief financial officer.

Gloria Bornhoft Bergner is named Friend of 4-H at the annual Phillips County 4-H achievement program.

 

Oct. 15, 2020

Gov. Polis extends mask-wearing mandate another 30 days.

City council tables indefinitely a proposed ordinance that would prohibit the keeping of livestock within the city limits.

Haley Van Overbeke, Lauren Herman and Correy Koellner named to All-Conference softball list.

New Spanish service kicks off Oct. 17 at First Christian Church, launched by Pastor Marcos and Lupita Avina.

Holyoke Lions Club ships first box of pill bottles as part of Matthew 25: Ministries, an international humanitarian aid organization.

 

Oct. 22, 2020

CHS Grainland cooperative serves the community for a full century.

MMH staff members test positive for COVID-19.

COVID-19 touches Holyoke Alternative School.

Because nonprofit helps community members in challenging times.

Ileana Rico ready to capture memories in her new business, Ileana’s Photography.

Weston Finch claims hole-in-one honors on hole number 15 at Ballyneal Golf Club.

 

Oct. 29, 2020

Free meals for kids extended through June.

City commits funds to new fire station.

Revamped CineMagic brings in $35,600 for the Peerless.

Increased COVID rate can lead to further restrictions. Phillips County currently in Safer at Home Level 2.

 

Nov. 5, 2020

City election results show Orville Tonsing elected mayor, while John Schneider, Kevin Scott and Ashley Sullivan earn seats on the council.

City approves five-year extension of 2.5% lodging tax on a 789-204 vote, according to unofficial results.

Gun Club planning fundraiser for Gary Fiscus, who was injured when he fell from a center pivot sprinkler on Aug. 26.

Commissioners approve two fairgrounds projects: floor improvement at Bank of Colorado Pavilion and lighting upgrade at the racetrack and grandstands.

School district authorizes technical energy audit and energy performance contract with Schneider Electric.

Glass recycling offered at Phillips County landfill.

MMH to increase transparency with new charge master tool.

HHS senior Haley Van Overbeke receives Class 3A All-State softball honorable mention.

Heidi Spitz reopens The Oak Tree as Heidi’s Cakes, Decor and More.

Brittany Daniel and Brianna Brauer, along with their grandmother, Patricia Farnes, cite new plans for Olde Holyoke Square and tenant Inklings Bookstore as they announce change of ownership.

Paul Rowe recently brought his business, Rowe Remodeling, to Holyoke.

Brewed Awakening relocates to Pizza p.a.d site, as Dale Berg moves toward purchasing the building.

Tiffany DiMartino joins MMH as HR director.

 

Nov. 12, 2020

Holyoke School District passes $2.2 million bond election in a tight vote to provide matching funds for the $2.5 million Building Excellent Schools Today grant.

Joe Biden was called the winner of the U.S. presidential election when projected electoral college votes crossed the magic 270 mark Saturday, Nov. 7, four days past Election Day.

Artaic Group hired for school construction project.

Holyoke Swimming Pool’s control system is set to be reviewed and modernized.

Phillips County records first COVID death.

Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation honors community with Philanthropic Award.

VFW Voice of Democracy local winners are Gianna Swan, first; Brock Miller, second; Correy Koellner and Lauren Herman, tie for third.

VFW Patriot’s Pen essay contest local winners are Layna Wear, first; Mikayla Davidson, second; Fatima Nuñez, third; and Ben Kleve, fourth.

Daniel Brown providing local area services through Daniel & Sons Landscaping/Handyman Services.

 

Nov. 19, 2020

“Labor of Love” is theme of Holyoke Enterprise’s Workforce Salute special section featuring area business personnel.

Community plans benefit for Bryan Kroeger, who has recently been diagnosed with ALS.

School moves to online learning for a week, followed by a full-week break for Thanksgiving.

County sees COVID surge, with more restrictions in place in moving to the orange zone: Safer at Home‚ High Risk.

Denim & Diamonds selected for MMHF’s 2021 Legacy Event theme.

Dragons qualify for 1A state football playoffs. As the No. 8 seed, Holyoke will travel to No. 1 Limon on Nov. 21.

Holyoke Lions Club celebrates exercise challenge for World Diabetes Day.

 

Nov. 26, 2020

Holyoke JR/SR High English teacher Clark Ginapp dies suddenly from complications of lung cancer and pneumonia.

City council approves request for parks master plan proposal.

Dragons eliminated from football playoffs with 41-15 loss at Limon.

GPRC honors service to the Peerless in recognizing Sherry Simms, red carpet award; Bob Brandt, star player; Cherrie and Steve Brown, spirit award; and Zach Young, employee of the year.

Shawna Mason transitions to general manager role at Paoli Co-op.

 

Dec. 3, 2020

Phillips County commissioners issue a temporary moratorium on expansion, creation of new livestock facilities.

A new $300,000 chiller for Melissa Memorial Hospital is approved by the East Phillips County Hospital District board of directors.

Tim Bartels enters retirement as he sells Holyoke General Store to Bryan and Char Herrera of Lamar, who will call the business Home Store at Holyoke. Brenda Daniel is named store manager.

Holyoke’s 1995 state football championship celebrates 25th anniversary, remembering Gang Green and an undefeated season.

 

Dec. 10, 2020

City allots $70,000 in COVID-19 relief funds to the Phillips County small-business relief fund.

Winter sports delayed again. Practice start date for basketball, girls swimming and wrestling is moved to Jan. 25 from Jan. 4.

Phillips County surpasses 200 COVID cases.

Max and Gina Wear offer mobile mechanic services at Max’s Repair.

Pat and Danette Vasa reflect on a dozen years of tasty memories as they sell the Pizza p.a.d building and fixtures.

Holyoke Golf Club land acquired 75 years ago.

Joe Beckner, Miles Sprague, Aidyn Shafer, Cade Killin and Wyatt Sprague earn North Central All-Conference football recognition, while Ethan Andersen receives honorable mention. Beckner is also named lineman of the year.

 

Dec. 17, 2020

Area vehicle, property thefts increasing.

Tom and Julie Andersen win Christmas lighting contest, with Jim and Brandy Sharp placing second, and Thom and Julie Elliott third.

Gym renovation timelines addressed by school officials, with a targeted finish date of mid-March for the six-week project.

 

Dec. 24, 2020

City receives another round of COVID-19 relief.

Suspects in area vehicle thefts held.

Students face pandemic’s mental health challenges head-on.

Local man charged with attempted murder in the second degree.

Season B sports schedule changes once again. Practices may begin Jan. 18, with competition to start on Jan. 25.

Joe Beckner and Miles Sprague named to All-State 1A football first team. Honorable mention recognition earned by Cade Killin, Aidyn Shafer and Wyatt Sprague.

 

Dec. 31, 2020

Holyoke Police Department pursuit, shooting are under investigation.

A public health order for Phillips County is extended a month.

Sarah Lake completes the Every Single Street challenge by running the streets in Holyoke.

In one week, Phillips County adds 52 new positive COVID-19 cases to its total.

Melissa Memorial Hospital adds two doctors in general surgery and orthopedics.