Hard as it might seem to imagine, there was no television in Walden when I was a child, so we read. My entire family has always been voracious readers, and we started out with my dad’s westerns and detective stories and my mom’s “confession” magazines. My sisters and I read pretty much anything we could get our hands on. We still do, although my personal favorites are mysteries and biographies. I was fortunate to have two inspiring teachers—Jenny Abbot in grade school and Bil

When I first learned that I would spend a year in North Park, my first impression was why on earth should I be coming to this place in the middle of nowhere. I was poorly educated about the area and disappointed it was nowhere near the sea. A few months after I arrived here I felt like I’d never trade this experience to anything else. Although it took time for me to adapt to being around livestock so often and commuting by vehicle everywhere I went, I gained appreciation fo

Just in case anyone reading this doesn’t know who I am, I grew up in the wonderful little town of Walden. I’m the son of Jack and Michelle and brother to T.J. I had the privilege to spend 19 years of my life here till I graduated and shipped off to join the U.S Army in 2013. Anyone who’s spent more than a few days in Walden can tell you just how unique of a place it really is. I was always pretty blessed in every aspect of my life. I had wonderful parents, grandparents, frien

We haven't forgotten what's in the news this week, we just let NPHS graduation sweep us up! Here's a look at the Jackson County Star headlines... "Wildcats Finish Third At State Meet" "Retirement Consideration" "Colorado's Economy Is It Compromised?" "1942: Chocolate Production Curtailed 30 Percent" "Brian Geer Receives An Award For Being A Hero" "A Bounty Offered For Invasive Fish" To read the full story or subscribe weekly and never miss an issue contact the Jackson County

The Class of 2017 celebrates the dawning of a new age in their lives. Tomorrow morning, they will wake up as graduates of North Park High School. They will face the next chapter called The University Of Life. Some will go on to attend college and technical training. Others will jump into the work force and begin their first careers. Regardless what they do, this group of young people has a common bond that makes them unique. There is a special thing about the comraderie

This week we honor an incredible lady that has dedicated the last 28 years of her life to the North Park School District. As the ultimate cheerleader of the blue and gold, today reaches the retirement celebration of school manager Nancy Benson. Nancy has spent her career supporting young people in academics and athletic accomplishments. She's been our caretaker at school and been our biggest cheerleader. No one’s blood runs in the blue and gold deeper than that of this Mama

If you made it to the Academic Awards Assembly last week at the school you were in for treat! Many amazing accomplishments of our students at North Park Schools were celebrated. We also had an outstanding meal prepared by our food service staff, led by Cary Ramsey. People are still talking about the mouthwatering meal we indulged in. If you missed it, you lost out on a truly incredible roast beef dinner that was donated by the Castle Peak Ranch right here in North Park.

I heard the greatest quote driving to the State Track meet. “Today is great. It is a blank piece of paper and each new day is a gift to you with a new purpose.” Each day if I wake up, I have an opportunity to do something more. I have an opportunity for a whole new adventure and write a new page. This is story 118. 118 days I have shared with you a story on the blog related to North Park. Funny stories, happy stories, sad stories and silly stories. It's only just the begi

The dusty floors spotted with puddles of oil. The pungent odor of steering fluid and gas. The grease stains that seemed to appear anywhere and everywhere. The long afternoons and late nights lying under some monstrosity of equipment. These are the things that started me on my path. I was seven years old when I started helping my dad in the shop. My job as his assistant included holding flashlights, retrieving tools, and answering the phone while he was stuck underneath a vehi

Calving season is nearly done and area ranchers are celebrating their calf crop at brandings throughout the Park. This time honored tradition is a bucket list experience for photographers. The images caught on camera represent a classic piece of western heritage and the yearning to capture this living history is sought by many. Morgan Smith Photography has the perfect opportunity and just the right eye. This aspiring young photographer has a talent for capturing the wester