🇺🇸 🇮🇱 Greg Mehos & Associates LLC 🇺🇦 🇺🇸
Judy (Entz) Prater
Current data:
Married
2 sons, 1 daughter and 2 granddaughters
1 dog, 2 cats and 2 tarantulas (yes, the 8 legged kind)
1719 N Ridge Rd
Derby, KS 67037
Highlights since 1975:
I moved back to Kansas in 1984, and walked out on a disastrous first marriage in 1988 with not much more than my 2 sons. Thank goodness for family and great friends! I was managing a video store at the time and in 1990 one of my customers set me up on a blind date with her son, which is how I met my soulmate. Bill and I were married in 1991. Our daughter came along a year later.
My career path led me into banking. I started with a small local bank as a new customer representative, but soon moved to bookkeeping. I was there until 2008, when I accepted the position of Debit Card Specialist with a larger, regional bank. When I retired at the end of 2023, I was a System Analyst in charge of the entire Online Banking platform and all related products. It was something I really enjoyed, but I'm enjoying retirement more. Bill retired at the same time I did from the aircraft industry. It's nice to have more time for our assorted hobbies now, and we're starting to plan some traveling as well.
During my working days, I also picked up some side jobs from time to time, In the late 1990's I cross-stitched cover models for a designer - somewhere out there are some out-of-print books with my name in them. And after Lisa went off to college, I was a bartender at the historic Orpheum theater in Wichita for about 5 years - it was a volunteer position, but I got to see a lot of great shows without having to buy a ticket. I left that when my arthritis started to get the best of me.
My sons both live in Texas and both are married. Shaun has followed my footsteps and is in banking. He and his wife made me a grandmother for the first time when Madilynn arrived in 2014. Russell is an HVAC tech; he and his wife have no children. Our daughter, Lisa, lives in Denver and is the Broadway Operations Manager at the Denver Center for Performing Arts. We get out to Denver from time to time to see a show with her. She married about a year ago and became the "other mother" to David's daughter, Alice - and she's officially my other granddaughter. I'd hoped for a house full of grandkids but it just wasn't meant to be.
The picture with the "Wicked" poster is a particularly fond memory. In 2009, I took her to see Wicked on its first tour when it stopped in Wichita, and that was when she made the decision to pursue a theater management career. It was quite special to see it with her again - this time at a theater where she's part of the management team.
Favorite high school memories:
I would say some of my fondest memories are of band-marching at football games when it was SO cold, the bus trips and keeping Mr. Buller on his toes. And-of course cruising F Street and hanging out at the East-West Club on the weekends. Pete knew we were all underage but he didn't seem to care. Life was so much simpler then!
Mike Gallop
Current data:
Mount Vernon, Washington 98274
(360) 424-4392
Not married- (Only to the job - never found the right lady)
Highlights since 1975:
After graduation, I spent a year and a half roaming aroud town, working at a couple of different jobs – mooching from my parents. I thought I wanted to be a CSP Trooper. Flory Veltri convinced me that I should enroll in Trinidad State's Law Enforcement program - in the hell hole that is Trinidad. I enrolled in January of ‘77 and graduated in June of '78. I was offered Deputy Sheriff positions in Douglas and La Plata Counties in Colorado, and Stanton County in SW Kansas. Trinidad State was a very good experience, but it really taught me that I wasn't cut out to be a cop.
In the Summers of ‘77 and ‘78, I worked as a summer aid for the US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) in Salida and Twin Lakes on the Frying Pan – Arkansas Project. In February of ‘79, I was hired permanently by USBR as a Survey Aide in Provo, Utah. I was told early on that if I wanted to move up the ladder, I would have to relocate to different projects.
I was promoted to Materials Engineering Technician in Provo, but got homesick. So in August of ‘79, I transferred to the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood. I was there for one and a half long years and was badly missing working in the field on construction projects. In ‘81 I moved back to Provo. I worked in several different project offices with USBR in Carson City, Nevada, back to Provo (again), Tucson, Arizona, Jackson, Wyoming, and finally in Weaverville, California as Materials Branch Supervisor. In February of ‘91, that project was nearing completion and the only place that I had a chance to transfer to was in Willows, California (another hell hole). I would have had to take a demotion to do it.
After nearly 13 years with USBR, I decided that it was time to move on.
Fortunately, I was hired by the Washington State Department of Transportation – (WSDOT – known here as “WASH DOT”) as Assistant Materials Engineer at a project office on I-90 in Seattle. From there, I was promoted to Transportation Engineer to assemble Utility Permits and Franchises for our construction projects. In ‘92, I took a position as Construction Oversight for Local Agency, Developer, and Utility construction projects on State highways. I inspect road construction on State Highways that are funded and constructed by Local Agencies, Tribes, Developers, and Utilities. Projects include various features of highway construction including: Roadbed, subgrade, drainage, asphalt paving, concrete structures, illumination, traffic signal installation, mid-block pedestrian signals (known as HAWK which is an acronym for High-intensity Activated crossWalK), roundabouts, striping, and signing within WSDOT’s Northwest Region - from South Everett north to the Canadian border. 34 ½ years later, I still love the work.
Hobbies: Cars, Classic Rock R&B, Marching Bands, and Sports. I still follow HS Sports in CO and WA. I’m a staunch supporter of one of the High Schools in the Region (Lake Stevens) -including their marching band.
Most of you have included great photos of your lovely families. I’m going a little off the gird with a few photos of some of my favorite / most successful projects.
Favorite high school memories:
Band trips to playoff games in Monte Vista, Denver, Brush, and Rifle. (I still can't believe we went to the Rifle game in a blizzard over Tennessee Pass and Battle Mountain). In our Sophomore year, we finished in a 3-way tie for 2nd in the PPL with BV and FFC in Basketball. Only two teams from the league went to District back then (Manitou won the league). Thus, there was a coin toss that FFC won, so we had to play BV the first night at a neutral site at Lake County HS. We beat them, so the next night, we had to play FFC at a neutral site at Canon City HS. We beat them as well. The pep band trips to both of those games were so much fun.
Junior year, we participated in a Stage Band Clinic at Woodland Park, with them, Buena Vista, and Fountain-Fort Carson. The USAFA Falconaires were there to give us guidance and at the end – they put on a concert. They were awesome!
We also participated in various Band Days at local Colleges / Universities. Freshman year, we went to Western State. (the trip back over Monarch was pretty un-nerving as the Gunnison Bus Tragedy was only a few weeks prior and fresh in our memories). Sophomore year, we went to CU’s band day. Junior and Senior years, we went to AFA’s Band Day. The 4:30 “wake-ups” were brutal (welcome to your future).
Favorite instructor: LOL!
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Chris Gibbs
Highlights since 1975:
After earning a business degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 1979—and a real estate sales license while still in college—I returned to Salida and spent 12 years selling real estate with the family company, working alongside classmate Cheryl Jackson. With no MLS system in place, we built a proprietary office system using an early Apple II computer to create a county-wide searchable property database—an early 1980s precursor to today’s online MLS platforms. This was long before dial-up connections, the Internet, or Zillow—just floppy disks, green screens, and dot matrix printers. That experience sparked a lasting interest in technology.
In 1991, our family relocated to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where I focused on commercial real estate sales and leasing, eventually becoming a partner in a local firm. A few years later, I launched a digital printing company specializing in fine art reproduction and canvas prints. What began as a side venture evolved into a major fulfillment partner for Shutterfly, with 60 employees producing and shipping well over a thousand large canvas prints in a day. From color calibration to lean workflows, technology was central to the company’s high-volume operation. Real estate remained a constant throughout, and after selling the printing business and taking a two-year sabbatical, I transitioned into real estate appraisal, where I continue working in a semi-retired role.
I enjoy hiking, biking, fly fishing, hitting the gym, RVing, dabbling in watercolor, and spending time with my two kids and three energetic grandboys.
After a 38-year marriage, hiking in the Austrian Alps led to meeting my girlfriend Patty—proof that romance can find you atop a mountain halfway around the world, and when you least expect it.
Favorite high school memories:
My senior year at Salida High and the Spartans’ state championship football team still stand out as a highlight—even though I suffered a broken ankle during practice two weeks before the season opener. I healed just in time to play in all four playoff games, score some touchdowns, and be part of that unforgettable run. Basketball and track were also big parts of high school life—and likely contributors to the brand-new knees I’m sporting today.
Looking forward to reconnecting. Still proud to be a Spartan, 50 years later.
Denise (Gleason) Bell
Current data:
722 Terra View Circle
Fort Collins, CO 80525
dabell_57@comcast.net
979 -218-0078
Married
Four children: Tiffany, Abby, Todd and Gregg
Grandchildren: 16 (9 girls, 7 boys)
Highlights since 1975:
Married Rex Bell in March 1976. We will celebrate 50 years of marriage in March of next year.
Having our four children and watching them grow into beautiful adults.
Being blessed with our 16 grandchildren, from ages 21-1. We’ve had the great pleasure of traveling both abroad and domestically. We love discovering this wonderful world we live in.
Traveling to various parts of the world; Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Austria, New Zealand, France, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Mexico, Panama as well as various destinations in the US.
Rex worked very hard so that I could be a stay at home mom (working part-time once and a while) and then later a stay at home grandma. We spent the first half of our married life on the western slope in Gunnison, Grand Junction, Rifle and Steamboat Springs, and then 22 years ago we relocated to Fort Collins. Our four children all live in Fort Collins also and our grandchildren. Our kids and grandkids are very sports oriented so you might imagine we spend a lot of time on bleachers bouncing from one gym or field to another. I’ve been blessed to watch our grandchildren grow up and spend a lot of time with them. In my free time, I volunteer at our Church, St. John XXIII. Rex and I like to camp (glamp), ride bikes, and boat. I’m also blessed to live very close to five of my siblings (within 10 miles) the other three are 60 miles away in the Denver area. We all enjoy getting together a few times a year.
Favorite high school memories:
I’d have to say my favorite and life changing memory of high school was dating Rex Bell. But remembering our state football wins and being part of the pom-pom team, the singing Christmas tree, Spartan Sparkles, being constantly harassed by Rod Padilla and Mike Shearer, cruisin’ F, working in the office with Mr. Ophus and Mrs. Giles, getting French fries at Post’s grocers also make the list. What great memories, I hadn’t thought about them for awhile. God has been so good to us and we couldn’t have done it without HIM!
Lee Graf
Current data:
7951 S Langdale Circle
Aurora, CO 80016
303-913-6263
Married
2 children Ben and Kevin no grandchildren
Highlights since 1975:
I received my Doctor of Optometry in 1987 from Pacific University in Oregon. I have been in private practice since then in Aurora, Colorado. I remarried in 1994. Melanie is from east Tennessee and I have to always brush up on my "Southern" when we go back there. We have two great boys Ben and Kevin. I was flash frozen into retirement in the fall of 2024 when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
We have been fortunate and travelled to many wonderful destinations in the US and around the world. We still have the family property on B Street and love to come back to Salida whenever we can. Well, me more than the rest of my family.
Favorite high school memories:
Winning the state football championship has to be the leader. Being a part of the team also taught me about life to come and how to hold myself when things were tough or good. I loved the pep rallies, band and parades.
I still can't stand Herb Gifford for telling me in 9th grade I would never amount to much since my parents never went to college. He almost single handedly ruined by academic career before it had even started
Dawn (Hibbard) Donner
Highlights since 1975:
Married for 24 years to my wonderful husband Jim Donner, My husband is a retired fireman from Olathe, KS. I have my two daughters. Twyla is my oldest who is married. Very Proud of her. She has Salida Cutlery & Smoke shop here in town and has been in business, let me think, 22 or 23 years. Nora, my youngest, is a beautician here also at Talk of the Town. She has a daughter Alexia. I was also blessed with Jim Jr. and Kim when Jim and I got married. Now I have 7 Grands and 6 Great Grands.
Andy Hutchinson
Current data:
Andrew Kemp Hutchinson
PO Box 473
18435 Hwy 145
Dolores, CO 81232
(970)-769-3221
Marital Status: Divorced, but significant other: Julie Carey. Married twice before.
No Kiddos, Grandkids.
One pet: “Shashi” Redheaded Rezdog.
2 nieces, Two Nephews One Gand Nephew.
Highlights since 1975:
Graduated from: Salida High School-1975, Fort Lewis College-Durango, CO-1980 (Bachelor-Fine Arts, Secondary Education, Teaching Certificate).
Fort Lewis NCAA Ski Team, under Dolf Kuss, (75, 76) - Freshman year. Coors Colorado Pro-Tour 1980 (skiing). Coached and ran events departments for Monarch and Purgatory, 1981-1987.
Coach/Instructor Nordic/Alpine Skiing: Purgatory/Durango. 1986-1989.
Begin River Guiding-Rafting Kayaking in Arkansas river in 1979. Trained and made US Men’s K-1 Wildwater Team in 1986. Traveled to France and competed in Pre-World Championships and French Team trials. Kayak instructor: Children/Adults for Four Corners Marine-Durango: 1988-1990.
Won FibArk downriver race (Salida-Cotopaxi) in 1989 (After trying several years, prior).
Built First Wooden River Dory in: 1990 and started Guiding In Gand Canyon for Grand Canyon Expeditions-1991 (Dory Trips). Continue to this day-(guiding). Grand Canyon and other Tributary Rivers in Southwest.
Started boat building business: High Desert Boatworks in 1993. Custom River Dories and Drift boats, Plans/Kits, Restorations, Repairs, (incl.: sailboats, canoes, kayaks, oars, paddles, etc.)
Moved business to Dolores (from Durango-2004). -Still dabbling (Simply messing about with boats).
Became part of a Americana/Bluegrass band - “Last Nickle” in Dolores. We still play out a fair bit, locally: weddings/breweries, festivals.
Still enjoy: Skiing, especially powder. mountain. biking, hiking and a bit of backpacking, still; motorcycles.
Parents passing:
Mother-1997
Dad-2014
HS Memories:
Just being able to make it (daily) to first class before Tardy Bell.
Favorite teachers: Rod Farney, Ernest Dunckhorst. Mary Ann Worden, Roberta Koenig, Arlin Buller, Mr. Held.
Least favorite: Mr. Dixon, Ms. Sanchez
Skipping school to go skiing. Legitimate: ski races, Illegitimate: skiing Vail with friends for the day.
Football and basketball games. The afternoon we won State (1974) Football AA in Monte Vista.
Running Cross Country. Jr. and Sr. years.
Dirt Bikes and Motocross Races
Attending (a few) Woodsies. Not enough, though.
Crusin’ F, cranking’ the Tunes. Bowling Alley on weekends.
Trips to “The Club” hearing live Music (Local Bands, etc.)
Playing in the HS-Band, (Last chair-coronet), Secretly wanted to be playing drums! LOL!
Marching in parades, and football field. Playing in the grand stands. Watching Cheer leaders, Pom Pom girls! :), and of course the game...
Spartan Sparkles!, The Singing Christmas Tree!
Winter Sports Dance/s
“S-Club” Initiation-Yikes!
Tragic/Sad-Memory: the Gunnison bus accident. We (Jr. Varsity Football) were to play them in Salida that afternoon. I’ll never forget the long wait in the locker room and then hearing the news from Coach Breunich. A very sad day. 1972-(?).
