Future equipment and storage needs considered

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First community event of 2026 held

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a gallery of manse remodeling and church interior photos

above image:
Rico Community Church
January 23, 2026
Ore Cart photo

by Allyn Svoboda
Publisher

Church advisory committee January 2026 meeting

Rico church advisory committee meeting at Town Hall - January 12, 2026. Left-to right: Joanna Yonder, Joy Littleton, Emily Nolan, Patrick Bailey, Jim Baron.

Ore Cart photo

A committee appointed by the Rico Board of Trustees in August 2025 to develop plans for the Rico Community Church building purchased by Town of Rico in early 2025 met January 12, 2026 for its regular monthly meeting at Rico Town Hall. Members reviewed preliminary results of its community survey, released to the public in December 2025.

A summary of survey results ranks preferred church building uses and the most important community benefit.

PROPOSED CHURCH BUILDING USES
rank of survey results

1) health and wellness
2) community events
3) meetings or worship
4) senior services

MOST IMPORTANT COMMUNITY BENEFIT
"gathering place"

Other discussion topics included the need for storage space, tables and chairs for potluck meals, and future use of existing pews. If large events at the church building cause noise or other neighborhood disturbances, a "noise rule" may be needed. Some events may be exempt from rental fees, but which events will be determined later.

In the first year of church building public use, 2026, no improvements or changes to church building and contents will be recommended. A few improvements will be considered in the second year, such as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.

The committee's role is advisory only. Rules and regulations, fees, purchases and modifications will be decided by the Board of Trustees.

Gallery
manse remodeling and church interior photos

Church interior views

Ore Cart photos
January 15, 2026

sanctuary - large meeting area - front

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sanctuary - large meeting area - rear

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entry and gathering area

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kitchen

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Balcony stairs. Rico Town Clerk Anna Wolf explained the KEEP OUT sign is necessary because the balcony railing is too short.

Manse remodeling

Town's purchase of the church in 2025 included an adjoining residential property, known as "the Manse." Views of remodeling accomplished through mid-January 2026 are below.

Ore Cart photos
January 15, 2026

manse remodeling- living room

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manse remodeling- kitchen

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manse remodeling- bedroom

First 2026 public use of church building is . . .

A Winter Solistice Celebration in December 2025 was the inaugural community event for the church building since purchase by Town of Rico. Second event, and the first of 2026, consisted of a yoga class.

yoga class
January 23, 2026
Ore Cart photo

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