Opinion

Editors Column: ‘Redeem the Day’

Amid the flags and images of the Twin Towers on Wednesday, an author friend shared something that begs repeating, not just on the anniversary of 9/11, but every day we’re faced with something that threatens to steal our joie de vivre (joy of living). Here’s what she wrote:
“Redeem the day. Buy it back by doing something that makes a positive difference. It could be as simple as slowing down from a frantic pace and smiling at the checker in the grocery store. Or telling someone you love them, forgive them, appreciate them. Or thanking God for life.
Whatever it is‚ “#redeemtheday.”

There’s a fine line between the public’s right to know and protecting the personal information of those involved in government, special districts and law enforcement. The flip side of that argument is those in leadership positions willingly set aside the privilege and comfort of anonymity and become subject to public scrutiny.
That’s why when something goes awry and public servants disappear—whether they’re veteran law enforcement officers or long-term government employees—questions arise.
Unanswered questions morph into rumors, rumors disintegrate into petty gossip, and before long there’s a virtual cesspool of rotting ugliness surrounding what what was originally a pretty straightforward situation. That kind of simmering unrest is detrimental to a community.
It reminds me of parenting. When there’s a strong odor wafting from the toddler hiding in the corner, you know there’s something amiss. Said toddler will deny any culpability in the production of the odor till the cows come home, because he/she is immature and fearful. The human tendency is to want to hide things to avoid possible persecution and recrimination.
But, as in the case of the toddler, hiding things (except for Easter eggs and Christmas presents) tends to cause a painful rash, and who wants that?
The more open, transparent and honest communication we have between government, law enforcement, special districts and the press (and thereby the public), the more comfortable we will all be.
When we ask for information or file an open records request or a criminal justice records request, it’s not because we’re looking to find fault, we’re looking for answers to questions that have been raised. When those questions are answered and the story is fully told, I believe public trust is improved.

An article in this year’s hunting guide has been deemed “racist” by an out-of-town business owner, who threatened to contact our advertisers and tell them how horrid we are. If the article—which the author intended to be humorous—offended any of you, we sincerely apologize and hope you know that was certainly not our intention. It’s a delicate balance these days, publishing information of any kind (even anecdotal stories) without offending someone.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A rough draft of the previous column was inadvertently posted earlier. This is the kinder, gentler edited version that appeared in print.

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@ht.1885
  • Gear up for an unforgettable adventure with the 2024 Ride The Rockies Route, set to unfold from June 9th to 15th! Read all about this new and exciting adventure visiting Meeker this year in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Rangely Panther Kobey Chism (#22) has been selected to play in the 2024 8-man football all-state game. He’s sponsored by the Bleed Green Lancaster #17 Foundation. Story at ht1885.com.
  • The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Rio Blanco Fire Protection District (RBFPD) will begin work on a firebreak northwest of the Town of Meeker this month. Read about it online at ht1885.com.
  • You can always find a reason to laugh... start with yourself. Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
  • The amount of money reported lost to fraud and scams in the United States nearly tripled from $3.5 billion in 2020 to $10 billion in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Learn the tricks to help protect yourself and your family in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • About 80 Meeker Elementary Students participated in the reading competition. Prizes were distributed according to the most minutes read by each student.  Story at ht1885.com.
  • The Rangely Panthers track and field team traveled to Grand Junction this past weekend to compete in the Phil Wertman Invitational. Catch up online at ht1885.com.
  • Natalie Kracht took first in her 100M heat for the MHS Cowboys at the Glenwood Springs Invitational last weekend. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Join the Meeker High School Drama department for their production of Emma TONIGHT for opening day! Performances through Saturday at 7pm. Tickets are $5 and is a family friendly production.
Gear up for an unforgettable adventure with the 2024 Ride The Rockies Route, set to unfold from June 9th to 15th! Read all about this new and exciting adventure visiting Meeker this year in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Gear up for an unforgettable adventure with the 2024 Ride The Rockies Route, set to unfold from June 9th to 15th! Read all about this new and exciting adventure visiting Meeker this year in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
17 hours ago
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1/9
Rangely Panther Kobey Chism (#22) has been selected to play in the 2024 8-man football all-state game. He’s sponsored by the Bleed Green Lancaster #17 Foundation. Story at ht1885.com.
Rangely Panther Kobey Chism (#22) has been selected to play in the 2024 8-man football all-state game. He’s sponsored by the Bleed Green Lancaster #17 Foundation. Story at ht1885.com.
18 hours ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Rio Blanco Fire Protection District (RBFPD) will begin work on a firebreak northwest of the Town of Meeker this month. Read about it online at ht1885.com.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Rio Blanco Fire Protection District (RBFPD) will begin work on a firebreak northwest of the Town of Meeker this month. Read about it online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
You can always find a reason to laugh... start with yourself. Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
You can always find a reason to laugh... start with yourself. Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
The amount of money reported lost to fraud and scams in the United States nearly tripled from $3.5 billion in 2020 to $10 billion in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Learn the tricks to help protect yourself and your family in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
The amount of money reported lost to fraud and scams in the United States nearly tripled from $3.5 billion in 2020 to $10 billion in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Learn the tricks to help protect yourself and your family in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
About 80 Meeker Elementary Students participated in the reading competition. Prizes were distributed according to the most minutes read by each student.  Story at ht1885.com.
About 80 Meeker Elementary Students participated in the reading competition. Prizes were distributed according to the most minutes read by each student. Story at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
The Rangely Panthers track and field team traveled to Grand Junction this past weekend to compete in the Phil Wertman Invitational. Catch up online at ht1885.com.
The Rangely Panthers track and field team traveled to Grand Junction this past weekend to compete in the Phil Wertman Invitational. Catch up online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Natalie Kracht took first in her 100M heat for the MHS Cowboys at the Glenwood Springs Invitational last weekend. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Natalie Kracht took first in her 100M heat for the MHS Cowboys at the Glenwood Springs Invitational last weekend. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Join the Meeker High School Drama department for their production of Emma TONIGHT for opening day! Performances through Saturday at 7pm. Tickets are $5 and is a family friendly production.
Join the Meeker High School Drama department for their production of Emma TONIGHT for opening day! Performances through Saturday at 7pm. Tickets are $5 and is a family friendly production.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

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