Letters To The Editor, Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Meeker needs to learn to have fun

Dear Editor:
My family and I feel blessed to be here in Meeker, Colo. This little town has so many things that a family would want to be a part of. But…

I have a very important question that me and family/friends have tried to answer, and maybe someone can help us.
Why is Meeker so afraid of letting its hair down and having a little fun?
My family, our girls especially, have been putting their heart and soul into the events of Range Call so Meeker can be proud of this event. We have many family members coming from out of state just to be a part of it.
There have been many hours put into this on their own time, including painting and assembling pallets to make signs. Within 24 hours of it being in the ground, it was torn down because it was an inconvenience for someone.
This event could bring in a lot of money to the town of Meeker, which at this moment in time, is needed. I do not understand why we are not embracing this and have fun!
In the past year or so, businesses have left the downtown area for many reasons I suppose, but on a personal level, my family’s store (Kacey’s Kloset) just couldn’t make a go of it.
We need to bring people to Meeker to see how amazing it is and if that means some fun events, then we should be encouraging safe fun. We need to bring in new people and entice them to stay.
Music and gatherings can be a great way to engage with people and we are thankful we have friends that make this possible. Let’s let them run their businesses successfully and free of discouragement.
When we moved here, we wondered why the weekends were so quiet; well that has been answered for me many times over.
There is not enough to do, so we leave to neighboring towns and find things to do. With that we are also bringing our money to other towns as well.
This is something I am sure has been talked about before, so why is it still happening?
Let’s keep this conversation going until we can find a solution or Meeker will be just another ghost town.
Cindy S. Nelson
Meeker

One Comment

  1. Bev DeVore-Wedding

    First, it is unfortunate someone was rude enough to destroy the hard work advertising events. Not sure I would want cameras on every street corner–well, actually I might since I am away at school-but surely someone knows who did this and could turn in those who were so thoughtless.

    Second, there is plenty to do in Meeker. Hollidays Bar & Grill has music almost every Friday night; wish I could be in Meeker to support that business each week! I do think it is a shame that the Rec District closes its’ facilities so early when especially the pool and weight room would probably be used until 10-11 pm! It would be nice to have lap swimming at times other than during the day (although that might have changed this year) or VERY early in the morning. That would clear up congestion and provide not only recreation but work to people with in the community. There are many free activities as well: hiking and biking the BLM/Rec District trails; biking other roadways; putting together your own impromptu jam sessions; motorized recreation; and then head East to the mountains for lots of recreational activities; or west to include rock-hopping/dirt-biking, water skiing; or anywhere with in about a 100-mile radius to explore BLM/forest lands and water resources. Perhaps the library could extend its weekend hours too–if there was a communicated need.
    I obviously do not know the details of the specific event you are talking about in terms of things being torn down, but I too am concerned about the businesses leaving downtown. Perhaps the town council should rethink their position on businesses; perhaps the Chamber of Commerce could hold a workshop/symposium on small town businesses-how to succeed. Perhaps the businesses that are left should rethink their pricing and inventory. I certainly do not have an answer to local businesses, other than I shop for what I can in Meeker when I lived there full time and when I come home. Even with the cheaper gas prices, I still think paying a few dollars more for contact solution, etc. is cheaper than a tank of gas, wear/tear on my vehicle, and the time commitment to shop out of town.

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  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
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It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
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Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
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Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
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A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
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