Letters To The Editor, Opinion, Rangely

Letter to the Editor: Why not Rangely for a justice center?

Dear Editor:
The Town of Rangely has been encouraged to comment on the new justice center as the cost and location is something that affects all Rio Blanco County residents and especially each law enforcement agency in the county.
There has been a good deal of debate over the location and cost of this new facility as well as a good deal of evaluation on what the future needs of the county would be in this particular area.
Overall, the cost of modernizing and reconstructing the old grade school in Meeker, which is in need of updating for many reasons, including government compliance, safety of sheriff’s personnel, safety of prisoners and separation of male and female inmates would seem less efficient and not provide for the most appropriate location for a future thriving downtown area.
This option, while saving a projected $1 million would still modify an old structure not intended for this purpose and requiring extensive upgrades to satisfy government regulations and modern requirements for safety and communication.
The citizens of Rangely would like to put forward a proposal for the new justice center to be located on the west end of Rangely. We currently have a newer 29,000 square foot facility for sale. Data communication wiring and modern building code requirements are already factored into the construction of this building. It is our contention that the cost of rehabbing this location and making it a suitable facility for the county’s new justice center would save millions for the citizens of Rio Blanco County and make use of an underutilized modern building that could be ideal for law enforcement purposes.
The facility boasts a large parking area that could also accommodate the possibility of a helicopter landing site should that ever be required. This well-landscaped facility already has a connected gymnasium, kitchen facilities and access on both the north and south side of the building from established parking areas.
The total site is approximately 6.5 acres and has excellent potential for housing dispatch communications, establishing solid security, providing ease of access and built on a single level throughout, which improves the mobility of staff and prisoner processing.
Overall, we believe this single facility, Rangely’s stable economy and affordable housing for employees makes Rangely the right place for Rio Blanco’s new justice center.
Frank Huitt
Mayor
Rangely

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  • Jake Blazon at bat for the Meeker Cowboys. The MHS team brought home two wins against Olathe and lost two against the North Fork Miners. The location for this weekend’s games has not been announced due to weather and field conditions. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
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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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Jake Blazon at bat for the Meeker Cowboys. The MHS team brought home two wins against Olathe and lost two against the North Fork Miners. The location for this weekend’s games has not been announced due to weather and field conditions. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Jake Blazon at bat for the Meeker Cowboys. The MHS team brought home two wins against Olathe and lost two against the North Fork Miners. The location for this weekend’s games has not been announced due to weather and field conditions. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
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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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