County, Opinion

Up and down el Rio Blanco: New editor coming soon

I am excited and thankful to announce that the Rio Blanco Herald Times will have a new editor starting next week when Sean McMahon takes the helm of Rio Blanco County’s oldest business.
Sean and his wife Cris will be moving to Rio Blanco County from Kingman, Ariz. I’m excited for our readers as Sean has more than 35 years of experience in the newspaper business. He is excited about moving here and getting to know the people and the area.
I’m thankful to Mitch Bettis, our owner/publisher, and his family for a second opportunity to be the editor of my hometown newspaper. It has been a most humbling experience and I appreciate the opportunities he has presented that will allow me to continue contributing to the Herald Times, covering some sports, taking photos and selling advertising. I started writing wrestling stories more than 15 years ago when Glenn and Donna Troester owned the paper and kept hanging around, attending more events, meetings, games and taking pictures, then after Mitch and Meg bought the paper in 2001, they brought me on staff full time.
My education, experience and passion are in business marketing and that is the reason I love the Herald Times. The newspaper is in the business of promoting businesses. It has been doing it for more than 127 years, week after week, and I enjoy being a part of it.
Watching the youth of our county grow up brings me the most joy in this job and I’m happy to continue in a different role. Between my wife and I we have three grown children, five grandchildren and two more to be born this year, God willing, and I hope to have a little more time to spend with them as none of them live in Rio Blanco County.
About four years ago my wife and I expanded her business, as well as the hours of operation to 70 per week and we are planning to expand again, which will require more of my time.
I hope our readers and advertisers will help me welcome Sean and his wife to our county and I hope to see all of you up and down el Rio Blanco.
Thanks for everything and God bless you all!

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@ht.1885
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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.
6 hours ago
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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.
7 hours ago
View on Instagram |
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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.
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
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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.
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
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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.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
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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.
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View on Instagram |
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View on Instagram |
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View on Instagram |
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