County, Features

County Beat: Jan. 17, 2019

RBC | Local Access Internet (LAI), one of the former service providers for county broadband, was the first topic of discussion at the workshops prior to the Jan. 14 commissioners’ meeting. Communications Director Cody Crooks asked the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) if they wanted to pursue the findings from the audit that was done on LAI last fall. County Attorney Kent Borchard explained that because LAI was set up as a limited liability company (LLC) the county could only go after the assets of the company to try and regain the $10,124 LAI owes to the county according to the audit results. Considering that plus the cost of the audit, it was advised that it would be “fruitless” at this point since LAI is now closed. Commissioner Rector stated that he would tend to agree and Commissioner Woodruff said he will support the decision but he doesn’t like it. Crooks went on to explain that at least from a networking aspect the new company, Visionary, seems very transparent.

Phone system transition

IT Director Dylon Merrill updated the BOCC on transitioning the county’s phone system from Fast Track and CenturyLink over to Digium, which will save them about $300 to $400 a month in long distance fees. They originally were not going to switch over so soon but there have been increasing issues with the phone system recently.

Historical Society update

Teresia Reed and Bob Amick from the Rio Blanco County Historical Society gave an annual report of their activities and involvement in the community last year. New staff members and new groups were created to further preserve the history of Rio Blanco County and an official gift shop has been added to the museum with official shirts and mugs available for purchase. Signs are currently being designed for the Milk Creek Battle Site and installation and xeriscaping will begin in the next few months. They are anticipating a dedication with the unveiling of the signs.

Economic Development Dept.

Economic Development Coordinator Katelin Cook updated the board on the International Sportsman’s Expo trade show in Denver. The letter to the Bureau of Land Management from the BOCC for the Internal Proposed RMPA-Travel Management Planning Process is complete and they discussed who the board wanted to send that to. A possible move of the Colorado Workforce Center’s Rangely office from CNCC into the COLO building, opposite the Rangely Area Chamber of Commerce, was discussed. Facilities Maintenance Director Eric Jaquez discussed the logistics of that move and how the building is already set up for the transition.

Fair Board approves bylaws

Fair Board Officers Alex Plumb, Quentin Smith, Karen Arnold and Ty Gates were in attendance to go through the final approval of the Fair Board bylaws with the county attorney and BOCC.

Predator control

Commissioner Si Woodruff updated the board on the Woolgrowers organization approving 55 hours of flight time for Rio Blanco county ranchers to use at a discounted rate for predator control. The billing would be done by Wildlife Services and the county would act as a funding pass through.

Public Health Dept. goals

Public Health Director Julie Drake shared ideas on how to run the Board of Health meetings within the required statutes and with examples of what other counties are doing. She also shared some goals she’s set for the year such as exploring the cost and benefit of privatizing some programs or using contractors. She said she feels like some of the programs would be better served in the nonprofit or private sector rather than a government entity. Other goals included improving budget transparency; attending more hospital board meetings; understanding more about the environmental impact on health of living in a predominantly agricultural-based community; and researching creative health insurance options or ideas in partnership with the county for these ranchers and self-employed individuals who have extremely high deductibles.

Other business

The regular BOCC meeting followed the workshops. The BOCC appointed Commissioner Jeff Rector as the Board Chair, Commissioner Si Woodruff as the Chair Pro–Tem, Woodruff as the e911 board member, Rector and Commissioner Gary Moyer as the representative and alternate,  respectively, to the AGNC board for 2019, and appointment of Rector as the County Investment Policy Committee member.

  • Denied appointment of Kent A. Borchard as the county attorney; approved County Finance Director Janae Stanworth, County Road and Bridge Director Dave Morlan and County Director of Human Services Barbara Bofinger. Appointed Woodruff as the representative to the Northwest Transportation Planning Commission, the appointment of Laura Smith as the county representative to the County Health Pool Designated to Receive Billings and General Correspondence. And approved the appointment of Rector as the Northwest Workforce Representative.
  • Final contractor settlements that were approved were Schofield Excavation Inc., for the 2018 Bachmann Pit Crushing Project, in an amount not to exceed $11,706 and Moody Construction and Sons, Inc., for the 2018 Wray Gulch Landfill Cell A Construction Project, in an amount not to exceed $11,653.
  • Bids were opened for the preparation of a local hazard mitigation plan with eight proposals from various contractors. Emergency Management Coordinator Ty Gates will review each bid and get back to the board with recommendations at the Jan. 22 meeting in Rangely. Bids were also opened for the Rio Blanco County Broadband Marketing Project and Outdoor Recreation Entrepreneur Center Business Incubator Feasibility Study with six bids between the both of those. Economic Development Coordinator Kaitlin Cook will review those bids and get back to the BOCC with her recommendations as well.
  • A motion was made to award the 2019 Rio Blanco County Columbine Park Exercise Pens Project to Ulrich Barns of California Inc., in an amount not to exceed $14,130.
  • Under MOU’s, Contracts and Agreements it was approved between the BOCC and the Rangely Junior College District for the purchase of a Kubota RTV-1100C, in an amount not to exceed $15,000. Approved between the BOCC and the Rangely Cemetery District for the purchase of a dump truck, in an amount not to exceed $41,035.00. Approved between the BOCC and the Rangely Rural Fire Protection District for the purchase of Wildland Brush trucks, in an amount not to exceed $30,000. Approved between the BOCC and the Rangely School District for the purchase of a school bus, in an amount not to exceed $64,000. Approved between the BOCC and the Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District for the water storage project (Wolf Creek), in an amount not to exceed $50,000. During the public comment period of this motion landowner Craig MacNab asked the board to delay their decision until the Division of Water Engineers says this project has met the burden of proof that it will be a beneficial use. His main argument was that project seems to be putting the cart before the horse and we should know more before we invest another $50,000 on top of the nearly $1 million already spent. The motion passed unanimously.
  • Approved an agreement for services between the BOCC and Melanie Hendershott, MS, RD, CSO, to provide dietetic services for the White River Roundup Senior Nutrition Program in an amount not to exceed $3,500. Approved an agreement between the BOCC and Ulrich Barns of California Inc. for the 2019 Rio Blanco County Columbine Park Exercise Pens Project in an amount not to exceed $14,130. Approved an agreement for receipt of Court Security Grant Funds between the BOCC and the Colorado Judicial Department in a grant amount not to exceed $10,426. Sheriff Anthony Mazzola addressed the BOCC and thanked them for approving this and explained that it was to pay for personnel to run court security and that retirees and former law enforcement officers Rob Baughman and Mike Washburn would be coming on board to do so.

Capping off the meeting was the approval of Resolution No. 2019-01, a Resolution of the BOCC designating banks as depositories of Rio Blanco County Funds. Approval of Resolution No. 2019-02, a Resolution of the BOCC designating the Rio Blanco Herald Times as the Official Newspaper for County Publications as Required by Law and approval of Resolution No. 2019-03, a Resolution of the BOCC establishing County Administration Office Hours for 2019.

By EMMA VAUGHN | [email protected]

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  • Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
  • Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
  • More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
  • 🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
  • The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
  • Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
  • Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
  • The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
11 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
12 hours ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce! Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues! @bailey_waldref_rew 💚💚💚 Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! #locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
15 hours ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier. “For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.” Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

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