Appreciation for Town’s discussion
Dear Editor:
Many thanks to the members of the Meeker Town Council for your thoughtful and perceptive discussion of issues related to the Meeker Regional Library Board. We appreciate your concern for open, uncensored access to information. That is a pillar of our democracy. We also appreciate your support for our professional library staff in fulfilling that mission. Thank you for demonstrating your commitment by appointing a strong library advocate to the open position on the Board.
Dr. Bob Dorsett
Meeker
Operation Christmas Child donations
Dear Editor:
The overwhelming generosity of the people of Meeker helped provide joy to children in need through Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts this season. Across the U.S., the Samaritan’s Purse project collected 10.5 million shoebox gifts in 2024. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2024, the ministry is now sending over 11.9 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide.
Shoebox packers brought joy and hope to children around the world through fun, full, personalized gifts. For many children, this is the first gift they have ever received. Each shoebox gift is a tangible expression of God’s love, given to children in need around the world. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 232 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.
Across the region, shoebox packers often shop for deals on shoebox items throughout the year, and many serve at a deeper level by becoming a year-round volunteer. Information about ways area participants can get involved year-round can also be found at samaritanspurse.org/occ.
Although local Meeker drop‑off locations for shoebox gifts are closed until Nov. 17 – 24, 2025, anyone can still be a part of this life-changing project by conveniently packing a shoebox gift online in just a few simple clicks at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline.
These simple gifts, packed with love, remind children around the world that they are loved and not forgotten.
Sincerely,
Hannah Murphy
Samaritan’s Purse
Citizen grateful to Town board for transparent process
Dear Editor:
I am writing to show my appreciation for Meeker’s town council in the process they carried out to appoint a new library board member. The council was very transparent in their selection proceedings. Letters supporting various candidates were read at the public meeting. Those from the public who attended this meeting were also given an opportunity to speak in regard to the library. The town council members then asked very pertinent questions of each applicant. I particularly liked the question about when was the last time you were in the library and for what purpose? These questions were very helpful in determining the qualifications of the various applicants and their reasons for wanting to serve. Each member of the town council then voted and from these results they selected their appointee. It was so nice to attend such a well run meeting and to watch our elected officials work so diligently for the betterment of our community.
Peggy Strate
Meeker
Thanks to Meeker Board of Trustees
Dear Editor,
Our Meeker Board of Trustees deserves a huge thanks for their recent hearing on applicants for the Library Board. All five candidates received a fair interview and were given full opportunity to comment on critical questions. The Library community members were also respected and given adequate opportunity to comment. We all were respected.
Most impressive to me, was the fact that the Trustees did their homework and had their priorities and their questions well organized, clearly understanding the critical drivers of the library from budget to book access. Not only did they choose wisely, they also raised alarming issues as they listened to community concerns: why hasn’t the Library Board consulted legal counsel; why didn’t the Library Board consult their accountant before they set the mill levy and before they set the budget? Our Town Council is watching closely. And, I as a taxpayer and library supporter greatly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Sullivan Kelley
