Thanks to voters for support
Dear Editor:
I want to sincerely thank everyone who took part in the recent election for the Board of Directors of Pioneers Medical Center. In a small community like ours, I know every vote reflects care, thought, and a deep commitment to the future of our hospital, and I am truly grateful for that. I also appreciate everyone’s patience as we allowed the recount request period to pass before responding. I am humbled by the trust that has been placed in me, and I take this responsibility very seriously. As I step into this role, I will do my best to serve with thoughtfulness and respect, and act in the best interest of Pioneers Medical Center, the patients and families we serve, and the Meeker community as a whole.
Respectfully,
Danette Coulter
Meeker
A message to unaffiliated RBC voters
Dear Editor:
To our unaffiliated neighbors: Your voice belongs at the table.
Did you know that in Colorado, unaffiliated voters can participate in primary elections? You don’t have to belong to a specific political party to have a say in the future of Rio Blanco County.
Being unaffiliated is more than okay—it means you look at the issues and the candidates, not just the labels. The primary election is your opportunity to look at the road ahead and choose exactly where you want to see our community go.
When your primary ballot arrives in the mail, you get to choose which party’s ballot you’d like to vote on (you just can’t vote on both!). It’s a straightforward process, but if you’ve never done it before, it can feel a bit confusing.
Please feel free to ask questions. Whether it’s about how to cast your ballot, how local water management works, or what a commissioner’s daily duties look like, I am more than happy to help walk you through it.
We need our younger generations and our independent thinkers involved. What are the biggest concerns you have for our county right now? Let’s grab a coffee and talk about it.
Travis Day
Candidate for RBC Commissioner
Thanks for holding the planes
Dear Editor:
We want to thank Lanny Coulter for his thoughtfulness of holding aircraft during the Memorial Services at the bridge and cemetery. It was great to be able to hear the speakers and to visit with friends and family there. Thanks again ever so much!
Carol Parr
Meeker
New sign at historic site of former White River Agency stolen
Dear Editor:
Sometime after May 21, the newly installed historical sign at the site of the former White River Ute Indian Agency was stolen. The replacement sign, valued at more than $750, had only recently been placed and was intended to provide an updated, legible, balanced and historically thoughtful interpretation of the events surrounding Sept. 29, 1879.
The original sign at the location described the deaths of Nathan Meeker and the male agency employees as a “massacre” and referred to the Ute people as the perpetrators. The new sign used a different language, describing the events as a “tragic conflict between U.S. Government Agent Nathan C. Meeker, his staff, and the Ute People.” It also continued to identify the location of the monument marking where Meeker fell near his office building.
No matter where individuals stand on the interpretation of history, the theft of this sign should concern everyone in our community. Historical interpretation evolves over time as we learn more, listen more carefully, and work to tell fuller and more accurate stories. That process should happen through conversation, education, scholarship, and public dialogue — not vandalism or theft.
The events of 1879 remain deeply emotional and important to many people, including descendants of settlers, military personnel, and the Ute people themselves. The history of the White River Agency is complicated, painful, and inseparable from the broader story of cultural conflict, forced change, broken promises, fear, and violence on the Western frontier.
Stealing a sign does not erase history. It only undermines the ability of communities to engage with it openly. It is sad and disappointing that anyone from our community would take it upon themselves to commit a felony against the historical society.
Whoever removed the sign not only committed a crime, but also deprived the public of an opportunity to reflect on a difficult chapter of our shared past. Disagreement over wording is understandable. Destroying or stealing public property is not.
If anyone has information regarding the disappearance of the sign, they should contact local authorities.
History belongs to all of us, and preserving it — even when uncomfortable — is a responsibility we all share.
Sincerely,
Teresia Ruckman Reed
Rio Blanco County Historical Society
Meeker
Thanks to the Rio Blanco Stitchers for the quilt and the support
Dear Editor:
The Memorial Day event at Highland Cemetery 2026 was a successful gathering of family, friends, and thankful citizens for the sacrifices made by those individuals who gave it all to keep this country free. Just as the Wreath Ceremony instills “Never Forget Them,” recall also the song by Billy Ray Cyrus (Some Gave All). That was the ultimate sacrifice. Another lyric is “All Gave Some,” which describes returning service men and women. Many gave more than others.
And in appreciation for service to our country, the Rio Blanco Stitchers had made an array of homemade quilts that they presented to several sailors, soldiers and a Marine. Each of the quilts were different and unique. On behalf of all the recipients, a sincere thank you, and although you may not have realized it at the time, just the words “thank you for your service” and the accompanying hug meant more than you will probably ever realize. It was a lot different 60 years ago. The memory and the quilts will be cherished and the honor of receiving them will never be forgotten. Thanks to all of you Rio Blanco Stitchers.
Semper Fi,
Keith Whitaker
Meeker
