On the table: restructuring, divestiture or continued county involvement The Fairfield Center and Apartments are generally structurally sound but face significant repair and modernization needs, consultants told Rio Blanco County commissioners during a Sept. 29 special meeting.The assessment stems from the county’s strategic plan goal of responsible stewardship of county[Read More…]
Author: Caitlin Walker
EDITOR’S COLUMN – Remembering
Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.” ~ Vicki Harrison When I go to the “big city” (in Meeker terms, that’s anything over 5,000 people), one of my[Read More…]
RBC to hold public engagement work session for Fairfield Center
Public Engagement Work Session with Fairfield Residents and Interested PublicWednesday, October 7, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.M&M Room – Fairfield Center The Rio Blanco County Board of County Commissioners invites Fairfield residents and interested members of the public to participate in a public engagement work session regarding the Fairfield Center and[Read More…]
New library trustee: Kim Maupin
Kim Maupin is the county’s newest appointee to the Meeker Regional Library District Board. A book lover and lifelong learner, Maupin said, “I’m excited to give back to the community, learn more about the board and be a part of the library’s future.”
Mud, mustangs, and happy endings at 2026 Makeover
The 2026 Meeker Mustang Makeover wrapped up Saturday after mud, hail, a hint of a rainbow and one very happy little girl headed home with her “forever horse.” A torrential downpour Saturday afternoon dumped marble-sized hail and made an already slickery arena from the prior night’s rain even muddier. Plenty[Read More…]
Rangely residents voice opposition to data centers
Council votes 4-1 against Stage 2 of geothermal study The Rangely Town Council voted 4-1 Tuesday night not to move forward with Stage 2 of a proposed geothermal development, halting for now a project that had become increasingly tied to questions about data centers, water use, cost and public transparency.[Read More…]
OH HAIL NO
Hail pounded Meeker Saturday afternoon in the middle of the Mustang Makeover, with some stones measuring nearly the size of golf balls. Check out a video of the storm on TikTok @ht.1885 CAITLIN WALKER | HT PHOTO
Pub. Health Director: Fed vaccine changes ‘big win’
Commissioners question funding, authority as federal and state guidance diverge Federal vaccine changes “big win,” public health director says; two bats test negative for rabies Rio Blanco County Public Health Director Makala Sheridan Smith praised recent federal changes to childhood vaccine recommendations during the Sept. 15 Board of Health meeting,[Read More…]
Library board expresses frustration over radio silence on appointment process
The Meeker Regional Library District Board met in a workshop Sept. 16 to discuss ongoing confusion over trustee appointments and communication with Rio Blanco County. It was the first workshop for newly-appointed trustee Kim Maupin. Also in attendance were trustees Toby Leavitt, Dan Olson, and Keri Grieser, as well as[Read More…]
EDITOR’S COLUMN – The S Word
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Last year, an estimated 48,789 people died by suicide in the U.S., making suicide the 11th leading cause of death. Too many of us know what it is like to lose someone this way. In the way of small towns, most of you know[Read More…]
LIFE IS GRAND …
(Left) Classic cars lined Meeker’s Main Street for the 37th annual Colorado Grand Friday, Sept. 18. The tour stopped in town to enjoy lunch provided by HopeWest and the Meeker Lions Club and presented each organization with $15,000. MHS graduate Dublin Price also received a $15,000 scholarship from the organization.[Read More…]
Updated: Rangely Town Council votes down Phase 2 of geothermal project that would have been funded by data centers
Update Tuesday, Sept. 22. Rangely’s Town Council voted not to move forward with Phase 2 of the proposed geothermal project after hearing public comment from numerous residents opposed to the proposal at its meeting Tuesday evening, Sept. 22. Resident Jeff Bollinger spoke in favor of moving forward with Phase 2,[Read More…]