MEEKER | For Shelby Kracht, jewelry was never just about turquoise and sterling silver. It was about creating a life that fit who she wanted to be. The owner of Western Drifter Jewelry is now channeling that philosophy into an exclusive collection for the upcoming HopeWest gala, creating pieces inspired[Read More…]
Author: Jared Henderson
Board expands to seven members, reviews operations and compliance
MEEKER | The Eastern Rio Blanco Health Service District Board and Pioneers Medical Center met last week at their new meeting location at 315 6th St., where the larger space accommodated additional attendees, including two newly seated board members. The board had operated as a five-member body since 2021 but[Read More…]
Meeker chamber golf tournament debuts at Meeker Golf Course
MEEKER | This past weekend, The Meeker Chamber of Commerce hosted its inaugural golf tournament May 30 at the Meeker Golf Course, bringing together local businesses, community members and golf enthusiasts for a day centered on friendly competition, community connection and summer recreation. The four-person scramble format drew teams of[Read More…]
Five-peat Marlins lean on culture as season continues
MEEKER | Five straight state championships would be enough for many programs to talk about trophies first. For the Meeker Marlins, head coach Shelly Rogers would rather talk about culture. As the Marlins returned to the water this past week (May 26) after the annual rec center shutdown (May 4–May[Read More…]
Meeker veteran Rob Baughman reflects on Honor Flight experience
MEEKER | For Rob Baughman, the applause waiting in the Baltimore airport terminal was something he never expected to hear. As he and fellow veterans walked through the terminal during a recent Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C., people stood and clapped while a town crier dressed in colonial clothing[Read More…]
Commissioner candidates discuss water, growth at White River Alliance forum
MEEKER | Water, growth, energy development and the future of Rio Blanco County dominated discussion during a candidate forum hosted by the White River Alliance featuring county commissioner candidates Rich Ford and Travis Day. Held in Meeker, the forum focused heavily on declining river flows, water storage, mosquito spraying, recreation[Read More…]
Growing up in the arena: Watson siblings thrive at state rodeo finals
MEEKER | Long weekends on the road, countless hours with horses and the dedication required to compete at a high level are all part of life for the Watson family as Whit and Greta continue to grow in junior high rodeo. That hard work paid off recently at the Colorado[Read More…]
Meeker riders earn strong finishes at Colorado High School State Rodeo finals in Craig
MEEKER | Meeker-area rodeo athletes delivered steady performances over two days at the Colorado High School Rodeo in Craig, highlighted by strong finishes and point-earning runs from Josey McClain, Kalee Ivy and Leah Wood. Day one opened with a 12th-place finish in pole bending for Ivy, who posted a time[Read More…]
First chamber golf tournament set for Saturday in Meeker
MEEKER | Golfers are invited to take part in a new community tradition this weekend as the Meeker Chamber of Commerce hosts its first-ever golf tournament on Saturday, May 30 at 9:00 a.m. at the Meeker Golf Course. The event will feature a four-person scramble format, offering a fun and[Read More…]
Leaving a lasting lesson: Jennifer Hutchison retires from Barone Middle School
MEEKER | After nearly 30 years in education, including more than two decades at Barone Middle School, Jennifer Hutchison is preparing to close the classroom door for the final time. Hutchison began her teaching career in 1996 at Parkview Elementary in Rangely, teaching third grade for seven years before moving[Read More…]
“Ball of sunshine”: Meeker High School celebrates Kathleen Kelley’s lasting legacy
MEEKER | Born and raised in Meeker, Kathleen Kelley went from dirt roads and skinned elbows in a small rural town to the Colorado Legislature, where she became the youngest woman ever elected to the state House in 1980. After careers in politics, lobbying and agriculture, Kelley ultimately returned home[Read More…]
Commissioners review basin work, housing and infrastructure at work session
RBC | Last week, the Rio Blanco County Board of Commissioners held a work session at the Rio Blanco County Historic Courthouse in Meeker focused on infrastructure planning, housing discussions and water-related projects. Commissioners Doug Overton and Callie Scritchfield attended in person, while Commissioner Jennifer O’Hearon participated via Google Meet.[Read More…]
