Optimism, changing perspectives, and collaboration were a few key themes highlighted during the Meeker Chamber of Commerce’s first annual “Business Rally” last week. Community members gathered for what Chamber Director Stephanie Hanson described as “a new kind of event.” The theme reflected by organizers and speakers focused on changing limiting[Read More…]
Author: Lucas Turner
County commissioners discuss 2024 budget, employee retention/hiring, wage increases
Lisa Hemann addressed commissioners’ concerns about revenues exceeding expenditures and reviewed general proposed numbers for the 2024 budget. She explained that expenditures exceeding revenues in county fund balances is part of a normal budgeting process. Commissioners allocate excess revenues into certain funds over time to cover items like ongoing maintenance[Read More…]
A treasure trove: dive into antiquity at Restored Grace
Call them pack-rats, or collectors, refined enthusiasts or hoarders, historical aficionados or antique addicts… However you frame it, one thing that becomes clear if you visit with local antique shop proprietors Sondra Garcia and son Scott Garcia is that those who get bit by the antique-collecting, deal-hunting, treasure-finding bug are[Read More…]
Words that hurt, words that heal: reframing the narrative
Local history buffs met over the weekend to discuss the story of the Nuche (Ute people) who as of 1860 had lived in the the area for more than 400 years according to official records, with some archeologists highlighting evidence that the Utes’ ancestors had resided in the area for[Read More…]
Meeker trustees hear details on proposed development near Pioneers Medical Center
Local contractor Shawn Bolton shared details of a four-phase development plan and the Planned Unit Development (PUD) proposal for 92 residential lots situated between Meeker Airport and Highway 13, northeast of Pioneers Medical Center. Access to this property is from Walnut Ridge Drive, via Pioneers Medical Center Drive. Proposed lots[Read More…]
Various departments continue to outline ’24 county budget
Department of Human Services Rio Blanco County DHS provides services and programs for child support enforcement, child welfare, aid to the needy and disabled, food assistance, old age pension and various others. Projected revenues are up 3% to $3.79M and budgeted expenditures are down 3.3% to $3.91M. Significant revenue increases[Read More…]
County continues work on 2024 budget
Rio Blanco County Commissioners, administrators, staff and volunteers met over the course of two weeks totaling 20+ hours of meetings to discuss the proposed 2024 budget. COUNTY ATTORNEY The County Attorney is Don Steerman, whose office provides legal counsel in connection with litigation, administrative proceedings, settlement discussions and similar proceedings.[Read More…]
Meeker School District meeting report: Oct. 9th, 2023
MEEKER | Meeker School District Board of Education met Monday, Oct. 9 for a short special meeting followed by work sessions. During the special meeting the board approved personnel hires of Nicole Baldwin as a classified substitute (custodial) and Kevin Borchard as a Middle School Boys Basketball assistant coach. They[Read More…]
Disc golf provides new recreation opportunity
MEEKER | Local outdoor activity enthusiast Carly Anderson has a vision to bring a new recreational adventure to the Town Of Meeker: disc golf. Having first been introduced to the sport during his college years in Flagstaff, Arizona, Anderson now advocates for disc golf (also known as Frisbee golf) in[Read More…]
Stolen millions returned
Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District recovers Wolf Creek funds; public requests better access to meetings. RBC | The Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District (RBWCD) board of directors met on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, for their monthly meeting, giving more specifics on the theft and reported recovery of millions of dollars.[Read More…]
BLM shares key findings in Wolf Creek meetings
The BLM conducted two public meetings in Rio Blanco County this week, with a third virtual meeting set for Wednesday after press time, regarding the Wolf Creek Reservoir projects. Key findings from the Situational Assessment were shared. RBC | The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) conducted two public meetings in[Read More…]
ERBM talks 2024 budget
MEEKER | ERBM Recreation District’s board of directors had a short meeting Aug. 15, 2023, discussing 2024 budget overview and upcoming process, addressing accessibility/safety concerns, and the Circle Park improvement project for which the district is currently seeking contract proposals. During regular business the board approved the creation of an[Read More…]