“A republic, if you can keep it.” ~ Benjamin Franklin Birthdays are a good time for reflection. That’s why this week we’ve dedicated the front page of the Herald Times to reprinting the Declaration of Independence again. Why? Because I suspect that, much like many Christians have never read the[Read More…]
Author: Niki Turner
UPDATED: 2026 Unofficial Primary Election Results
RBC | The Rio Blanco County Clerk and Recorder’s Office released the final unofficial count of ballots from the 2026 primaries at noon on Wednesday, July 1. Voter turnout for the primary was 50.98% of active voters (4,494) with 2,291 ballots cast. In the two contested local elections, which will[Read More…]
Town board hears concerns on park conditions; backs chipping days, economic development work
MEEKER | The Meeker Board of Trustees on Tuesday heard concerns about a connector road and park maintenance, approved special event permits for the Meeker Lions Club, backed two community chipping days, and received an update on regional economic development efforts tied to the coal transition. Police and planning updates[Read More…]
EDITOR’S COLUMN – If you could do anything, what would you do?
“The great thing about life — the most magnificent thing about being these sentient human beings — is that we have been given the power of choice.” ~ Bryant McGill One of the few benefits of being shoved up against the reality of mortality — our own or someone close to[Read More…]
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions start Friday, June 19
RBC | Rio Blanco County’s unincorporated and private lands, the entire White River National Forest, and all areas within the BLM White River Field Office boundaries are entering into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions starting Friday, June 19, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. Rio Blanco County’s Stage 1 Fire Restrictions include: PROHIBITIONS:[Read More…]
Opioid settlement to help fund peer recovery service position in RBC
MEEKER | A portion of Colorado’s opioid settlement funding will help expand recovery services in Rio Blanco County through the addition of a peer recovery specialist. In May, the Colorado Opioid Abatement Council awarded $11 million to 24 organizations and local governments statewide to expand treatment and recovery services related[Read More…]
Town of Meeker welcomes new town clerk
MEEKER | In what may have been the shortest Meeker town meeting in recent memory, trustees approved an update for Smoking River Brewing Co.’s liquor license that will allow them to serve beer and wine outside during their larger events, such as Oktoberfest. Town staff recommended approval with the contingency[Read More…]
EDITOR’S COLUMN – Tomorrow is a new day
“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson The preceding quote would ideally be read right before bed, or right[Read More…]
Memorial Service
Jimmy Earl Kunkel, of Meeker, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at his home in Meeker. He was 72. Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 5, 2026, at Meeker Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Jimmy’s memory[Read More…]
Mirror Lake Trail Bridge to be replaced
Work begins this week; trail to remain open MEEKER | The White River National Forest, in partnership with the National Forest Foundation, will replace the bridge on the Mirror Lake Trail (#1821) that crosses the North Fork of the White River beginning June 4. The 3.5-mile trail in the Blanco[Read More…]
EDITOR’S COLUMN – The dishes are not the point
“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” ~ Añais Nin According to pioneering family therapist Virginia Satir, there are more than 250 ways to do the dishes. I just finished playing dish Jenga — that advanced skill developed by people without automatic dishwashers that[Read More…]
New signage stolen from historical marker near Meeker
MEEKER | The historic marker that points to the location of the Meeker Incident in 1879 sits about three miles west of Meeker at a pull-off on the south side of the highway just across from the turnoff to Strawberry Creek/County Rd. 7. If you’re driving fast and not looking[Read More…]