Appalled Dear Editor: I am appalled that the county commissioners would even consider changing the vital service of our dispatchers in Meeker. Seconds count when someone is in a life threatening situation. I well remember the role the quick response of the dispatcher played when my husband’s heart stopped beating[Read More…]
Author: Niki Turner
With a $2.3 million budget shortfall, four jobs are on the chopping block
RBC I Budget work sessions last week culminated in two special meetings Monday and Tuesday as commissioners tackle a shortfall now expected to reach $2.3 million. Late Friday after work sessions, the board issued a notice for a special meeting on Monday at 8 a.m. to discuss “county restructuring due[Read More…]
RBC must provide 275 days notice to Town prior to moving dispatch, per IGA
MEEKER I Meeker’s Board of Trustees amended their regular agenda Tuesday to discuss whether the town supports the concept of a 1% sales tax increase dedicated to funding local dispatch services following the special meeting of the county commissioners. With a countywide sales tax, that ballot proposal has to be[Read More…]
Interview with Perry Will
RBC I Perry Will of New Castle, Colorado, is running as the Republican incumbent for Colorado House District 57 this election. He faces Colin Wilhelm of Glenwood Springs for the district encompassing Garfield, Moffat, and Rio Blanco counties. Will has served the district since February 2019, after being appointed by[Read More…]
Days Gone By: Sept. 3, 2020
The Meeker Herald | 125 years ago • This was court week, and The Herald’s hired man has been struggling desperately with lawyers’ arguments and Blackstone to such an extent that this issue resembles the aforesaid hired man — it has a forlorn, tired appearance. If the reader happens to[Read More…]
With a $2.3 million budget shortfall, four county jobs are on the chopping block
RBC | Budget work sessions last week culminated in two special meetings Monday and Tuesday as commissioners tackle a shortfall now expected to reach $2.3 million. Late Friday after work sessions, the board issued a notice for a special meeting on Monday at 8 a.m. to discuss “county restructuring due[Read More…]
Residents speak up on behalf of local dispatch as county proposes moving services
Another special meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 1:15 p.m. Commissioners will vote on combining several county departments before continuing the 2021 budget process. RBC | Rio Blanco County residents concerned about keeping dispatch services local filled the commissioners’ meeting room to overflowing Monday. Sheriff Anthony Mazzola put[Read More…]
Proposal to move local dispatch services out of county returns to the table as commissioners face 2021 budget cuts
Read our coverage of the Aug. 31 special meeting at theheraldtimes.com/residents-speak-up-on-behalf-of-local-dispatch-as-county-proposes-moving-services/rio-blanco-county/ The first time the HT reported on an idea to get rid of dispatch services at the county level and instead contract with the call center in Craig (operated by the Colorado State Patrol) to provide 911 and dispatch[Read More…]
COVID-19 update from RBC Public Health: Aug. 28, 2020
RBC | Two new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the county in the last week. Public Health Director Alice Harvey has posted a video with updated information below.
Editor’s Column: 1 in 4
Last week we learned that we have received another national press award for our coverage of the Daniel Pierce shooting in Rangely last year. We are the recipients of the first-place award for investigative journalism in the National Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper Contest. I’ve been humbled and honored by the[Read More…]
Meeker mosquito control discussed
MEEKER I Members of the White River Alliance spoke to the Meeker Board of Trustees on Tuesday, Aug. 18 regarding changes in mosquito control from the use of permethrin to alternative options. “There’s a growing number of communities and counties that are banning the use of this product [permethrin] because[Read More…]
County Beat: Aug. 27, 2020
RBC | In work sessions Tuesday, the Rio Blanco County Board of Commissioners heard from Facilities Director Eric Jaquez regarding improvements at the RBC Fairgrounds. Jaquez said the Fair Board would rather purchase additional hog panels with the budgeted $29,000 instead of completing the covered stalls. The board also held[Read More…]