MEEKER | Thousands of freed Black slaves joined the Union Army during and after the Civil War. Many were sent West, where they found themselves entrenched in the Indian wars, subject to extreme prejudice, occasional lynchings, and subjected to extremely harsh conditions. According to a new book by history writer[Read More…]
Author: Niki Turner
Editor’s Column: Independence
Festooned with flags and bunting, we’re geared up for annual Fourth of July festivities. In the midst of planning your barbecue and looking for red, white and blue attire, please take a moment to read or re-read the Declaration of Independence. We’ve published the document on the front page of[Read More…]
Consumer fireworks? Don’t risk it.
RBC | Meeker’s fireworks display is still on the schedule and Rangely’s Kenney Reservoir display has been cancelled as of press time. Cancellation of Meeker’s event is still possible. Citizens are urged by local authorities to refrain from using any kind of personal fireworks due to extremely hazardous conditions. Despite[Read More…]
Milk Creek Tour: Saturday, July 3
Meet at the Milk Creek Battlefield Park (turn right off Hwy. 13 north of Meeker on County Road 15 and go about 17 miles to get to the site) on Saturday, June 3 at 10 a.m. for an informative historical presentation about the Battle at Milk Creek. Editor’s Note: The[Read More…]
Man dies by suicide Friday on CR 5
If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs help dealing with one, call the Colorado Crisis Services toll-free number 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255 for free, confidential, 24/7 counseling support. RBC | Rio Blanco County dispatch received a 911 call midday Friday, June 25 from[Read More…]
County to address Mormon cricket problem
RBC | ERBM Rec District summer camp students visited the Rio Blanco County Courthouse Tuesday during the commissioners’ work sessions and meeting and had pictures taken with the commissioners. During work sessions, Weed and Pest Control Director Jane Turnburke told the commissioners this year’s outbreak of Mormon crickets is well[Read More…]
RBC second highest COVID infection rate behind Moffat
RBC | Rio Blanco County now has the second highest rate of COVID cases per population in the state of Colorado, just behind Moffat County. Eighteen new cases were reported between June 14-20, with three new hospitalizations during that time. Currently, 20% of all reported cases are requiring hospitalization. As[Read More…]
Court strikes down P.A.U.S.E. Act 7-0
RBC | In a 7-0 unanimous vote, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled against Initiative 16 on the basis that it did not meet the single subject requirements for a citizen ballot initiative. The PAUSE initiative, (Protect Animals from Unnecessary Suffering and Exploitation) was widely opposed by the agriculture industry and[Read More…]
Stadium restroom upgrades
MEEKER | The Meeker Board of Education approved a plan Monday to dip into the district’s reserves to pay for upgrades at Starbuck Stadium. The project, which includes expanding the restrooms and making improvements to the concessions area, is expected to cost about $500,000. Initially, the district expected to use[Read More…]
County Beat: June 17, 2021
RBC | On Tuesday, Rio Blanco County Commissioners discussed using emergency funds to help control this year’s outbreak of Mormon crickets. The insects have made an appearance again this year in the county. Wade Cox, with the Lower White River Pest Control District, reached out to the board last week[Read More…]
Water use climbs in Meeker
MEEKER | Meeker’s board of trustees heard a request from the Fair Board for a $1,000 donation to help fund prize money for a new event this year: a barbecue competition in conjunction with the Kansas City Barbecue Society’s “Backyard Cookoff” contest series. Fair Board president Quentin Smith said the[Read More…]
Editor’s Column: Speak up–someone may listen
In 1970, after a forced retirement at the age of 65, Maggie Kuhn embarked on a new adventure — advocating for the rights of the elderly as the founder of the Gray Panthers. By the time of her death at 89, the organization had been instrumental in implementing nursing home[Read More…]
