We are delighted to introduce two exceptional leaders who joined Colorado Northwestern Community College on Dec. 8, 2025, as our newest vice presidents: Ms. Anya Peterson Frey, Vice President for Business Services, and Mr. Laura Dulgar, Vice President for Student Services. Peterson Frey brings to CNCC a powerful blend of[Read More…]
Author: Special to the Herald Times
LETTER TO THE EDITOR – December 11th, 2025
Thanks to the MCCIC Board for improvements to the Fairfield Apts. Dear Editor: I would like to thank our ladies on the MCCIC Board (Meeker Colorado Civic Improvement Corporation). Since they started: our laundry rooms have been painted, the steps are lighted to keep people from falling, had every little[Read More…]
GUEST COLUMN: Here comes the sesquisemiquincentennial!
In 2026, the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—our nation’s semiquincentennial. At the same time, Colorado will mark the 150th anniversary of our entrance into the Union—our state’s sesquicentennial. As the Centennial State, Colorado is the only one who will observe twin anniversaries—our Sesquisemiquincentennial.[Read More…]
The Health Partnership offers free open enrollment help for 2026 health coverage
Dec. 15 is the deadline for coverage beginning Jan. 1 RBC | Open Enrollment for 2026 health insurance is underway, and The Health Partnership is offering free, in-person assistance to help Northwest Colorado residents compare plans, understand changes, and get covered before deadlines arrive. As a certified Connect for Health[Read More…]
Obituary – John Thomas Purkey
Sept. 20, 1957 ~ Dec. 2, 2025 John Thomas Purkey, known by his grandchildren as “Papa John,” lived a full and vigorous life until his sudden passing on Dec. 2, 2025. He was born on Sept. 20, 1957, in Rifle, Colorado, to Bryce and Doris Purkey and was a lifelong[Read More…]
Colorado’s universal preschool program opens enrollment for upcoming 2026-27 program year while current year enrollment continues
PRESS RELEASE RBC | After serving more than 87,000 Colorado children since launching in 2023, Colorado families can apply for the 2026-27 Universal Preschool Program, starting Dec. 9, 2025. This exciting opportunity offers up to 15 hours of tuition-free, high-quality preschool for all children in the year before kindergarten, with[Read More…]
Death Notice: John Thomas Purkey
Sept. 20, 1957 ~ Dec. 2, 2025 John has passed into the care of the Lord. A reception will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at the Fairfield Center.
RIO HAPPENINGS: Nov. 23-29, 2025
ARRESTS 11/23/2025- Meeker PD arrested a 31 year-old male on Driving a Vehicle with Blood Alcohol Content of 0.08 or more. He was issued a summons and released to a sober party. 11/25/2025- Rangely PD arrested a 26 year-old male on Violation of a Protection Order. He was taken to[Read More…]
LOOSE ENDS: ‘Mad Money’ or ‘Money Mad’ season?
It is now the official season of gift-giving. The month of December is known for the generosity of people to those who are less fortunate, yet as always there may be a smaller percentage of those who just will not part with any of their money. The recent overabundance of[Read More…]
GUEST COLUMN: Colorado Cannot Afford to Leave Its Pioneering Communities Behind
Colorado was built by pioneers. That spirit still defines the rural communities that grow our food, produce our energy, safeguard our water, and form the natural-resource backbone of this state. These communities carried Colorado through every major challenge for generations. Today, they are being asked to carry far more than[Read More…]
CPW begins classification and capture flights for Western Slope
PRESS RELEASE MEEKER | Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) will begin annual classification and capture flights for deer, elk and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep throughout Colorado’s Western Slope. Using both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, flights are scheduled to begin in early December and are expected to continue through the end[Read More…]
HONORED FOR SERVICE
Frank Stewart of the Meeker V.F.W. Post 5843 (center) presents a plaque to Teresia Ruckman-Reed in recognition of her services for local veterans as Rob Baughman (left) looks on.



