ONCE UPON A TIME … The first newspaper in what would later become Rio Blanco County was born in Meeker, Colorado on August 15, 1885. Mr. James Lyttle was an Irish immigrant who had worked at a newspaper in Leadville, Colorado. He must have liked the work, because he purchased[Read More…]
Features
New state law aims to replace faded license plates
Drivers will be paying a bit more to renew their license plates in 2022 thanks to a new state law that goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2022. The law (SB21-069) will require drivers to replace old license plates with new ones that are easier for law enforcement to read.[Read More…]
IMPROVING FISH HABITAT …
No, Rio Blanco Lake has not sprung a leak. Colorado Parks and Wildlife held a public meeting in October to explain plans to adjust the management of some fish species currently in the lake to balance sportfish management goals with native fish conservation efforts in the White River. They are[Read More…]
Safety first for activities on ice
Now that winter has finally arrived in northwest Colorado, residents are participating in the usual cold-weather activities, including those that require ice. At the Circle Park Pond in Meeker, freezing temperatures mean new opportunities for ice skating, hockey and fishing. However, winter time pond usage also means increased concern over[Read More…]
The top 10 stories of 2021
What were the top stories in 2021 for Rio Blanco County? Based on our website traffic at ht1885.com, the top 10 are as follows (oddly, they’re all from the last half of the year) No. 1. — RBCSO explores jail changes (Sept. 2, 2021) Sheriff Anthony Mazzola laid out the[Read More…]
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD…
Once again the Operation Christmas Child campaign was a great success in this little town with a big heart. A total of 389 shoebox gifts, pictured here with volunteers Stella McGruder (left) and Karen LaBonte (right), were packed and donated this year by local churches and individuals. These donations will[Read More…]
The trouble with Mind Springs
Two counties are breaking from their mental health provider. Others are taking notes. By SUSAN GREENE Colorado News Collaborative This investigation is part of the ongoing “On Edge” series about Colorado’s mental health by the Colorado News Collaborative, the nonprofit that unites more than 160 communities and news outlets to[Read More…]
Letters to Santa from RBC students
Rangely’s Steve Cochrane wins prestigious photography award
Rangely resident Steve Cochrane is an honorary member and award-wining photographer of Rocky Mountain Outdoor Writers and Photographers, an organization that held its 47th annual conference in Alamogordo, New Mexico in September. Cochrane won several awards including best in show and first place in the fauna category for his photo[Read More…]
Commissioners Approve 2022 Budget
Rio Blanco County commissioners issued final approval for the 2022 budget Tuesday evening after months of deliberation, meetings with staff, community members and elected officials. The full budget as-approved in its entirety is available at https://www.rbc.us/160/Budget-Finance. Additional information on all local government budgets is detailed in previous reporting at https://www.theheraldtimes.com/?s=budget[Read More…]
The mental health workforce shortage
This investigation is part of the ongoing “On Edge” series about Colorado’s mental health by the Colorado News Collaborative, the nonprofit that unites more than 160 communities and news outlets like ours to ensure quality news for all Coloradans. The series title reflects a state that has the nation’s highest[Read More…]
Chevron sells Rangely oil field
The recent sale of oil and gas infrastructure in Rio Blanco County represents the end of an era for Chevron and the beginning of a new one for Texas-based Scout Energy Partners. Scout recently purchased the “Rangely Weber Sand Unit and associated facilities,” according to Mike Mercer, Scout’s VP of[Read More…]


