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…]
Meeker
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…]
Summer Rodeo Series returns to Meeker June 11
MEEKER | Another summer of rodeo action is set to begin in Meeker as the Meeker Summer Rodeo Series returns to the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds on Thursday, June 11. Slack is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., followed by the main rodeo performance at 7 p.m., officially kicking off[Read More…]
Six pieces, one place: Kracht debuts White River Valley collection for HopeWest
MEEKER | For Shelby Kracht, jewelry was never just about turquoise and sterling silver. It was about creating a life that fit who she wanted to be. The owner of Western Drifter Jewelry is now channeling that philosophy into an exclusive collection for the upcoming HopeWest gala, creating pieces inspired[Read More…]
Board expands to seven members, reviews operations and compliance
MEEKER | The Eastern Rio Blanco Health Service District Board and Pioneers Medical Center met last week at their new meeting location at 315 6th St., where the larger space accommodated additional attendees, including two newly seated board members. The board had operated as a five-member body since 2021 but[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: Homesteading Pt. 1
Special to the HT MEEKER | Since most of Rio Blanco County was considered public domain in 1883, it was available for homesteading. The Utes had relinquished the White River Reservation but not the right to hunt in the area. This treaty exception was to cause friction for many years.[Read More…]
VINE & VITTLES: Cinnamon toast and other lifelines
Special to the HT MEEKER | OK — you know the feeling. You’re sick — tired, achy, scratchy throat, cough, sinus pressure… Or, how about, you’re angry — you got in a huge fight with so-and-so or work has just been EXTRA today. Now, this time, you’re sad. Life has[Read More…]
Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway public reception June 18 at the museum
Special to the HT MEEKER | Come celebrate the Smithsonian Exhibit at the White River Museum with the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway Committee! The Committee is a team of dedicated stakeholders from both Meeker and Yampa who work to protect, value, and improve the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway.[Read More…]
Meeker chamber golf tournament debuts at Meeker Golf Course
MEEKER | This past weekend, The Meeker Chamber of Commerce hosted its inaugural golf tournament May 30 at the Meeker Golf Course, bringing together local businesses, community members and golf enthusiasts for a day centered on friendly competition, community connection and summer recreation. The four-person scramble format drew teams of[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…]
Library board approves support for Meeker School District curriculum
MEEKER | The Meeker Regional Library Board approved a $130,000 commitment toward curriculum materials for Meeker School District students during its May meeting, while also advancing a major roof repair project and discussing changes to meeting procedures and governance. The board voted unanimously to commit $130,000 toward curriculum and instructional[Read More…]
Maintenance work on East Beaver Road in Rio Blanco County begins June 1
Travel delays and short-term closures possible MEEKER | Roadwork to improve the East Beaver Road (National Forest System Road 250) in the Blanco Ranger District begins June 1. Short-term delays may be possible.The work will begin at the forest boundary northeast of Lake Avery and continue for 17.6 miles. The[Read More…]
