One dark night when we were all in bed, Old Lady lit the lantern in the shed, and when the cow kicked it over she blinked her eyes and said, “It’s gonna be a hot time in the old town tonight.” A hot time would certainly be an understatement about[Read More…]
Columns
LOOSE ENDS: Meeker Strong
Thank you, firefighters, firefighting support staff, as well as all the Meeker families and friends who are continuing to make sure Meeker, as well as the surrounding countryside, is on its way to recovery. The MEEKER STRONG support system remains. It is so great to see those caring acts of[Read More…]
GUEST COLUMN: HOPEWEST – Meeting you exactly where you are
At HopeWest, our work isn’t just about care — it’s about presence. That simple idea has shaped how we walk beside people through aging, illness, and grief for more than thirty years. When you or someone you love needs support, we take the time to understand what matters most to[Read More…]
LOOSE ENDS: Are you going to the dinner and dance?
Are you going to the dinner and dance this year?” is the annual question usually asked by county residents at the beginning of the summer. If the answer was a resounding “yes!” then you didn’t have to answer the second question: “How long have YOU lived here?” The residency requirement[Read More…]
LOOSE ENDS: ‘In the know’
Is there ever a time, when calling someone you love a gossip is OK?” I was recently asked. The friend’s inquiry came after I solicited her opinion first when I inadvertently blurted out that g-word to describe a longtime friend. I should have said she was sweet, kind, and in-the-know[Read More…]
FROM V.F.W. POST 5843: From stories to solutions: How local veterans can share their experiences to inspire support
In the heart of our communities, veterans carry stories that have the power to inspire and mobilize support from those around them. These men and women, who have proudly served our country, hold experiences that can bridge divides, foster understanding, and drive meaningful action to address the challenges they face[Read More…]
GUEST COLUMN: YouthZone — Impact of federal funding on local programs
We’ve been getting a lot of questions about how some of the recent federal-level executive actions have impacted us at YouthZone. While these conversations are nuanced and complex, they tend to revolve around two distinct topics: the safety and security of our staff and clients, and the financial stability of[Read More…]
GUEST COLUMN: CNCC unveils five-year strategic plan
A year ago, the leadership of the Colorado Community College System, including members of its Board of Trustees, embarked on a statewide listening tour to hear from employees and students across its 13 community colleges. The goal? To understand the needs and expectations of those they serve and incorporate them[Read More…]
FROM V.F.W. POST 5843: Understanding the purpose of the VFW
As we navigate a rapidly changing world, one constant remains: the unwavering dedication of our nation’s veterans. Today, organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) are vital not just in honoring that dedication but in bridging generational gaps. With a need to revitalize membership, engaging younger veterans is essential[Read More…]
LOOSE ENDS: Back in the Day
Western communities, many from their earliest beginnings, celebrated our nation’s Independence Day in their own way, with picnics, music, foot races, buckin’ horses and horse races and food. The annual celebration has always been about flying the flag proudly when they exhibited it both indoor and outdoors. The main modes[Read More…]
LOOSE ENDS: Making a difference
The Meeker’s July 4th celebration is almost upon us, so it might appear to be a tad bit late to step up and volunteer to help at one or two community events that are part of this fast approaching holiday. It is never too late. Helpers are always needed, even[Read More…]
LOOSE ENDS: Summertime, and the livin’ is easy
The song “Summertime” by Gershwin in the musical Porgy and Bess (1935) remains one of the most favorite songs written for a musical for the past 100 years.”Summertime and the living is easy” is the line repeated in popular culture to apply to the feelings experienced when the trials of[Read More…]