By STEPHEN PYNE | Writers on the Range As I look out my window, the smoke from the Bush fire is belching upward behind the fabled profile of the Superstition Mountains. The fire has closed Highway 87 that joins the Phoenix metro area to Payson, one of its exurbs. Some[Read More…]
Opinion
Guest Column: “Thank heavens for small mercies”
I am reminded these days of similar troublesome days in our lives when the smallest of gestures, of helpfulness, respect, or friendliness helped us survive. I treasure these gifts of help as “thanks for small mercies.” One day, the battery died on our vehicle on terribly busy and heavily traveled[Read More…]
OPINION: Do unto others…
“The liberty of one citizen ends where the liberty of another citizen begins,” which comprises in two lines the entire law of human society.” ~ Victor Hugo There’s been a lot of talk about our “rights” in the last few months. It’s not new. For 200 years lawyers and politicians[Read More…]
Loose Ends: “How long will you stay?”
“How long will you stay?” was the one question over the years that continued to plague Meeker’s newest residents. It seemed to be an integral part of the welcoming tradition and was included in an impromptu game that most all new residents unwittingly played in the early months of their[Read More…]
My heroes have always been rodeo clowns
By Patty Limerick | Writers on the Range When historians see that their nation is in big trouble, facing the proliferation of protests that raise bedrock questions about American race relations, and locked in disputes over the proper pacing of “re-opening” after the regime of social distancing, it is time[Read More…]
Editor’s Column: Consider the source
“Besides, as the vilest Writer has his Readers, so the greatest Liar has his Believers; and it often happens, that if a Lie be believ’d only for an Hour, it has done its Work, and there is no farther occasion for it. Falsehood flies, and the Truth comes limping after[Read More…]
Letters to the Editor: June 18, 2020
No to wild horses Dear Editor: Summer is here, grass is growing, ground is drying, and ungulates are grazing. The White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts (Districts) continue to monitor the impacts of excess “wild” horses on the health of the range. Given the dry start to the summer,[Read More…]
Guest Column: Buck up, America!
I think the backbone of America is stronger than we may think. We can fly people to outer space, survive economic hardships, and continue to support our friends, family, and communities in difficult times. Yes, we can survive and overcome COVID-19. When I was a child, fighting polio was a[Read More…]
Editor’s Column: “Zoombies” and the fly on the wall
Learning to navigate this new realm of virtual meetings has been interesting. You’ve probably heard the horror stories about people in Zoom work meetings who’ve been exposed (literally) not wearing pants, or the middle-aged female politician who changed her shirt while the camera was on, not realizing she was flashing[Read More…]
Loose Ends: Go forth, graduates!
Now that our local graduation has been held in a unique 2020 fashion, the efforts by the local school district to hold an actual ceremony demonstrated the RE-1 District’s dedication to recognizing the efforts of the students, as well as their families, to finish 12 years of schooling. Like most[Read More…]
Letters to the Editor: June 11, 2020
Support for Gates campaign Dear Editor:I am writing to express my support for Ty Gates for Rio Blanco County Commissioner. I have known Ty for nearly 30 years. He grew up in Meeker and worked in the family businesses of ranching and guiding and outfitting. He continues to be involved[Read More…]
Letter to the Editor: Support for Iacino
Dear Editor: In a nation now chaotically teetering on the cliff’s edge of one of the most trying times in our history, the dearth in leadership of this nation is disheartening. We cannot continue down a pathway where the common man and woman, who need opportunities, need access to solutions,[Read More…]