Our dog-walking journeys often take us to Town Park along the river. Having grown up within 15 yards of the Roaring Fork, I’m well aware that the river changes daily. This year that may be even more true than in “normal” years. Watching the river, with its highs and lows,[Read More…]
Opinion
OPED: The importance of positive self-talk
RBC | Life can be full of moments that leave you wondering why you made the choices you made. We are experts in second-guessing decisions and finding ourselves in a cycle of what-ifs. Each day is chock-full of decisions. Some are seemingly insignificant, like what color shirt should I wear[Read More…]
{OPED} Volunteers: Thank you all
MEEKER | Meeker’s July 4 myriad of activities reminded me of the astounding number of volunteers who make this holiday special. Just think of the veterans who marched with our nation’s flags, the creators and drivers of floats, musicians, the ever fun can-can dancers and that’s just a sample of[Read More…]
Editor’s Column: Milestones, trolls and spills
As I write this, I’m basking in the cozy glow of birthday greetings from friends and family that rolled in via text, phone, social media and in person Tuesday. I’m officially seven in reverse dog years now, which I’ve decided is good way to start measuring my age. Birthdays and[Read More…]
Letter to the Editor: Yet another report on chemical warfare in Meeker
Dear Editor: Meeker’s celebratory Fourth of July spraying has resumed. I have fresh data on the results of that spraying but no new conclusions. I might as well recycle the report from 2017—or from 2002 or any of the intervening years. With my wife’s help, I sampled insects knocked down[Read More…]
Letter to the Editor: Leafy spurge rearing its ugly head
Dear Editor: This is the time of year that our world blooms in Rio Blanco County. However one yellow head is a “wolf in sheep’s clothing”: the yellow leafy spurge—and it affects land from Trappers Lake to Kenney Reservoir. Landowners and especially ranchers should be on guard. This exotic invasive[Read More…]
Guest Column: Loose Ends
MEEKER I “Why did you move here” is not an inquiry that is often overheard in front of the post office these days. According to newcomers, though, it continues to be one of the first questions they are asked upon their arrival. With the influx of more people who are[Read More…]
Editor’s Column: Freedom demands responsibility
On the holiday each year when we hold our freedoms most dear, I get a bit frustrated that so many folks forget that with freedom comes great personal responsibility. Lighting illegal fireworks all night long is not you “exercising your freedom,” it’s just you being a selfish jerk. Those are[Read More…]
The wolves at our door—2020 ballot initiative
MEEKER | Proposed 2020 ballot measures touted by wolf activists are an attempt to force the release of gray wolves in Colorado. The carefully constructed nature of the initiative leads the uninformed reader to believe that wolves are extinct in Colorado (they are not, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has confirmed[Read More…]
Loose Ends: Back east, meet out west. Out west, meet back east.
MEEKER | These introductions start immediately when newcomers are given the occasion to meet old timers. Often times they aren’t spoken aloud, they are implied. I don’t think it is meant to be a way of exclusion, but a way of educating the unwary about the importance of western traditions[Read More…]
Letter: Avey announces 2020 candidacy
Dear Editor: My name is Mona Avey and I would like to respectfully announce my decision to run for Rio Blanco County Commissioner District 3 in 2020. I am a long-time resident of Rio Blanco County and a descendent of White River pioneer families. I grew up and was educated[Read More…]
OPED: Freedom takes teamwork
RBC | I spend my days traveling from one American community to another. Some of them are bustling larger cities. Others are quiet small towns. What they all have in common is the burning desire to revitalize themselves: to become more vibrant, prosperous, livable and lovable than they are right now.[Read More…]