RBC| The Rio Blanco County Board of County Commissioners held its regular monthly meeting in Rangely last week, with all three commissioners present. The meeting opened with a public comment period, though no comments were made in person or online. Commissioners then moved to approve the agenda, with a proposed[Read More…]
County
Many winter roads and trails closing early
With low snowpack on open roads visitors should stay on snow to reduce resource damage PRESS RELEASE RBC | Due to a lack of snow coverage, the White River National Forest is beginning to close some motorized winter roads and trails earlier than usual to protect public safety and prevent[Read More…]
Agriculture anchors Rio Blanco County economy but faces mounting pressures according to CMU study
RBC | In Rio Blanco County, agriculture isn’t just part of the landscape — it’s a major piece of the local economy. According to a 2026 study from Colorado Mesa University’s Davis School of Business, agriculture supports 452 jobs locally, accounting for roughly 9.4% of all employment in the county[Read More…]
RIO HAPPENINGS: March 15-21, 2026
ARRESTS 3/15/2026-Meeker PD arrested an 18 year-old female for 1st Degree Criminal Trespass, 2nd Degree Burglary and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was taken to jail. 3/20/2026-Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 36 year-old female for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs or Both. She was issued a summons[Read More…]
COMMUNITY CALENDAR – March 26th, 2026
Fairfield grant application deadline April 1 MEEKER | The deadline for the semi-annual Freemain E. Fairfield grant applications will be 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Applications may be mailed to PO Box 2302, Meeker, CO 81641, or delivered to White River Electric (233 6th St.), ATTN: JH Sheridan, between[Read More…]
GUEST COLUMN: Communities invited to share their stories and mark ‘History Where It Happened’
America 250-Colorado 150 announces historic marker program RBC | “The America 250-Colorado 150 Commission announced the launch of a new Historic Marker Program, a signature initiative that will place up to 150 new historic roadside markers across Colorado in recognition of the state’s 150th anniversary of statehood and the nation’s[Read More…]
YOUTH ZONE: Pucker up for a wild ride
Special to the HT RBC | This year marks a milestone for YouthZone: 50 years of fostering hopeful youth, strong families and safe communities. Over the years, the organization has served thousands of court-involved and at-risk youth in Colorado’s 9th Judicial District and is planning a large-scale celebration. The 50th[Read More…]
Don’t plant danger: State and federal agencies urge caution on strange packages
PRESS RELEASE RBC | Following continued reports of unsolicited seed packages arriving through the mail, the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) is urgently reminding Colorado residents to be highly[Read More…]
DAYS GONE BY – March 26th, 2026
Meeker Herald ~ 125 years ago The first house built in Rifle was torn down this week, says the Reveille. It was the the old adobe house built by A. W. Maxfield in ‘82. Dr. Bell is putting in a private telephone between his residence and office, with a switch[Read More…]
Rio Blanco County seeking public comment on wildland-urban interface code this week
RBC | Rio Blanco County is requesting public comment on the proposed adoption of the Colorado Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code, with implementation scheduled to begin April 1, 2026. A public meeting will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, at the Rio Blanco County Courthouse to provide an[Read More…]
Atmos Energy proposes largest natural gas base rate hike in 25 years
Public Utilities Commission urging customers to share their perspectives on the proposal Special to the HT RBC| According to a press release from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate (UCA), Atmos Energy Corp. has filed an application with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC)[Read More…]
COUNTY BEAT – Rio Blanco County commissioners approve contracts, discuss projects and legislation
RBC | The Rio Blanco County Board of County Commissioners added a consent agenda item for a ratification letter of support to John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet on behalf of the Rangely District Hospital for a congressional direct spending request at the start of last week’s regular meeting. With consent[Read More…]
