Letters To The Editor

Letter: Citizens for Meeker Schools discusses Bond Issue 4A

Dear Editor:

As co-chair of the Citizens for Meeker Schools Bond Campaign Committee, I welcome this chance to share my support for the Meeker School District’s 4A Bond initiative. A Vote for 4A will fund the District’s redevelopment of Meeker’s existing high school. This project will address critical infrastructure needs and provide an enhanced learning environment for our students and faculty. It will include a new academic wing, secure entrances, a remodeled auditorium, a new gym, and a new bus garage. 4A is more than a vote for bricks and mortar; it is an investment in our kids, our school and our community.

Voting to increase taxes, even for a worthy cause, deserves careful attention. We encourage everyone to review information regarding the process, the costs and the tax impacts at the Citizens for Meeker Schools website (www.voteyesformhs.com),  on our Facebook page, and via recent mailers and advertisements. There will also be an Open House at the Meeker High School on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend to tour the existing facility and ask questions. We also encourage voters to reach out to Meeker School Board members, the district superintendent, as well as members of the Citizens for Meeker Schools with specific questions and comments.

To be honest, I had initial reservations about the new high school project. Leaking roofs, inadequate classrooms and bathroom stalls that don’t close are obvious issues that require immediate attention; but do they warrant a complete overhaul of the school? I was also concerned about the cost, the impact on commercial property taxes, the process and the school’s commitment to long term maintenance of existing and new facilities.

After attending several meetings, reviewing the district’s detailed information, and a few spirited discussions regarding my concerns, I am now confident that redeveloping the existing high school is necessary and worth our investment. More importantly, if the bond is passed, I believe the district is prepared to oversee a successful project that includes an ongoing maintenance plan to ensure exiting and new facilities will be properly maintained for years to come. Over the summer, the district reassessed the project to reduce the cost to prioritize and tackle the most critical issues as efficiently and effectively as possible. In addition, if the bond is passed, the district will continue to pursue grants with the goal of reducing the total project cost.

As a commercial property owner, I realize that 4A will have a direct impact on the taxes for our two downtown properties as well as our residence. It will be more than the cost of a “Starbucks” for commercial properties, but it is investment in our students, and the people to who do so much to make our public education system a success. Public education is not about an individual concern over a specific topic; it is about the overall value that it brings to our students and community.

The Bond Campaign Committee has heard concerns about taxes, concerns about the four-day school week and the need for additional operating revenues. A healthy and civil dialog on these issues is welcomed and a tribute to our community. While these are valid points for discussion, they do not eliminate or address the critical infrastructure issues at Meeker High School. In addition, if the statewide initiative, Amendment 73, is passed, it will address many of the district’s operating revenue challenges.

Even complex topics can be boiled down to a few simple questions. Does Meeker High School require renovation to meet student and faculty safety and educational needs, and are we, as a community, willing to fund the project? My answer is yes, I believe the needs are real and worthy of investment. Election ballots will be mailed on Monday, Oct. 14. Please remember to vote, as every vote does count. Thank you in advance for your careful consideration on 4A.

Trina Zagar-Brown

Co-Chair of Citizens for Meeker Schools

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  • Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
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“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
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Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
43 mins ago
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Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
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@bailey_waldref_rew 

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Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce! Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues! @bailey_waldref_rew 💚💚💚 Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! #locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
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More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
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🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
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The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
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View on Instagram |
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Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
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View on Instagram |
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“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier. “For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.” Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
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The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
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