Letters To The Editor, Opinion

Letters to the Editor: Jan 7, 2020

PMC’s column

Dear Editor:
Authors generally attach their names to their publications. A series of Guest Columns in your newspaper related to COVID-19 carries the byline “Pioneers Medical Center Providers.”

Who is writing these articles? And what is their purpose? The articles say that we should not trust the experts. Is that really the intent of Pioneers Medical Center? Don’t trust the advice of medical experts?

The PMC author’s Dec. 31 article, titled “Evidence-based discussions need to occur,” takes us through a series of calculations for the infection fatality rate (IFR) associated with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The author bases his/her analysis on a study (O’Driscoll, 2020) that accounts for uncertainties in the prevalence data (seropositivity rates). But the author lops off another 75% from the published IFR, without justification. The uncertainty in IFR is already accounted for in the O’Driscoll methodology (never mind that the author’s age-related mortality figures don’t match the data published in O’Driscoll, anyway). That said, peer-reviewed research does show that individual risk for death from coronavirus in younger age groups is very low. Yes, that is reassuring for otherwise healthy young individuals. And while it is certainly true, as the author says, that a healthy diet and exercise go a long way toward reducing individual risk for coronavirus, those measures will not end this pandemic.

As of Jan. 2 COVID-19 has caused over 1.83 million documented deaths worldwide, more than 348,000 deaths in the U.S., and affects all age groups. And we’re not anywhere near the end. Compare that to seasonal influenza, which kills on the order 40,000 each year in this country. By the author’s own figures, without improved compliance with public health recommendations we’re on track for one to two million covid-related deaths in the over-65 age group in the U.S. alone.

It has been well established that public health precautions including masks, distancing, avoiding indoor group gatherings, and frequent handwashing prevent viral transmission and prevent deaths (CDC, 2020). We are fortunate to have skilled and dedicated medical experts at Pioneers Medical Center taking care of our community. Their message needs to be loud clear. Follow the public health guidelines, and, unless you have other medical contraindications, get vaccinated.

References:
O’Driscoll, Megan et al. 2020. Age-specific mortality and immunity patterns of SARS-CoV-2. Nature: November 2, 2020. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2918-0
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2020. How to protect yourself and others. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2020. Archive of covid research. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/science-and-research.html

Dr. Bob Dorsett
Meeker


Good morning, America

Dear Editor:
Good morning, America. 2020 has now passed through. Good, bad and ugly, we knew it wouldn’t last. With God, guns and ol’ glory we’ve nothing to fear.We must keep these things close to our hearts for they are so dear.
As we move forward in our lives here today give thanks and hugs and do not sway, for this is what America is about.
Stand strong, stand fast and do not doubt.
Your children and grandchildren deserve the best.
You may have to fight hard and long without much rest.
If we stand together in our world today, we’ll get back to work and school and play.
So as you move forward in 2021,
Be kind and caring for you are the one.
So as Americans I want you to know,
The world needs us to sparkle like the bright , shiny snow.
We must pull together and stand as one,
To prove to the world our work is not done.
So as Americans given a new start,
Put a skip in your walk and love in your heart.
God bless America.

Randy Ridgeway
Meeker


Fast tracking wolves

Dear Editor:
Residents of Rio Blanco County,

I strongly encourage you to write a letter to the Wildlife Commission voicing your concern about any effort to fast track the introduction of wolves in Colorado. The wolves have been misrepresented and the impact they will have has been skewed to persuade voters that they are needed in our ecosystems. It has been stressed to voters that the wolves are necessary to manage wildlife populations and maintain streams and riparian areas, but this is far from accurate. Wolves are already present in northwest Colorado and if the State introduces even more wolves into our area, they will decimate our wildlife and impose yet another severe hit to our local economy.

It is crucial that the people of the western slope become vocal about the damage that the wolves will inflict and ensure that the State adheres to the process that the voters voted on which said they would hold hearings statewide. If the effort to fast track the introduction of wolves prevails, it will be disastrous to our state and communities. We must make the Commission aware of the negative impacts that introduction will have on the Western Slope. You can find numerous resources on the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts website www.whiterivercd.com/wolves to help you have your voice heard. Please send letters to the State Wildlife Commission asap.

Thank you,

Klinglesmith Family
Meeker



Shout out

Dear Editor:
We are writing this to give a shout out to a couple of gals, who in our opinion, really rallied and stepped up to the plate during the turmoil of 2020. Those two people are Alice Harvey (RBC Public Health) and Niki Turner (Editor Rio Blanco Herald Times). As we are all aware 2020 was a difficult and trying year, so all the more important to have people, in key positions, who can maintain professionalism and integrity to their community during adverse times.

Ms. Harvey had the very difficult task of monitoring, reporting and relaying Covid statics, while keeping the community informed of government Covid guidelines as well as overseeing public health testing and tracing, not to mention untold meetings with county commissioners to advise on strategies. A monumental task was thrust upon her in an unprecedented pandemic. She kept a cool head and gave sound advice based on the facts and CDC guidelines. Likewise, Ms. Turner had the equally difficult task of keeping the citizens of Rio Blanco County informed of new developments and reporting the facts and statistics, which she did in an unbiased and neutral manner. There has been undeniable controversy in this community, however, as stated above Ms. Turner sticks to the facts and produces a quality newspaper that is very informative and worth reading. So kudos to both of these amazing ladies! We are very pleased to have such quality people in our community, you are the true heroes of 2020! Please keep up the good work, it doesn’t go unnoticed

Matt Wells and Sinclair Rios
Meeker

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@ht.1885
  • It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
5 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

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