Thanks to first responders
Dear Editor:
I want to personally commend the Rio Blanco/Meeker 911 response for ambulances and personnel to our need and request for help Wednesday July 9, 2025 at the Rolling R Ranch in Buford. Your emergency 911 crew showed up timely and exhibited professionalism in retrieving our friend from his fall. They got him stabilized and extricated from the rim from which he fell. They determined the need for and called Flight for Life helicopter to take John to St Mary’s in GJ. (John is fine although stitched up and sore all over).
Your crew deserves proper acknowledgement to your community for a job well done. And a very grateful “thank you” from our group.
Very sincerely,
Gregg Cranston
Grand Junction, Colorado
Additional info about HS ecology program
Dear Editor:
Here’s some further context to your article last week about Meeker students’ participation in Ecology Project International (EPI). Our first trip with EPI was to Costa Rica in 2005, not 2008. Energetic students in the MHS Class of 2005 motivated that trial run. Wonderfully supportive parents made it possible. After that great first experience we organized yearly trips with EPI, so by 2008 we had participated in three of the EPI international programs: sea turtle studies in Costa Rica, tortoise habitat restoration in Galapagos, and marine habitat monitoring in the Sea of Cortez. 2008 found us back in Costa Rica. EPI opened its Belize field station soon thereafter, and of course we went, followed by trips every other year to present.
EPI was a fledgling outfit in 2005. We kind of grew up with it. It is one of the premier research and cultural exchange opportunities available to high school students. It offers hands-on field science and conservation projects working with internationally renowned research teams, and it offers lived experience in a foreign culture. It opens the world to our kids.
Special thanks to Ann Franklin and her helpers for carrying on. As Ann pointed out in last week’s article, Meeker’s EPI trips would not be possible without the generous support of our community. Thank you, Meeker!
Dr. Bob Dorsett
Meeker
Concerns about library board
Dear Editor:
At the May 28 library board meeting, I asked a few questions and received a lengthy response from Board President Mr. Moffitt. His reply covered a wide range of topics, including his personal background, the history of libraries, and his views on the American Library Association, religion, and government. The full exchange is available for public viewing on the Meeker Library website.
In my view, the tone and direction of that conversation raised concerns about how personal beliefs might be influencing board decisions. Meeker is a diverse and thoughtful community, and I believe it’s important that our public institutions reflect and respect a broad range of perspectives.
Over the past several months, I’ve attended numerous library board meetings. From my perspective, Mr. Moffitt sometimes interacts with other board members in a way that feels dismissive, particularly toward female members. During his initial interview for the board position, he mentioned wanting to add “another Christian man” to the board. I believe this highlights the need for a more inclusive and representative approach to leadership in our public institutions.
The way meetings are run can sometimes feel rushed or inflexible, which may limit constructive dialogue. That said, I appreciate the thoughtful contributions of the other board members, especially the women, who seem committed to creating a welcoming library for everyone.
Looking ahead, the County Commissioners will appoint a new board member in December. I encourage community members to stay engaged and to advocate for appointees who reflect the values and diversity of our town—individuals who are familiar with our library, understand our community’s needs, and are committed to serving without a personal agenda.
Thank you,
Jeni Morlan
Meeker