Things are starting to look and feel a little more normal around here for most of us in town, while landowners directly impacted by the fires begin the long task of reparations and rebuilding. Several people have mentioned that now is the right time to take a long, hard look at our fire mitigation and preparation practices, while the Lee and Elk fires are fresh in our minds. So fresh, in fact, that yesterday afternoon’s appearance of smoke over the Lee Fire, as unburned patches within the fire perimeter continue to burn, prompted a little anxiety.
Of all the potential natural disasters, wildfire is the one that presents the greatest threat where we live. For all of you who finally unpacked your bug-out bags this week, make a list of all the things you threw in there during the mad scramble! As a friend mentioned, it would be interesting to know what the strangest items were that got tossed in those bags.
The point: if we go back to “normal” without taking a long, hard look at conditions, we’re missing an opportunity. I expect there will be discussions and meetings forthcoming, so pay attention. There are things everyone can do to mitigate fire risk.
It was a busy week with fire news and back-to-school info. We have a couple of stories about new staff at Meeker Elementary and Barone Middle School, and a happy story about a local shelter dog who hit the jackpot during the fires and is now a fire crew mascot.
Meeker, School
These Meeker Elementary School students were all smiles at the end of the first day of the 2025-26 school year on Monday. JARED HENDERSON PHOTO
Meeker
MEEKER | With the Elk Fire 100% contained, progress continues on the south side of the Lee Fire, with 68% containment as of press time Wednesday. On Monday the Rocky…
Meeker
MEEKER | A summer road trip and a stop for breakfast at Wendll’s for a ‘Bodacious Breakfast Burrito’ and coffee set the course for Barone Middle School’s new principal, Dr….
Meeker
MEEKER | His name is officially Benjamin, but he goes by Benny. This young St. Bernard was picked up as a dog-at-large in Meeker at the end of July, according…
📦🍎 Mobile Pantry Update
Meeker Mobile Pantry ➡️ Fri, Aug. 22 @ 10:30 a.m., City Park (changed due to wildfires).
La Despensa Móvil: viernes 22 de agosto, 10:30 a.m., Parque de la Ciudad.
🚧🌊 Circle Park Closed
Still under construction—use 3rd & 10th St. ramps for river access.
🎭✨ Matilda Rescheduled
Now showing Aug. 28–30 🎶 at Meeker HS.
🎶🏛 Septemberfest @ The TANK
Aug. 30–Sept. 1 ➡️ Free medieval music installation by TENET.
🍲🗳 RBC Democrats Potluck
Sept. 3, 5–8 p.m., Town Park Pavilion. Meet 2026 candidates + share a dish!
🙏❤️ Community Food Bank Thanks + Needs
Needed this week: mustard, mayo, green chilies, tomato sauce, cereal, pancake mix, pasta, crackers, laundry pods + more.
🧹🔥 Fire Clean-Up Supplies
Free buckets at Ace, Clark’s Market, & Meeker Library. Info: 970-366-0072.
📚📖 Library Book Club
Reading James by Percival Everett. Meet Sept. 8, 1 p.m. @ Meeker Library. New members welcome!
Meeker Sports, MHS Volleyball, Sports
MEEKER | A new season means new opportunities for the Meeker High School volleyball team. After graduating several longtime starters, the Cowboys enter the 2025 campaign with a senior class…
Meeker Sports, MHS Cross Country, Sports
MEEKER | After more than a decade at the helm, head coach Marty Casey is entering his 12th season with the Meeker High School cross country program. For Casey, the…
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