If I had a dollar for every person I see driving with a phone in their hand and every person whizzing by on a bike or scooter without a helmet, I could probably take myself to lunch at least once a week. And those are just the ones I notice while staring out the window with a stubborn case of writer’s block.
There’s been some chatter lately about reviving the old bicycle rodeo, and that seems like a great place to start. But maybe we also need a refresher course for drivers.
In an effort to improve road safety and reduce distracted-driving crashes, Colorado’s hands-free driving law took effect in 2025. The law prohibits drivers from holding or manually using a cellphone or other mobile electronic device while driving. That means the ban extends beyond texting to include voice calls and other phone use, unless you’re using a hands-free device.
Annoying? Maybe. But distracted drivers and people riding without helmets are a recipe for disaster. There’s your public service announcement for the week.
There are plenty of stories in this week’s paper for your perusal, and don’t miss the commissioner candidate Q&As beginning on Page 8.
Enjoy your week, and thank you for reading.
(see page 3 for additional details on these events)
👵 Area Agency on Aging seeks public input — Community meeting for the agency’s four-year plan is set for June 8 in Rangely.
🐄 Grazing workshop planned June 6 — “In the Field with Jim Gerrish,” a drought and wildfire grazing workshop, is scheduled June 6 at the 4M Ranch.
🩺 Free CNA training starts June 9 — Pioneers Medical Center is sponsoring a free CNA training program in Meeker from June 9 through July 9. Space is limited.
💵 Free financial literacy classes offered — United Way of the Yampa Valley will host a three-class financial literacy series June 10, 24 and July 8 in Meeker.
📌 Genetics presentation June 15 — Dr. Bob Dorsett will discuss gene-editing technology and the CRISPR-Cas system on June 15 at 5:45 p.m., exploring both the promise and ethical questions surrounding the rapidly advancing field.
🍲 Library cookbook project underway — Meeker Public Library is collecting community recipes for a cookbook.
🔥 Community wildfire mitigation meeting June 30 — Residents in eastern Rio Blanco County are invited to learn about local wildfire mitigation and forest health initiatives at a June 30 meeting in Buford.
🌱 Local Working Group meeting July 2 — The White River Conservation District will host a meeting focused on rangeland health, water quality, drought resilience and more.
🚒 Fire Preparedness Day at Meekerpalooza — A free wildfire preparedness event July 17 will feature defensible space information, chainsaw and extinguisher safety, Smokey Bear and a fire truck.
Meeker, Meeker Sports, Sports
MEEKER | Another summer of rodeo action is set to begin in Meeker as the Meeker Summer Rodeo Series returns to the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds on Thursday, June 11….
Meeker, Meeker Sports, Sports
MEEKER | This past weekend, The Meeker Chamber of Commerce hosted its inaugural golf tournament May 30 at the Meeker Golf Course, bringing together local businesses, community members and golf…
Meeker Sports, Sports
MEEKER | Five straight state championships would be enough for many programs to talk about trophies first. For the Meeker Marlins, head coach Shelly Rogers would rather talk about culture….
Meeker Sports, Sports
From left, Superintendent Chris Selle, Barone Middle School seventh- and eighth-grade Eng Members of Meeker’s 2026 12U Fastpitch softball team pose following a championship season representing Colorado River Valley (CRV)…
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