The dance program at the Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park District, headed by Kari Jo Ruchti, marked a milestone anniversary last weekend with it’s 25th annual dance recital. In the past several years the program has expanded so much three performances are needed to include all the dancers,[Read More…]
Latest News
Meeker brewer brings centuries-old Finnish beer to life—inside a tree log
MEEKER | In the quiet town of Meeker, where the scent of pine mingles with the earthy aroma of malt, Chip Brown has replaced the shiny stainless steel of modern brewing equipment with something far more rustic: a hollowed-out tree log. It’s not a gimmick—it’s a deliberate nod to an[Read More…]
Business collaboration thriving: Mountain Charisma & Bluebell Boutique together on Main St.
Mountain Charisma owner Brittney Shonk (left) and Bluebell Boutique owner Jenna Holt (right) joined forces in 2024 to share a space at 646 Main St. MEEKER | Since opening its doors in 2016, Mountain Charisma has grown into a beloved destination for people for all ages. After securing her own[Read More…]
RIO HAPPENINGS: APR 27-May 3, 2025
ARRESTS There were no arrests this week. CALL SUMMARIES 4/25/2025- An Orkin truck hit a deer near the 56 mile-marker on Highway 13. It appears bug repellent is not deer repellent. 4/27/2025 @ 6:26 pm. A landowner shot and killed a dog that was harassing livestock on his property. Rio[Read More…]
Meeker Public Library board discusses fire safety, bylaws and budget
MEEKER | The Meeker Public Library Board held its regular monthly meeting for the month of April last week in the community room of the public library. Board President John Moffitt, Vice President Keri Grieser, Secretary/Treasurer Toby Leavitt, and board member Dan Olson were present. Board member Michael Cobb was[Read More…]
COMMUNITY CALENDAR – May 8th, 2025
YEA Meeker is back! May 9 It’s that time of year again—YEA Meeker is back! YEA (Young Entrepreneurs Are Awesome) is a hands-on program that helps kids turn their passions into real businesses—with support, mentorship, and a whole lot of fun. Come see what it’s all about! Do you have[Read More…]
EDITOR’S COLUMN – All we need is a little patience
“Patience is waiting. Not passively waiting. That is laziness. But to keep going when the going is hard and slow — that is patience.” – Leo Tolstoy If I had a dime for every time I’ve told my kids, grandkids, or dog to “be patient” or “patience is a virtue,”[Read More…]
LETTER TO THE EDITOR – May 8th, 2025
Water Conservancy District seeks input on water needs survey Dear Editor: The Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District (RBWCD) is excited to invite you to join us in an important project—a county-wide Agriculture Water Needs Survey. With support from the Colorado Office of Just Transition Grant, we’re eager to connect with[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS: The Rio Blanco Store
Long time residents fondly remember the Rio Blanco Store as a place to get gas, eats, and treats. It was located along Highway 13 near the intersection with the Piceance Creek road, north of the Rio Blanco School. There is nothing left to see now. The State scraped away even[Read More…]
GUEST COLUMN: Why Rio Blanco County opposes the Smart Wolf Policy Ballot Initiative
RBC | The undersigned organizations wish to provide some important perspectives regarding the proposed “Smart Wolf Policy” ballot initiative to stop wolf reintroductions. We encourage you to carefully consider the following points before offering your support through signatures or funding. Unfortunately, the proponents of this initiative failed to gather stakeholder[Read More…]
MUSEUM MUSINGS: Letters from history No. 81
White River Agency, Colorado July 16, 1879 Sir: In regard to purchasing the grist mill of Todd and Co., Saint Louis, I find it hardly practicable to do business with them. First, they insist that the man performing the skilled labor, for which you have appropriated $400, must have $3[Read More…]
Rangely Panthers shine at WSL Track Championships
RANGELY | The 1A/2A Western Slope League has long been home to Colorado track and field standouts like Shane Gates, Scottie Vines and Kathryn Doll. This past weekend, a new generation of athletes added their names to the league’s legacy during the 2025 WSL Championships, hosted by Meeker High School.[Read More…]
