Bear activity is up sharply in Rio Blanco County this year, with Colorado Parks and Wildlife receiving 189 bear reports between Jan. 1 and Sept. 13. That compares with just 56 reports during the same period in 2025 — an increase of about 237.5%, according to Rachael Gonzales, Northwest Region[Read More…]
Latest News
Mud, mustangs, and happy endings at 2026 Makeover
The 2026 Meeker Mustang Makeover wrapped up Saturday after mud, hail, a hint of a rainbow and one very happy little girl headed home with her “forever horse.” A torrential downpour Saturday afternoon dumped marble-sized hail and made an already slickery arena from the prior night’s rain even muddier. Plenty[Read More…]
PITCH PERFECT
Collins Lohry pitches her idea for gluten-free goodies during Rangely’s 2026 RARE Pitch Competition Sept. 18 at the CNCC Rector Building. Sponsored by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority and the Town of Rangely’s Rangely Development Association (RDA), the competition gave local youth and adults a chance to present their[Read More…]
Rangely residents voice opposition to data centers
Council votes 4-1 against Stage 2 of geothermal study The Rangely Town Council voted 4-1 Tuesday night not to move forward with Stage 2 of a proposed geothermal development, halting for now a project that had become increasingly tied to questions about data centers, water use, cost and public transparency.[Read More…]
OH HAIL NO
Hail pounded Meeker Saturday afternoon in the middle of the Mustang Makeover, with some stones measuring nearly the size of golf balls. Check out a video of the storm on TikTok @ht.1885 CAITLIN WALKER | HT PHOTO
Pub. Health Director: Fed vaccine changes ‘big win’
Commissioners question funding, authority as federal and state guidance diverge Federal vaccine changes “big win,” public health director says; two bats test negative for rabies Rio Blanco County Public Health Director Makala Sheridan Smith praised recent federal changes to childhood vaccine recommendations during the Sept. 15 Board of Health meeting,[Read More…]
Library board expresses frustration over radio silence on appointment process
The Meeker Regional Library District Board met in a workshop Sept. 16 to discuss ongoing confusion over trustee appointments and communication with Rio Blanco County. It was the first workshop for newly-appointed trustee Kim Maupin. Also in attendance were trustees Toby Leavitt, Dan Olson, and Keri Grieser, as well as[Read More…]
LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS HALT BLAZE
Local volunteer fire crews responded to a structure fire at Elk Creek Ranch last Tuesday evening saving approximately half of the home, along with many personal belongings. No one was inside the home when the fire started. One firefighter suffered a minor injury requiring stitches. Elk Creek Ranch assisted the[Read More…]
RIO HAPPENINGS: SEPT. 13-19, 2026
CALL SUMMARIES All in all, it was a fairly typical week in Rio Blanco County. 9/14/2026 @ 4:01 p.m. Two males and one female were given verbal warnings following reports of a four-wheeler and a motorbike running stop signs within town limits. A report of a “hunter down” was received[Read More…]
COMMUNITY CALENDAR – September 24th, 2026
Order donuts by Sunday to support MHS boys wrestling Order donuts and support the Meeker High School boys wrestling team. $!8/original glazed dozen or $20 for pre-assorted dozen. Orders are due by Sunday, Sept. 27. Pick up will be Oct. 4. To order, contact Kim Maupin, 317-918-0041 or [email protected], or[Read More…]
EDITOR’S COLUMN – The S Word
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Last year, an estimated 48,789 people died by suicide in the U.S., making suicide the 11th leading cause of death. Too many of us know what it is like to lose someone this way. In the way of small towns, most of you know[Read More…]
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR – September 24th, 2026
Coming home Dear Editor: There is something truly special about coming home. Over the past few months, one of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been getting out into our community, meeting local residents, and being welcomed into their homes and lives. Every conversation, every handshake, and every[Read More…]