Did you know 1954 is as far from 1990 as 2026 is? When my husband mentioned this Monday night, I argued with him, even though the math does indeed math. Thirty-six years. I am sure those of you who are older and wiser have already caught whatever mysterious affliction it[Read More…]
Latest News
LOOSE ENDS – Good ole’ school days
Special to the HT A totally random observation from this writer at the unofficial end of summer is that there are many more generations making the same statement about the good ole days of school. Reading last week’s online newsletter, I realized that the editor of our own Rio Blanco[Read More…]
HISTORY LESSONS – The San Clemente
We celebrate our great nation’s 250th anniversary this year. We can also celebrate the 250th anniversary of the White River. The valley had its first European tourists in 1776. The resident Native Americans had been roaming this area for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years. Saint Clement of Rome was an[Read More…]
GUEST COLUMN – Back to school: reflecting on Colorado’s investment in students
Special to the HT This month, school buses are back on the roads in House District 26, and thousands of Colorado kids are heading back into the classroom. As a former teacher and now chair of the House Education Committee, back-to-school season has always been important to me. It is[Read More…]
Wandermore finds plenty to like in RBC
When Seth and Eliese Varner rolled into Rio Blanco County as part of their quest to visit every incorporated town in Colorado, they were looking for the things that make small towns worth remembering. They found history, isolation, dinosaur displays, an old wooden bridge — and one extremely memorable burrito.[Read More…]
School board report: Aug. 24
The Meeker School District RE-1 Board of Education met Aug. 24, the first day of the 2026-27 school year, hearing updates on enrollment, school safety, policy changes and long-term planning. The board recognized Lawson Anderson for earning a perfect score on the math portion of the PSAT. Superintendent Chris Selle[Read More…]
PMC earns transparency badge from The Leapfrog Group
Special to the HT Pioneers Medical Center has earned the Leapfrog Full Transparency Badge, recognizing the hospital’s commitment to publicly reporting information about patient safety and quality through the annual Leapfrog Hospital Survey. The Full Transparency Badge is awarded to hospitals that complete, affirm and submit all sections of the[Read More…]
Obituary – Wilfred Christopher “Butch” Rael
Sept. 9, 1939 ~ Aug. 23, 2026 Wilfred Christopher “Butch” Rael passed away peacefully at his home in Gillette, Wyoming, on Aug. 23, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born in Gardner, Colorado, on Sept. 9, 1939, he spent a large portion of his life in Meeker, Colorado, where he attended[Read More…]
Obituary – Beverly Jayne Burdick
Aug. 19, 1932 ~ March 4, 2026 Beverly Jayne Burdick died March 4, 2026, at age 93, leaving behind a loving family and a lifetime of cherished memories. Beverly was born Aug. 19, 1932, to Carl H. and Helen Burnett Seely. She grew up as one of four children alongside[Read More…]
Cowboys attack the trails in Minturn
The Meeker Cowboys continued their 2026 cross country season Saturday at the Battle Mountain Husky Invitational in Minturn, finishing ninth out of 13 scoring teams. Junior Bradley Conrado led Meeker in the boys varsity race, placing 24th in 19 minutes, 30 seconds. Sophomore Landon Damitz followed in 25th at 19:40,[Read More…]
Meeker battles back, sweeps North Park for 5-1 start
MEEKER | The Meeker High School volleyball team opened their 2026 home schedule with a pair of wins, overcoming a slow start against Basalt before returning the following day to sweep North Park. Meeker defeated Basalt 3-1 on Aug. 28, dropping the opening set 25-22 before responding with three straight[Read More…]
Cowboys’ bats stay hot in Battle Mountain split
The Meeker Cowboys continued to show offensive firepower while gaining valuable experience in close games, splitting a doubleheader against Battle Mountain. Meeker won the first game 25-14 before falling 21-20 in the second game. The split moved the Cowboys to 2-3 on the season. The Cowboys’ bats were productive throughout[Read More…]
