Aug. 8, 1952 ~ Jan. 5, 2026 Ralph Backes passed away Jan. 5, 2026, at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Ralph was born on Aug. 8, 1952, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, to Chester and JoNell Backes of Milner. He lived in Milner and attended Hayden Schools until his[Read More…]
Latest News
DAYS GONE BY – February 12th, 2026
Meeker Herald ~ 125 years ago After a full of good many years, the various oil fields of Rio Blanco county are again attracting attention. It is said that Colonel Roosevelt will bring his outing to a close next week. He will leave the Keystone ranch on the 15th, stop[Read More…]
Obituary: Terry Dean Broughton
Oct. 1, 1944 ~ Feb. 3, 2026 Terry Dean Broughton, a Rifle, Colorado, native, was born Oct. 1, 1944, in Oakland, California, to Vernice Marva (Ammerman) Broughton and George Raymond Broughton. He was welcomed to the family by older sisters Jacqueline Broughton (Loesch) and Judy Broughton (Bainter). As the youngest[Read More…]
Rio Blanco County youth earn top honors at National Western Stock Show art competition
Several Rio Blanco County students were recognized with top awards at the National Western Stock Show Young Artist Competition during the National Western Stock Show awards ceremony held Jan. 11 in Denver. Alise Massey, an eighth-grader at Barone Middle School, also earned Grand Champion honors in the statewide eighth-grade division.[Read More…]
Pickleball gains a loyal following in Meeker – Interested? Come play!
Special to the HT MEEKER | Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the United States, is alive and well in Meeker. The popularity of pickleball is growing quickly in Meeker. This past year, more than 45 players have utilized both the indoor and outdoor courts. Players from Mexico, France, Oregon, Texas,[Read More…]
Hummel brothers sweep state archery records for 2025
Special to the HT MEEKER | The 2025 Colorado State Archery Association season belonged to the Hummel brothers, as Sawyer and Hudson broke/set state records in the Cub Male Bowhunter class. The Hummels showcased incredible versatility across different disciplines, leaving a trail of new milestones in their wake: Sawyer Hummel[Read More…]
Library board approves cost-of-living increase, doubles donation to Meeker Int’l Ecology Program
MEEKER | After canceling its January work session, the Meeker Regional Library District Board met Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., where Board President John Moffitt raised concerns about the agenda length and proposed a 7 p.m. hard stop. “Eighteen items under new business is excessive,” Moffitt said, suggesting remaining items be[Read More…]
County Commissioners adopt strategic plan, discuss budget successes
RBC | The Board of County Commissioners met Tuesday, Jan. 27, adopting the County Strategic Plan for 2026–2028, approving board appointments, and reviewing financial updates and policy changes. Commissioners adopted the strategic plan presented by Janet Rowland, which outlines future priorities and includes updated mission and vision statements. The plan[Read More…]
RIO HAPPENINGS: JAN 25-31, 2026
ARRESTS 1/28/2026- A 50 year-old male was arrested by Meeker PD on multiple active warrants. He was transported to jail where he remains in custody. 1/31/2026- A 30 year-old male was arrested by Bureau of Land Management officer for an outstanding Moffat County warrant. He was transported to jail. CALL[Read More…]
Pioneers Medical Center announces interim CEO appointment and leadership transition
PRESS RELEASE MEEKER | Pioneers Medical Center announced Tuesday that its Chief Executive Officer, Liz Sellers, has resigned. She stated that she has accepted an opportunity to serve as Chief Executive Officer of another hospital outside the state. Pioneers Medical Center announced last week that Steve Hannah has been appointed[Read More…]
COMMUNITY CALENDAR – February – 5, 2026
Post-Fire Recovery Drop-in Session Feb 5 MEEKER | Landowners impacted by the Lee and Elk Wildfires can meet with Rio Blanco County Recovery Manager Liz Chandler to learn about the Emergency Watershed Protection Program at the Meeker Fire Department (240 7th St.) on Feb. 5 from 11 a.m. to 2[Read More…]
EDITOR’S COLUMN – Sunshine Law compliance builds public trust, and violations tarnish it
“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? (Who watches the watchers?)” ~ Juvenal, Satire VI It must be that time of year again. Sunshine Week — the annual reminder of why open government matters — isn’t officially on the calendar until March, but sometimes the reminder needs to be made a wee bit[Read More…]
