RBC | The U.S. House has passed, 211-204, a bill to remove Endangered Species Act protections for the gray wolf outside Alaska. The bill, sponsored by Colorado Republican Lauren Boebert, would direct the Interior secretary to reissue a 2020 rule removing ESA protections that delisted wolves other than the Mexican[Read More…]
Latest News
Obituary: Afton Lenae Robertson
March 16, 2007 ~ Dec. 20, 2025 Afton Lenae Robertson, 18, of Rangely, Colorado, passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 20, 2025, in North Platte, Nebraska, as the result of a tragic truck accident. Afton was born on March 16, 2007, and from the very beginning carried a spirit that was[Read More…]
From foundation to finish: Transforming old houses into new homes
MEEKER | For Jayne and Steve Coley, real estate isn’t just about buying and selling. It’s about turning houses into homes, handling the hard work families can’t, and leaving a lasting impact on Meeker’s community. From inherited family homes to long-vacant properties, the couple brings new life to Meeker houses,[Read More…]
‘Disappointed’: Officials respond to denial of FEMA fire recovery funding
This landscape should be covered with snow in December, but that’s not blowing snow, it’s dry ash from the Lee Fire burn scar southwest of Meeker. When the ash settles, it drifts like sand, further complicating recovery efforts and warning of additional flooding and debris flows in the future. KATHLEEN KELLEY[Read More…]
Regift that Christmas tree for fish habitat starting Monday, Dec. 29
Special to the HT RBC | Have you considered regifting your Christmas tree for fish habitat? Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) will begin collecting real Christmas trees starting Monday, Dec. 29. You can drop off your Christmas tree at the CPW Meeker Area Office or the CPW Craig Warehouse in[Read More…]
RBC Commissioners appoint Rose Pugliese as new county attorney
RBC | Rio Blanco County Commissioners agreed to appoint Rose Pugliese as county attorney, replacing Don Steerman, who opted not to renew his bid for the position. Pugliese is a former Mesa County Commissioner (2013-2021) and most recently served as the Colorado House Minority Leader from House District 14. She[Read More…]
Yellow Jacket Water Meeting: Lake Avery expansion?
Special to the HT RBC | Chair Kelly Sheridan called the Yellow Jacket Water Conservation Board to order on Dec. 11, 2025. Responsible for the eastern half of the White River watershed, the board met for the first time this year. At the center of discussion was the proposed Lake[Read More…]
Strong audit, student achievements headline Meeker school board meeting
RBC | Earlier this month, the Meeker School District RE-1 Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting at the district office. Board President Bill Devergie, Vice President Tom Allen, and board members Joe Nieslanik, Ann Franklin, Heather Sauls and Tony Theos were present. Board Secretary Hanna Borchard was absent[Read More…]
RIO HAPPENINGS: Dec 14-20, 2025
ARRESTS 12/14/2025- Meeker Police Dept. arrested a 27 year-old male on driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or both and driving a vehicle with blood alcohol content of 0.08 or more. He was issued a summons and released to a sober party. 12/14/2025- Meeker Police Dept. arrested a 33[Read More…]
COMMUNITY CALENDAR – December 25th, 2025
If you want a copy of “Two Gone Guys” for the book signing on Jan. 18, preorder now MEEKER | We’re sold out of copies of “Two Gone Guys” and the next batch isn’t expected to arrive until the end of January. If you need a copy for the Jan.[Read More…]
Editor’s Column – What are you leaving behind in 2025?
“May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.” ~ Irish Blessing By the time you’re reading this we’ll be in that weird liminal space between Christmas and New Year’s where you can’t remember what day it is or the last[Read More…]
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR – December 25th, 2025
Faith in the public square is not the problem Dear Editor: The recent editorial asserting that politics and religion are a “toxic combination” oversimplifies both history and faith, and in doing so misses an important distinction. The concern should not be whether faith has a place in public life, but[Read More…]
