Sarah Nielsen, BOE President
Rangely School District RE-4
970-675-2207
Rangely School District RE-4 Board of Education Seeking Letters of Interest to Fill Vacant Seat
Rangely, Colorado – September 18, 2026 – The Rangely School District RE-4 Board of Education is officially accepting letters of interest from qualified community members to fill a vacancy on the Board. The opening follows the recent resignation of Board Member Kristie Kilduff. While Ms. Kilduff’s term runs until November, 2029, the appointee will need to run in the November, 2027 school board election to serve the remaining two years of the vacant term.
To qualify for the vacant Board seat, applicants must meet the following legal requirements:
Be registered to vote
Be a resident of Rangely School District
Interested individuals must submit a letter of interest to Sarah Nielsen, BOE President, via email or by mail/hand-delivery to the District Administration Office located at 402 West Main Street, Rangely, Colorado, 81648.
Letters of interest must be fully submitted no later than 6:00pm on October 20, 2026.
Following the close of the application window, the Board of Education will review materials and publish the list of prospective candidates. The Board plans to conduct public interviews during a Special Meeting on November 17, 2026, with the final appointment and oath of office scheduled to take place during the Regular Board Meeting on November 17, 2026.
For more information, please visit the District’s website or contact Teresa Gilbert, Board Secretary, at 970-675-2207.
Published: September 24, 2026
Rio Blanco Herald Times
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PUBLIC NOTICE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF RIO BLANCO COUNTY, COLORADO
Notice is hereby given that the Board of County Commissioners of Rio Blanco County, Colorado, will hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, beginning at 9:00 am at the Rio Blanco County Historic Courthouse, 555 Main Street, 3rd Floor Commissioner’s Hearing Room, in Meeker, Colorado. The agenda for the meeting will be posted at least 24 hours in advance on the Rio Blanco County website at www.rbc.us. For additional information or if you require special accommodations to attend the meeting, please contact the Board of County Commissioners’ Office at (970) 878-9445.
Published: September 24, 2026
Rio Blanco Herald Times
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LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLICATION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE IN FULL AND
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the Board of County Commissioners of Rio Blanco County, Colorado will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 1:00 PM.
The full text of the proposed ordinance is published below for public review and consideration.
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-002
THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF RIO BLANCO COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF RIO BLANCO COUNTY, BANNING OPEN FIRES IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF RIO BLANCO COUNTY PURSUANT TO C.R.S. §30-15-401, FINDING AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY REQUIRING THIS ORDINANCE TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY UPON ADOPTION, AND IMPOSING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF THIS ORDINANCE
WHEREAS , the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Rio Blanco (Board), adopted Ordinance 2026-3 on June 26, 2006 to ban open fires in the unincorporated areas of Rio Blanco County; and
WHEREAS, the Board adopted Resolution No. 2019-06 on March 25, 2019 concerning bans on open fires in the unincorporated areas of Rio Blanco County; and
WHEREAS, the Board, pursuant to C.R.S. § 30-11-107(1)(a) and C.R.S. § 30-15-401(1)(n.5), has authority and has the general enabling power to adopt ordinances, resolutions, rules and other regulations as may be necessary for the control or licensing of those matters of purely local concern, and to do all acts which may be necessary or expedient to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Rio Blanco County; and to ban open fires to a degree and in a manner the Board deems necessary to reduce the danger of wildfires within those portions of unincorporated Rio Blanco County where forest or grass fires are found to be high, based on competent evidence; and
WHEREAS , the Rio Blanco County Sheriff (Sheriff), as Fire Warden for Rio Blanco County, monitors fire weather conditions and fire danger ratings; and
WHEREAS , C.R.S. § 30-15-401(1)(n.7) authorizes the Board to prohibit the sale, use and possession of fireworks, including permissible fireworks, within those portions of unincorporated Rio Blanco County; and
WHEREAS , the Board acknowledges that from time-to-time weather conditions exist in Rio Blanco County which are favorable for rapid fire growth and under such circumstances, open fires and burning threaten the health, safety and wellbeing of citizens and property in Rio Blanco County. During these high fire-danger conditions, the Board recognizes restrictions on Open Fires and use of fireworks are in the best interests of all citizens to preserve the health, safety and welfare of the citizens and protection of property; and
WHEREAS , C.R.S. § 30-15-405, provides that, except for ordinances calling for special elections or necessary to the immediate preservation of the public health or safety and containing the reasons making the same necessary, such ordinances shall not take effect and be in force before thirty (30) days after they have been so published; however, an excepted ordinance shall take effect upon adoption; and
WHEREAS , the Board finds that due to the current seasonal drought conditions, critically dry fuels, and the increasing likelihood of extreme fire behavior, delay in implementation of this ordinance would pose an immediate risk to public health, safety, and property; and
WHEREAS , the Board finds it to be prudent and necessary to establish a process to ban open fires, under conditions where open burning is dangerous to the health and safety of the community and the danger of forest and/or grass fires is high and to require citizens to notify the Sheriff before initiating an agricultural fire and/or open burning and to provide penalties for initiating such a fire on days when restrictions are in effect, and
WHEREAS , the Sheriff is authorized pursuant to sections C.R.S. § 30-10-512 and C.R.S. § 30-10-513, to act as Fire Warden of the County and is responsible for coordination of fire suppression efforts in case of prairie, forest or wildland fires or wildfires occurring in unincorporated areas of the County outside the boundaries of a fire protection district or when a fire exceeds the capabilities of a fire protection district to control; and
WHEREAS , the Board believes that the Sheriff, as Fire Warden, is the appropriate person, and using their expertise and discretion along with established fire restriction evaluation guidelines and in consultation with Board, the Rio Blanco County Emergency Manager, Rio Blanco County fire districts and representatives of the United States Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to determine whether a restriction of open fires, open burning and use of fireworks should be implemented or elevated in times of extreme fire danger or suspended during times of decreased fire danger; and
WHEREAS, the Board recognizes that wildfire conditions within Rio Blanco County can change quickly due to factors such as weather, fuel conditions, and seasonal dryness, and that the National Weather Service provides timely and reliable information through Fire Weather Watches, Red Flag Warnings, and High Wind Watches and Warnings that are useful indicators of increased fire risk; and
WHEREAS, the Board acknowledges the importance of agricultural burning as a land‑management and operational practice within Rio Blanco County, and further finds that requiring advance notice to the Sheriff’s Office or designated notification system prior to agricultural burning can improve coordination, situational awareness, and communication among landowners and emergency responders; and
WHEREAS, the Board finds that encouraging individuals to confirm current fire conditions before engaging in fire‑related activities.
WHEREAS , upon review of Rio Blanco County Ordinance 2006-3 and Resolution No. 2019-06 and with consultation with the Sheriff, as Fire Warden, the Board deems it is in the best interest of the citizens of Rio Blanco County to REPEAL Rio Blanco County Ordinance 2006-3 and Resolution No. 2019-06 and adopt this Ordinance in its place.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF RIO BLANCO COUNTY:
I. TITLE
This Ordinance shall be known and referred to as the “BANNING OPEN FIRES IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF RIO BLANCO COUNTY ORDINANCE,” and may be cited as such.
II. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Ordinance is to:
a. Preserve and protect the public health, safety and welfare of citizens in Rio Blanco County by restricting open fires, open burning, and/or the use of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the County through fire restriction stages when high fire dangers exist to prevent forest and grass fires; and
b. Establish open/agricultural Burning definitions and allow for the implementation of restrictions on open fires and burning during severe weather conditions to include Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
c. Appoint the Sheriff with the authority, after consultation with the Board, the Rio Blanco County Emergency Manager, Rio Blanco County fire districts and representatives of the United States Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to enact Stage I, Stage II and Stage III fire restrictions as defined within this Ordinance within all or portions of unincorporated Rio Blanco County when high fire danger conditions exist and rescind those restrictions when appropriate.
d. Define applicable penalties and fee schedule for violation of the ordinance.
III. DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this Ordinance, the following definitions shall apply:
a. Fireworks: As defined in C.R.S. § 24-33.5-2001(5) any composition or device designed to produce a visible or audible effect by combustion, deflagration, or detonation and that meets the definition of articles pyrotechnics, permissible fireworks or display fireworks pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-33.5-2001(11).
b. Red Flag/Fire Weather Watch Temporary Fire Ban: A Red Flag/Fire Weather Watch Temporary Fire Ban is in effect any time the National Weather Service issues any of the following watches/advisories:
1. Red Flag Warning
2. Fire Weather Watch
c. Open Fire: As used in this Ordinance, the term “Open Fire”:
1. Includes : Setting fire to any grass, wood or other combustible material outside of an enclosed structure; the use of explosives or fireworks of all kinds and brands; or outdoor welding, cutting/grinding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame other than in an area cleared of all flammable materials;
2. Does NOT include : Emissions from fireplaces, pellet grills, fire pits, chimeneas or other wood burning containers that have been approved for residential, recreation, or aesthetic purposes at a residence or business; campfire outside a structure or living accommodation contained by a fireplace, pit, or permanent grate used for cooking, personal warmth, personal recreation, ceremonial or aesthetic purposes or a campfire that uses charcoal, natural gas, propane or another fuel or fires within a residential or commercial fireplace.
d. Agricultural Open Burning: Colorado defines Agricultural Open Burning as: open burning of cover vegetation for the purpose of preparing the soil for crop production, weed control, maintenance of water conveyance structures related to agricultural operations, and other agricultural cultivation purposes.” [Colorado Air Regulation 9]
e. Trash: Any mixture or quantity of flammable and/or inflammable waste materials, including but not limited to garbage, rubbish, wastepaper, wood fabric, metal, or other materials of a manmade nature which are discarded as waste from any home, institution, or business.
f. Slash/Pile Burning: Burning of vegetative material that has been concentrated by manual or mechanical methods and separated into piles.
IV. APPLICATION
Pursuant to C.R.S. § 30-15-401(2)(a)(I), this Ordinance shall apply throughout unincorporated areas of Rio Blanco County. This ordinance shall also apply within the corporate limits of any incorporated town or city within Rio Blanco County which elects by appropriate ordinance or resolution to have the provisions of this Ordinance apply therein.
V. UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES
a. The following activities are unlawful at all times within unincorporated Rio Blanco County:
1. Engaging in any activity prohibited when Stage I, Stage II or Stage III Fire Restrictions are in effect other than exempted per this Ordinance.
2. Initiating an agricultural open burn, broadcast burn, or other open burning requiring notification under this Ordinance, without first notifying the Sheriff.
3. Initiating an Open Fire in unincorporated areas of Rio Blanco County during a “Red Flag/Fire Weather Watch Temporary Fire Ban.”
4. The open burning of any plastics, tires, asphaltic shingles, insulation or similar dense or toxic smoke-producing substances by any person, firm, corporation, cooperative, or any other entity is prohibited.
VI. OPEN BURNS THAT REQUIRE A STATE PERMIT FROM CDPHE
Certain Open Burning is allowed but requires a permit issued through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Air Pollution Control Division. These burns include, but are not limited to, Slash/Pile Burning. See Colorado Air Quality Control Commission Regulation No. 9, 5 Code Colorado Regulations § 1001-11 and https://cdphe.colorado.gov/outdoor-burning for further information.
VII. REQUIRED NOTICE TO SHERIFF
No person in Rio Blanco County shall initiate an agricultural open burn, broadcast burn or open fire as described in this Ordinance without first notifying the Sheriff at 355 4 th Street, Meeker, Colorado as to the location of any fire(s) to be initiated. Failure to notify may result in a penalty of up to $300 fine, $10 surcharge, class 2 petty offense.
VIII. REQUIREMENT TO CONFIRM FIRE RESTRICTION STATUS
Prior to engaging in any activity regulated by this Ordinance, a person has an affirmative duty to confirm that Red Flag/Fire Weather Watch or Stage I, Stage II or Stage III Fire Restrictions are not in effect by consulting official National Weather Service Publications, Rio Blanco County and the Sheriff’s websites, county emergency notifications or other reliable sources.
IX. DECLARATION OR RESCISSION OF STAGE I OR STAGE II OPEN FIRE RESTRICTION – AUTHORITY DESIGNATED TO THE RIO BLANCO COUNTY SHERIFF
a. The Board recognizes that when weather conditions bring low relative humidity, dry fuel loads and the potential for extreme fire behavior; local, state and federal fire suppression and land management agencies meet on a regular basis to determine whether fire restrictions are warranted to prevent fires and protect the health, safety and property of citizens across the region. During these discussions there may be an urgent need to implement Stage I or Stage II Open Fire Restrictions without delay.
b. The Board declares that the Sheriff, in their capacity as Fire Warden, shall have the authority to declare Stage I or Stage II Open Fire Restrictions whenever the danger of forest and/or grass fires is found to be high and without further proceedings or Resolution required by the Board. Any declaration of restrictions made pursuant to this section shall specify the Stage Level, parameters and duration of the restrictions as deemed necessary and appropriate.
c. The Board declares that the Sheriff, in their capacity as Fire Warden, shall have the authority to rescind Stage I or Stage II Open Fire Restrictions without further proceedings or Resolution required by the Board.
X. FIRE RESTRICTION STAGES
The following Open Fire Restriction Stages shall be applicable in unincorporated Rio Blanco County:
a. STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS
1. Open burning, excepting fires and campfires within permanently constructed fire grates in developed campgrounds and picnic grounds, charcoal grills and wood burning stoves at private residences in areas cleared of all flammable materials, and those other exceptions/exemptions as noted in Section XI.
2. Agricultural open burning of fields, fence rows, ditches, piles, and slash.
3. Using explosive material: (i.e.: fireworks, blasting caps or any incendiary device which may result in the ignition of flammable material).
4. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame; except within an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable material at least 10 feet on all sides from the equipment and possess a chemical pressurized five-pound fire extinguisher and one round pointed shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches. The extinguisher and shovel may be kept with the welding supplies but must be readily available for quick use.
5. Outdoor smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
6. Operating or using any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order.
b. STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS
1. All open burning as defined, other than those exceptions/exemptions as noted in Section XI.
2. Agricultural open burning of fields, fence rows, ditches, piles, Trash and slash
3. Using explosive material: (i.e.: fireworks, blasting caps, exploding targets or any incendiary device which may result in the ignition of flammable material.)
4. Outdoor smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
5. Welding, cutting, grinding or operating an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame.
6. Operating or using any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order.
7. Operating a chainsaw without a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity by weight, and one size 0 or larger round pointed shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches. The extinguisher shall be with the chainsaw operator. The shovel may be kept with the fueling supplies but readily available.
c. STAGE III FIRE RESTRICTIONS
1. If the Sheriff, after consultation with the various local, state and federal fire suppression and land management agencies, receives a recommendation that Rio Blanco County shall impose Stage III Fire Restrictions within Rio Blanco County, the Sheriff shall immediately inform the Board and call for a meeting of the Board. The Sheriff shall then present recommendations to the need for Stage III restrictions.
2. When conditions indicate a reduction or the suspension of Stage III restrictions, the Sheriff shall notify the Board of the recommendations for such reduction or suspension from local, state and federal officials.
3. The Stage III Fire Restrictions shall be implemented or rescinded by Resolution of the Board.
4. Stage III Fire Restrictions are a closure order that includes all orders under Stage I and II, in addition to prohibiting all entry into the affected area of the restrictions except for:
A. Persons with a written fire entry and activity permit issued by the Sheriff;
B. Any local, state or federal officer or member of an organized rescue, firefighting force, law enforcement or other first responder in the performance of an official duty;
C. Resident owners and lessees of private property within the closed area; or
D. Other exceptions as designated by the Sheriff or Board.
XI. EXCEPTIONS/EXEMPTIONS
The following persons and events are exempt:
1) Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or
omission; and
2) any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting
force in the performance of an official duty; and
3) open fires in areas designated and signed for allowed open fires; and
4) fireworks displays organized or sponsored by a public entity.
XIII. ENFORCEMENT
This Ordinance shall be enforced by the Rio Blanco County Sheriff, or their designee.
XIV. PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION
1. Pursuant to C.R.S. § 30-15-402(1), any person who violates any provision of this Ordinance shall be guilty of a civil infraction, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1000) for each separate violation. Each violation shall be deemed separate and distinct from any other violation and punishable as a separate offense.
VIOLATIONS:
● First Offense: $500 fine, $10 surcharge, class 2 petty offense
● Second Offense: $750 fine, $20 surcharge, class 2 misdemeanor offense
● Third and Subsequent Offenses: $1,000 fine, $50 surcharge, class 6 felony offense
2. The penalty assessment procedure provided in C.R.S. § 16-2-201 is authorized to be followed by any law enforcement officer for such violation(s). The notice shall be a summons and complaint, identify the alleged offender, specify the offense and applicable fine, and require that the alleged offender pay the fine or appear to answer the charge at a specified time and place.
XV. ADDITIONAL REMEDIES
The remedies provided in this ordinance shall be cumulative and in addition to any other federal, state or local remedy, criminal or civil which may be available. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude prosecution under any other applicable statute, ordinance, rule, order or regulation including, but not limited to, prosecution under C.R.S. § 18-13-109.
XVI. SEVERABILITY
If any section, subsection, clause, sentence or phrase of this Ordinance is adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect, impair or invalidate any other provisions of this ordinance which can be given effect without such invalid provision.
XVII. EMERGENCY
The Board hereby finds, determines and declares that this Ordinance is necessary for the immediate preservation and protection of the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Rio Blanco County, Colorado and shall be effective upon adoption.
XVIII. REPEAL
Upon this Ordinance becoming effective, all ordinances and resolutions previously enacted declaring fire emergencies and/or fire bans, bans on open burning and similar activities are REPEALED, except to the extent that any prosecutions for violations charged under the prior enactments shall proceed under any prior enactment.
XX. CERTIFICATION
The County Clerk shall certify the passage of this Ordinance and make not less than three copies of the adopted Code available for inspection by the public during regular business hours.
INTRODUCED, READ, ADOPTED ON FIRST READING on the 15th day of September, 2026, and ordered published in the RIO BLANCO HERALD TIMES .
PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING will be on the 6th day of October, 2026 at 1:00 PM;
and
PASSED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF RIO BLANCO COUNTY, COLORADO AFTER A PUBLIC HEARING AND SIGNED THIS ______ DAY OF _________, 2026.
Published: September 24, 2026
Rio Blanco Herald Times
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MEEKER SCHOOL DISTRICT RE-1
Board of Education Regular Meeting
555 Garfield Street
Meeker, CO 81641
Monday, September 28, 2026 – 7:00 p.m.
Google Meet link: https://meet.google.com/shk-yaeo-nsi
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
2. Pledge of Allegiance: Mrs. Franklin will lead the Pledge of Allegiance
3. Welcome of Guests
4. Approval of Agenda
District Celebrations: School and District Performance Frameworks/Accreditation Ratings
Student Celebrations:
Staff Recognition:
General Public Comment Session: (comments limited to three minutes)
Public/Committee Reports: DAC, MEF, BOCES/SAC, DLT, Employee Council
Principal Reports: MES, BMS, MHS
Superintendent Report: 20260928 Board Meeting Report
Consent Agenda:
1. Approval: Minutes from Regular Board Meeting on August 24, 2026
2. Acceptance: Financial Reports and Check Vouchers for August 2026
Action Items:
1. Approval: Personnel – Chance Walker (Volunteer BMS Cross Country Coach)
2. Approval: 2026-2027 Superintendent Goals
3. Approval: Policy 3rd Reading – JICA (Student Dress Code)
4. Approval: Policy 2nd Reading – 20260824 Policy Update
Other BOE Information:
1. 2026 Ballot Initiatives (Policy Group DB)
a. Statewide Ballot Initiatives
b. Community Communications
2. Assessments & Accreditation (Policy IK & AED)
a. School and District Performance Frameworks
b. Historical SPF and DPF Ratings
c. 2026 Annual Assessment Data Report
d. CDE Accreditation Form
3. Superintendent Goals (Policy CBI and CBI-R, Contract Provision) – 2025-2026 Goals Summary
4. School Board Best Practices (Policy BBA)
a. Role/Responsibilities Task List
b. BOE Mission, Values, Roles, and Focus
c. Meeker BOE self evaluation form
d. BOE discussion/training topics
5. School Resource Officer (Policies DB and ADD) – SRO Roles/Responsibilities
6. Finance (Policy Group DB) – Uses for General Fund balance
7. Community Survey (Policy KCB & ADA)
a. Community Survey Action Plan – Monitoring (2023-2024 Surveys)
b. Timing for potential community survey
8. Capital Projects (Policy FB and FB-R)
9. Other
Executive Session (if needed):
Adjournment:
Published: September 24, 2026
Rio Blanco Herald Times
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2026 Rio Blanco County
CR4 Bridge Replacement Project
Invitation for Bid
Project Name, Location and General Scope of Work: Rio Blanco County is seeking a qualified Contractor to remove the existing steel stringer bridge and replace it with a cast-in-place concrete box culvert for the project entitled CR4 Bridge Replacement Project. The structure is located in Eastern Rio Blanco County on CR4 at mile point 6.00, with coordinates at approximately 40.005 , -107.8389.
Contract Documents: All bid information and contract documents are available at www.bidnetdirect.com//rio-blancocounty.
Project Administrator: Antina DiBenedetto, Public Works Administrator, (970)878-9590, email: [email protected]
Project Duration: The County plans the project to begin on November 18, 2026 and planned completion for the project to be by May 1, 2027.
Title VI Commitment: Rio Blanco County, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. SS 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.
RIO BLANCO COUNTY COLORADO
By: Callie Scritchfield, Chairman
Published: September 24 and October 1, 2026
Rio Blanco Herald Times