RBC | We need to do more to support our communities struggling with mental health. We need to talk about mental health and end the stigma around asking for help. We need to fund our behavioral health services to ensure no one in our state spends months on a waiting[Read More…]
Tag: Guest Column
Part 1: What’s in a brand?
Just a few months after moving to Meeker, Tracy and I were at a barbecue downtown, sitting under a tent. A native recognized us as newbies and started a conversation. Tracy was describing the colorful garden she had left in Westminster. Our host told us not to plant annuals in[Read More…]
Guest Column: Wild camels
The Meeker Herald Feb. 18, 1899, edition reported: “The last wild camel in the United States died the other day. While full particulars of the event are not at hand, it is probable death was caused by the last straw breaking his back.” I am not quite sure how much[Read More…]
Gilsonite
As I was standing in the White River Museum, someone uttered the word “Gilsonite.” I thought about saying “Gesundheit!” This was the first time in my life I had ever heard the word Gilsonite. They patiently explained it was something mined in the Western part of Rio Blanco. I nodded[Read More…]
Guest Column: Standing up for rural communities
Rural communities like our own are truly special. I grew up in our rural communities and with my grandpa as a rancher, I have a keen appreciation of our Western values. As a proud Western Slope citizen and member of the Agriculture, Natural Resources & Water Committee, I am committed[Read More…]
Guest Column: The benefit of public-private partnership
Our mountain and rural communities thrive when we work together. Lacking the resources of the big city, we must all collaborate to solve our most pressing challenges. We’ve been doing this for a long time, and I am confident that this type of problem solving can help us address one[Read More…]
The mystery photo is a _______
And the answer to the mystery photo is a saddle iron (AKA running iron). No, you don’t use it instead of a clothes iron to iron saddle leather. It is used to brand cattle and portable enough to be carried in a saddle bag. This one is owned by Mike[Read More…]
Guest Column: The importance of news literacy
News literacy is the ability to recognize the standards of fact-based news in order to trust, share, and act on accurate information. In a Digital Age where information spreads like wildfire, it is becoming more challenging than ever to separate fact from fiction. Anyone has the ability to create and[Read More…]
The Western slope way
Being your state representative is truly the honor of a lifetime. The first few days at the State Capitol were filled with excitement and hope. On Jan. 9, all newly-elected legislators were sworn in, and we now have a majority women state legislature for the first time in Colorado history.[Read More…]
Back to work at the Capitol
The start of the legislative year provides a spirit of optimism, as we seek to bring solutions and ideas for the challenges and opportunities that our communities face. After speaking directly with many voters on the campaign trail and community leaders in recent weeks, I feel energized and hopeful about[Read More…]
Real men eat haggis
I used to have a bumper sticker that read “REAL MEN EAT HAGGIS.” It exemplified Scottish nationalism, swagger, and sarcastic humor. Scots have a unique celebration that features haggis and their national bard, Robert Burns, known affectionately as “Robbie.” Robbie Burns is accepted as their greatest poet and hero of[Read More…]
Guest Column: A deep consideration on self-care
Self-care is a term we hear around every corner these days, and have for years now. “Self-care is the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health worker,” as defined by[Read More…]
