The origin of April Fool’s Day is not really known. In 18th century Britain, there was a two-day event that encouraged many of the jokes and pranks we still use for our April Fool’s Day. The first day was “Hunting the Gowk,” in which people were sent all over on[Read More…]
Tag: Guest Column
First bill signed into law
One of the top concerns that I hear from constituents is education, and as a former teacher myself, I have seen firsthand the state of our underfunded education system. In our rural schools, we struggle to fill open positions. The greatest impact of these open positions is on the students.[Read More…]
Brands, Part 2: The story of Duncan Blair
These three brands were owned in 1886 by Duncan (Dunk) Blair in the White River area. Duncan was a member of the White River Stock Growers Association. The origin of the square and compass symbols can be found in several ancient civilizations including Egypt. The square and the compass were[Read More…]
Let’s talk about mental health
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…]
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…]
