“The truth does not mind being questioned;a lie does not like being challenged.” ~ Unknown It’s “Sunshine Week” across the nation — a time to recognize the importance of freedom of information and the public’s right-to-know what its elected and appointed officials are doing and why. In the United States,[Read More…]
Tag: Opinion
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…]
LOOSE ENDS: Calm and reasonable exchange must resume
Families attempting to go back to their “same-old, same-old” weekly routines by juggling school and work routines are struggling. Faced with ever-changing schedules during this post-pandemic stage, all aspects of our community are reeling. The rise in number of incidents including verbal abuse in public gatherings is spiking again. Over[Read More…]
LETTER: Actions speak louder than words
Dear Editor: I have made several calls to my state representative, Meghan Lukens (HD26), since January 12, 2023. I am always courteous, leave my name, number, and the city and county in which I reside. I have called over twelve times, and she has never reached out to me as[Read More…]
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: March 9, 2023
Library board bylaws mix-up Dear Editor: As a past library board member, I notice that the commissioners have appointed a town resident to fill the county (out of town) seat on the library board. The structure and intent of appointing two county board members, two town board members and one[Read More…]
EDITOR’S COLUMN: Taxes
“The hardest thing in the world to understand is income tax.” ~ Albert Einstein That little snippet from an actual genius made me feel better about my efforts to fill out my tax forms this year. I gave up halfway through and handed the task over to Caitlin. It may[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…]
LOOSE ENDS: Public participation encouraging
A recent rise in more people running for special district elections and local board appointments shows a renewed willingness to participate more fully in community life. All of the various board appointments and elections are usually well advertised. Active community members, who may no longer serve because of term limits[Read More…]
EDITOR’S COLUMN: Cabin fever strikes again
Based solely on the Merriam-Webster dictionary definition, it feels like a fair share of us have a bad case of cabin fever: “Extreme irritability and restlessness from living in isolation or a confined indoor area for a prolonged time.” Sound familiar? Bickering and squabbling, aggravation and frustration, a sudden urge[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…]
