MEEKER | The real story of Thanksgiving is rooted in family. No matter what actually transpired between the Native American and the Europeans, who arrived on the shores of this New World, recognition of the importance of family and friends traditionally gathering is clear. No matter one’s material wealth, getting[Read More…]
Tag: Opinion
I STILL get to … (fill in the blank)
MEEKER | Ever since a hometown boy posted a photo of both covers of my picture books on his Facebook page with the words “Look what I get to read tonight,” for his toddler son’s nightly read aloud bedtime story, I think of all things I get to do. I[Read More…]
Editor’s Column: Hooray for public participation
We, like many of you, have spent multiple hours over the last few weeks listening to the county’s budget work sessions for each department. We’ve reported on some of those department work sessions already and are following up on others with additional background information. Some of that reporting has encouraged[Read More…]
Guest Column: “Thank heavens for small mercies”
I am reminded these days of similar troublesome days in our lives when the smallest of gestures, of helpfulness, respect, or friendliness helped us survive. I treasure these gifts of help as “thanks for small mercies.” One day, the battery died on our vehicle on terribly busy and heavily traveled[Read More…]
Editor’s Column: “Zoombies” and the fly on the wall
Learning to navigate this new realm of virtual meetings has been interesting. You’ve probably heard the horror stories about people in Zoom work meetings who’ve been exposed (literally) not wearing pants, or the middle-aged female politician who changed her shirt while the camera was on, not realizing she was flashing[Read More…]
Letters to the Editor: June 11, 2020
Support for Gates campaign Dear Editor:I am writing to express my support for Ty Gates for Rio Blanco County Commissioner. I have known Ty for nearly 30 years. He grew up in Meeker and worked in the family businesses of ranching and guiding and outfitting. He continues to be involved[Read More…]
Guest Column: A sheriff speaks to us all
You will want to read this article because it offers hope from the hand of a Colorado sheriff who graciously took part in a project I implemented the first two weeks of May. While watching the various news stories about people around the country opening their businesses in spite of[Read More…]
Editor’s Column: Lessons learned
As we begin taking steps to restore a semblance of normalcy in this new world with COVID-19, some interesting ideas have emerged. Self-sufficiency and local sustainability are more important than we may have thought. We are a nation that has come to rely on international trade, global corporations, and a[Read More…]
(Opinion) Wolves and pandemics: let’s not get medieval
MEEKER | In his March 9 piece to OutThere Colorado, Joey Bunch provided his version of medical advice to the citizens of Colorado: Don’t hang out with wolves and don’t eat one. His source of advice is former head of Colorado’s Department of Natural Resources Greg Walcher who recently asserted[Read More…]
Loose Ends: A small price to pay
MEEKER | More than 100 years ago, members of this community had their own version of staying-in-place. It was called homesteading and eventually ranching. Stories passed down from the families that settled here always include the bond they felt with the people who lived the closest to them. They may[Read More…]
Editor’s Column: Viruses don’t care, we have to
No, we don’t get to be excluded from a pandemic. As nice as it would be to have a free pass to avoid everything associated with the coronavirus situation, there is no such pass. We can feel sorry for ourselves that a stupid virus has upended our lives temporarily (permanently,[Read More…]
OPINION: More than a debate
MEEKER I Ms. Hemmerich has wrapped up her climate denial. Here is my response to her fourth guest post, published last week, and a hope for what our community might do in response.
