RBC | Rio Blanco County has a new employee in a brand new position heading into spring. Edward (Eddie) Smercina has been on the job for about one month with the newly created title of “Emergency and Natural Resources Manager,” a combination of two formerly distinct jobs within the county.[Read More…]
Tag: County
COUNTY BEAT: March 16, 2021
RBC | In work sessions Tuesday, the Board of County Commissioners heard from several Rangely residents who have drafted three resolutions, two for the Town of Rangely and one for the county. They asked the board to consider adopting the county resolution, which they believe would “make a statement” about[Read More…]
Rangely residents to present sanctuary resolutions
RANGELY | Three Rangely residents have drafted two “sanctuary resolutions” for the Rangely Board of Trustees to consider and one for the Rio Blanco County Commissioners. Following review by a local “focus group,” residents Elaine Urie, Dan Eddy and Susie Berardi of Rangely, drafters of the proposed resolutions, have presented[Read More…]
COUNTY BEAT: March 11, 2021
RBC I In work sessions Tuesday, the board of county commissioners heard a reopening plan for White River Roundup. The senior nutrition program will resume in-person meals for all but homebound clients and those who choose curbside pickup unless the county returns to Level Red on the COVID dial. The[Read More…]
What happens during a recall?
RBC | In a “first” for Rio Blanco County, according to memory, an official recall petition seeking to remove RBC Commissioner Gary Moyer from office is currently in circulation countywide. Fourteen volunteer petitioners are tasked with collecting 747 signatures from eligible electors (anyone who is eligible to vote in the[Read More…]
HT receives public records from Rio Blanco County
RBC | After a Feb. 9 meeting brought forth commissioners’ issues with the public health department, the HT requested public records from Rio Blanco County in an attempt to verify “major concerns” regarding the relationship between the department and the county’s two hospitals. While other complaints weren’t specific, commissioners and[Read More…]
COUNTY BEAT: Feb 23, 2021
RBC | Commissioners began Tuesday’s business with work sessions on the following topics. CR 73 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT Rio Blanco County Engineer Van Pilaud updated the board on the CR 73 bridge. A September 2020 inspection report recommended the bridge be replaced, though it has been allowed to stay open due[Read More…]
CMU professor provides update on RBC economy
RBC | Rio Blanco County residents received a detailed update on the state of the local economy earlier this month via Zoom presentation by Nathan Perry, PhD, associate professor of Economics at Colorado Mesa University. He detailed historic, current and projected trends for the region in areas like employment and[Read More…]
Letter to the Editor: Commissioner behavior shocking
Dear Editor: As a concerned citizen, I recently observed an executive session of the Rio Blanco County Commissioners that was made public by request. The session was with the director of the Public Health Department Alice Harvey and two of her direct reports. I found this meeting and the behavior[Read More…]
Letter to the Editor: Details from Dave Morlan
Dear Editor:I’m honored to have served the people of Rio Blanco County for 35 years, with the last 17 as your Road & Bridge and Landfill Director. I really enjoyed leading my great team and am proud of our accomplishments. I’ve always tried to go above and beyond to make[Read More…]
Editor’s Column: Those Sunshine Laws again
My kitchen is always open to friends. ~ Dr. Hannibal Lecter If you missed it, which many likely did, there was a “special meeting” of the Board of Commissioners Tuesday. It was an executive session of the board called for the purpose of conferencing “with the Rio Blanco County Attorney,[Read More…]
County Beat: Board Addresses “Friction”
RBC | Rio Blanco County commissioners started work sessions early Tuesday to accommodate a busy schedule. ERBM Maintenance Manager Rodney Gerloff requested assistance inventorying trees in Meeker’s parks. Gerloff said ERBM could benefit from County Planner Leif Joy’s GIS and drone expertise to map trees in an effective way. With[Read More…]


