This week Rio Blanco’s Board of County Commissioners got an update on the proposed plan to transfer local emergency dispatch services to Colorado State Patrol’s regional call center in Craig. CSP Communications director Jeff Davis told the Board that as of right now, such a transfer would not be possible due to considerations for staffing, training, and related concerns for public safety. More on the informational work session is on the front page.
During a work session and regular meeting Commissioners discussed additional strategies for balancing the 2021 budget including restructuring employee healthcare plans reducing retirement benefits, and eliminating or consolidating certain departments. Commissioners also got a COVID-19 update from Rio Blanco County’s Public Health department. More on county government happenings starts on page 2A
“This coming Tuesday, September 29th marks the 141st anniversary of the “Meeker Incident,” which culminated in the White River Ute tribe being driven from the White River Valley into Utah..more about the day and its significance is written on page 2A
Rio Blanco County Public health offers drive through flu vaccine clinics in the next two weeks. Clinic one will be in Meeker at the Fairgrounds on Thursday October 1st from 4:30 to 6:30. The second clinic will be in Rangely on Tuesday October 6th from 4:30 to 6:30 at 101 E. Main Street, between the library and public health office building. For questions call RBC Public Health at 878 9520
This week letters to editor discuss topics like Rio Blanco County dispatch, local fuel prices, a kudos to Ducey’s and WREA, passing of Justice Ruth BAder Ginsberg, the personal cost of a statewide lockdown, and more, along with this week’s editor column are on page 4A
Check page 5A for Part 3 of a information series on the White River and Douglass Creek Conservation districts
Meeker High School Alumni Jay Sullivan and current senior Sophia Goedert share perspectives on the new High School Building on page 6A
Meeker’s Chamber of Commerce welcomed new board members Andrea Gianinetti, Chance Walker, and Lori Smith this week. Rangely chamber of commerce has hired McKenzie Webber as its new executive director. More about Meeker and Rangely Chambers on page 7A
Rangely Police dept. Discovered body of a missing woman Wednesday. The decedent has been identified as Laurie French. An investigation into the cause of death is underway by Rio Blanco County Sheriff's office and Colorado Bureau of Investigation. More details are on page 8A
Also on 8A, read my interview with Karl Hanlon, candidate for Colorado’s 8th Senate District.
In sports news, high school football will return this fall, with rangely panther football already underway and meeker cowboys returning to the field as soon as next week. Check in future editions of the Herald Times for the official season schedules..
In more sports this week, Rangely hosted cross country meets, and Cowboys golf wrapped up their season with a game at River Valley Ranch golf course. Scores, results, and more in sports as always start on page 1B
The Herald Times is now offering high quality copies in black and white and color. Notary public services are also available at our office on 304 4th Street in Meeker Colorado. Questions? Give us a call at 878 4017 or email editor @ ht 188 dot com
That’s all for this week. Find more in print and online at ht1885.com Thank you for supporting community journalism.
